阅读说明：本技术 无人机 (Unmanned plane ) 是由 M·法尔斯 A·C·查普尔 于 2020-03-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于将活性成分施用到农作物上的无人机。它被描述为将包括所述活性成分的液体保存(410)在至少一个储液器中,所述储液器被装载在所述无人机内或被附接到所述无人机。至少一个液体施用单元被装载在所述无人机内或被附接到所述无人机,并且所述至少一个液体施用单元与所述至少一个储液器流体连通。本发明还描述了装载(420)至少一个操作单元,所述操作单元被配置为使所述无人机能够飞行。本发明还描述了装载(430)至少一个传感器单元,所述传感器单元被配置为确定感测信息,其包括感测以下一项或多项的功能：所述至少一个储液器、所述至少一个液体施用单元、所述至少一个操作单元。所述至少一个传感器感测(440)以下一项或多项的功能：所述至少一个储液器、所述至少一个液体施用单元、所述至少一个操作单元,并且将这种信息传输给所述处理单元。所述处理单元确定(450)给所述无人机的与基站对接并且从所述基站获得服务的指令。这种确定步骤包括感测信息的利用。(The present invention relates to a drone for applying active ingredients to crops. It is described to keep (410) a liquid comprising the active ingredient in at least one reservoir, the reservoir being loaded within or attached to the drone. At least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir. The invention also describes loading (420) at least one operating unit configured to enable the drone to fly. The invention also describes loading (430) at least one sensor unit configured to determine sensing information comprising the function of sensing one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit. The at least one sensor senses (440) a function of one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid application unit, the at least one operating unit, and to transmit such information to the processing unit. The processing unit determines (450) instructions to the drone to interface with a base station and obtain service from the base station. Such a determination step includes the utilization of sensed information.)

1. A drone (10) for applying active ingredients to crops, comprising:

-at least one reservoir (20),

-at least one liquid application unit (30),

-at least one operating unit (40),

-at least one sensor unit (50),

wherein the at least one reservoir is configured to hold a liquid comprising an active ingredient;

wherein the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

wherein the at least one operating unit is configured to enable the drone to fly;

wherein the at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensing information comprising functionality to sense one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit; and

wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with a base station and obtain service from the base station, wherein the determination includes utilization of the sensed information.

2. The drone of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and refill and/or exchange the at least one reservoir with a liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the determination includes utilization of the sensed information of the liquid level within the at least one reservoir.

3. The drone of claims 1 to 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with a base station and to wash, repair, and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or portion thereof, wherein the determination includes utilization of the operational sensing information of the at least one liquid application unit.

4. The drone of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine an instruction to the drone to interface with a base station and to repair the at least one operating unit, wherein the determination includes utilization of the operational sensed information of the at least one operating unit.

5. The drone of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one operating unit comprises one or more of: a power unit (80), a flight control unit (90), a propeller engine unit (100), a propeller blade unit (110) and a frame (115).

6. A base station (70) for one or more drones (10), comprising:

at least one service unit (160), wherein the drone comprises

-at least one reservoir (20),

-at least one liquid application unit (30),

-at least one operating unit (40),

-at least one sensor unit (50),

wherein the at least one reservoir is configured to hold a liquid comprising an active ingredient;

wherein the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

wherein the at least one operating unit is configured to enable one or more drones to fly;

wherein the at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensing information comprising functionality to sense one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit; and wherein

The processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit of the base station to provide service to one or more drones, wherein the determination of the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

7. The base station of claim 6, wherein processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station that enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to refill and/or exchange at least one reservoir of the one or more drones with a reservoir at least partially filled with a liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense the liquid level within the at least one reservoir, and wherein the determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

8. The base station of any of claims 6 to 7, wherein processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to clean, repair and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or part thereof,

wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense the operability of the at least one liquid application unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit includes utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

9. The base station of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to repair the at least one operating unit,

wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense the operability of the at least one operating unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit includes utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

10. The base station according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the base station comprises at least one sensor unit (190) configured to sense one or more of: the base station is provided with a remaining airport capacity for one or more drones intended to be docked to the base station, an inventory of one or more reservoirs, one or more liquids containing one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid application units, one or more operating units, and

wherein the determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of sensing information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones and the at least one sensor unit of the base station.

11. A system (200) for applying active ingredients to crops, comprising:

-at least one drone (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

-at least one base station (70) according to any of claims 6 to 10,

-a processing unit (60),

wherein for a drone of the at least one drone, the at least one sensor unit (50) is configured to determine sensing information comprising functionality to sense one or more of: said at least one reservoir (20), said at least one liquid application unit (30), said at least one operating unit (40), and relaying said sensed information to said processing unit,

wherein the processing unit is configured to determine an instruction to the drone to interface with at least one base station, an

Wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the at least one base station to enable the drone to interface with the base station, and

wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine an instruction to the at least one service unit (160) of the at least one base station to provide service to the drone,

wherein all determinations by the processing unit include utilization of sensed information by the at least one sensor unit of the at least one drone.

12. A method (300) of applying active ingredients to crops with at least one drone and at least one base station, comprising:

a) storing (310) a liquid comprising an active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the at least one drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded in or attached to the at least one drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

b) loading (320) at least one operating unit within or attached to the at least one drone, the operating unit configured to enable the at least one drone to fly;

c) loading (330) at least one sensor unit within or attached to the at least one drone, the sensor unit configured to determine sensing information including functionality to sense one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit;

d) loading (340) at least one service unit within or attached to the at least one base station;

e) sensing (350), with the at least one sensor unit of the at least one drone, a function of one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit;

f) docking (360) the at least one drone to the at least one base station if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instruction includes utilization of sensing information; and

g) serving (370) the at least one drone with the at least one serving unit of the at least one base station if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instruction includes utilization of sensing information.

13. A method (400) of applying an active ingredient to a crop by a drone, comprising:

a) holding (410) a liquid comprising an active ingredient in at least one reservoir, the reservoir being loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

b) loading (420) at least one operating unit within or attached to the drone, the operating unit configured to enable the drone to fly;

c) loading (430) at least one sensor unit within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit configured to determine sensing information including functionality to sense one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit;

d) sensing (440), with the at least one sensor unit, a function of one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit; and

e) determining (450), by the processing unit, instructions to the drone to interface with a base station and obtain service from the base station, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensed information.

14. A method (500) of serving drones with a base station, comprising:

a) loading (510) at least one service unit in or attached to a base station;

b) storing (520) a liquid comprising an active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein the at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

c) loading (530) at least one operating unit within or attached to the drone, the operating unit configured to enable the drone to fly;

d) loading (540) at least one sensor unit within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit configured to determine sensing information including functionality to sense one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit;

e) sensing (550) with the at least one sensor unit a function of one or more of: the at least one reservoir, the at least one liquid administration unit, the at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit;

f) determining (560), by the processing unit, instructions to the base station that enable the drone to interface with the base station, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensed information; and

g) determining (570), by the processing unit, an instruction to provide service to the drone to the at least one service unit located within or attached to the base station, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensed information.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a drone for applying an active ingredient to a crop, a base station for a drone, a system and a method for applying an active ingredient to a crop using a drone and a base station, a method of applying an active ingredient to a crop by a drone and a method of serving a drone using a base station.

Background

The general background of the invention is the application of active ingredients in liquid form to the leaves, by machine using, for example, a boom sprayer. Active ingredients (such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, and nutritional supplements) need to be applied in an agricultural environment. Controlling weeds, insects and diseases in crops is an important requirement to reduce agricultural losses. This is typically accomplished by foliar spraying of the crop by means of a tractor, knapsack sprayer and a spraying application by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), such as unmanned planes and radio controlled helicopters. A disadvantage of all these application techniques is that, for example, the entire field is typically sprayed. In general, there is a need to improve the spraying practices on agricultural fields and to facilitate application in new ways. This is also a need to reduce the cost of such application. There is also an increasing desire by the public to see a reduction in any environmental impact associated with such administration.

Disclosure of Invention

It would be advantageous to improve the manner in which active ingredients are applied in an agricultural environment.

The object of the invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the following aspects and examples of the invention also apply to a drone for applying an active ingredient to a crop, a base station for one or more drones, a system and method for applying an active ingredient to a crop using a drone and a base station, a method of applying an active ingredient to a crop by a drone, and a method of serving a drone using a base station.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a drone for applying active ingredients to crops, comprising:

-a reservoir. The at least one reservoir is configured to hold a liquid comprising an active ingredient; and

-at least one liquid administration unit. The at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, an

-at least one operating unit. The at least one operating unit is configured to enable the drone to fly; and

-at least one sensor unit. The at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensing information comprising functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit. The processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with and obtain service from a base station, wherein the determination includes utilization of the sensed information.

In other words, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), such as an unmanned aircraft, may apply an active ingredient contained within a liquid to a plant. UAVs now have one or more sensors to check the function of one or more parts of the UAV that are needed for applying one or more active ingredients to the plant. If the function of a portion of the UAV is affected or, ideally, estimated to be affected, for example because the liquid in the reservoir is about to run out or the liquid administration unit is blocked or jammed or the power unit of the UAV (as part of the operating unit) needs recharging or refilling, then the UAV is instructed to dock to the base station. Ideally, the base station has been informed of the functional status of the UAV prior to docking of the UAV, and as long as the UAV has been registered with the base station, ideally it is ready to provide appropriate services (such as refilling of the reservoir; recharging or refilling of the power unit). Further, if the base station has been informed of the functional status of the UAV prior to UAV docking and the base station has no resources to serve the UAV, this information is used by a processing unit, which may be part of the UAV or external to the UAV, to steer the UAV to another base station that does have resources to serve the UAV. After service, the UAV may return to the recorded location and resume the spray application. While optimizing the flight paths of the UAVs to maximize their flight efficiency and minimize the bottlenecks of the base stations. The base station itself may be an autonomous machine, capable of autonomous movement to a range of locations, and capable of storing and transporting one or more UAVs between different locations, allowing the one or more base stations and the one or more UAVs to autonomously process multiple locations.

In an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with a base station and refill and/or exchange at least one reservoir with a liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of a liquid level within the at least one reservoir.

In other words, the sensor unit configured to sense the liquid level within the liquid reservoir submits this information (e.g. from time to time or continuously) to the processing unit, which also analyzes the remaining liquid loaded within the UAV or within the liquid reservoir attached to the UAV with respect to the distance of the UAV to the next base station, wherein the liquid reservoir loaded within the UAV or attached to the UAV may be refilled. The liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the reservoir and is configured to apply liquid in the reservoir to the plant. The processing unit instructs the UAV to dock with the base station if it is determined that a reservoir loaded within or attached to the UAV requires refilling. The liquid with active ingredient to be refilled into the reservoir can be administered as a diluent in water (which is prepared as required on the base station), or the UAV comprises at least two reservoirs-one with water and the other with an active ingredient concentrate, and the dilution takes place in the administration unit shortly before spraying. Additionally, one or more adjuvants may be used in addition to adding a liquid to be filled into the reservoir of the UAV or as a separate reservoir on the UAV. Shortly before spraying, the adjuvant may be added to the liquid with the active ingredient, for example in an application unit. Alternatively, the water, active ingredient concentrate and adjuvant are mixed in the liquid application unit shortly before spraying. In addition, the empty reservoir loaded into or attached to the UAV may be cleaned before refilling with new liquid through the service unit on the base station, which ensures the operability of that part of the UAV, and also allows refilling of the reservoir with lower concentrations of the same active ingredient or other active ingredients that are not necessarily compatible with the remainder of the active ingredient in the empty reservoir.

The reservoir loaded within or attached to the UAV may also be exchanged with another (at least partially filled reservoir), the latter typically a full reservoir (plug-in reservoir) already in stock and ready to be available at the base station. This can also be taken into account when refilling/exchanging the reservoir at the base station, if more analysis by the processing unit shows that another active ingredient or other concentrations of the same active ingredient or some other combination of active ingredients are more suitable for application to the remaining (untreated) plants. Alternatively, if it has been detected that the already sprayed plants do have additional problems that need to be solved, such as for example emerging pests that have not been detected before, the reservoir on the UAV may be exchanged with a reservoir comprising active components that can be used to cope with the recently detected problem-emptied and refilled respectively-and the plants may be sprayed again.

When the UAV does comprise at least two reservoirs, it is possible to refill one reservoir at the base station with a liquid containing the active ingredient, while exchanging a second reservoir on the UAV with another reservoir on the base station.

In an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and to clean, repair, and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or portion thereof, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of the operability of the at least one liquid application unit.

Thus, the sensor senses the functionality/operability of the liquid application unit loaded within or attached to the UAV and submits this information (e.g., from time to time or continuously) to a processing unit that analyzes the functionality/operation with respect to the distance of the UAV to the next base station, where the application unit or its part loaded within or attached to the UAV may be cleaned, repaired and/or exchanged. The processing unit instructs the UAV to dock with the base station if it is determined that a liquid administration unit loaded within or attached to the UAV requires service. For example, the liquid application unit may comprise a spray gun, boom sprayer, spray bar, vortex disc or spray nozzle, or the like.

When the UAV does include at least two fluid reservoirs (each with a corresponding fluid administration unit), it is possible that one fluid administration unit is not needed at the base station — requiring a different service than another fluid administration unit, respectively. For example, one liquid application unit is cleaned at the base station, while another liquid application unit is repaired or exchanged.

In an example, the processing unit is configured to determine an instruction to the drone to interface with a base station and to repair the at least one operating unit, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of operability of the at least one operating unit.

In an example, the at least one operating unit comprises one or more of: a power unit, a flight control unit, a propeller engine unit, a propeller blade unit and a frame.

In this way, the at least one sensor senses the functionality/operability of the operating unit loaded within or attached to the UAV and submits this information (e.g., from time to time or continuously) to a processing unit that analyzes the functionality/operability with respect to the distance of the UAV to the next base station, where the operating unit loaded within or attached to the UAV may be repaired. The processing unit instructs the UAV to dock with the base station if it is determined that an operating unit loaded within or attached to the UAV requires service. The term "repaired" means that the operating unit requiring service is cleaned, reattached, recharged, refilled, repaired, replaced, and/or exchanged.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a base station for one or more drones comprising at least one service unit, wherein the drone comprises

-at least one reservoir. The at least one reservoir is configured to hold a liquid comprising an active ingredient; and

-at least one liquid administration unit. The at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir; and

-at least one operating unit; the at least one operating unit is configured to enable one or more drones to fly, an

-at least one sensor unit. The at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensing information, which includes functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit; and wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to at least one service unit of the base station to provide service to the one or more drones, wherein the determination of the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of at least one sensor of the one or more drones.

In other words, the base station receives sensor information from the UAV — either already processed by the processing unit, or the sensor information received from the UAV is processed at the base station as part of the processing unit of the base station. The processing unit makes a determination that is based (at least in part) on information received from the sensor information and instructs the UAV, the base station, and/or the service unit if the UAV needs to dock to the base station and obtain service.

In an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to refill and/or exchange at least one reservoir of the one or more drones with a reservoir at least partially filled with a liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense a liquid level within the at least one reservoir, and wherein the determination by the processing unit includes utilization of sensed information by the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

In another example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to clean, repair, and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or portion thereof, wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense an operability of the at least one liquid application unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit includes utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

In an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to repair the at least one operating unit, wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense operability of the at least one operating unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit includes utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

In another example, a base station includes at least one sensor unit configured to sense one or more of: the base station is provided with a remaining airport capacity for one or more drones intended to be docked to the base station, an inventory of one or more liquid reservoirs, one or more liquids with one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid application units, one or more operating units, and wherein the determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of the sensing information of at least one sensor unit of one or more drones and at least one sensor unit of the base station.

Thus, the sensor information of at least one sensor unit of the base station is forwarded to the processing unit, and the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to one or more UAVs, base stations and/or one or more service units, wherein the determination comprises utilization of the sensing information. In other words, if for example the base station is informed of the functional status of the UAV prior to the UAV logging in and the base station has no resources to serve the UAV and/or no space is available for the UAV to dock to the base station, this information is sensed with at least one sensor unit of the base station and used by the processing unit to steer the UAV to another base station that does have resources to serve the UAV, or for example if there is temporarily no airport capacity on the base station, but resources for providing the UAV with the required service are available on the base station — to delay the UAV docking the base station until free space is available on the base station.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a system for applying an active ingredient to a crop, comprising:

-at least one drone according to any one of the first aspect and the associated examples;

-at least one base station according to any of the second aspect and the associated examples;

-a processing unit.

For a drone of the at least one drone, at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensing information including functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit, and relaying the sensed information to the processing unit,

the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with at least one base station. The processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one base station to enable the drone to interface with the at least one base station. The processing unit is further configured to determine an instruction to at least one service unit of the at least one base station to provide service to the drone. All determinations by the processing unit include utilization of sensed information by at least one sensor unit of at least one drone.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of applying active ingredients to crops with at least one drone and at least one base station, comprising:

a) storing a liquid comprising an active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

b) loading at least one operating unit within or attached to the drone, the operating unit configured to enable the at least one drone to fly;

c) loading or attaching at least one sensor unit within or to at least one drone, the sensor unit configured to determine sensed information including functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit;

d) sensing, with at least one sensor unit of at least one drone, a function of one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit;

e) docking the at least one drone to the at least one base station if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instruction includes utilization of the sensed information; and

f) if so indicated, the at least one drone is served with at least one serving unit of the at least one base station, wherein the determination of the instruction includes utilization of the sensed information.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of applying an active ingredient to a crop by drone, comprising:

a) storing a liquid comprising an active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

b) loading at least one operating unit within or attached to the drone, the operating unit configured to enable the drone to fly;

c) loading or attaching at least one sensor unit within or to the drone, the sensor unit configured to determine sensed information including functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit;

d) sensing a function of one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit; and

e) determining, by the processing unit, an instruction to the drone to interface with and obtain service from the base station, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensed information.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of serving a drone with a base station, comprising:

a) loading or attaching at least one service unit in or to a base station;

b) storing a liquid comprising an active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

c) loading at least one operating unit within or attached to the drone, the operating unit configured to enable the drone to fly;

d) loading or attaching at least one sensor unit within or to the drone, the sensor unit configured to determine sensed information including functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit;

e) sensing a function of one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit;

f) determining, by the processing unit, instructions to the base station that enable the drone to interface with the base station, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensed information; and

g) determining an instruction to provide service to the drone, by the processing unit, to at least one service unit located within or attached to the base station, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensed information.

Advantageously, the benefits provided by any of the aspects described above apply equally to all other aspects, and vice versa.

The aspects and examples described above will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following figures:

figure 1 shows a schematic arrangement of an example of a drone for applying active ingredients to crops;

figure 2 shows a schematic arrangement of an example of a base station of a drone system for applying active ingredients to crops;

fig. 3 shows a schematic setup for applying active ingredients onto crops by unmanned aerial vehicle;

figure 4a shows a method of applying an active ingredient to a crop with at least one drone and at least one base station; and

figure 4b shows a method of applying active ingredients to crops by unmanned aerial vehicle; and

figure 4c illustrates a method of serving drones with a base station;

figure 5a shows a detailed example of the drone of figure 1;

and figure 5b shows a detailed example of the base station of figure 2 and the drone of figure 1;

fig. 6 shows a detailed example of an illustrative arrangement for applying active ingredients to the crop of fig. 3 and includes a plurality of drones and a base station.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an example of a drone 10 for applying active ingredients to crops. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)10 includes a reservoir 20. The at least one reservoir 20 is configured to hold a liquid containing an active ingredient. The UAV 10 also includes at least one liquid administration unit 30. At least one liquid application unit 30 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 20. The UAV 10 also includes at least one operating unit 40 and at least one sensor unit 50. The at least one operating unit 40 is configured to enable the drone to fly. The at least one sensor unit 50 is configured to determine sensed information, which includes functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir 20, at least one liquid application unit 30, at least one operating unit 40. The processing unit 60 (which may be within or attached to the UAV or external to the UAV) is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with the base station 70 and obtain services from the base station, wherein the determination includes utilization of the sensed information.

In an example, the processing unit is configured to determine whether one or more services are provided by a base station. To improve efficiency, it is preferable to perform simultaneous services at the same base station. As an illustration, if the reservoir is refilled at the base station, the power unit (as part of the operating unit) is also recharged/refilled at the same time.

In an example, the at least one sensor unit is configured to determine the sensed information, including the functionality of sensing: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit and at least one operating unit.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and refill and/or exchange at least one reservoir with a (typically full) reservoir at least partially filled with liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of a liquid level within the at least one reservoir.

In an example, the term "at least partially filled" refers to a reservoir that does include at least some liquid containing an active ingredient. Typically, the reservoir is at least half full, at least three quarters full, or full.

In an example, prior to refilling with the liquid containing the active ingredient, the at least one reservoir to be refilled with the liquid containing the active ingredient is purged.

As an example, when 2/3 of liquid in the reservoir has run out, the UAV is turning towards the base station, and the amount of spray on the path (not sprayed so far) from the current position of the UAV to the next base station requires a remainder 1/3 of liquid in the reservoir.

In examples, liquid level sensors configured to sense liquid point locations include magnetic and mechanical floats, pressure sensors, conductive sensing or electrostatic (capacitive or inductive) detectors, and by measuring time of flight of signals to the surface of a fluid, by electromagnetic (such as magnetostrictive), ultrasonic, radar, or optical sensors, and the like.

In examples, the liquid level sensors configured to sense continuous liquid levels include magnetostrictive liquid level sensors, resistive chain liquid level sensors, magnetoresistive float liquid level sensors, hydrostatic pressure liquid level sensors, air bubblers, and the like.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and to clean, repair and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or a portion thereof, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of the operability of the at least one liquid application unit.

In an example, the exchange of at least one liquid administration unit or portion thereof refers to the exchange of at least one liquid administration unit or portion thereof of the UAV with an operable liquid administration unit or portion thereof.

In examples, the liquid application unit comprises a spray gun, boom sprayer, spray bar, spray injector, swirl disc, spray nozzle, and the like, configured to spray a liquid, which optionally includes atomization of the liquid as part of the spraying process.

In an example, the liquid application unit includes an application device configured to contact vegetation during application of the liquid. An example of such an application device is a paint brush type device which dispenses a liquid to a brush which is applied to the leaves in the manner of a brush.

Functionality/operability may be compromised if the spray gun, boom sprayer, spray bar, spray injector and/or spray nozzle become clogged or partially clogged with ingredients in the liquid with the active ingredient (e.g., if unwanted crystallization of certain ingredients occurs).

In an example, the at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensed information including sensing a blockage of the at least one liquid application unit, and the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and to clean, repair, and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or a portion thereof, wherein the determination includes utilization of the sensed information of the blockage of the at least one liquid application unit.

In an example, the sensor for the at least one liquid application unit senses the blockage by measuring a pressure change of the liquid to be sprayed to the plant through the at least one liquid application unit.

In another example, a sensor for at least one liquid application unit senses an occlusion by measuring (e.g., visual) changes in a spray pattern of the at least one liquid application unit (e.g., with a camera).

In an example, the term "clogging" refers to a decrease in the flow rate of liquid in at least one liquid administration unit, in particular the tubing of the at least one liquid administration unit; and/or a decrease in the flow rate of liquid in the spray gun, boom sprayer, spray wand, spray injector, and/or spray nozzle.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine an instruction to the drone to interface with the base station and to repair the at least one operating unit, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of operability of the at least one operating unit.

According to an example, the at least one operating unit comprises one or more of: power unit 80, flight control unit 90, propeller motor unit 100, propeller blade unit 110, and frame 115.

In an example, the power unit is configured to include a battery, a battery (such as a lithium polymer battery), a fuel tank, a gasoline tank, a hybrid fuel cell, and the like.

In another example, the flight control unit is configured to include a computer and software for managing functions related to the flight of the UAV, wherein the flight control unit is further configured to receive instructions from the processing unit.

In another example, the propeller engine unit is configured to include one or more motors for twisting the one or more blades. By way of example, a quad-rotor aircraft (also known as a quadrotor helicopter or quadrotor aircraft) is a multi-rotor helicopter that is lifted and propelled by four engines.

In another example, the propeller blade unit is configured to include one or more propeller blades. Propeller blades are parts of UAVs that are often damaged and replaced.

In another example, the frame is configured to house components of an operating unit of the UAV.

In another example, the frame is configured to carry all of the components of the UAV.

In an example, the power unit is configured to include a battery/cell, and the operability of the battery/cell is sensed with a coulomb counter or an impedance tracker.

In an example, the power unit is configured to include a fuel/gasoline tank, and the operability of the fuel/gasoline tank is sensed, for example, with a magnetoresistive fuel level sensor.

In another example, a flight control unit is configured to include a sensor for sensing a deficiency in operability of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The IMU detects the current acceleration of the UAV using one or more accelerometers. IMU detection uses one or more gyroscopes to detect changes in rotational attributes such as pitch, roll and yaw. Some IMUs include magnetometers to assist in calibrating azimuth drift.

In another example, the propeller engine unit is configured to include a sensor for sensing the operability of the propeller engine unit. The operability of the propeller engine unit may alternatively also be sensed by a sensor of the flight control unit.

In another example, the propeller blade unit is configured to include a sensor for sensing operability of the propeller blades. This sensor may be an optical sensor, such as a camera near the blade, e.g., mounted under a yoke on the UAV rotor arm, which senses, for example, regularity in the shape of the propeller blades and/or consistency in the motion of the propeller blades.

In an example, the repair of the operating unit involves refilling/recharging of the power unit.

In another example, the repair of the operating unit involves an update of new software or an update of existing operating software of the flight control unit.

In another example, the repair of the operating unit involves providing maintenance services to the propeller engine unit, such as for example washing the propeller engine unit, or applying lubricating oil to the propeller engine unit, etc., depending on the type of engine used.

In another example, repair of the propeller blade unit involves maintenance services provided to the propeller blade unit, such as, for example, cleaning the propeller blades or reattaching the blades if they are partially disassembled.

In an example, the replacement of the operating unit may involve removing an empty removable battery and introducing a fully charged battery.

In another example, replacement of an operating unit may involve removing a (e.g., damaged or old) flight control unit, such as a computer chip with software for controlling the flight of the UAV, and introducing an operating flight control unit, such as a computer chip with software.

In another example, replacement of the operating unit may involve removing (e.g. damaged or old) propeller engine units and introducing fully functioning propeller engines.

In another example, replacement of the operating unit may involve removing (e.g., damaging or disassembling) the propeller blades or propeller blade units and introducing fully operational propeller blades or propeller blade units.

In another example, a drone according to the invention comprises at least one operating unit with at least one power unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with a base station and recharge/refill the at least one power unit, wherein the determination is made of the utilization of sensed information comprising the energy state of the at least one power unit.

In another example, the at least one liquid administration unit is configured to receive at least one input from the processing unit. The at least one input may be used to activate at least one liquid application unit.

In another example, a drone according to the invention comprises a processing unit 60.

In another example, the processing unit is configured to perform an analysis of the sensed information of the at least one sensor unit.

In another example, the function of at least one sensor unit is also sensed with an additional sensor sensing unit.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions of the drone to interface with a base station and to exchange at least one sensor unit or part thereof with an operable sensor unit or part thereof, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information of operability of the at least one sensor unit with the additional sensor sensing unit.

Another example relates to a drone according to the invention, wherein the at least one liquid application unit is configured to be activated at a position determined by the processing unit based on an image analysis of at least one image of the environment acquired by the camera.

Another example relates to a drone according to the invention, wherein the processing unit is configured to perform an analysis on the at least one image to determine a location of activation of the at least one liquid application unit.

In another example, the drone according to the invention comprises a processing unit that not only performs image analysis, but also performs analysis on the sensed information.

In another example, the drone according to the invention comprises a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to perform an analysis of the sensed information of the at least one sensor unit and an analysis of the at least one image to determine the location of activation of the at least one liquid application unit.

Another example relates to a drone according to the invention, wherein the drone comprises a camera 120, wherein the camera is configured to acquire at least one image.

The images of the environment may be acquired by the UAV, or rather, by a different platform that may have previously acquired the images. The images are transmitted to a processing unit, which may again be in the UAV or external to the UAV. The processing unit analyzes the image to determine a location to activate a liquid administration unit carried by the UAV. In this way, offline processing is performed in a computer (e.g., in a farmer's office or base station), and the acquired images of the field can be used to actually determine a map of where in the field a UAV (such as an unmanned aircraft) should apply a particular active ingredient in a liquid. In this way, in an example, the drone may have a processing unit and be provided with images acquired through different platforms. The drone then analyzes the image to determine the location at which to activate its liquid application unit. Thus, the drone may be flying and determine the location at which to activate its liquid application unit, flying to the appropriate location, and then applying the liquid at that location.

Yet another example relates to a drone according to the invention, wherein the analysis of the at least one image to determine the at least one location of activation of the at least one liquid application unit comprises determining at least one type of weeds and/or comprises determining at least one type of disease and/or comprises determining at least one type of pests and/or comprises determining at least one type of insects and/or determines at least one type of malnutrition.

In other words, the liquid application unit may be activated and the manner of liquid application may take into account the presence of weeds to be controlled at a certain location and wherein the type of weeds to be controlled may be taken into account and/or the presence of diseases to be controlled at a certain location and wherein the type of diseases to be controlled may be taken into account and/or the presence of pests to be controlled at a certain location may be taken into account and wherein the type of pests to be controlled may be taken into account and/or the presence of insects to be controlled at a certain location and wherein the type of insects to be controlled may be taken into account and/or the presence of malnutrition to be alleviated at a certain location and wherein the type of malnutrition to be alleviated may be taken into account. Thus, a drone (such as a drone) may fly around an environment (such as a field) and based on image processing of the acquired images of the field, the presence, type, and location of weeds are determined, and a liquid containing active ingredients necessary to control the weeds and/or type of weeds may be applied at the location of the weeds. The drone may have several different reservoirs containing different liquids with different active ingredients, and based on the identified weeds, the appropriate liquid may be applied to the weeds. Likewise, there may be several different drones flying around the field, each having a different liquid containing a different active ingredient in its reservoir, and the different drones may apply the liquid they carry to the desired place. For example, in a particular example, when an drone has a camera, if the drone images a weed that needs to have liquid carried by it applied, it may immediately apply the liquid to the weed. However, if it is determined that the weeds should be controlled by a different liquid, this information, as well as the location of the weeds and the type of liquid to be applied at that location, may be communicated to a different drone, where the information may be communicated from the first drone or through a processing unit external to the first drone to a second drone carrying the correct liquid. The second drone then flies to the weeds and applies the correct liquid to the weeds. One or more drones operate in the same manner as controlling diseases, pests, insects, and alleviating malnutrition. In this way, the correct chemicals are used at each location, increasing the effectiveness of the application, and there are associated environmental advantages in that the chemicals are only used where necessary.

In an example, the analysis of the at least one image includes utilization of a machine learning algorithm.

In an example, the machine learning algorithm comprises a decision tree algorithm.

In an example, the machine learning algorithm includes an artificial neural network.

In an example, a machine learning algorithm has been taught based on multiple images. In an example, a machine learning algorithm has been taught based on a plurality of images that include imagery of at least one type of weed and/or at least one type of plant that suffers from one or more diseases and/or at least one type of plant that suffers from insect infestation of one or more types of insects and/or at least one type of insect (when the imagery is of sufficient resolution) and/or at least one type of plant that suffers from one or more pests and/or at least one type of plant that suffers from one or more types of malnutrition.

In an example, a machine learning algorithm has been taught based on a plurality of images containing such imagery.

Thus, the UAV 10 may have a camera 120 and a processing unit 60, the processing unit 60 using images acquired by the camera to activate the liquid administration unit 30. The camera 120 acquires an image of the environment of the field. The images need not be acquired by the drone 10, but may be acquired by a different drone and then transferred to the drone 10 for processing. Alternatively, it may be acquired by the base station 70 and then passed to the drone 10 for processing. The resolution of the images acquired by the camera 120 enables vegetation to be identified as vegetation, and in particular, the resolution may enable one type of weed to be distinguished from another type of weed. The resolution of the images may enable the crop infested by pests or insects to be determined from the images of the crop itself or from the acquisition of, for example, the insects themselves. The drone 10 may have a Global Positioning System (GPS)152 and this enables the location of the acquired imagery to be determined. For example, the orientation of the camera 120 and the position of the drone aircraft 10 may be used to determine the geographic footprint of the image at ground level when the imagery is acquired. The drone 10 may also have an inertial navigation system 154, for example based on a laser gyro. In addition to being used to determine the orientation of the drone 10, and thus the orientation of the camera 120, to facilitate determining where on the ground the effects have been acquired, the inertial navigation system 154 may also operate alone without the GPS 152 to determine the location of the drone by determining movement away from a known location or several known locations (such as a base station). In an example, the inertial navigation system may be part of the IMU of the flight control unit described above. The camera 120 transmits the acquired image to the processing unit 60. Image analysis software runs on the processing unit 60. Image analysis software may use feature extraction such as edge detection and object detection analysis, which may identify structures in and around a field (such as buildings, roads, fences, etc.), for example. Thus, based on the known locations of these objects, the processing unit may patch the acquired imagery to actually create a composite representation of the environment that may actually cover a geographical map of the environment. Thus, the geographic location of each image may be determined and no associated GPS and/or inertial navigation-based information associated with the acquired imagery is required. In other words, the image-based positioning system 156 may be used to position the drone 10. However, if GPS and/or inertial navigation information is available, such image analysis is not required, which may place a particular image at a particular geographic location based on imagery alone. However, if GPS and/or inertial navigation based information is available, such image analysis may be used to increase the geographic location associated with the image. The processing unit 60 runs additional image processing software. Such software analyzes the images to determine the areas in the images where vegetation is found, and also analyzes the imagery to determine where no vegetation is found (e.g., on trails across the field, around the field boundaries, and even on tractor ruts across the field). This latter information can be used to determine where no liquid needs to be applied. Vegetation may be detected based on the shape of features in the acquired image, where, for example, edge detection software is used to delineate the outer perimeter of the object and the outer perimeter of the features within the outer perimeter of the object itself; when the drone is used for weed control along a railway track environment, organic material between the ballast may be detected in a similar manner. The database of vegetation images may be used to help determine whether features in the images are related to vegetation, for example using a trained machine learning algorithm, such as an artificial neural network or decision tree analysis. The camera may acquire a multi-spectral image with information relating to the colors in the image, and this may be used alone or in combination with feature detection to determine where the image vegetation is to be found. As described above, because the geographic location of the image may be determined from knowledge of the size of the image on the ground, one or more locations of vegetation and/or other areas to which liquid is to be applied may be found in the image and then may be mapped to the exact location of that vegetation (area) on the ground. The processing unit 60 then runs additional image processing software, which may be part of the image processing that determines vegetation location based on feature extraction if such is used. The software includes a machine learning analyzer. Images of specific weeds were acquired, with the information also being related to the size of the weeds used. Information relating to the geographical location of such weeds found in the world and information relating to the time of year at which such weeds were found (including when they flowering, etc.) can be marked with images. The name of the weed can also be marked with an image of the weed. A machine learning analyzer (which may be an artificial neural network or decision tree based analyzer) is then trained in such acquired ground truth imagery. In this way, when a new vegetation image is presented to the analyzer, where such image may have an associated timestamp (such as time of year) and geographical location (such as germany or south africa) tagged thereto, the analyzer determines the specific type of weeds in the image by comparing the imagery of the weeds found in the new image with imagery of different weeds it has trained, where the size of the weeds and where and when they are growing may also be considered. Thus, the specific location of the weed type on the ground in the environment and its size can be determined. The processing unit 60 has access to a database containing different weed types and applies the optimal liquid to the weed. The database has been compiled from experimentally determined data. Image processing software using machine learning algorithms has also been taught to identify insects, plants infested with insects, plants suffering from pests, and plants suffering from malnutrition. This is done in the same way as described above, i.e. by training based on previously acquired images. The database also contains what liquids should be applied in what situations.

However, in another example, the drone includes at least one liquid application unit that is movable relative to the drone, wherein the processor of the drone is configured to move at least the liquid application unit. In this way, the UAV may administer the liquid in a very targeted manner, if desired.

Another example relates to a drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is mounted on at least one telescopic arm 130.

In an example of the invention, the drone includes a camera configured to move relative to the drone, wherein the processor of the drone is configured to move the camera. In the example, the camera is mounted on a telescopic arm 140.

In this way, as the UAV flies around, the camera may move to image different portions of the environment without changing the orientation of the UAV, which would be required if the camera were in a fixed position.

In an example, the telescopic arm on which the camera head is mounted is the same as the telescopic arm on which the liquid application unit is mounted.

In an example, the processor of the drone configured to move the camera is a processing unit configured to analyze the image of the environment and the sensed information.

Another example relates to a drone, wherein the drone includes a location determining component 150. In another example, the location determining component 150 includes one or more of: GPS 152, inertial navigation system 154, or image-based positioning system 156.

In an example, the position determining component is configured to provide the at least one position associated with the camera to the processing unit when the at least one image is acquired. The location may be a geographic location relative to an exact location on the ground, or may be a location on the ground, with reference to another location or locations on the ground, such as the boundaries of a field or the location of a base station. In other words, an absolute geographical position may be utilized, as may a position on the ground that need not be known in an absolute manner but is referenced to a known position. Thus, by correlating the image with the location at which the image was acquired, the activation liquid application unit can be accurately activated to that location. Thus, even if, for example, the drone has run out of liquid and is flying back to the base station to fill with liquid, it can continue to acquire images to be used to activate the liquid administration unit at a particular location, even if that location cannot be addressed immediately, but after the drone has been recharged, liquid will be administered. Likewise, when the drone determines that a location should have applied liquid it does not carry, this information may be recorded and used or transmitted to another drone carrying the liquid after the drone carries the required liquid, and other drones may fly to and apply their liquid at that location. Alternatively, it may transmit this information to the base station via the processing unit, which activates the UAVs on the base station to fill with the required liquids to fly to the location and administer their liquids at the location. It is possible to instruct, by the processing unit, UAVs closer to the base station to dock to the base station to obtain the required liquids and apply them more economically and efficiently to the identified locations.

In an example, the location is an absolute geographic location.

In an example, the location is a location determined with reference to one or more known locations. In other words, the image may be determined to be associated with a particular location on the ground without knowing the exact geographical location of the image, but the liquid application unit may be activated by knowing the location at which the image was acquired in relation to one or more known locations on the ground, and then by moving the liquid application unit to that location or enabling another drone to move to that location to activate its liquid application unit at that location.

In an example, the GPS unit 152 is used to determine a location (such as a location of a camera when a particular image is acquired) and/or is used in determining the location.

In an example, the inertial navigation unit 154 is used alone or in conjunction with a GPS unit to determine a location, such as the location of a camera when a particular image is acquired. Thus, for example, an inertial navigation unit comprising, for example, one or more laser gyroscopes, is calibrated or zeroed at a known location (such as a base station) and, as it moves with at least one camera, movement away from this known location in x, y and z coordinates can be determined, from which the location of the at least one camera at the time the image was acquired can be determined.

In an example, the acquired imagery 156 is used alone or in combination with a GPS unit or with a GPS unit and an inertial navigation unit to determine a location, such as a location of a camera when a particular image was acquired. In other words, as the machine moves, it may acquire imagery for rendering a composite representation of the environment, and from particular markers, such as the location of trees, field boundaries, roads, etc., the machine may determine its location in the composite environment from the imagery it acquired.

In an example, data communications between different components of the UAV may occur over a network, such as a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, or the internet, using wired or wireless links, including terrestrial or satellite links.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a base station 70 for one or more drones 10, which includes at least one service unit 160. The drone comprises at least one liquid reservoir 20, at least one liquid application unit 30, at least one operating unit 40 and at least one sensor unit 50. The at least one reservoir is configured to hold a liquid containing an active ingredient. The at least one liquid application unit is also in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir. In addition, the at least one operating unit is configured to enable the one or more drones to fly. The at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensed information, which includes functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit. The processing unit 60, which may be in the base station or external to the base station, is configured to determine instructions to the base station that enable one or more drones to interface with the base station. The processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to at least one service unit of the base station to provide service to the one or more drones. The determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information by at least one sensor unit of one or more drones.

In an example, the at least one sensor unit is configured to determine sensing information, which includes functionality to sense: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit and at least one operating unit.

In an example, the base station may also carry a small sensing UAV equipped with sensors, such as multispectral cameras, that can fly through the target field and identify which products are best suited for administration. The small sensing UAV may also map a target field to allow for precise application to areas where product application is desired and also identify areas where application is not desired. The base station may program the flight path of the UAV with data from the small sensing UAV through the processing unit. Alternatively, the data may be transmitted to a processing unit external to the base station, where the data may be analyzed and the flight path communicated back to the UAV.

In another example, the small sensing UAV may also provide information about the moisture level of the plant, particularly dew from the early morning and after rain, which may be included in the design of the flight path. The data may also be used to select an appropriate liquid administration unit, such as a nozzle, for the UAV.

In an example, the at least one operating unit 40 of the UAV includes one or more of: power unit 80, flight control unit 90, propeller motor unit 100, propeller blade unit 110, and frame 115.

In another example, at least one service unit includes one or more reservoirs, one or more liquids with one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid administration units (such as, for example, various nozzles), a spare part of the operating unit, one or more recharging/refilling widgets of the power unit of the operating unit, and the like.

In another example, at least one service unit includes a robotic arm 170.

In another example, at least one service unit includes a robotic arm having a mechanical grasper 180.

In another example, at least one service unit is configured to move autonomously.

In another example, at least one of the service units does have wheels.

In another example, the processing unit is configured to determine an instruction for autonomous movement to the base station to another location, wherein the determination includes utilization of sensed information from the at least one UAV.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to refill at least one reservoir of the one or more drones with and/or exchange at least one reservoir of the one or more drones with a (typically full) reservoir at least partially filled with liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the one or more drones comprise at least one sensor unit configured to sense a liquid level within the at least one reservoir, and wherein the determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information by the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to purge the at least one reservoir of the one or more drones and then refill the at least one reservoir with a liquid containing the active ingredient, wherein the one or more drones comprise at least one sensor unit configured to sense the liquid level within the at least one reservoir, and wherein the determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to clean, repair and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or a part thereof, wherein the one or more drones comprise at least one sensor unit configured to sense an operability of the at least one liquid application unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one service unit to clean, repair and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or a part thereof, wherein the one or more drones comprise at least one sensor unit configured to sense a blockage of the at least one liquid application unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

In an example, the exchange of at least one liquid administration unit or part thereof involves the exchange of at least one liquid administration unit or part thereof with an operable liquid administration unit or part thereof.

According to an example, the processing unit is configured to determine an instruction to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine an instruction to the at least one service unit to repair the at least one operating unit, wherein the one or more drones comprise at least one sensor unit configured to sense operability of the at least one operating unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit comprises utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

In an example of the invention, the base station comprises a processing unit and the processing unit is configured to perform the analysis on the sensed information received from the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

Another example relates to a base station, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the base station to enable the one or more drones to interface with the base station, and wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to recharge/refill at least one power unit of the one or more drones to the at least one service unit, wherein the one or more drones include at least one sensor unit configured to sense an energy state of the at least one power unit, and wherein the determination of the processing unit includes utilization of sensed information of the at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones.

According to an example, the base station comprises at least one sensor unit 190 configured to determine sensing information comprising sensing one or more of: the base station is provided with a remaining airport capacity for one or more drones intended to be docked to the base station, an inventory of one or more liquid reservoirs, one or more liquids with one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid application units, one or more operating units, and wherein the determination by the processing unit comprises utilization of the sensing information of at least one sensor unit of one or more drones and at least one sensor unit of the base station.

In another example, the sensor for sensing the remaining airport capacity for the UAV intended to dock to the base station may be, for example, a visual sensor (such as a camera) or a tactile sensor. Inventory levels may be sensed by reading a product, a smart tag on a sales sensor, one or more cameras, an RFID sensor, etc. Regarding the base station inventory information, it is possible to inform suppliers, farmers, operators, etc. to ensure that the base station restocks at the right time.

In another example, the base station further comprises at least one sensor unit 190 configured to determine sensing information comprising sensing one or more of: wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, cloud motion, rainfall.

In another example, the processing unit analyzes sensor data of at least one sensor unit of the base station to determine an optimal flight path and time of the UAV while minimizing off-target losses (such as drift) to maximize application efficiency.

In another example, the processing unit analyzes sensor data of at least one sensor unit of the base station to determine an instruction for autonomous movement of the base station to another location (site).

In another example, the processing unit analyzes sensor data of at least one sensor unit of the base station and sensed information of at least one UAV to determine an instruction for autonomous movement of the base station to another location (site).

In an example, data communications between different components of a base station can occur over a network (such as a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, or the internet) using wired or wireless links, including terrestrial or satellite links.

Fig. 3 shows a system 200 for applying active ingredients onto crops, comprising at least one drone 10 and any associated examples described with respect to fig. 1, at least one base station 70 and any associated examples described with respect to fig. 2, and a processing unit 60. The at least one sensor unit 50 of the at least one drone is configured to determine sensing information, which includes functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir 20, at least one liquid application unit 30, at least one operation unit 40, and relays sensed information to a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine an instruction to the at least one drone to interface with the at least one base station. The processing unit is further configured to determine instructions to the at least one base station to enable the at least one drone to interface with the base station. The processing unit is further configured to determine an instruction to the at least one service unit 160 of the at least one base station to provide service to the at least one drone. All determinations by the processing unit include utilization of sensed information by at least one sensor unit of at least one drone.

In an example, the at least one sensor unit 50 of the at least one drone is configured to determine sensing information, which includes functionality to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir 20, at least one liquid application unit 30 and at least one operating unit 40, and relays the sensed information to a processing unit.

In another example, the system further comprises a base station having at least one sensor unit 190. In another example, at least one sensor unit of at least one base station is configured to determine sensing information, which includes sensing one or more of: a remaining airport capacity for a UAV intended to interface to a base station, an inventory of one or more reservoirs, one or more liquids having one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid administration units, one or more operating units provisioned on the base station, and wherein the sensed information is forwarded to the processing unit.

In another example, the determination of the processing unit includes utilization of sensing information of at least one sensor unit of at least one drone and at least one sensor unit of at least one base station.

In another example, there may be more than one processing unit.

In another example, the at least one UAV comprises a processing unit and the at least one base station comprises a processing unit. In this case, each processing unit has some common set of instructions or commands, so that at least some, if not all, of the processes can be executed on more than one processing unit.

In an example, data communication between different components of the system (such as, for example, one or more cameras of the UAV, at least one sensor unit of at least one base station, one or more processing units, at least one UAV, at least one base station, and/or at least one service unit of at least one base station) may take place over a network (such as a local area network, wide area network, the internet, or the internet) via suitable wired or wireless links (including terrestrial or satellite links).

Fig. 4a shows a method 300 for applying active ingredients to crops with at least one drone and at least one base station in its basic steps. The method 300 includes: a preservation step 310, also referred to as step a), of preserving the liquid comprising the active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the at least one drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded in or attached to the at least one drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

in a loading step 320, also referred to as step b), loading at least one operating unit within or attached to the at least one drone, the operating unit being configured to enable the at least one drone to fly;

in a loading step 330, also referred to as step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the at least one drone, the sensor unit being configured to determine sensing information, including functions to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit;

in a loading step 340, also referred to as step d), loading at least one service unit within or attached to at least one base station;

in a sensing step 350, also referred to as step e), functions of one or more of the following are sensed with the at least one sensor unit: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit;

in a docking step 360, also referred to as step f), docking the at least one drone to the at least one base station if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instruction comprises utilization of the sensing information; and

in a service step 370, also referred to as step f), if the processing unit so indicates, the at least one drone is served with at least one service unit of the at least one base station, wherein the determination of the instruction comprises utilization of the sensing information.

In an example, in step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the at least one drone, the sensor unit configured to sense a liquid level within the at least one reservoir; docking at least one drone to at least one base station in step f); and in step g), if so indicated by the processing unit, refilling and/or exchanging the at least one reservoir with a liquid containing the active ingredient, wherein the determination of the instruction comprises the use of sensed information of the liquid level within the at least one reservoir.

In an example, in step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the at least one drone, the sensor unit configured to sense the operability of the at least one liquid application unit; docking at least one drone to at least one base station in step f); and in step g), cleaning, servicing and/or exchanging the at least one liquid application unit or part thereof if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instruction comprises utilization of sensed information of the operability of the at least one liquid application unit.

In an example, in step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the at least one drone, the sensor unit being configured to sense operability of the at least one operating unit; docking at least one drone to at least one base station in step f); and in step g), repairing the at least one operating unit if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instruction includes utilization of sensed information of operability of the at least one operating unit.

In an example, in step e), the functions of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit and at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit.

In an example, in step b), the at least one operating unit comprises one or more of: a power unit, a flight control unit, a propeller engine unit, a propeller blade unit and a frame.

In an example, in step d), the at least one base station comprises at least one sensor unit configured to determine sensing information comprising sensing one or more of: the base station is provided with a remaining airport capacity for one or more drones intended to be docked to the base station, an inventory of one or more liquid reservoirs, one or more liquids with one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid application units, one or more operating units, and in step f) docking at least one drone to at least one base station, and in step g) serving the at least one drone with at least one service unit of the at least one base station if so indicated by the processing unit, wherein the determination of the instructions comprises utilization of sensing information of at least one sensor unit of the one or more drones and at least one sensor unit of the one or more base stations.

Fig. 4b shows a method 400 for applying active ingredients to crops by drone in its basic steps. The method 400 includes: a preservation step 410, also referred to as step a), of preserving the liquid comprising the active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

in a loading step 420, also referred to as step b), loading at least one operating unit within or attached to the drone, the operating unit being configured to enable the drone to fly;

in a loading step 430, also referred to as step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit being configured to determine sensing information including functions to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit;

in a sensing step 440, also referred to as step d), the function of one or more of the following is sensed with at least one sensor unit: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit; and

in a determining step 450, also referred to as step e), instructions to the drone to interface with and obtain service from the base station are determined by the processing unit, wherein the determining step includes utilization of the sensing information.

In an example, in step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit configured to sense a liquid level within the at least one reservoir; in step d), sensing the liquid level in the at least one reservoir with the at least one sensor unit to provide sensing information and forwarding it to the processing unit; and in step e), determining, by the processing unit, instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and refill and/or exchange at least one reservoir with a liquid containing an active ingredient, wherein the determining step includes utilization of sensed information of the liquid level within the at least one reservoir.

In an example, in step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit configured to sense operability of the at least one liquid application unit; in step d), sensing the operability of at least one liquid application unit to provide sensing information and relay it to the processing unit; and in step e), determining, by the processing unit, instructions to the drone to interface with the base station and to clean, repair and/or exchange the at least one liquid application unit or portion thereof, wherein the determining step includes utilization of sensed information of the operability of the at least one liquid application unit.

In an example, in step c), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit being configured to sense operability of the at least one operating unit; in step d), the operability of at least one operating unit is sensed to provide sensed information and forwarded to the processing unit; and in step e), determining, by the processing unit, an instruction to the drone to interface with the base station and to repair the at least one operating unit, wherein the determining step includes utilization of sensed information of operability of the at least one operating unit.

In an example, in step d), the functions of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit and at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit.

In an example, in step b), the at least one operating unit comprises one or more of: a power unit, a flight control unit, a propeller engine unit, a propeller blade unit and a frame.

Fig. 4c shows a method 500 for serving drones with base stations in its basic steps. The method 500 includes: a saving step 510, also referred to as step a), of saving at least one service unit within or attached to the base station;

in a preserving step 520, also referred to as step b), preserving the liquid comprising the active ingredient in at least one reservoir loaded within or attached to the drone, wherein at least one liquid application unit is loaded within or attached to the drone and the at least one liquid application unit is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;

in a loading step 530, also referred to as step c), at least one operating unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the operating unit being configured to enable the drone to fly;

in a loading step 540, also referred to as step d), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit being configured to determine sensing information comprising functions to sense one or more of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid administration unit, at least one operating unit;

in a sensing step 550, also referred to as step e), functions of one or more of the following are sensed with the at least one sensor unit: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit, at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit;

in a determining step 560, also referred to as step f), determining, by the processing unit, instructions to the base station enabling the drone to interface with the base station, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensing information; and

in a determining step 570, also referred to as step g), instructions to provide a service to the drone by the processing unit to at least one service unit located within or attached to the base station are determined, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensing information.

In an example, in step d) at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit being configured to sense a liquid level within at least one liquid reservoir, and in step e) the liquid level within the at least one liquid reservoir, and in step f) instructions to the base station enabling the drone to interface with the base station are determined by the processing unit, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensed information; and in step g), determining, by the processing unit, instructions to refill at least one reservoir of one or more drones with and/or exchange at least one reservoir of one or more drones with a (typically full) reservoir at least partially filled with liquid containing an active ingredient for at least one service unit located within or attached to the base station, wherein the determining step comprises the utilization of the sensing information.

In an example, in step d) at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit being configured to sense the operability of the at least one liquid application unit, and in step e) the operability of the at least one liquid application unit is sensed, and in step f) instructions to the base station enabling the drone to dock with the base station are determined by the processing unit, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensed information; and in step g), determining, by the processing unit, instructions to clean, repair and/or replace at least one liquid administration unit or part thereof to at least one service unit located within or attached to the base station, wherein the determining step comprises the use of the sensing information.

In an example, in step d) at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the drone, the sensor unit being configured to sense the operability of the at least one operating unit, and in step e) the operability of the at least one operating unit is sensed, and in step f) instructions to the base station enabling the drone to interface with the base station are determined by the processing unit, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensed information; and in step g), determining, by the processing unit, an instruction to repair the at least one operating unit to at least one serving unit located within or attached to the base station, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensing information.

In an example, in step e), the functions of: at least one reservoir, at least one liquid application unit and at least one operating unit to provide and relay sensed information to the processing unit.

In an example, in step a), at least one sensor unit is loaded within or attached to the base station, the sensor unit being configured to determine sensing information comprising sensing one or more of: the base station is provided with a remaining airport capacity for one or more drones intended to be docked to the base station, an inventory of one or more reservoirs, one or more liquids with one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid application units, one or more operating units, and in step e), one or more of the following are sensed: the base station being provided with a remaining airport capacity for one or more drones intended to be docked to the base station, an inventory of one or more reservoirs, one or more liquids with one or more active ingredients, one or more liquid application units, one or more operating units, and in step f), determining instructions to the base station by the processing unit to enable the drones to be docked to the base station, wherein the determining step comprises the use of sensing information; and in step g), determining, by the processing unit, instructions to at least one serving unit located within or attached to the base station to obtain service through the at least one serving unit, wherein the determining step comprises utilization of the sensing information;

a drone for applying an active ingredient to a crop, a base station, a system for applying an active ingredient to a crop, and a method of applying an active ingredient to a crop by a drone are described with respect to the very detailed embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 6.

In fig. 5a, an unmanned aircraft with a liquid reservoir is shown. The drone has a sensor for measuring the liquid level in a liquid reservoir, and the liquid reservoir has a fluid connection to a liquid application unit (spray wand). The spray bar does have three nozzles. The rectangle below the reservoir represents a power unit, such as a battery. The circle on the right of the rectangle represents the sensor that measures the battery charge. In addition, a camera at the nozzle of the spray wand senses the spray pattern of the system and provides an indication as to the operability of the nozzle. The sensed information of the liquid level, the battery level and the operability of the nozzle is transmitted to a processing unit not shown in the picture. When the battery is low, the liquid level in the reservoir is low, and/or the nozzle is blocked or clogged, the processing unit is configured to determine instructions to the drone to interface with and obtain service from the base station.

Figure 5b shows the drone docked to a base station. The figure shows recharging the battery and refilling the reservoir with a liquid containing the active ingredient. To effect this, it is intended that both services are performed simultaneously, even though for example the battery may still have energy or the reservoir does still contain a lot of liquid containing the active ingredient. As shown, the robotic arm supports refilling and establishes a fluid connection between a reservoir on the base station and a reservoir to be filled on the drone. At the same time, a battery (shown as a rectangle under the drone's reservoir) is connected to the battery charger as part of the base station. The connection between the battery and the battery charger is also made autonomously, for example as part of the docking process of the drone to the base station.

Figure 6 shows two drones and two base stations. The drone does have a fluid connected reservoir and a liquid application unit (a spray wand with three nozzles). The spray bar is spraying a liquid containing the active ingredient onto the crop. When the drone's level sensor indicates that the level of liquid remaining in the reservoir is low, the drone is heading to the nearest base station to obtain service if the drone's battery is low and/or when, for example, one of the spray wand's nozzles is blocked. The base station does have a service unit that includes a robotic arm (in the lower right corner of the rectangle), a battery charger (in the lower left corner of the rectangle), a reservoir for refilling one or more reservoirs of the drone(s) (at the top of the right side of the rectangle), and a nozzle (as shown at the top of the left side of the rectangle) that can be screwed into the spray wand. The robotic arm supports the following services: refilling the reservoir with liquid, recharging the battery, and/or unscrewing one or more plugged nozzles from the spray wand and screwing new, separately cleaned nozzles into the spray wand. In addition, the drone has a camera for transmitting image information to a processing unit (not shown) while the processing unit performs image analysis to manage the spraying and flight activities of the drone.

In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program or a computer program element is provided, characterized in that it is configured to perform the method steps of the method according to one of the preceding embodiments on a suitable system.

Thus, the computer program element may be stored on a computer unit, which may also be part of an embodiment. The computing unit may be configured to perform or induce the performance of the steps of the above-described method. Further, it may be configured to operate the components of the above described apparatus and/or system. The computing unit may be configured to operate automatically and/or execute commands of a user. The computer program may be loaded into a working memory of a data processor. Accordingly, a data processor may be provided to perform the method according to one of the preceding embodiments.

This exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises two aspects, namely the use of the computer program of the present invention from the beginning and the change of an existing program into a computer program using the program of the present invention by an update.

Moreover, the computer program element may be capable of providing all the necessary steps to carry out the processes of the exemplary embodiments of the methods described above.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a usb-disk or the like, is proposed, wherein a computer program element is stored on the computer-readable medium, such computer program element being described by the previous section.

A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

However, the computer program may also be presented via a network, such as the world wide web, and may be downloaded into the working memory of a data processor from such a network. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medium for making a computer program element available for downloading is provided, such computer program element being arranged to perform the method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention.

It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to apparatus type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless other notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters is considered to be disclosed with this application.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.