Abstract
A field area coverage-planning algorithm has been developed for the optimization and simulation of capacitated field operations such as the organic fertilizer application process. The proposed model provides an optimal coverage plan, which includes the optimal sequence of the visited tracks with a designated application rate. The objective of this paper is to present a novel approach for route planning involving two simultaneous optimization criteria, non-working distance minimization and the optimization of application rates, for the capacitated field operations such as organic fertilizer application to improve the overall operational efficiency. The study and the developed algorithm have shown that it is possible to generate the optimized coverage plan based on the required defined capacity of the distributer. In this case, the capacity of the distributer is not considered a limiting factor for the farmers. To validate this new method, a shallow injection application process was considered, and the results of applying the optimization algorithm were compared with the conventional methods. The results show that the proposed method increase operational efficiency by 19.7%. Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed model in robotic application were demonstrated by way of two defined scenarios.
Highlights
The objective of this paper is to provide a novel approach with two optimization criteria, distance minimization and the optimization of application rates, for the capacitated field operations such as organic fertilizer application to improve operational efficiency
In cases that the demand of a track is more than the capacity of the slurry distributer, by considering the extension action [6], the algorithm divided those tracks into smaller parts, which can be covered with one load
The proposed model generates a coverage plan, which can be used for capacitated field operations
Summary
Agricultural field area coverage planning enhances the efficiency of commercial autosteering or navigation-aid systems on agricultural machines [1,2,3]. Area coverage plans provide a path that visits all points of a targeted spatial environment under the criterion of minimization of unproductive time or traveled distance and avoiding machine maneuvering in the already worked area or cropping area [4,5]. The benefits of area coverage planning include optimized driving patterns, reduced overlaps and skips, reduced soil compaction, and overall enhanced efficiency of agricultural machines [6,7]. As an example of area coverage planning, B-patterns [8] algorithmically find the optimal order of field working areas to minimize the non-working traveled distance by the agricultural vehicle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
