This invention relates to an automated apparatus, method and system for projecting a control agent toward a recognised target, for the purposes of agricultural cultivation or environmental management or various other applications. The apparatus includes a source of the control agent adapted for use in connection with an environmental control function, and an outlet incorporating at least one outlet orifice adapted to direct the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice toward a target. An activation means is selectively movable between an operative mode in which the outlet is effectively open and an inoperative mode in which the outlet is effectively closed. A targeting mechanism including an outlet support assembly movable on at least one independent control axis is provided for selectively orienting the outlet orifice and thereby orienting the control agent in the operative mode. The targeting mechanism further includes actuators to effect movement of the outlet support assembly about the respective control axes. The apparatus further includes a first sensing system for sensing aspects of an environment and generating data indicative thereof, and a classification system for identifying targets within the environment on the basis of the data from the sensing system. A control system is adapted to orient the outlet orifice toward the targets by means of the targeting mechanism and to activate the control agent by means of the activation means in accordance with a predetermined control logic. The apparatus thereby delivers doses of the control agent to the identified targets for the purposes of the environmental control function. Figure 1 LC))
Automatic target recognition and dispensing system
2024-07-04
Patent
Electronic Resource
English