Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging

Unmanned aerial spray systems (UASSs) are a commonly used spraying method for plant protection operations. However, their spraying parameters have complex effects on droplet distribution. The large-scale 3D droplet density distribution measurement method is insufficient, especially since the downwas...

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Main Authors: Zhichong Wang, Peng Qi, Yangfan Li, Xiongkui He
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Drones
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/613
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author Zhichong Wang
Peng Qi
Yangfan Li
Xiongkui He
author_facet Zhichong Wang
Peng Qi
Yangfan Li
Xiongkui He
author_sort Zhichong Wang
collection DOAJ
description Unmanned aerial spray systems (UASSs) are a commonly used spraying method for plant protection operations. However, their spraying parameters have complex effects on droplet distribution. The large-scale 3D droplet density distribution measurement method is insufficient, especially since the downwash wind is easily affected by the environment. Therefore, there is a need to develop a technique that can quickly visualize 3D droplet distribution. In this study, a laser imaging method was proposed to quickly scan moving droplets in the air, and a test method that can visualize 3D droplet distribution was constructed by using the traveling mode of the machine perpendicular to the scanning plane. The 3D droplet distribution of targeted and conventional UAVs was tested, and the methods for signal processing, noise reduction, and point cloud rebuilding for laser imaging were developed. Compared with the simulation results, laser imaging showed the pattern of droplet distribution from the two UAV structures well. The results showed that the laser imaging based method for detecting 3D droplet distribution is feasible, fast, and environmentally friendly.
format Article
id doaj-art-1c84bb28ca224aa09de79986d085292f
institution OA Journals
issn 2504-446X
language English
publishDate 2024-10-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Drones
spelling doaj-art-1c84bb28ca224aa09de79986d085292f2025-08-20T02:28:05ZengMDPI AGDrones2504-446X2024-10-0181161310.3390/drones8110613Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser ImagingZhichong Wang0Peng Qi1Yangfan Li2Xiongkui He3College of Agricultural Unmanned System, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, ChinaCollege of Agricultural Unmanned System, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, ChinaCollege of Agricultural Unmanned System, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, ChinaCollege of Agricultural Unmanned System, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, ChinaUnmanned aerial spray systems (UASSs) are a commonly used spraying method for plant protection operations. However, their spraying parameters have complex effects on droplet distribution. The large-scale 3D droplet density distribution measurement method is insufficient, especially since the downwash wind is easily affected by the environment. Therefore, there is a need to develop a technique that can quickly visualize 3D droplet distribution. In this study, a laser imaging method was proposed to quickly scan moving droplets in the air, and a test method that can visualize 3D droplet distribution was constructed by using the traveling mode of the machine perpendicular to the scanning plane. The 3D droplet distribution of targeted and conventional UAVs was tested, and the methods for signal processing, noise reduction, and point cloud rebuilding for laser imaging were developed. Compared with the simulation results, laser imaging showed the pattern of droplet distribution from the two UAV structures well. The results showed that the laser imaging based method for detecting 3D droplet distribution is feasible, fast, and environmentally friendly.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/613laser imagingdroplet distributionpoint cloudUASS
spellingShingle Zhichong Wang
Peng Qi
Yangfan Li
Xiongkui He
Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging
Drones
laser imaging
droplet distribution
point cloud
UASS
title Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging
title_full Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging
title_fullStr Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging
title_full_unstemmed Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging
title_short Visualization of Aerial Droplet Distribution for Unmanned Aerial Spray Systems Based on Laser Imaging
title_sort visualization of aerial droplet distribution for unmanned aerial spray systems based on laser imaging
topic laser imaging
droplet distribution
point cloud
UASS
url https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/613
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AT pengqi visualizationofaerialdropletdistributionforunmannedaerialspraysystemsbasedonlaserimaging
AT yangfanli visualizationofaerialdropletdistributionforunmannedaerialspraysystemsbasedonlaserimaging
AT xiongkuihe visualizationofaerialdropletdistributionforunmannedaerialspraysystemsbasedonlaserimaging