Partial Field Coverage Based on Two Path Planning Patterns

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel path planning method for partial field coverage using two specific patterns, optimizing for limited vehicle turning radii and minimal soil compaction, especially suited for lightweight agricultural machinery with small tanks.

Contribution

It proposes a new path planning approach tailored for partial coverage with limited turning radii, improving efficiency over traditional AB patterns in agricultural applications.

Findings

The method reduces total path length compared to traditional patterns.

It effectively minimizes soil compaction by optimizing vehicle paths.

The approach is adaptable for single-run field coverage.

Abstract

This paper presents a path planning method for partial field coverage. Therefore, a specific path planning pattern is proposed. The notion is that lighter machinery with smaller storage tanks can alleviate soil compaction because of a reduced weight, but does not enable full field coverage in a single run because of the smaller storage capacity. This is relevant for spraying applications and related in-field work. Consequently, multiple returns to a mobile or stationary depot located outside of the field are required for storage tank refilling. Therefore, a suitable path planning method is suggested that accounts for the limited turning radii of agricultural vehicles, satisfies compacted area minimisation constraints, and aims at overall path length minimisation. The benefits of the proposed method are illustrated by means of a comparison to a planning method based on the more common AB pattern. It is illustrated how the proposed path planning pattern can also be employed efficiently for single-run field coverage.