Two-step cross correlation-based algorithm for motion estimation applied to fertilizer granules' motion during centrifugal spreading

Imaging systems are progressing in both accuracy and ro- bustness, and their use in precision agriculture is increasing accordingly. One application of imaging systems is to understand and control the cen- trifugal fertilizing spreading process. Predicting the spreading pattern on the ground relies on an estimation of the trajectories and velocities of ejected granules. The algorithms proposed to date have shown low ac- curacy, with an error rate of a few pixels. But a more accurate estimation of the motion of the granules can be achieved. Our new two-step cross- correlation-based algorithm is based on the technique used in particle image velocimetry (PIV), which has yielded highly accurate…