Implement geometry
Working width, section positions, hitch point, offsets, antenna location, and machine articulation must describe the real system.
POSITION-AWARE IMPLEMENT SWITCHING
Section
Control
Section Control uses position, implement geometry, coverage state, and timing parameters to switch controllable implement sections as they enter or leave areas that should be treated.
5CHAPTERS4VISUAL BLOCKS4GRAPH LINKS2SOURCES
ACT / SELECTED CONCEPTSection ControlStart with the role, then move through the editorial sequence.
HOW TO READ THIS PAGE
Visual explanationA diagram or operating scene makes the relationship visible.
Structured modelA flow, comparison, capability set, or boundary map organizes the idea.
Guided explanationOriginal prose connects the concept to its operating context.
01 / Overview
Coverage memory controls
implement sections.
AEF describes Task-Controller Section Control as automatically activating implement sections using GPS position and the desired overlap behavior. The terminal or controller tracks treated geometry and sends switching commands to compatible implement functions.
The concept applies beyond sprayers. Any compatible implement divided into controllable sections may use spatial switching, but the number of sections, control resolution, and supported behavior are product-specific.
02 / Control loop
Know the implement,
remember the coverage.
LOCATEPosition and motionReceiver, correction context, antenna and vehicle geometry, heading, speed, quality, latency, and outagesREMEMBERField and task stateBoundary, exclusions, headlands, intended work, prior coverage, direction, operation state, and version
MODELImplement geometryHitch and offsets, working width, section positions, boom or toolbar state, articulation, and configured timing
DECIDECoverage controllerSupported function, software, look-ahead, overlap rule, direction, default, alarms, manual authority, and command recordSWITCHPhysical sectionsECU and actuator identity, valve or drive, product transport, response delay, feedback, wear, blockage, and failure state
VERIFYCoverage evidenceCommanded and reported state, as-applied context, overlaps and gaps, physical checks, boundaries, conditions, and exceptions- 01Position and motion→Coverage controllerbounded pose and quality
- 02Field and task state→Coverage controllerfield and coverage context
- 03Implement geometry→Coverage controllersection positions and timing
- 04Coverage controller→Physical sectionssupported switching command
- 05Physical sections→Coverage evidencereported response and physical question
- 06Coverage evidence←Coverage controllerverification and correction
01LOCATE / 01Machine positionGNSS position, heading, and motion
02MODEL / 02Implement geometryHitch, offsets, working width, and section layout
03COMPARE / 03Coverage decisionBoundary, previous coverage, overlap, and look-ahead
04SWITCH / 04Section commandCompatible implement turns sections on or off
03 / Configuration
Geometry and timing
decide field behavior.
On and off timing
Look-ahead or delay settings compensate for controller, valve, product, and mechanical response.
Coverage rules
Overlap thresholds, field boundaries, headlands, exclusions, and the active task determine switching decisions.
Machine state
Direction, speed, reverse behavior, implement lift, master switch, and section feedback affect valid control.
04 / Compatibility
ISOBUS support is
function-specific.
Usable Section Control requires compatible task-controller functionality, terminal software, implement ECU behavior, position input, licenses or activations where applicable, and correct object or geometry data.
AEF certification and database information can support compatibility checks, but the exact terminal, implement, software versions, section count, and feature combination still need verification.
05 / Boundaries
A switched command is not
instant material placement.
Product response takes time.Valves, meters, drives, hoses, crop flow, and transport distance create delays between command and field effect.
Position errors become coverage errors.Correction quality, antenna placement, heading, slope, implement drift, and geometry calibration shift switching locations.
Coverage is a model.The map records commanded or reported state and may not directly measure every seed, droplet, granule, or tool interaction.
Safe operation remains supervised.Automatic switching does not replace product-label compliance, boundary awareness, drift management, equipment inspection, or operator responsibility.
06 / Connections
See the system around this concept.
Follow incoming and outgoing relationship records to understand what supplies, informs, enables, coordinates with, or extends this technology in the published knowledge graph.
Relationship radar / published edges4 records / 4 neighboring systems
Incoming01records point toward this concept
act roleSection ControlSelected technology
Outgoing03records point from this concept
04connections visible
act / Field applicationVariable Rate Technology ↗can coordinate application coverage with
Section switching and rate variation address different control decisions but can operate within the same field-application workflow.
connect / Machine networkingISOBUS ↗carries coordinated machine functions for
ISOBUS provides the machine communication environment used by AEF-described Task Controller Section Control workflows.
act / Application controlPulse-Width Modulation Spray Control ↗can coordinate coverage state with
Section control determines whether bounded boom areas should apply, while PWM controls average nozzle flow inside a supported operating window; geometry, timing, state, pressure, nozzle choice and measured delivery remain distinct checks.
act / Application systemsAir-Assisted Electrostatic Spraying ↗can coordinate coverage state with
Section control can coordinate bounded on-off intent while liquid, airflow and charge retain different response and shutdown behavior; geometry, delay, canopy gaps, deposition and loss remain explicit.
2CONNECTED ROUTES5–7STEP POSITIONS17ROUTE SOURCE LINKS
Technology system
From field evidence to application
Follow a complete decision loop from measured field variation through management software and spatial intent to machine-side application control.
- 01 / OBSERVEMeasure with yield mappingTechnology→
- 02 / ORGANIZEPut the record in an FMISTechnology→
- 03 / DECIDEBuild prescription intentTechnology→
- 04 / VARYExecute variable rateTechnology→
- 05 / COVERCoordinate section controlTechnology→
- 06 / MODULATEControl flow at the nozzleTechnology→
- 07 / CANOPYCoordinate liquid, airflow, and chargeTechnology
CURRENT POSITION05
05 / COVER
Open the complete route ↗Coordinate section control
Finish with the coverage decisions that reduce unintended overlap or application outside the target area.
07 / Evidence
Primary sources.
This briefing uses AEF's public description of Task-Controller Section Control and ISO 11783-10 for the task-controller communication layer. Exact functions, geometry handling, delays, licenses, and compatibility require product-specific verification.
01
AEF Tour — Task-Controller Section ControlAgricultural Industry Electronics Foundation · Accessed 2026-07-11
02
ISO 11783-10:2015 — Task controller and management information system data interchangeInternational Organization for Standardization · Accessed 2026-07-11