Bale counting device and bale counting method for baler

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery and equipment, and provides a bale counting device and bale counting method for a baler. The bale counting device for a baler includes: a data acquisition module configured to collect state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters of the baler during operation; and a data processing module configured to receive and process the state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters and output bale count data. The bale counting device and bale counting method provided by the present invention can at least simplify the system structure and facilitate operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery and equipment, and in particular to a bale counting device and a bale counting method for a baler. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing requirements of environmental protection laws and regulations and the growing demand for biomass power generation, straw baling and recycling in the fields has become an essential part of agricultural production, making third-party bale counting and settlement particularly important. At present, traditional balers have a bale counting meter placed on the tractor that pulls them. This meter is only used by the baler operator, but it is extremely inconvenient for the baler renter to calculate and settle bales. With the development of Internet of Things technology, most baler renters will install bale counting and collection equipment on the baler body. Through sensors such as multiple proximity switches, the baler's various baling actions are detected, or the bale counting signal output by the baler is directly received. The bale counting data is then remotely sent to the renter via the mobile communication network, thereby achieving the renter's bale counting and settlement purpose.

[0003] However, existing technologies often present several problems. First, various components for counting bales must be separately installed and debugged on the baler, resulting in high installation and debugging costs. Furthermore, modifications to the baler's structure are required, hindering the ability of baler renters to operate and expand their fleets of multiple models. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a bale counting device and a bale counting method for a baler, so as to at least simplify the system structure and facilitate the operation.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bale counting device for a baler, comprising: a data acquisition module configured to collect state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters of the baler during operation; and a data processing module configured to receive and process the state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters and output bale counting data.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition module includes: a positioning module configured to receive positioning signals to analyze the current position, speed and time parameters of the baler in real time; an inertial measurement module configured to detect the angular velocity and acceleration parameters of the baler in various directions during the baling process in real time; and a sound acquisition module configured to collect the surrounding sound parameters of the baler.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises: a communication module configured to be signal-connected to the data processing module to receive the bundle counting data output by the data processing module.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module is electrically connected to a communication antenna, and the communication antenna is configured to upload the bundle counting data to a backend server.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning module is electrically connected to a positioning antenna configured to receive a positioning signal.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes: a solar cell configured to be electrically connected to the positioning module, the inertial measurement module, the sound collection module, the communication module and the data processing module to provide power.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bundling device includes a shell and a mounting portion is provided in the shell, wherein the solar cell is located on the top of the shell, the positioning module, the inertial measurement module, the sound collection module and the data processing module are arranged on the mounting portion, a magnetic component is provided at the bottom of the shell, and a sound hole is formed on the side wall of the shell.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bale counting method performed using the bale counting device as described above, the method comprising the following steps: collecting state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters of the baler during operation by a data acquisition module; and receiving and processing the state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters by a data processing module and outputting bale counting data.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, collecting the state parameters, the operating parameters and the environmental parameters further includes: receiving a positioning signal through a positioning module to analyze the current position, speed and time parameters of the baler in real time; detecting the angular velocity and acceleration parameters of the baler in various directions during the baling process in real time through an inertial measurement module; and collecting the surrounding sound parameters of the baler through a sound collection module.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: before collecting state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters of the baler during operation through the data collection module, detachably installing the bale counting device on the baler.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] In the bale counting device and bale counting method provided by the present invention, the data acquisition module and data processing module are modularly integrated into the bale counting device, enabling direct collection and processing of various parameters. This eliminates the need for after-sales personnel to install sensors and bale counting equipment. Furthermore, the modular integration of the data acquisition and data processing modules eliminates the need for a detailed understanding of the baler's circuit structure, nor does it require cutting wires or drilling holes in the baler's body. This simplifies the bale counting device system structure and makes operation more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 is a system block diagram of a bundle counting device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a bundle counting device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a perspective view of the illustrated embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a bundle counting method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 100: bundling device; 102: data processing module; 104: positioning module; 106: inertial measurement module; 108: sound collection module; 110: communication module; 112: communication antenna; 114: positioning antenna; 116: solar cell; 200: housing; 202: mounting portion; 204: magnetic component; 206: sound-permeable hole; 400: bundling method; 402, 404: steps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; and direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0028] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0029] See now Figures 1 to 4, the bale counting device for a baler and the related bale counting method of the present invention are described. It should be understood that the following description is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any particular limitation to the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a bale counting device 100 for a baler. The bale counting device 100 may generally include a data acquisition module and a data processing module 102. Specifically, the data acquisition module may be configured to collect state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters of the baler during operation, while the data processing module 102 may be configured to receive and process the state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters described above and output bale count data.

[0031] In the above embodiments of the present invention, the data acquisition module and data processing module 102 are modularly integrated into the bale counting device 100, enabling direct collection and processing of various parameters. This eliminates the need for after-sales personnel to install sensors and bale counting and data collection equipment. Furthermore, the modular integration of the data acquisition module and data processing module 102 eliminates the need for a detailed understanding of the baler's circuit structure, nor does it require cutting wires or drilling holes in the baler's body. This simplifies the system structure of the bale counting device of the present invention and makes it easier to operate.

[0032] See further Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, the data collection module may include a positioning module 104, an inertial measurement module 106, and a sound collection module 108. Specifically, the positioning module 104 may be configured to receive positioning signals to analyze the baler's current position, velocity, and time parameters in real time. The inertial measurement module 106 may be configured to detect the baler's angular velocity and acceleration parameters in real time during the baling process. The sound collection module 108 may be configured to collect ambient sound parameters surrounding the baler. In this embodiment, the position, velocity, and time parameters collected by the positioning module 104 are used as state parameters, the angular velocity and acceleration parameters collected by the inertial measurement module 106 are used as operational parameters, and the ambient sound parameters collected by the sound collection module 108 are used as environmental parameters. After collection, these data are transmitted to the data processing module 102 for processing, ultimately outputting bale count data. This process will be described in more detail below.

[0033] Continue to see Figure 1In one embodiment of the present invention, the bale counting device 100 may further include a communication module 110. Specifically, the communication module 110 may be configured to be signal-connected to the data processing module 102 to receive the bale count data output by the data processing module 102. By using the communication module 110, the bale count data may be transmitted to a remote server for storage and access by a user at any time.

[0034] In the specific implementation process, Figure 1 As shown, the communication module 110 can be electrically connected to a communication antenna 112, which can be configured to upload the bale count data to a backend server. Similarly, in one embodiment, the positioning module 104 can also be electrically connected to a positioning antenna 114 configured to receive positioning signals.

[0035] In another embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the bundle counting device 100 of the present invention may further include a solar cell 116 for powering the device. Specifically, the solar cell 116 may be configured to be electrically connected to the positioning module 104, the inertial measurement module 106, the sound collection module 108, the communication module 110, and the data processing module 102, thereby powering each of the above modules.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, regarding the specific structure of the bundle counting device 100 of the present invention, the bundle counting device 100 may include a housing 200. Specifically, a mounting portion 202 may be provided in the housing 200. The solar cell 116 may be located on the top of the housing 200, and the positioning module 104, inertial measurement module 106, sound collection module 108, and data processing module 102 may be provided on the mounting portion 202. In addition, a magnetic component 204 may be provided at the bottom of the housing 200, and a sound-transmitting hole 206 may be formed in the sidewall of the housing 200.

[0037] On the other hand, Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also provides a bundle counting method performed using the bundle counting device 100 as described above. In one embodiment, see Figure 4 , the bundling method 400 may include the following steps:

[0038] At step 402, the data acquisition module collects state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters of the baler during operation. At step 404, the data processing module receives and processes the state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters and outputs bale count data.

[0039] Since the bundling counting method adopts the bundling counting device as described above and executes the corresponding bundling counting method, the bundling counting method also has the various advantages and beneficial effects as described above and below.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, the step of collecting state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters may further include: receiving a positioning signal through a positioning module to analyze the current position, speed and time parameters of the baler in real time; detecting the angular velocity and acceleration parameters of the baler in various directions during the baling process in real time through an inertial measurement module; and collecting the surrounding sound parameters of the baler through a sound collection module.

[0041] Furthermore, in an optional embodiment, the bale counting method may further include: before the data acquisition module collects the state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters of the baler during operation, removably attaching a bale counting device to the baler. In other words, the bale counting device provided by the present invention is independently mounted from the baler. During use, the bale counting device can be simply attached to the baler via magnetic components, thereby simplifying operation and achieving a higher degree of module integration.

[0042] The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention in use with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any particular limitation to the present invention.

[0043] First, it should be understood that during the baling process, a baler (e.g., a round baler) exhibits distinct characteristics in various dimensions, including position, speed, sound, and posture, compared to its non-baling state. Specifically, during a complete baling process, the baler's position and speed will change accordingly as the baler moves from rest to start, then advances (raking), stops (baling), and finally releases the bale. Furthermore, as the baler releases the bale, the subsequent opening and closing of the door and the rolling of the bale will cause corresponding changes in its posture. Furthermore, the subsequent opening and closing of the door will also produce a sound of a specific frequency.

[0044] Based on this, and in accordance with all of the aforementioned features of the baling process, the present invention provides a bale counting device 100 for a baler. In one embodiment, the present invention is described using a microcontroller unit (MCU) as the data processing module 102, a GPS / Beidou receiver module as the positioning module 104, a microphone module as the sound acquisition module 108, and a microelectromechanical inertial measurement unit (MEMS) module as the inertial measurement module 106. However, the foregoing description is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation of the present invention.

[0045] Specifically, the GPS / Beidou receiving module is used to receive GPS / Beidou satellite signals for real-time analysis of the baler's current position, speed, and time information. The MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) module, composed of a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer, is used to detect the baler's angular velocity and acceleration in all directions during the baling process. Furthermore, the microphone MIC module is used to collect sounds around the baler. The communication module can upload the baler's baling results, along with the baler's current position, to the baler renter's backend server.

[0046] In one embodiment, the communication module includes but is not limited to 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G communication modes, or Zigbee, Lora, Bluetooth BLE and other communication modes.

[0047] Furthermore, solar cells convert solar energy into electricity to power various modules in the system. The microprocessor (MCU) receives raw data from various sensors, including the GPS / Beidou receiver module, the micro-electromechanical inertial measurement unit (IMU) module, and the microphone (MIC) module. It then uses corresponding algorithms to convert, calculate, and judge data, and then transmits the bundling results to the communication module for upload.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each module is integrated within a cylindrical housing, for example. The top houses the solar cell, GPS / Beidou receiving antenna, and communication antenna; in the center are the GPS / Beidou receiving module, the micro-electromechanical inertial measurement unit (IMU) module, the microphone module, and the microprocessor (MCU). The sides of the housing are sound-permeable holes, and the bottom is equipped with magnetic components such as magnets. During use, the bale counter can be attached to the top or side of the baler via these built-in magnets, where it can receive sunlight and GPS / Beidou signals.

[0049] During use, the bale counting device is first attached to the top or side of the baler, and the baler is allowed to perform several groups of continuous baling operations (for example, at least 3 groups, each group lasting about half an hour). During this process, only the built-in sensors of the device are used to collect data. The data includes position, speed, and time data collected by the GPS / Beidou receiving module; sound data collected by the microphone MIC module; and angular velocity and acceleration data in three directions collected by the micro-electromechanical inertial measurement unit MEMS IMU module.

[0050] The collected sensor data is then analyzed and processed. Specifically, the angular velocity and acceleration data collected from the MEMS IMU are converted into attitude data in all directions of the baler using a quaternion algorithm, thereby determining the baler's attitude changes during operation. The sound data from the microphone MIC module is converted into frequency domain data using a fast Fourier transform algorithm, thereby determining all sound frequencies around the baler during operation.

[0051] Next, all of the aforementioned sets of position, velocity, sound spectrum, and posture data are classified using a KNN algorithm (also known as a k-nearest neighbor classification algorithm) with baling-related labels. This learning process then calculates, trains, and determines thresholds for each type of data representing the complete baling process of the baler. It should be understood that the more samples of various sensor data generated by the baler during initial baling, the more accurate the data thresholds will be. These thresholds are then written into the device's microprocessor (MCU). Due to the potential variations in the installation location of various balers and the potential for variations in the present invention's installation location, the aforementioned sensor data analysis, machine learning calculations, and training operations can all be implemented through the development of batch processing algorithm software.

[0052] Furthermore, when the baler is actually operating, the bale counting device of the present invention is adsorbed on the baler position that is the same as the data collection state.

[0053] During normal bundling, the microprocessor (MCU) also converts the sound data collected by the microphone module into frequency-domain signals in real time using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. The angular velocity and acceleration data from the microelectromechanical inertial measurement unit (MEMS) are then converted into attitude signals in all directions using a quaternion algorithm. All raw sensor data, as well as data converted using the aforementioned algorithm, are then evaluated against corresponding thresholds pre-programmed into the MCU. If the thresholds are met, the bundling operation is considered successful and recorded. If the thresholds are not met, data collection continues until the next evaluation.

[0054] After the operation is completed, the bundling device will send the bundling result to the background server through the communication module, thus completing the bundling operation.

[0055] In summary, the present invention provides an automatic bale counting method and bale counting device for balers that is free of installation and maintenance. Compared with other bale counting devices for balers, the bale counting device and related method system proposed by the present invention are simple in structure, and do not require additional after-sales personnel to install sensors and bale counting and collection equipment, nor do they require a detailed understanding of the circuit structure of the baler, and there is no need to break wires or open holes in the baler body. It is only necessary to use preset batch processing algorithm software to fuse the multi-sensor data inside the device and obtain the baling operation characteristics of the baler through machine learning to achieve rapid matching of all balers of this type, thereby achieving the purpose of remote and accurate bale counting and settlement for the baler renter. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device can be applied to other balers (such as square balers) and can also be applied to other agricultural machinery with similar characteristics, such as planters, silage machines, etc.

[0056] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of the present embodiment. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be able to understand and implement the present invention without inventive effort.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bale counting device for a baler, characterized in that: include: a data acquisition module configured to acquire state parameters, operating parameters, and environmental parameters of the baler during operation; as well as a data processing module configured to receive and process the state parameters, the operating parameters, and the environmental parameters and output bale count data; The data acquisition module includes: a positioning module configured to receive a positioning signal to analyze the current position, speed and time parameters of the baler in real time; an inertial measurement module configured to detect in real time the angular velocity and acceleration parameters of the baler in various directions during the baling process; and a sound collection module configured to collect ambient sound parameters of the baler; In which, the bundling device includes a shell and an installation portion is provided in the shell, wherein the solar cell is located on the top of the shell, the positioning module, the inertial measurement module, the sound collection module and the data processing module are arranged on the installation portion, a magnetic component is provided at the bottom of the shell, and a sound hole is formed on the side wall of the shell.

2. The bundle counting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The communication module is configured to be signal-connected to the data processing module to receive the bale counting data output by the data processing module.

3. The bundle counting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The communication module is electrically connected to a communication antenna, and the communication antenna is configured to upload the bundle counting data to a background server.

4. The bundle counting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning module is electrically connected to a positioning antenna configured to receive a positioning signal.

5. The bundle counting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The solar cell is configured to be electrically connected to the positioning module, the inertial measurement module, the sound collection module, the communication module and the data processing module to provide power.

6. A bale counting method performed by using the bale counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: The data acquisition module collects the status parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters of the baler during operation; as well as receiving and processing the state parameter, the operating parameter and the environmental parameter through a data processing module and outputting bale counting data; Collecting the state parameters, the operating parameters, and the environmental parameters further includes: Receiving a positioning signal through a positioning module to analyze the current position, speed and time parameters of the baler in real time; Real-time detection of angular velocity and acceleration parameters of the baler in various directions during the baling process by an inertial measurement module; and The surrounding sound parameters of the baler are collected by a sound collection module.

7. The bundle counting method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Before the state parameters, operating parameters and environmental parameters of the baler during operation are collected by the data collection module, the bale counting device is detachably mounted on the baler.

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