Harvesting machine monitoring

Abstract

A sensing arrangement (50) and corresponding method of determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by an agricultural harvesting machine (10) is provided. First and second sensors (52, 54) are provided in association with a crop transfer system (40) of the machine. First and second sensor data from those sensors indicative of first and second measures of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components (42) of the crop transfer system is used to determine a calibration for the sensing arrangement (50) in dependence on a comparison of the first and second sensor data.

Description

TITLEHARVESTING MACHINE MONITORINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to sensing arrangements for determining one or more parameters associate with an agricultural operation, in particular a measure of material yield associated with performance of an agricultural harvesting operation.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to provide sensing equipment on agricultural harvesting machines, such as a combine harvester, to obtain measures indicative of a grain or crop quality and / or yield. Typically such sensing arrangements require calibration to provide accurate and reliable measures of the monitored parameters. For yield monitoring, this may involve calibrating for each crop type and crop variant to be harvested by the machine. Conventional calibration techniques may involve obtaining a measure with the sensing arrangements and comparing that with a control measure - e.g. a weight measures obtained by a grain cart scale system. This can be costly, timewise, for an operator reducing the efficiency of the harvesting operation as a whole and causing annoyance for the operator.

[0004] Some solutions have been provided which attempt to reduce the workload burden on the operator in calibrating the system. This may include, for example, providing an arrangement whereby a measure of the weight of a known cup size sample from the grain bin of the harvesting machine is utilised. However, such setups still require the input of data from an operator to complete the calibration process.

[0005] It would be advantageous to overcome or at least partially mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art. For instance, it would be beneficial to reduce and most preferably remove the involvement of the operator in the calibration of the sensing arrangement.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a sensing arrangement for determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by an agricultural harvesting machine; the sensing arrangement comprising: a first sensor coupled, in use, to a crop transfer system of the agricultural harvesting machine, the sensor being configured to obtain a first measure of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system; a second sensor coupled, in use, to one of the one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system, the second sensor being configured to obtain a second measure of material present on a surface of the moveable component; and one or more controllers, collectively configured to: receive sensor data from each of the first and second sensors; and determine a calibration for the sensing arrangement in dependence on a comparison of the first and second sensor data.

[0007] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a sensing arrangement which can determine an on the go calibration for the arrangement utilising a pair of sensors operably coupled to or proximal to the crop transfer system. This reduces the time or necessity for the operator to perform separate calibration tasks improving efficiency and reducing operator annoyance when compared with prior art systems.

[0008] The one or more controllers may collectively comprise an input (e.g. an electronic input) for receiving one or more input signals. The one or more input signals may comprise data indicative of the first and / or second measure. The one or more controllers may collectively comprise one or more processors (e.g. electronic processors) operable to execute computer readable instructions for controlling operation thereof, for example, to determine the calibration for the sensing arrangement. The one or more processors may be operable to generate one or more control signals for controlling operation of one or more operational components associated with the sensing arrangement and / or harvesting machine. The one ormore controllers may collectively comprise an output (e.g. an electronic output) for outputting the one or more control signals.

[0009] In embodiments the first sensor may comprise an optical sensor. The optical sensor may comprise a laser based sensor. For example, in some embodiments the first sensor comprises a light barrier, and wherein the one or more controllers may be optionally configured to determine of a measure of material present on the moveable component of the crop transfer system in dependence on a time for which the light barrier is broken. For example, the time for which the light barrier is broken may be directly proportional to the height of a pile of material on the moveable component, and as such relate directly to the amount of material present.

[0010] The first sensor may comprise separate transmitter and receiver units. The transmitter and receiver units may be mountable either side of a region through which the moveable component(s) of the crop transfer system move, in use. In such embodiments, the first sensor may be configured to control generation of a sensing region between the transmitter and receiver units, e.g. in the form of a light barrier therebetween. The one or more controllers may be configured to determine the absence of an object between the transmitter and receiver units in dependence on the receiver unit receiving a light signal transmitted by the transmitter unit. The one or more controllers may be configured to determine the presence of an object between the transmitter and receiver units in dependence on the receiver unit not receiving a light signal transmitted by the transmitter unit, e.g. due to dispersion or absorption of the sensing signal by the object.

[0011] In alternative embodiments, the first sensor may comprise a single transceiver unit. The transceiver unit may be mountable on a surface of the crop transfer system for generation of a sensing region within a region of the crop transfer system where the moveable component(s) move, in use. The one or more controllers may be configured to determine the absence of an object within the sensing region in dependence on a sensing signal transmitted by the transceiver unit being received back at the transceiver unit - e.g. due to a reflection off an opposing surface of the crop transfer system. The one or more controllers may be configured to determine the presence of an object within the sensing region in dependence on a sensing signaltransmitted by the transceiver unit not being received back at the transceiver unit - e.g. due to dispersion or absorption of the sensing signal by the object.

[0012] In embodiments, the one or more controllers may be configured to receive operational data from a control unit associated with the crop transfer system. The one or more controllers may be configured to determine the first measure in dependence thereon. The operational data may be indicative of an operational speed of the crop transfer system. In embodiments, the crop transfer system may comprise a grain elevator with moveable components in the form of paddles. In such embodiments, the operational data may be indicative of a linear speed of one or more of the paddles. The operational data may be indicative of an operational speed of the grain elevator, for example, which may include an operational speed and / or frequency of any drive components for the elevator. The operational speed of the crop transfer system plus, for example, a timing signal from the first sensor relating to a time for which a light barrier is broken, may be utilised by the controller(s) to compute a measure of an amount of material present on the respective moveable component.

[0013] The first sensor may comprise a load sensor. The load sensor may be coupled, in use, to the moveable component and be configured to obtain a measure indicative of a mass of material on a surface of the moveable component. The first sensor may comprise a strain gauge. The first sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith may be mounted, in use, to a surface of the moveable component. The surface may comprise an underside of the moveable component. The first sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith may be mounted, in use, on an opposing surface to the surface upon which the material is carried by the moveable component.

[0014] The second sensor may comprise a load sensor. The load sensor may be coupled, in use, to the moveable component and be configured to obtain a measure indicative of a mass of material on a surface of the moveable component. The second sensor may comprise a strain gauge.

[0015] The second sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith may be mounted, in use, to a surface of the moveable component. The surface may comprise an underside of the moveable component. The second sensor and / or electronic circuitry associatedtherewith may be mounted, in use, on an opposing surface to the surface upon which the material is carried by the moveable component.

[0016] The second sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith may be provided in a housing mounted to the moveable component. The housing may be positioned, in use, such that it is detectable by the first sensor as the moveable component to which the housing is mounted moves within a sensing region of the first sensor. Where the first sensor comprises a light barrier, the presence of the housing may be determined in dependence on a break in the light barrier due to the housing being positioned in an optical path of the sensor.

[0017] The one or more controllers may be configured to generate and output one or more control signals for applying the determined calibration to the sensing arrangement.

[0018] The one or more controllers may be configured to generate and output one or more control signals for generation of a graphical representation associated with the determined calibration. For example, the one or more controllers may be operably coupled to a user interface of or otherwise associated with the harvesting machine and may be configured to control generation and display of the graphical representation by the user interface. The user interface may comprise a display terminal of the machine, or may comprise a portable user device, for example.

[0019] According to a further aspect, there is provided a control system for determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by an agricultural harvesting machine; the control system comprising one or more controllers collectively configured to: receive first sensor data from a first sensor operably coupled, in use, to a crop transfer system of the agricultural harvesting machine, the first sensor data being indicative of a first measure of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system; receive second sensor data from a second sensor operably coupled, in use, to one of the one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system, the second sensor data being indicative of a second measure of material present on a surface of the moveable component; and determine a calibration for the sensing arrangement in dependence on a comparison of the first and second sensor data.

[0020] The one or more controllers of the control system of the present disclosure may comprise or be configured in the same manner as the one or more controllers of the sensing arrangement of the preceding aspect.

[0021] A further aspect provides a crop transfer system for an agricultural harvesting machine, the crop transfer system comprising one or more moveable components for the transfer of crop material, and a sensing arrangement according to any preceding aspect operably coupled thereto.

[0022] The crop transfer system may comprise a grain elevator.

[0023] A further aspect provides an agricultural harvesting machine comprising the sensing arrangement and / or crop transfer system according to any preceding aspect described herein.

[0024] Optionally, the agricultural harvesting machine comprises a combine or forage harvester. The crop transfer system may comprise a grain elevator.

[0025] A further aspect provides a method of determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by an agricultural harvesting machine; the method comprising: receiving first sensor data from a first sensor operably coupled, in use, to a crop transfer system of the agricultural harvesting machine, the first sensor data being indicative of a first measure of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system; receiving second sensor data from a second sensor operably coupled, in use, to one of the one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system, the second sensor data being indicative of a second measure of material present on a surface of the moveable component; and determining a calibration for the sensing arrangement in dependence on a comparison of the first and second sensor data.

[0026] The method may comprise performing any one or more of the functionalities of the control system described hereinabove.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention provides computer software comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more electronic processors, causes performance of a method in accordance with any aspect described herein.

[0028] A yet further aspect of the invention provides a computer readable medium having the computer software of the preceding aspect of the invention stored thereon.

[0029] Within the scope of this application it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out herein, and individual features thereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] One or more embodiments of the invention / disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional side view illustrating a harvesting machine embodying aspects of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic drawing illustrating operational components of the machine of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a control system of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIGs. 4 and 5 are a series of illustrations of a sensing arrangement of the present disclosure illustrating the operational use thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure relates, in general, to an agricultural machine in the form of a combine harvester 10, along with a sensing arrangement 50 and associated control system 100 for determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by the combine harvester 10. Sensor data received from first and second sensors 52, 54 operably coupled, in use, to a crop transfer system 40 of the combine 10 is used to obtain measures of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system 40. Through comparison of the first and second measures, a calibration for the sensing arrangement 50 is determined and applied. Furtherembodiments are discussed herein which utilise other forms of operational data in addition to the first and second sensor data for determining the calibration.Harvester

[0036] FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate an agricultural machine, and specifically a combine 10, embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0037] The combine 10 is coupled to a header 12 which is operable, in use, to cut and gather a strip of crop material as the combine 10 is driven across a field or region to be harvested during a harvesting operation. A conveyor section 14 conveys the cut crop material from the header 12 into a crop processing apparatus 16 operable to separate grain and non-grain (i.e. material other than grain (MOG), typically straw and chaff) as will be appreciated. It is noted here that apparatus for separating grain and non-grain material are well-known in the art and the present invention is not limited in this sense. The skilled person will appreciate that numerous different configurations for the crop processing apparatus may be used as appropriate. Clean grain separated from the cut crop material is collected in a grain bin 18, which may be periodically emptied, e.g. into a collection vehicle, storage container, etc. utilising unloading auger 20. The remaining material, made up largely of non-grain material or MOG, is separately moved to a spreader tool 22 which is operable in use to eject the material from the rear of the combine 10 and onto the ground. In Figure 1, arrow 24 illustrates the direction of the material being ejected rearwards from the combine 10. The combine 10 also typically includes, amongst other features, an operator cab 26, wheels 28, a power unit and a user interface, for example.

[0038] As discussed, clean grain separated from the cut crop material is collected in a grain bin 18, which may be periodically emptied, e.g. into a collection vehicle, storage container, etc. utilising an unloading auger 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the clean grain material is transferred from the crop processing apparatus to the grain bin utilising a crop transfer device in the form of a grain elevator 40 which comprises multiple paddles 42 configured to collect and raise the grain into the grain bin 18. The present solution utilises a sensing arrangement 50 comprising first and second sensors 52, 54 operably coupled within the clean grain elevator 40 for measuring parameters indicative of an amount of grain material present on - i.e. being transported by one or more of the paddles 42.Sensing Arrangement

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates the sensing arrangement 50 further implemented on a grain elevator 40 of the combine harvester 10.

[0040] Here, a first sensor is provided in the form of optical sensor 52 configured to generating a light barrier across a region within the grain elevator 40 through which the paddles 42 and grain G thereon passes, in use. As discussed herein, the light barrier is generated by a transmitter element L of the first sensor 52. A corresponding receiver unit is provided on an opposing surface of the elevator 40 for receiving an optical signal from the transmitter unit L. The controller 102 of control system 100 (discussed in detail hereinbelow) is configured to determine the absence of an object between the transmitter and receiver units in dependence on the receiver unit receiving the optical signal transmitted by the transmitter unit, L; and a presence of an object between the transmitter and receiver units in dependence on the receiver unit not receiving the optical signal transmitted by the transmitter unit L. In effect, crop material G, the paddle 42 or the housing 55 for electronic circuitry associated with the second sensor 54 (discussed below) blocks, e.g. disperses, or absorbs of the optical signal from the transmitter unit L. The grain elevator 40 operates in a manner whereby the paddles 42 move in an upwardly direction (in the orientation shown in FIG. 4) such that the paddle 42 and other paddles of the elevator 40 will cyclically pass through a sensing region associated with the first sensor 52 - breaking the light barrier generated thereby. It follows therefore that the time for which the receiver unit does not receive the optical signal can therefore be directly related to the size of the object blocking the signal. Where the paddle size and housing size are known, variations in the detected size can therefore be used to directly infer different amounts of grain material G on the paddle.

[0041] To provide an accurate measure of the amount of grain material G on the paddle however, there needs to be a suitable calibration of the sensor data from the first sensor 52 to relate the height of the grain pile determined through analysis of the break in the light barrier to a corresponding weight of crop material or grain. This calibration may vary considerably between different crop types, different crop variants, different harvesting conditions (e.g. differentmoisture levels, side slopes etc.) amongst other variables. Accordingly, to obtain a reliable measure from the first sensor this calibration task must be performed regularly.

[0042] To achieve this, the present solution advantageously incorporates a second sensor, here in the form of a strain gauge 54 operably coupled to one of the paddles 42 of the elevator. Electronic circuitry associated with the second sensor is provided in a housing 55 which is coupled to an underside of the paddle 42, here being the opposing surface of the paddle 42 to the grain carrying side. The strain gauge provides a measure of the mass of material G on the paddle 42. Whilst it may be possible to incorporate such sensors across all paddles 42 of the elevator 40 to provide a direct measure of the weight of crop material transferred by the elevator 40, it may be impractical from a cost and space perspective. Accordingly, the present solution advantageously utilises a single strain gauge 54 42 on one of the paddles 42 to serve as a calibration tool for the optical sensor 52 discussed hereinabove.Operational Use

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates the operational use of the sensing arrangement 50 discussed herein, specifically illustrating six different scenarios and the operational use of the sensing arrangement 50 in obtaining first and second measures of the amount of crop material G transferred by the elevator 40, and hence a measure of crop yield for the combine 10. In FIG. 5, a graphical representation of the sensor response from the optical sensor 52 is also provided.

[0044] For scenarios 1 and 2, where no grain is present on the paddle 42, a control calibration can be performed, effectively determining a size or "thickness" of the paddles 42 in the first sensor data. In scenarios 3, 4 and 6, a thickness of grain G can be determined through subtracting the determined paddle thickness from the sensor output. Scenario 5 illustrates the operational use of the present disclosure.

[0045] Specifically here, a characteristic trailing edge of the sensor output from the first sensor 52 can be used to track the paddle 42 which includes the strain gauge 54 and associated housing 55 coupled thereto. A thickness of grain present on that paddle can be computed by subtracting both the paddle thickness and a known housing thickness from the sensor output from the first sensor 52. However, importantly here the strain gauge 54 additionally provides data indicative of the mass or weight of crop material G on the paddle 42 which can be correlatedwith the sensor output from the first sensor 52 to provide the calibration data. In this manner, a mass or weight of crop material, and hence a yield for the machine, can be estimated for paddles corresponding to the demonstration scenarios 3, 4 and 6 utilising data from the first sensor 52 only. Due to the cyclical nature of the grain elevators operation, the paddle 42 comprising the strain gauge 54 and associated circuitry housing 55 will cyclically pass through the sensing region of the first sensor 52. This setup may therefore provide calibration data on the go in changing conditions, e.g. on side slopes, when moving between different crop types, different field etc. without the need for the operator to manually calibrate the sensing arrangement 50 each time. In turn, this provides an accurate and reliable yield measurement which minimizes the time and involvement of the operator in obtaining those results, thereby increasing efficiency of the operation as a whole.Control System

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a control system 100 for controlling operation of the sensing arrangement 50, and specifically the calibration thereof.

[0047] The control system 100 comprises a controller 102 having an electronic processor 104, an electronic input 106, 110, electronic outputs 108, 112 and memory 114. The processor 104 is operable to access the memory 114 and execute instructions stored therein to perform given functions, specifically to cause performance of sensing arrangement calibration in the manner discussed herein, and ultimately, in the illustrated embodiment, generate and output a control signal(s) 113 from output 112 for applying the determined calibration (which may be via a local control unit 51, for example) of the sensing arrangement 50 based on sensor data from first and second sensors 52, 54 in the manner discussed hereinabove.

[0048] The processor 104 is operable to receive input signals from the first sensor 52, the input signals comprising sensor data indicative of a first measure (here a thickness) of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system, specifically here crop material on a paddle 42 of the grain elevator 40 as discussed above. The processor 104 is additionally configured to receive input signals from the second sensor 54, the input signals here comprising sensor data indicative of a second measure (here a weight) of material present on the paddle 42. The input signals from the first and second sensors 52, 54 arein the form of respective input signals 105, 111 received at respective electronic inputs 106, 110 of controller 102.

[0049] Control signals 113 are output via electronic output 112 to the local control unit 51 of the sensing arrangement 50 for applying the calibration thereto. For instance, the local control unit 51 may form part of a yield monitoring system for the harvester 10 and may apply said calibration to the sensor data from the first and second sensors 52, 54 for reporting to an operator of the harvester 50. In embodiments, the function of the local control unit 51 may instead be performed by the processing capability of processor 104. For instance, control system 100, and specifically controller 102 additionally includes output 108 operably connected to a user interface in the form of display terminal 32 of the harvester 10. Here, the controller 102 and more specifically the processor 104 thereof may be configured to generate and output control signals 109 via output 108 to the user interface 32 (or a local control unit thereof) for generating a graphical representation illustrative of the operational use of the control system 100. This may include generating a representation of the calibration, for instance, or perhaps more usefully output a representation of a yield measurement, as determined utilising the first and second sensor data and the appropriate calibration as determined by the control system 101 utilising sensing arrangement 50.Variants

[0050] In a variant, operational data associated with the grain elevator 40 may be utilised by the controller 102 in determining the calibration. The operational data may be indicative of an operational speed of the grain elevator, for example, which may include an operational speed and / or frequency of any drive components for the elevator or a linear speed of the paddles 42. The operational speed of the crop transfer system plus, for example, a timing signal from the first sensor relating to a time for which a light barrier is broken, may be utilised by the controller(s) to compute a measure of an amount of material present on the respective moveable component. The operational data may also provide information as to the location of the paddle 42 comprising the strain gauge 54. This may serve as an input for the calibration, i.e. to identify which specific sensor data or dataset from the first sensor 52 relates to the paddle 42.

[0051] In yet further variants, the elevator 40 may incorporate one or more wireless power transmitter elements incorporated, for example, in a side wall thereof. Corresponding wireless power receiving elements may be provided as part of the electronic circuitry housed in housing 55 and associated with strain gauge 54. In this manner, the strain gauge 54 and components thereof may be powered wirelessly, allowing for them to be operably coupled to the moveable paddles 42 without requiring complex wiring arrangements.General

[0052] Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.

[0053] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device, or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk, or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as set out herein and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

[0054] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A sensing arrangement for determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by an agricultural harvesting machine; the sensing arrangement comprising: a first sensor coupled, in use, to a crop transfer system of the agricultural harvesting machine, the sensor being configured to obtain a first measure of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system; a second sensor coupled, in use, to one of the one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system, the second sensor being configured to obtain a second measure of material present on a surface of the moveable component; and one or more controllers, collectively configured to: receive sensor data from each of the first and second sensors; and determine a calibration for the sensing arrangement in dependence on a comparison of the first and second sensor data.

2. A sensing arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an optical sensor.

3. A sensing arrangement of claim 2, wherein the first sensor comprises a light barrier; and wherein the one or more controllers are configured to determine a measure of material present on the moveable component of the crop transfer system in dependence on a time for which the light barrier is broken.

4. A sensing arrangement of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first sensor comprises separate transmitter and receiver units, mountable either side of a region through which the moveable component(s) of the crop transfer system move, in use.

5. A sensing arrangement of claim 4, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to: determine the absence of an object between the transmitter and receiver units in dependence on the receiver unit receiving a light signal transmitted by the transmitter unit; and / or determine the presence of an object between the transmitter and receiver units in dependence on the receiver unit not receiving a light signal transmitted by the transmitter unit.

6. A sensing arrangement of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first sensor comprises a single transceiver unit mountable on a surface of the crop transfer system for generation of a sensing region within a region of the crop transfer system where the moveable component(s) move, in use.

7. A sensing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to: receive operational data from a control unit associated with the crop transfer system; and determine the first measure in dependence on the operational data.

8. A sensing arrangement of claim 7, wherein the operational data is indicative of an operational speed of the crop transfer system.

9. A sensing arrangement of claim 8, wherein the crop transfer system comprises a grain elevator with moveable components in the form of paddles; and whereinthe operational data is indicative of a linear speed of one or more of the paddles; and / or an operational speed and / or frequency of any drive components for the elevator.

10. A sensing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the second sensor comprises a load sensor coupled, in use, to the moveable component and is configured to obtain a measure indicative of a mass of material on a surface of the moveable component.

11. A sensing arrangement of claim 10, wherein the second sensor comprises a strain gauge.

12. A sensing arrangement of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the second sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith mounted, in use, to a surface of the moveable component.

13. A sensing arrangement of claim 12, wherein the second sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith is mounted, in use, on an opposing surface to the surface upon which the material is carried by the moveable component.

14. A sensing arrangement of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second sensor and / or electronic circuitry associated therewith are provided in a housing mounted to the moveable component; and wherein the housing is positioned, in use, such that it is detectable by the first sensor as the moveable component to which the housing is mounted moves within a sensing region of the first sensor.

15. A sensing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to generate and output one or more control signals for applying the determined calibration to the sensing arrangement.

16. A sensing arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to generate and output one or more control signals for generation of a graphical representation associated with the determinedcalibration via a user interface of or otherwise associated with the harvesting machine.

17. A crop transfer system for an agricultural harvesting machine, the crop transfer system comprising one or more moveable components for the transfer of crop material, and a sensing arrangement according to any preceding claim.

18. A crop transfer system of claim 17, comprising a grain elevator.

19. An agricultural harvesting machine comprising the sensing arrangement of any of claims 1 to 16; and / or crop transfer system according to claim 17 or 18.

20. A method of determining one or more parameters indicative of a material yield associated with an agricultural operation performed by an agricultural harvesting machine; the method comprising: receiving first sensor data from a first sensor operably coupled, in use, to a crop transfer system of the agricultural harvesting machine, the first sensor data being indicative of a first measure of material present on a surface of one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system; receiving second sensor data from a second sensor operably coupled, in use, to one of the one or more moveable components of the crop transfer system, the second sensor data being indicative of a second measure of material present on a surface of the moveable component; and determining a calibration for the sensing arrangement in dependence on a comparison of the first and second sensor data.

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