3D Imaging Control for Agricultural Transfer Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling the transfer of harvested goods between agricultural vehicles face challenges such as dust and debris interference, limiting the accuracy of automatic alignment, and lack of operator control during the filling process, leading to increased operator workload.
Innovation Solution
An operating system that incorporates a three-dimensional imaging device for capturing real objects and generating three-dimensional data sets, combined with a touch-sensitive display unit for interactive control, allowing operators to manually adjust and supervise the transfer device's position and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic alignment control is used, then operator workload is reduced, but operator control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic and manual control modes. The touch-sensitive display allows the operator to interact with the 3D model and adjust parameters in real-time, enabling flexible transition between automated operation and direct manual control based on environmental conditions and operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through a touch-sensitive display showing a 3D model of the transport wagon and discharge spout. This feedback loop allows the operator to monitor the automatic alignment process and intervene when necessary, combining automated precision with human judgment.
2Speed
If sensor-based automatic alignment is used, then alignment speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in dusty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly sensing the physical transport wagon through sensors affected by dust, the system creates a 3D digital model (copy) of the wagon based on pre-stored data. This virtual representation allows for precise alignment calculations without being influenced by environmental factors like dust and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary 3D model as a mediator between the physical world and the control system. The touch-sensitive display presents this intermediate representation to the operator, allowing interaction with a clean digital model rather than directly processing sensor data affected by environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If full automatic control is implemented, then productivity increases, but operator situational awareness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display continuously provides visual feedback showing the 3D model of the transport wagon, discharge spout position, and alignment status. This maintains operator situational awareness while enabling efficient automatic operation, as the operator can monitor progress without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display serves multiple functions: it displays the 3D model for situational awareness, allows manual adjustment when needed, provides operational status information, and enables interaction with the automatic control system. This multi-functionality maintains operator engagement while supporting productive automatic operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Summary An operating system for operating a controllable transfer device (18) for harvested goods (44) of an agricultural vehicle, in particular a self-propelled harvester (12), comprising at least one three-dimensional imaging device (24) for capturing a real object and for deriving a three-dimensional data set for the real object, and a touch-sensitive display unit (28) for displaying an object (40,42) and for receiving a touch input. According to the invention the operating system (10) is configured for generating three-dimensional data set based command signals (46) corresponding to the interaction with the displayed object (40) for operating the transfer device (18). The operating system (10) allows for an easy and efficient way to operate the controllable transfer device (18), reducing the stress and workload for the operator.