Adjustable Field-of-View Sensor for Multimodal Agricultural Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines require multiple dedicated sensors for different operating modes, increasing costs and complexity, as existing systems lack dual or multi-function sensors that can adapt their field-of-view to capture relevant data during both work and transport operations.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal sensing system with a sensor that adjusts its field-of-view between two distinct modes, coupled with a controller to analyze data and provide appropriate control outputs for each mode, allowing the same sensor to collect work-related and transport-related data without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated sensors are installed for different operating modes, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor to perform multiple detection functions across different operating modes. The sensor system can detect both work-related parameters (e.g., field conditions, crop presence) and transport-related parameters (e.g., obstacle detection, collision avoidance) using the same hardware component, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability through mode-specific data processing
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect multiple parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by replacing multiple dedicated sensors with a single multi-functional sensor. The same sensor hardware is used across different operating modes (work mode, transport mode), eliminating the need for additional sensor purchases and reducing integration costs while maintaining precise parameter detection through mode-appropriate data processing
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for multiple functions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor's field-of-view adjustable and reconfigurable based on operating mode. The sensor can dynamically change its detection characteristics (e.g., viewing angle, detection range) to suit different modes such as work mode with downward-facing orientation for field conditions and transport mode with forward-facing orientation for obstacle detection, thereby maintaining high adaptability with a single sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal sensing system for agricultural machines may include an agricultural machine operable in a first operating mode and a second operating mode and a sensor which is movable to adjust its field-of-view between a first field-of-view and a second field-of-view depending on the operating mode of the agricultural machine. The sensor may be configured to generate sensor data associated with the first field-of-view when the agricultural machine is operating in the first operating mode and generate sensor data associated with the second field-of-view when the agricultural machine is operating in the second operating mode. A controller may analyze the sensor data generated when the sensor has the first and second field-of-views so as to provide respective first and second output signals associated with the first and second operating modes, respectively, of the agricultural machine.