Agricultural Vehicle Anomaly Validation With Multi-Sensor DNN Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anomaly detection systems in agricultural vehicles struggle with accuracy, cost, and complexity, particularly in handling dynamic and complex agricultural environments, and fail to consider spatial distributions and relationships between anomalies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an agricultural vehicle with sensors like cameras, LiDAR, and RADAR units, coupled with an anomaly detection deep neural network (DNN) that applies encoder-decoder or transformer models to generate anomaly predictions, which are validated and used to control vehicle operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If LiDAR, GNSS, and RADAR units are used for anomaly detection, then detection coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanomaly detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the anomaly detection task by using different sensor types (LiDAR, GNSS, RADAR, cameras) for different aspects of detection. Each sensor handles specific detection requirements, dividing the complex detection problem into manageable parts that can be processed independently and then integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anomaly detection system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform. The system can detect various types of anomalies (stones, structures, objects, power poles, trees, buildings, water bodies, humans, animals) using the same sensor suite and processing architecture, making the system universally applicable to diverse agricultural scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If traditional image processing techniques are used in camera-based anomaly detectors, then system cost is reduced, but detection accuracy and robustness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidanomaly detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical image processing techniques with deep learning-based computer vision algorithms. Neural networks automatically learn features from images without manual feature engineering, substituting complex mechanical processing with intelligent software-based processing that achieves superior accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameters by using deep learning models that can adapt to varying lighting conditions, occlusions, and clutter dynamically. The neural networks adjust their processing behavior based on input characteristics, allowing robust detection across diverse conditions without requiring manual parameter tuning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If simple anomaly detection systems are used, then system cost is reduced, but ability to detect moving anomalies and handle spatial relationships deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidhandling dynamic environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where anomaly detection results are continuously updated based on new sensor data and spatial relationships. The system processes sequential data from moving vehicles and anomalies, using feedback from previous detections to improve current and future detections, enabling accurate tracking of moving objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds spatial and temporal dimensions to anomaly detection by considering the positions, movements, and relationships of multiple anomalies in three-dimensional space over time. This multi-dimensional approach enables the system to handle complex spatial relationships and dynamic environments that simple two-dimensional image processing cannot address.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the robust and accurate detection of a wide range of anomalies, enabling safe and adaptive vehicle operations by avoiding hazards and adjusting routes or actions based on real-time anomaly data.

Implementation Method 1

Some systems include anomaly detection features that rely on data from LiDAR units, GNSS units, and/or RADAR units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

Some systems include anomaly detection features that rely on data from LiDAR units, GNSS units, and/or RADAR units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRADAR: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4706362A1Methods of validating anomalies in agricultural fields, and related agricultural vehicles
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 AGCO INT GMBH
  • EP4706362A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706362A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4706362A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An agricultural vehicle includes multiple sensors operably coupled to the agricultural vehicle, and an anomaly detection system that acquires sensor data from the multiple sensors. The anomaly detection system operates on a computing device including at least one processor, and instructions that cause the processor to receive sensor data from the multiple sensors, utilize advanced machine learning model techniques to detect both static and dynamic anomalies in an agricultural field surrounding the agricultural vehicle, and control operations of the agricultural vehicle based on the detected anomalies. Related agricultural vehicles and methods are also disclosed.