Agricultural Machine Positioning With Internal and External Field Maps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines lack precise positioning capabilities when outside of agricultural fields, limiting their ability to determine their exact location and navigate effectively in external areas.
Innovation Solution
An assistance system for agricultural machines equipped with a first position detector and a map creator that generates internal and external maps, using GPS and environmental data to accurately map both the field and surrounding areas, enabling precise positioning and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS satellite radio waves are used to determine vehicle position, then the vehicle can determine whether it is on a road or on an agricultural field, but it cannot precisely determine a position of the vehicle when the vehicle is outside of the agricultural field
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into two segments: GPS satellite-based positioning for general location determination, and visual field-based positioning for precise location determination outside the agricultural field. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific use case, with GPS providing broad coverage and visual field analysis providing precise positioning where GPS alone is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary component - the visual field detection device and map creation unit - that bridges the gap between GPS positioning and precise location determination. By creating a detailed map of the external area based on visual field data and comparing the vehicle's GPS position with this map, the system achieves precise positioning outside the field without relying solely on GPS satellite signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only internal map of agricultural field is created, then navigation within field is possible, but navigation and positioning in external areas cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The map creation unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of creating both internal maps of the agricultural field and external maps of surrounding areas. By using the same visual field detection device and map creation algorithm for both internal and external areas, the system achieves universal navigation capability across different geographic zones without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by creating external maps in advance before the vehicle needs to navigate in those areas. The map creation unit continuously builds and updates external maps as the vehicle moves, so that when the vehicle enters an external area, navigation is already possible. This preliminary map creation enables seamless transition from field-based to road-based navigation.
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
The system provides precise positioning and navigation for agricultural machines, enhancing their operational efficiency and safety by accurately mapping both internal and external areas, allowing for seamless travel and operation beyond the field boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
a satellite positioning system to detect a position of the agricultural machine
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance system for an agricultural machine includes a position detector provided in or on the agricultural machine to detect a vehicle body position that is a position of the agricultural machine, a map creator configured or programmed to create an external map which indicates an external area outside the agricultural field and includes a periphery of the agricultural field, and an assistance device configured or programmed to assist the agricultural machine based on the vehicle body position detected by the position detector and based on the external map created by the map creator. The map creator is configured or programmed to create an internal map of an internal area of the field in addition to the external map to create an entire map of the inside of the field and the outside of the field.