Agricultural Section Control Using Field Maps Without Fixed Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face challenges in performing location-based section control without pre-defined or accurately defined field boundaries, leading to potential overspray or overlapping operations due to variable field conditions and lack of precise boundary definition.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses field map data representing prior agricultural operations to generate control signals for independently controllable sections of agricultural machines, allowing for location-based section control without requiring pre-defined field boundaries, by integrating location sensor signals and buffer zones to prevent overlapping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location-based section control is implemented without pre-defined field boundaries, then the machine can adapt to changing field conditions, but overspray and overlapping operations may occur due to lack of precise boundary definition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping of the field by recording geographic locations and implementing a buffer zone ahead of the machine's current position. This advance preparation allows the control system to anticipate boundary crossings and adjust section control accordingly, preventing overspray and overlapping operations before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer zone acts as an intermediary spatial layer between the machine's current position and the actual field boundaries. This intermediate zone provides a transition area where the control system can gradually adjust section control, smoothing the transition between active and inactive sections and preventing abrupt boundary violations.
2Loss of energy
If section control is deactivated to avoid treating the same area twice, then material waste is reduced, but operational efficiency may be compromised without accurate boundary detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives location sensor signals and compares the machine's current position against the pre-recorded field map data. This real-time feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of section control, ensuring that sections are deactivated only when the machine approaches previously treated areas, thereby minimizing material waste while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-defined field boundaries are used for section control, then operational precision is improved, but the system cannot accommodate variable field conditions and changing boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-defined boundaries to dynamic, real-time boundary detection using location sensor signals and field map data. The buffer zone and section control parameters are continuously adjusted based on the machine's current position and the recorded field characteristics, enabling both precision and adaptability to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of controlling a mobile agricultural machine includes receiving field map data representing a first agricultural operation performed on a field, receiving a location sensor signal indicative of a sensed geographic location of the mobile agricultural machine on the field, the mobile agricultural machine having a plurality of sections that are independently controllable to perform a second agricultural operation on the field that is different than the first agricultural operation, and generating a control signal to control the plurality of sections based on the field map data and the location sensor signal.