Autonomous Agricultural Machine Fault Classification via Periodic Bus Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural machines face challenges in efficiently processing sensor data and controlling actuators, leading to less advanced system integration compared to cars or trucks, which affects the safety and reliability of autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A device with an input interface for receiving sensor signals, a processing unit for detecting error situations, a classification unit for assigning error classes, and a transmission interface for periodic messages via a vehicle bus system, ensuring efficient communication and control of self-propelled units and tools in agricultural machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If continuous sensor data processing and actuator control are implemented, then autonomous operation capability is improved, but system complexity and communication channel load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic message transmission at regular time intervals instead of continuous communication. The transmission interface sends messages containing error class information periodically, which reduces communication channel load while maintaining adequate monitoring of the autonomous system. This periodic approach allows autonomous operation to continue with reduced system complexity and lower communication requirements.
2Reliability
If detailed error detection and classification is implemented, then safety and reliability are improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines error classes and their corresponding meanings before runtime. The classification unit assigns detected error situations to these pre-established error classes based on predefined assignment rules. This preliminary structuring of error types allows for rapid classification and response without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus improving safety and reliability while minimizing processing time delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (14) for safely operating an autonomously operable agricultural machine (12), said device comprising: an input interface (30) for receiving a sensor signal from an environment sensor (18) on the agricultural machine, said signal comprising information concerning objects in the surroundings of the agricultural machine; a processing unit (32) for detecting a fault situation based on the sensor signal; a classification unit (34) for assigning the detected fault situation to a fault class based on a predefined assignment rule; and a transmission interface (36) for periodically transmitting a message to a control device (16) of the agricultural machine via a vehicle bus system (20) of the agricultural machine, said message comprising the fault class if the fault situation has been detected. The present invention also relates to a method and a system (10) for safely operating an autonomously operable agricultural machine (12).