Autonomous Weeder Lift Timing for Multi-Row Field Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles face difficulties in performing appropriate work due to misjudgment of lifting and lowering the work machine during autonomous travel, particularly when the vehicle is lifted and lowered in a work site with multiple rows of work objects.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a work vehicle that includes autonomous travel and synchronized lifting and lowering of the work machine based on the arrangement of work target rows and work content, utilizing a work vehicle control system with a traveling processing unit and a lifting and lowering processing unit to determine the optimal timing for these actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the work vehicle autonomously travels while performing work, then productivity is improved, but the timing of lifting and lowering the work machine may be misjudged causing inappropriate work
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acquires detection information from detection devices (such as cameras or sensors) that detect the actual position of work objects, and uses this feedback information to determine the timing of lifting and lowering the work machine. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the work machine operates at the correct timing despite autonomous operation, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and maintained work accuracy.
2Productivity
If the work machine is lifted and lowered during autonomous travel, then work coverage is improved, but operator misjudgment of timing causes inappropriate work
Solution Approach 1:
The work vehicle system performs self-control by automatically determining the timing of lifting and lowering the work machine based on detection information from its own detection devices. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for external operator judgment, thus improving work coverage while avoiding timing misjudgment errors that would occur with manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical decision-making process of the operator with an automated control system that uses detection devices and processing units to determine timing. This substitution of mechanical (human) judgment with an automated sensing and control system resolves the timing judgment issue while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous travel is implemented, then labor requirements are reduced, but coordination between travel and work machine operations becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control device merges the control functions of autonomous travel and work machine operation into a single integrated system. By combining these previously separate control functions, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining coordinated operation, as the single control device manages both travel timing and work machine timing based on unified detection information.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the autonomous travel controller and the work machine operation controller. This universal control approach simplifies the system architecture by eliminating the need for separate specialized controllers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to coordinate travel and work operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a work vehicle is a method for controlling a work vehicle to which a work machine (a weeder) is attached and which performs work while moving in a work site (a field) where a plurality of work target rows including a plurality of work objects is arranged and includes causing the work vehicle to autonomously travel, and controlling lifting and lowering of the work machine (the weeder) during autonomous travel of the work vehicle at timing determined based on an arrangement of the work target rows in the work site (the field) and a work content.