Automated Bale Dimension Measurement via Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the dimensions and performance of bales produced by agricultural balers are inefficient, relying on manual measurements which are time-consuming and impractical for large-scale data collection.
Innovation Solution
A control system equipped with sensors and a controller that remotely detect and measure bale dimensions after ejection, providing operative condition signals to determine baler performance parameters, enabling automated data analysis and assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to assess bale dimensions, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the time required for data collection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors mounted on the baler automatically capture images of bales as they are ejected, and a controller processes these images to determine bale dimensions. This substitution eliminates the need for manual tape measurements while maintaining measurement accuracy, thereby dramatically reducing the time required for data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the bales using sensors instead of physically measuring them. The sensor captures an image of the bale, and the controller processes this image copy to extract dimensional information. This copying approach allows for rapid, non-contact measurement that preserves accuracy while minimizing time loss.
2Productivity
If visual overview methods are used to assess bales, then the assessment process becomes faster, but measurement precision is insufficient for statistical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection with an automated optical measurement system. Sensors capture precise images of bales, and a controller processes these images using image analysis algorithms to extract accurate dimensional data. This substitution maintains high assessment speed while providing the measurement precision necessary for statistical analysis of bale quality.
3Reliability
If large sample populations are collected for statistical analysis, then assessment reliability improves, but the time and effort required for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automatic measurement of bale dimensions as each bale is ejected from the baler. The sensor and controller system operate continuously without interruption, capturing data on every bale produced. This continuous operation enables the collection of large sample populations for reliable statistical analysis while maintaining high productivity, as the measurement process requires no additional time or effort beyond normal baling operations.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate remote measurement of bale dimensions, allowing for automated performance assessment and data analysis, reducing time and effort in collecting large sample sizes, and enabling variable rate selling based on bale appearance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured for: detecting remotely at least one operative condition of a bale of a crop material
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural system includes: a frame; a control system operatively coupled with the frame, the control system including: at least one sensor configured for: detecting remotely at least one operative condition of a bale of a crop material after the bale has been ejected from a bale chamber of a baler; outputting at least one operative condition signal corresponding to the at least one operative condition; a controller system operatively coupled with the at least one sensor and configured for: receiving the at least one operative condition signal; determining at least one operative parameter based at least in part on the at least one operative condition signal, the at least one operative parameter being associated with a performance of the baler.