Camera-Based Speed Detection for Tractor Slip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling tractor operations in agricultural settings, particularly in plowing, are complex, costly, and unreliable for accurately determining drive slip and actual speed, especially in inhomogeneous and wet soils.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a camera-based speed detection unit connected to an evaluation unit and control unit to determine vehicle speed and wheel speed, eliminating the need for a radar sensor and providing cost-effective slip control by comparing these speeds to adjust the operation of the tractor's attachment or trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radar sensor is used to measure actual speed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radar sensor (electromagnetic field-based system) with an optical system consisting of a camera and evaluation unit. The camera captures images of the ground, and the evaluation unit processes these images to determine actual speed by analyzing ground profile changes over time. This substitution eliminates the need for complex radar hardware while achieving comparable measurement precision through optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create optical copies (images) of the ground surface, which are then processed to extract speed information. Instead of directly measuring speed with a radar sensor, the system captures visual information and derives speed metrics from the sequence of ground images, effectively using image copying and analysis as a substitute for direct electromagnetic measurement.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and complex control systems are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures ground profiles for actual speed determination, provides visual information for slip calculation when combined with wheel speed data, and can potentially be used for other monitoring purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement task, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability through integrated data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the speed measurement function into the existing camera system that is already part of the vehicle's sensor suite. By combining actual speed determination with the camera's primary imaging function and integrating it with the existing wheel speed sensors and control unit, the system achieves reliable slip control without adding numerous separate components, thereby improving ease of manufacture and system integration.
3Ease of operation
If wheel speed sensors are used to determine vehicle speed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the camera-based ground profile analysis as an intermediary method to determine actual speed. Instead of directly relying on wheel speed sensor data that is affected by slippage, the system uses the camera to capture ground movement and calculates actual speed from these intermediate visual measurements. This intermediary approach provides an independent reference that is not influenced by wheel-ground friction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the camera-based actual speed measurement as feedback to verify and correct wheel speed measurements. By continuously comparing the actual speed derived from ground profile analysis with the speed calculated from wheel rotation, the system can detect slippage conditions and adjust the slip control accordingly, ensuring accurate speed determination even when wheel sensors alone would be unreliable.
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
This solution offers reliable, accurate, and cost-effective slip control, reducing the risk of tractor stalling and getting stuck, while improving traction and energy efficiency by using video cameras to determine speeds and adjust the plow's operation.
Implementation Method 1
The evaluation unit is configured to evaluate image data from the at least one camera and to determine the actual speed of the vehicle from the image data
Implementation Method 2
The speed sensor measures the rotational speed of the rear wheels to determine the vehicle's speed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling the driving operation of a vehicle (2) with an attachment (4) or trailer (29), comprising at least one speed detection unit (7a, 7b) with at least one camera (8, 9), an evaluation unit (10), and a data-conducting connection (11) to a control unit (13), wherein the speed of the vehicle (2) and the speed of at least one vehicle wheel (22) can be determined by sensors using at least one camera (8, 9). Furthermore, a method is proposed in which the actual speed of the vehicle (2) and the current drive slip can be determined by means of such a speed detection unit, and the drive slip can be adjusted as needed by means of a suitable hydraulic actuation unit (3).