Chopper Camera Layout for Blind-Area Crop Row Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The driver of a tractor-equipped cultivation chopper faces difficulties in maintaining orientation due to the ejection device obstructing the view of the catchment frame and surrounding environment, making it hard to monitor the harvest flow and assess the chopper's alignment with the crop rows.
Innovation Solution
A work train system is implemented, comprising a tractor, a cultivation chopper attachment, and at least one camera with a detection area that covers the blind area created by the ejection device. This camera feeds an image signal to a display device, allowing the driver to see the previously obscured areas, thereby enhancing their field of view and operational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the discharge device is positioned centrally in front of the driver, then the driver can easily access and operate the discharge mechanism, but the driver's view of the intake frame and surrounding area is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
A camera system is introduced as an intermediary to capture images of the intake frame and surrounding area, transmitting these images to a display device that the driver can view. This mediator allows the driver to see obscured areas without physically moving the discharge device to a different position.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual copy of the intake frame and surrounding area, allowing the driver to view this copied image on a display device. This copying approach enables the driver to see what would otherwise be blocked by the discharge device's position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge chute is positioned in front of the driver's cab, then the mounted chopper can be attached to the tractor, but the discharge chute covers a blind area in the driver's field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system acts as an intermediary, capturing images from the blind area created by the discharge chute and transmitting them to the driver's display. This allows the mounting configuration to remain while compensating for the visual obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the viewing capability from the physical spatial dimension (where the discharge chute blocks the view) to the information dimension (where camera images are displayed on a screen), allowing the driver to see around the obstruction through digital representation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the discharge mechanism is positioned centrally, then the structure is compact and stable, but the driver cannot visually monitor the crop flow or alignment with crop rows
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves as an intermediary between the crop flow/alignment and the driver's eyes. It captures visual information from areas blocked by the centrally positioned discharge mechanism and delivers this information to the driver through a display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates visual copies of the crop flow and alignment with crop rows, allowing the driver to monitor these parameters on a display device without needing direct line-of-sight to the physical areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a work train (1) comprising a tractor (2) having a driver's cab (3) and a mounted chopper (10) which, in the operating state, is mounted on the tractor (2) on a side defining a direction of travel (F) and which has a discharge device (17) for ejecting harvested material, which, in the mounted state, is arranged in the direction of travel (F) in front of the driver's cab (3) so that, as seen from a provided head area (6) of a driver, it covers a blind area (25), wherein the work train (1) has at least one camera (20-24) with a detection area (30-34) and a display device (7) which is configured to receive an image signal from the at least one camera (30-34) and to generate an image for the driver in the driver's cab (3).In order to enable the driver of a tractor to have improved orientation when using an attached chopper, the invention provides that the at least one detection area (30-34) of the at least one camera (20-24) at least partially includes the blind area (25) and has a near area (35) with at least one element of the working train (1) as well as a far area (36) at least partially further away in the direction of travel (F).