Automatic Camera Image Display for Combine Harvester Operators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Combine harvester operators face difficulties in maintaining visual contact with critical functions due to the increasing complexity of the machines, requiring manual selection of video camera images while operating, which diverts attention from the primary task.
Innovation Solution
A farm vehicle system with a vehicle data bus and control modules that automatically display images from multiple video cameras based on operational functions, allowing the operator to focus on vehicle operation without manual intervention, using a graphic display control module and electronic operator module to monitor and broadcast control states and select camera images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple video cameras are installed to monitor critical functions, then the operator can see more machine operations, but the operator must manually select which images to view, diverting attention from vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and displays images from multiple video cameras based on the current operational state of the combine harvester. The control modules monitor vehicle operations and autonomously determine which camera feeds to display without requiring operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in managing visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where control modules continuously monitor the operational state of the combine harvester and use this information to dynamically select which camera images to display. This closed-loop system adjusts the display content based on real-time machine state, ensuring the operator sees relevant information without manual selection.
2Productivity
If the combine harvester becomes larger and more complicated to increase productivity, then harvesting capacity improves, but it becomes more difficult for the operator to maintain visual contact with functions
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent video cameras, each positioned to capture specific critical functions of the combine harvester. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of different machine operations (unloading, reversing, crop flow) while the central control system integrates these separate feeds and selects which to display based on current operational needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection of video images is required, then the operator can choose specific views, but the complexity of operating the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control modules serve multiple functions: they monitor the operational state of the combine harvester, process information from multiple video cameras, determine which images to display, and output selected feeds to the appropriate display devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A farm vehicle includes a crop gathering mechanism to convey harvested crop material to a crop flow path passing internally through at least part of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle data bus and a plurality of control modules operatively connected to the vehicle data bus and configured to monitor information on the vehicle data bus and to act according to such information. An electronic operator module is configured to monitor the states of operator controls and to broadcast information on the vehicle data bus specifying such states. Additionally, video cameras positioned within the vehicle face the crop flow path and are operably connected to a graphic display. A graphic display control module includes a processor configured to control the display of images on the graphic display for selective display of images from the video cameras based upon information from the vehicle data bus.