Combine Harvester Chopping Device Optical Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling crop distribution in combine harvesters are not optimized to ensure uniform and efficient distribution of chopped material over a wide area, particularly due to environmental factors like wind and terrain, which affects the quality of soil nutrient availability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical flow method using cameras to analyze the speed characteristics of the chopped material flow, generating a speed map that predicts the distribution pattern, allowing for early intervention to improve distribution quality through control measures such as adjusting the discharge speed and direction of the material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the chopped material flow is ejected in the form of dense jets to minimize deceleration by air resistance, then the throw distance is increased, but the distribution homogeneity deteriorates due to environmental influences such as wind and terrain slope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using cameras to capture images of the chopped material flow before it reaches the ground, and using image processing to determine speed characteristics and predict distribution patterns. This allows the control system to anticipate distribution quality issues and adjust operating parameters in advance, rather than reacting after the material has been distributed. The forecast of expected distribution is created before the actual distribution occurs, enabling proactive optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using cameras to continuously monitor the chopped material flow exiting the material distribution device, processing the images to determine speed characteristics, and using this information to regulate the material distribution device. The system creates a closed-loop control where the actual flow characteristics are measured and fed back to adjust the distribution parameters, compensating for environmental influences like wind and terrain slope that affect distribution homogeneity.
2Area of stationary object
If the discharge speed of chopped material is increased to achieve greater throw distance, then the distribution area is expanded, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using image processing to continuously determine the speed characteristics of the chopped material flow and adjust the discharge parameters dynamically. Rather than operating at fixed high speeds to ensure coverage, the system adapts the discharge speed based on real-time measurements of the material flow properties and environmental conditions. This allows the distribution area to be maximized while minimizing energy consumption by only increasing speed when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using the image processing system to monitor speed characteristics and adjust operating parameters such as discharge speed and material flow density. The system can modify these parameters in response to measured flow conditions, optimizing the balance between distribution area coverage and energy consumption. By changing parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant high-energy operation, the system achieves efficient distribution across the required area.
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 approach enables precise control over the distribution of chopped material, ensuring it is spread uniformly and efficiently across the working width of the combine harvester, enhancing soil nutrient availability and reducing the impact of environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
the image processing unit (30) is configured to use the method of determining the speed characteristics map, also known as the method of optical flow, based on the images generated by the sensor unit (28) in order to determine the discharge speed of the flow of chopped material (24) exiting the material distribution device (25)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a combine harvester with a chopping device (16) configured for chopping crop material which is fed through and processed by the combine harvester (1) and thereby generates a stream of chopped material (24), with a crop distribution device (25) configured for distributing the stream of chopped material (24) exiting the combine harvester (1) onto the ground (26) in the rear area of the combine harvester (1) and with a control device (27) comprising a sensor unit (28) for optically detecting the stream of chopped material (24) exiting the crop distribution device (25) and an image processing unit (30) for processing images generated by the sensor unit (28) based on the optically detected stream of chopped material (24).It is proposed that the image processing unit (30) be configured to apply the velocity map determination procedure based on the images generated by the sensor unit (28) in order to determine the discharge velocity of the chip flow (24) exiting the material distribution device (25) and to make a prediction of the distribution of the chip flow (24) on the ground (26) that can be expected.