Remote Combine Harvester Settings Control for Real-Time Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing and monitoring combine harvesters are inefficient, as they lack real-time access to machine settings and performance metrics, leading to delayed adjustments and potential operator distractions, which can result in reduced performance and increased errors due to the need for manual communication and human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A remote control interface system that allows fleet managers to monitor and adjust combine harvester settings in real-time through a network-connected architecture, using sensors to generate performance metrics and enable remote control of subsystems, thereby reducing the need for manual communication and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and adjustment of combine settings is used, then operator control is maintained, but real-time performance monitoring is delayed and operator distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote computing system acts as an intermediary between the combine harvester and the operator/fleet manager. The system receives performance data from sensors on the combine, processes it to generate performance scores, and transmits it to remote devices for monitoring and control, eliminating the need for direct manual monitoring by the operator while maintaining real-time oversight capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the combine's operational state through sensors and data transmission. Performance metrics, settings, and operational parameters are replicated and transmitted to remote computing devices, allowing remote monitoring and analysis without requiring the operator to manually check or report these parameters.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of combine settings is required, then operator involvement is maintained, but communication overhead and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with automated electronic control. The remote computing system transmits adjustment commands electronically to the combine's control systems, which automatically implement setting changes without requiring manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated electronic systems eliminates communication errors and reduces information loss.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive monitoring of all combine parameters is implemented, then performance visibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most relevant performance parameters and performance scores from the vast amount of raw sensor data. Rather than transmitting and displaying all possible combine parameters, the system identifies and extracts key metrics that indicate combine performance and efficiency, presenting them in a simplified format that is easy to monitor and interpret without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote computing system applies different levels of processing and detail to different aspects of combine performance. Critical parameters receive more detailed analysis and monitoring, while less critical parameters are summarized or monitored at lower detail levels. This localized quality approach ensures comprehensive monitoring capability while maintaining system simplicity and focus on the most important performance indicators.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user device, that is remote from a combine harvester, receives setting information, indicative of a set of settings on the combine harvester. A display controller controls a display device on the remote computing system to display an interface showing the combine harvester settings, along with an adjustment actuator. A settings adjustment input is received through the settings adjustment actuator on the displayed interface. A settings adjustment message is generated, and a communication system on the remote computing system is controlled to send the settings adjustment message to the combine. A verification notification is received at the remote computing system, showing the adjusted settings on the combine.