Field Surface Profile Visualization With Sensor-Guided Image Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for providing a visual indicator of a field's surface profile during agricultural operations require significant processing power for image processing, which can be inefficient and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an imaging device and a profile sensor connected to a controller that captures and processes profile data to display a visual indicator of the field's surface profile, allowing operators to adjust agricultural implement settings for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing techniques are used to assess surface profile, then surface profile assessment capability is provided, but processing power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the surface profile assessment task into two segments: (1) a profile sensor captures raw surface elevation data, and (2) an imaging device captures visual images of the same area. By segmenting the measurement functions, the system avoids the need to process large volumes of image data alone, reducing computational burden while maintaining assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by using the profile sensor to capture precise elevation data that serves as a foundation for surface profile assessment. This intermediary measurement device provides structured data that requires minimal processing compared to raw image analysis, thereby reducing processing power requirements while maintaining measurement precision
2Device complexity
If only image data is used for surface profile assessment, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two different measurement approaches: profile sensing (for accurate elevation data) and imaging (for visual context). By combining these complementary measurement methods, the system achieves high measurement precision without excessive complexity, as each sensor type compensates for the other's limitations
3Loss of information
If comprehensive image processing is performed, then visual analysis capability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The profile sensor performs preliminary measurement of surface elevations before visual analysis is conducted. This preliminary action provides pre-processed structural information about the surface profile, reducing the amount of visual information that needs to be processed and thereby decreasing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive visual analysis capability
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 reduces processing power requirements and enhances the accuracy of surface profile assessment, enabling better control of agricultural vehicles and implements for improved agricultural outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device provided in operative association with one of the work vehicle or the agricultural implement such that the imaging device has a field of view directed to a portion of the field
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a system for providing a visual indication of field surface profile may include an imaging device having a field of view directed to a portion of a field. Furthermore, the system may include a profile sensor configured to capture profile data indicative of a surface profile of the portion of the field present within the field of view of the imaging device. Additionally, a controller may be configured to receive, from the imaging device, image data associated with an imaged portion of the field and determine the surface profile of the imaged portion of the field based on the profile data. Moreover, the controller may be configured to control a user interface to display a visual indicator in association with the image data, with the visual indicator providing a visual reference indicative of the determined surface profile of the imaged portion of the field.