Harvester 3D Sensor Yield Measurement and Base Cutter Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farm operators face challenges in accurately measuring crop yields and optimizing harvester operations due to difficulties in obtaining real-time data on material volume and composition during harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a 3D sensor and processing device on a harvester to generate 3D maps and determine material volume and composition, distinguishing between crops and trash, and adjust harvester parameters for optimal yield measurement and base cutter height control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional yield measurement methods are used, then the system is simple, but measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical yield measurement methods with a vision-based system using 3D sensors and image processing. The system captures images of material on the elevator, processes them to distinguish crop from trash, and calculates yield metrics without mechanical contact or direct measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between the raw visual data from 3D sensors and the final yield measurement. The image processing algorithms serve as an intermediary to extract meaningful information about material volume and composition from complex sensor data.
2Productivity
If material volume and composition data are obtained in real-time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: measuring material volume, determining composition (crop vs. trash), providing real-time yield data, and enabling base cutter height control. This universal system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate measurement and control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the harvester to self-monitor and self-adjust operations based on real-time data about material volume and composition. The base cutter height control automatically adjusts settings based on detected conditions, allowing the machine to optimize its own performance without external intervention.
3Measurement precision
If 3D mapping and material differentiation are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by capturing images at specific intervals or triggers rather than continuously processing data. The 3D sensor and imaging system operate in discrete measurement cycles, processing data only when material is detected on the elevator, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that can include a 3D sensor. The 3D sensor can be configured to detect an area of an elevator on a harvester. The 3D sensor can further be configured to transmit a first signal associated with the area. The system can also include a processing device in communication with the 3D sensor. The system can further include a memory device in which instructions executable by the processing device are stored for causing the processing device to receive the first signal and determine a volume of a material on the elevator based on the first signal.