Harvester Camera Visualization for Context-Relevant Operator Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural working machines face challenges in providing clear and context-relevant information to operators through camera systems and visualization devices, leading to potential misinterpretation and increased computing and memory requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system with fixed spatial assignments and a data processing unit to generate and display image and process data, combined with a cleaning system to maintain camera clarity, reduces errors and computing power while enhancing operator visibility and process understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If camera systems and visualization devices are used to provide extended field of vision to machine operators, then operator visibility and situational awareness are improved, but information clarity and context-relevance deteriorate leading to potential misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visualization information by separating context data (from sensors, GPS, work machine status) from raw camera imagery. The data processing unit processes and integrates these segmented information streams to generate context-relevant visualizations, ensuring clear and meaningful information presentation to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data processing unit as an intermediary between the camera/sensor systems and the visualization device. This intermediary processes raw data, adds context-relevant information, and presents it in a clear, interpretable format, preventing information loss while maintaining enhanced visibility.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive camera systems and data processing are implemented to provide context-relevant information, then information quality is improved, but computing power and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential context-relevant information needed for safe and efficient operation, rather than processing and displaying all available data. The data processing unit selectively extracts meaningful patterns and events from sensor inputs, reducing computational load while maintaining high information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing and visualizing only the necessary portion of available data that contributes to context-relevant information. Not all sensor data is processed in full detail, but only the portions critical for operational awareness, optimizing the balance between information quality and energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and camera systems are added to enhance monitoring capabilities, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensors and camera systems into an integrated monitoring network where components work together as a unified system. The data processing unit consolidates inputs from various sensors, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased number of physical components, while maintaining high detection accuracy through combined sensor data.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural work machine and a method for operating an agricultural work machine. The agricultural work machine, which may comprise a combine harvester or forage harvester, may include a visualization device configured to display image data and process data, a monitoring device with a camera system for detecting fields of view in the surroundings of the agricultural work machine, a cleaning system to clean the camera system, and a data processing unit. The data processing unit is configured to generate context-relevant process data of the agricultural work machine and image data based on the detected fields of view. The cameras of the camera system may be attached to at least one support structure of the agricultural work machine and with fixed spatial assignment to one another.