Harvester Mono-Camera System for Real-Time Unloading Assembly Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the harvesting process, operators face challenges in accurately observing and adjusting harvester operating parameters, leading to potential inaccuracies due to the need for constant surveillance and reliance on multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A harvester equipped with a camera system that generates images of its field of view, allowing a controller to determine crop attributes and adjust operating parameters, such as the position and orientation of the unloading assembly, by identifying reference points within the images and calculating their location relative to a reference frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor harvester operating parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single camera system. The camera captures images that are processed to extract multiple types of information (crop attributes, unloading assembly position, orientation), replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: monitoring crop conditions, tracking unloading assembly position and orientation, and providing visual feedback for operation adjustments. This single device serves as a universal monitoring tool that replaces multiple specialized sensors
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators constantly observe and adjust harvester parameters manually, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback by capturing images with the camera, processing them to determine crop attributes and unloading assembly parameters, and using this information to automatically adjust harvester operating parameters. This closed-loop feedback system maintains adaptability while eliminating manual observation time
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through the camera and control system. The machine automatically observes its own operation status and makes parameter adjustments without requiring continuous operator intervention, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester including a mono-camera having a first field of view, where the camera outputs a first image representative of the first field of view, and where the first image is a two-dimensional representation of the first field of view. The harvester also includes a controller in operable communication with the mono-camera, where the controller establishes a second two-dimensional reference frame fixed relative to the first field of view, where the controller identifies a reference point within the first image, where the controller locates the reference point within the second two-dimensional reference frame, and where the controller calculates the location of the reference point relative to the first, three-dimensional reference frame based on the position of the reference point within the second two-dimensional reference frame.