Harvester Crop Flow Animation for Intuitive Operator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of harvesters, such as combine harvesters, makes it difficult for operators to control them optimally due to the overwhelming amount of sensor data, leading to potential crop losses.
Innovation Solution
A controller that generates an animated display of crop flow based on received crop flow information, allowing operators to set properties like speed and size of moving parts and visual representations, improving user operability and reducing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to harvesters to improve measurement precision and crop flow monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making it difficult for operators to control the harvester optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the actual crop flow through the harvester using animated particles on a display. This virtual model replicates the physical crop flow behavior, allowing operators to see what is happening inside the harvester without being overwhelmed by raw sensor data from multiple sensors. The visual animation serves as an intuitive interface that translates complex sensor information into easily interpretable graphical representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system acts as an intermediary between the multiple sensors and the operator. Instead of presenting raw data from numerous sensors directly to the operator, the system processes this data and presents it as an animated visual representation of crop flow. This intermediary layer simplifies the information flow and makes it manageable for operators to understand and respond to.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to monitor crop flow through the harvester, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to overwhelming sensor data
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the crop flow using animated particles that represent material moving through the harvester. This visual model translates complex sensor data into an intuitive animation that operators can easily interpret, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation. The animation shows crop flow patterns, blockages, and processing status in a visually intuitive manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color variations in the animated display to convey different states of crop flow and machine operation. Different colors represent different material types (grain, MOG, broken grain), flow rates, and processing conditions. This visual encoding allows operators to quickly assess system status without needing to interpret numerical sensor data, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining accurate monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If detailed sensor data is provided to operators, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to operator inability to respond effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The visual animation system creates an intuitive representation of crop flow that enables operators to quickly understand and respond to processing conditions. By translating precise sensor measurements into easily interpretable visual information, the system allows operators to make timely adjustments to prevent crop losses while maintaining accurate measurement of crop flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to operators about crop flow conditions, material types, and processing status. This immediate visual feedback loop enables operators to respond quickly to changing conditions, adjusting machine settings to optimize processing and minimize crop losses. The animated display continuously updates to reflect current sensor data, creating an effective feedback mechanism that links measurement precision to operational response.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a harvester. The controller is configured to receive crop flow information representative of how crop is flowing through the harvester and generate display information for providing a visual display to an operator of the harvester. The visual display includes an animation of crop flowing through the harvester. The controller is further configured to set one or more properties of the animation of the crop flowing through the harvester based on the received crop flow information.