Harvester Crop Volume Estimation Using Upstream Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural harvesters face a significant time delay in detecting crop volume changes, limiting the ability to adjust operating parameters in real-time and resulting in inefficient processing.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an image capture device to estimate crop volume by capturing images of standing crops before harvesting, allowing a controller to adjust harvester parameters such as auger speeds and rotor operations based on the estimated volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a yield sensor is positioned in the crop tank to detect crop volume, then crop volume can be detected, but a significant time delay occurs between harvesting and detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions yield sensors upstream in the crop processing system (at the header, feeder house, and/or auger housing) to detect crop volume variations before the crop reaches the crop tank. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify changes in crop volume immediately when they occur during harvesting, eliminating the 15-second delay inherent in tank-based detection and enabling timely adjustments to processing parameters.
2Measurement precision
If conventional yield sensing is used at the crop tank, then crop volume can be measured, but real-time adjustment of operating parameters is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of crop volume variations at multiple upstream locations in the crop processing system. By detecting volume changes before they reach the crop tank, the control system can immediately adjust processing parameters (such as rotor speed, sieve opening, or fan speed) to optimize performance for the detected crop volume, thereby maintaining high productivity without the delays associated with tank-based sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where yield sensors detect crop volume variations upstream, and the control system automatically adjusts processing parameters based on this real-time information. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous optimization of processing efficiency by matching operating parameters to actual crop volume conditions as they occur during harvesting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the harvester processes varying crop volumes, then adaptability is improved, but operating parameter optimization is limited without real-time detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of processing parameters based on real-time crop volume detection. The control system continuously monitors crop volume variations at upstream locations and automatically modifies operating parameters (such as processing speed, separation efficiency settings, or material flow rates) to optimize performance for the current crop volume conditions, thereby maintaining high productivity across varying crop densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from upstream yield sensors to continuously adjust processing parameters in response to varying crop volumes. This real-time feedback control enables the harvester to adapt its operation to match actual crop conditions, optimizing processing efficiency whether the crop volume is high or low, and eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for adjusting operating parameters of an agricultural harvester based on estimated crop volume values may include an image capture device configured to capture one or more images of the crop materials standing within the field prior to the crop materials being harvested by a harvester. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the image capture device. The controller may be configured to estimate a crop volume value associated with a quantity of the crop materials transferred through the harvester based on the one or more images captured by the image capture device. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to initiate a control action associated with adjusting an operating parameter of the harvester based on a magnitude of the estimated crop volume value.