Harvester Header Positioning via Optical Sensor Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters face challenges in efficiently adjusting the position of their headers to accommodate variations in terrain elevation and crop material attributes, which can lead to reduced crop yield and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing optical sensors, processors, and memory devices to classify features in captured images without fiduciary markers, determining the position of the header relative to crop material or ground attributes, and adjusting control settings to proactively position the header before encountering variances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the header position is adjusted manually in response to terrain and crop variations, then the harvester can adapt to different field conditions, but the response time is delayed and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the header and analyzing variance in header position relative to crop material or ground surface attributes before the harvester actually encounters the variance. The processor determines adjusted control settings in advance and actuates the header positioning mechanism proactively, allowing the header to be positioned correctly before the crop material or terrain variation is reached, thereby eliminating delayed manual adjustments and maintaining continuous harvesting efficiency
2Measurement precision
If fiduciary markers are used for header positioning, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and field preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using the harvester's own header structure as the reference object for measurement. The optical sensor captures images of the header itself, and the processor analyzes variance in the header's position relative to crop material or ground surface attributes. This eliminates the need for external fiduciary markers and complex calibration systems, achieving precise measurement using only the existing header and simple optical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing the optical sensor as a mediator between the header positioning system and the control system. The optical sensor captures visual information about header position relative to crop material or ground surface, and the processor uses this intermediate information to determine variance and calculate adjusted control settings, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement precision
3Manufacturing precision
If the header position is adjusted continuously to accommodate terrain variations, then the manufacturing precision of crop processing is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by continuously capturing images of the header with the optical sensor and periodically analyzing variance in header position relative to crop material or ground surface attributes. The processor determines adjusted control settings at periodic intervals and actuates the header positioning mechanism only when variance is detected, rather than continuously adjusting. This maintains precise crop processing while reducing unnecessary adjustments and energy consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables proactive and precise adjustment of the header position, improving crop yield and operational efficiency by minimizing the impact of terrain and crop material variations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical sensor positioned to obtain captured information of the header
Data Source
AI summary
A header control system that utilizes an optical sensor to capture information that includes at least a portion of a header of an agricultural vehicle. A controller utilizes object classification to identify, without reliance on fiduciary markers, objects in the captured information, including at least a portion of the header. The position of the identified portion of the header can be determined relative to at least one attribute of an upstream crop material or of a ground surface of a field, as may be indicated by information from a terrain map. The identified relative location information is used by the controller to proactively identify and implement adjustments for control settings for the header, including positioning of a reel of the header, as the agricultural vehicle performs operations along the field.