Automatic Harvester Path Planning With Real-Time Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic harvesters face challenges in planning optimal traveling paths on uneven terrain, leading to operator fatigue and potential collisions with obstacles, as existing systems lack real-time obstacle detection and adaptive path planning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A traveling path planning system and method that utilizes detection devices like infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors to gather farmland information and obstacle data, allowing for real-time path adjustments and obstacle avoidance, enabling the automatic harvester to plan and re-plan paths manually, automatically, or semi-automatically, ensuring safety and reducing operator fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time obstacle detection and adaptive path planning capabilities are added to automatic harvesters, then safety and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules (infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, probes) that can detect obstacles at different ranges and types. Each sensor module operates independently but feeds into the central path planning system, allowing the complex detection function to be broken down into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path planning system performs preliminary path planning before actual harvesting operations begin. Basic farmland information is detected and stored in advance, and initial paths are planned based on this pre-acquired data. This preliminary action allows the system to be better prepared for real-time obstacle detection and reduces the computational burden during actual operation.
2Productivity
If real-time obstacle detection and adaptive path planning capabilities are added to automatic harvesters, then safety and operational efficiency are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed with multi-functionality, using the same sensor array for both basic farmland information detection and real-time obstacle detection. The infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and probes serve multiple purposes: mapping the farmland boundaries, detecting obstacles during harvesting, and providing navigation data. This universal approach avoids the need for separate detection systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the harvester's own movement and operational data to continuously update and refine path planning without requiring external intervention. The path planning module automatically adjusts paths based on real-time sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual path re-planning or external control systems, thereby reducing operational costs and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If optimal path planning is implemented to reduce driving time and fatigue, then operator comfort is improved, but path planning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path planning system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It continuously updates the traveling path based on real-time obstacle detection and changing farmland conditions. The path planning module can re-plan routes on-the-fly, adjusting for newly detected obstacles or changing operational requirements, thereby maintaining operator comfort while adapting to dynamic environments without requiring overly complex pre-computed paths.
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
The system effectively reduces operator fatigue by planning optimal paths based on farmland characteristics and real-time obstacle detection, ensuring safe and efficient operation of automatic harvesters, with a simple manufacturing process and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
When an infrared detector is used to detect whether an obstacle suddenly enters a dangerous area in front of the automatic harvester
Implementation Method 2
A traveling path planning system and method that utilizes detection devices like infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors to gather farmland information and obstacle data
Data Source
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AI summary
A traveling path planning method of an automatic harvester includes steps of (a) detecting and forming, by a detection device, a basic farmland information; and (b) receiving and analyzing, by a path planning device, the basic farmland information, and planning a path for the automatic harvester to travel.