Harvester Reel Sensor Synchronization for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor-based monitoring systems for agricultural harvesters face interference from powered components, leading to inaccurate control outputs due to noise in sensor feedback, and require complex data processing to account for moving parts, making it difficult to monitor the environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronizes optical data capture with the rotational position of a reel in a harvesting header using a rotational reel position sensor, triggering optical sensors only at predetermined positions to minimize interference and facilitate static data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are mounted to monitor the environment close to the header, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but noise interference from powered components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor operates in a periodic manner by being triggered only at specific rotational positions of the reel. The control unit receives signals from the rotational position sensor and activates the optical sensor only when the reel is in predetermined positions, converting continuous operation into periodic operation to avoid noise interference while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the rotational position sensor to control the optical sensor operation. The rotational position sensor continuously monitors the reel position and provides feedback signals to the control unit, which then determines when to activate the optical sensor, creating a closed-loop control system that synchronizes sensing with reel position.
2Reliability
If optical sensors continuously capture data, then monitoring coverage is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor captures images only at periodic intervals when the reel is in predetermined rotational positions, rather than continuously. This reduces the volume of data requiring processing while maintaining reliable monitoring coverage, as the synchronized capture ensures consistent viewing conditions with the reel in known positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines predetermined rotational positions in advance and triggers the optical sensor only at these pre-planned positions. This preliminary planning of when to capture images reduces unnecessary data collection and simplifies subsequent processing by limiting data to only those moments when the reel is in favorable positions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical sensor field of view is positioned above and far in front of the header, then noise interference is reduced, but monitoring of the direct header environment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically synchronizes the optical sensor operation with the rotational position of the reel. By triggering the sensor only when the reel is in predetermined positions, the system effectively manages the trade-off between noise reduction and monitoring capability, allowing the sensor to capture relevant environmental data at optimal moments without requiring physical repositioning.
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 approach reduces noise interference and simplifies data processing by ensuring that moving parts appear in a static position in captured data, allowing for more accurate and efficient monitoring of the harvesting environment.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational reel position sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the reel
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data within a field of view of the at least one optical sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A system (200) for sensor-based monitoring of a harvesting operation according to the present invention comprises a header (110) having a rotating reel (116), an optical sensor (204, 206, 208) and a rotational reel position sensor (202). The optical sensor (204, 206, 208) is configured to capture optical data in response to a trigger signal associated with an output signal of the position sensor (202) indicative of a rotational position of the reel (116). A method (300) according to the present invention comprises the steps of triggering the optical sensor (204, 206, 208) when the reel (116) is arranged in at least one predetermined rotational position and capturing optical data by the optical sensor (204, 206, 208) when triggered.