Harvester Yield Allocation via Travel Time Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aggregate yield allocation systems for harvesters are often inaccurate due to variations in travel times of crops from different portions of the harvester head to the aggregate sensor, leading to inconsistent and unreliable yield data across geo-referenced regions.
Innovation Solution
An aggregate yield allocation system that accounts for the travel times of crops from different portions of the harvester head to the aggregate sensor, using a geo-referencing system and yield allocation module to accurately allocate yield to specific geo-referenced regions based on the time taken for crops to reach the sensor, and applies weightings based on plant characteristics and pre-harvest data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If aggregate yield data is collected from the harvester sensor, then crop management assistance is provided, but the yield data accuracy deteriorates due to travel time variations from different portions of the harvester head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregate yield data into multiple component yield values, each corresponding to a specific geo-referenced region. Instead of treating the harvester's entire width as a single measurement point, the system divides the yield data into discrete spatial segments that can be individually processed and allocated to their respective geographic locations, thereby resolving the accuracy issue caused by travel time variations across different portions of the harvester head
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating travel times for crops from different portions of the harvester head to the sensor before allocating yield data. The processor determines the time required for crops from each geo-referenced region to reach the sensor and uses these pre-calculated time values to correctly allocate yield measurements to their source locations, ensuring accurate spatial distribution of yield data
2Productivity
If yield allocation is performed without considering travel times, then the allocation process is simple and fast, but the allocation precision deteriorates across geo-referenced regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores travel time values for crops from different portions of the harvester head to the sensor during system initialization or calibration. These pre-determined time values are then directly applied during yield allocation operations, allowing the system to maintain high processing speed while achieving accurate spatial distribution of yield data across geo-referenced regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces travel time values as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the raw aggregate yield measurements and the final spatial allocation. The processor uses these intermediate time values to correctly match yield measurements with their geographic source locations, enabling accurate allocation without requiring complex real-time calculations during the allocation process itself
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus estimate yield. A first signal is received that indicates an aggregate yield measured by an aggregate yield sensor during a measurement interval. A second signal is received that indicates a plurality of geo-referenced regions across which a harvester has traveled prior to the measurement interval. The method and apparatus allocate, to each of at least two geo-referenced regions, an aggregate yield portion allocation based upon different travel times for crops to the aggregate yield sensor and pre-harvest weighting data value differences amongst the at least two georeferenced regions. The aggregate yield portion allocations are output.