Implement Attachment Guidance System Using Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching an implement to a work vehicle, such as a tractor, requires skilled operation and often assistance, as it involves aligning hitch couplers with implement connectors, which can be time-consuming and challenging for unskilled operators.
Innovation Solution
An implement attachment guidance system using a camera and controller to process images of the hitch couplers and implement connectors, providing an alignment indicator on a display to assist the operator in correctly positioning the vehicle for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a skilled operator performs the attachment manually, then the attachment can be completed with proper alignment, but it requires significant time and often assistance from another person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical detection and control system. The camera captures images of the hitch couplers and implement connectors, the processor analyzes the images to determine alignment status, and the system automatically controls the hitch positioning, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing dependency on operator skill
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the physical alignment situation through camera imaging. The image sensor captures optical information about the relative positions of hitch couplers and implement connectors, transforming the physical alignment problem into an analyzable image data set that can be processed automatically to determine alignment status
2Device complexity
If manual alignment is used without assistance, then the operation is simpler, but unskilled operators cannot achieve proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical detection and control system. The camera captures images of the hitch couplers and implement connectors, the processor analyzes the images to determine alignment status, and the system automatically controls the hitch positioning, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing dependency on operator skill
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the camera continuously monitors the alignment between hitch couplers and implement connectors, the processor analyzes the image data to determine alignment status, and the system provides real-time feedback to automatically adjust the hitch position until proper alignment is achieved, ensuring consistent precision regardless of operator skill level
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
Enables unskilled operators to attach the implement independently and efficiently, reducing the time and effort required for alignment, thereby increasing productivity and eliminating the need for additional assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The camera includes a lens and an image sensor positioned with respect to the hitch couplers, wherein the lens is configured to transmit an image of the implement connectors and the edge to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for guiding a work vehicle hitch to an implement. The apparatus includes an implement attachment guidance system including a camera located on the work vehicle to generate images of the connectors of the implement. A processor receives the generated images and identifies a position of the hitch couplers and identifies the implement connectors as objects. A connecting line between implement connector objects is identified as a virtual line. A reference line identifies the position of the hitch couplers. The processor determines an image distance between the reference line and the virtual line to determine a proximity of the work vehicle hitch to the implement. Distances between ends of the reference line and the virtual line are determined by the processor to provide a direction of travel indicator used by an operator to steer the work vehicle to engage the implement.