Adjustable Implement Camera Mount for Changing Crop Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural cameras on machines require manual adjustment for optimal perspective, which is time-consuming and inaccurate due to changing crop heights and row spacings, affecting data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable camera system with a mounting assembly and controller that autonomously adjusts the camera's position based on image analysis to maintain optimal perspective relative to crop rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is manually positioned and adjusted, then the initial setup is simple, but the camera cannot maintain optimal perspective when crop height or row spacing changes
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position. The camera is mounted on an adjustable bracket that can change its position relative to the agricultural machine, allowing the camera to adapt to varying crop heights and row spacings automatically during field operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image processing feedback to determine camera positioning. The controller processes images from the camera to detect crop row spacing and height, then automatically adjusts the camera position on the mounting bracket to maintain optimal perspective for accurate data capture
2Measurement precision
If the camera position is fixed, then the mounting structure is simple, but the camera perspective becomes inaccurate when working in fields with different crop characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning of the camera. This includes movable mounting positions and adjustable angles that enable the camera to be repositioned automatically based on detected crop conditions, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring overly complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs self-adjustment through automated control. The controller automatically processes images, determines optimal camera positioning based on crop row detection, and actuates the mounting mechanism to reposition the camera without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining data accuracy autonomously
3Measurement precision
If manual camera adjustment is performed frequently, then optimal perspective can be maintained, but significant time is lost during field operations
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time image processing feedback loop continuously monitors crop row spacing and height, automatically triggering camera position adjustments only when needed. This eliminates unnecessary adjustments and reduces time loss while maintaining accurate perspective throughout field operations
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electro-mechanical system. The controller uses image processing algorithms to detect when adjustment is needed and automatically actuates the mounting mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing adjustment time
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable camera system comprises a camera, a mounting assembly and a controller. The mounting assembly is coupled to the camera and adapted to raise and lower the camera. The controller is configured to use an image of an object from the camera to determine whether the camera is at an optimal position from the object. If the controller determines that the camera is not at the optimal position, the controller sends a signal to the mounting assembly to raise or lower the camera.