Implement GPS Receiver Offset Verification for Pass-to-Pass Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of implement receiver location on agricultural implements is challenging due to frame components obstructing manual measurement methods, leading to errors that compound pass-to-pass, affecting row spacing and crop damage.
Innovation Solution
A work machine system with integrated GPS receivers and a controller determines implement profiles and offsets using automatic guidance control, enabling precise measurement of lateral and longitudinal distances between the implement and tractor receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods (tape measure and plumb bob) are used to measure implement receiver location, then the operator can obtain longitudinal and lateral offsets, but frame components obstruct the measurement process making it difficult and time-consuming to achieve highly accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (tape measure, plumb bob) with an automated optical/electronic system. The camera mounted on the implement captures images of the receiver location, and the processor automatically determines longitudinal and lateral offsets by analyzing these images, eliminating the need for manual mechanical measurement and overcoming obstructions from frame components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the implement receiver location using a camera. Instead of physically measuring with tools that may be blocked, the system captures an image of the receiver and its relationship to frame components, then processes this copy to extract precise location data without physical interference.
2Reliability
If manual measurement methods are used, then measurements can be obtained, but errors are compounded when the tractor passes the field in opposite directions, reducing pass-to-pass accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The automated image-based measurement system eliminates human measurement errors that lead to compounding mistakes during back-and-forth field passes. The processor consistently calculates offsets from captured images without the variability and errors inherent in manual measurement, ensuring reliable pass-to-pass accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through captured images that allow verification of receiver location and measurement accuracy. The processor analyzes these images to confirm proper positioning before operation, preventing error propagation during multiple passes across the field.
3Measurement precision
If two people are used to perform manual measurements, then highly accurate measurements may be achieved, but the process becomes even more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurements automatically without requiring multiple operators. The camera mounted on the implement self-captures the receiver location, and the onboard processor self-calculates the offsets, eliminating the need for two people to coordinate manual measurements while maintaining high accuracy and reducing time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated optical and computational system replaces the manual coordination required between two people. Instead of human operators physically measuring and communicating measurements, the system uses image capture and digital processing to automatically determine precise receiver location, significantly reducing time and operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a frame, a front axle coupled to the frame with front wheels, a rear axle coupled to the frame with rear wheels, and a work vehicle GPS receiver coupled with the frame. An agricultural implement is coupled via a connection mechanism to the frame. An implement GPS receiver mounted on the agricultural implement. A controller is coupled to each of the frame, the work vehicle GPS receiver, and the implement GPS receiver. The controller receives the work vehicle GPS data from the work vehicle GPS receiver and the implement GPS receiver data from the implement GPS receiver. The controller determines an implement profile of the agricultural implement and a shifted implement profile that corresponds to lateral and longitudinal distances of the implement GPS receiver relative to the connection mechanism.