Implement Imager Guidance for Precise Field Pass Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face challenges in precisely aligning subsequent passes over a field to minimize overlapping, which leads to seed and fertilizer waste, increased operation time, and higher fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement equipped with imager systems, such as cameras and 3D laser scanners, captures images of previous passes to identify marks on the soil surface, and a central controller analyzes this data to provide guidance markers on a display, allowing for precise alignment without operator error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional shiftable markers with coulter discs are used to provide visual indicators for alignment, then alignment capability is provided, but device complexity increases and the markers may not be sufficiently visible or precise under all lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical marker systems (coulter discs cutting trenches) with an optical/imaging system. Cameras capture images of the field, and a processing system generates guidance markers overlaid on the captured images, eliminating the need for physical mechanical markers while improving alignment precision and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment by operator is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but alignment accuracy decreases leading to overlapping and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures real-time images of the field with cameras, processes these images to identify previous pass marks, and provides feedback through overlaid guidance markers showing the ideal position and orientation. This closed-loop feedback system maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving alignment accuracy by eliminating human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the field conditions through camera imaging and overlays virtual guidance markers on this copy. This allows the operator to see the ideal alignment position without physically marking the field, maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
3Measurement precision
If imager systems with multiple cameras and processing systems are implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: capturing field conditions, identifying previous pass marks, providing alignment guidance, and potentially monitoring other operational parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple systems into one universal platform.
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
The system enhances alignment accuracy, reduces overlapping, minimizes waste, decreases operation time, and lowers fuel consumption by automating the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
an imager system coupled to the frame proximate one of the longitudinal ends of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an agricultural implement and a tractor for pulling the implement. The implement includes a frame supporting at least one ground-engaging tool and at least one image imager system coupled to a longitudinal end of the frame. The tractor includes a central controller, wherein the at least imager system is operably coupled to the central controller. The central controller is configured to receive image data from an imager system, analyze the image data to identify at least one mark formed in a soil surface, and responsive to identifying the at least one mark, cause feedback regarding a current position and orientation of the implement and an ideal position and orientation of the implement to be output via an input/output device.