Implement Imaging Layout for Folded and Unfolded Field Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles often require multiple single-function sensors to detect various operating parameters, increasing costs and complexity, as existing systems lack a comprehensive solution for collecting data across different operating positions.
Innovation Solution
A vision-based system with a frame having a center section and movable sections, equipped with imaging devices and a computing system that adjusts based on the implement's position (unfolded or folded) to capture and process image data, providing enhanced visibility and functionality through computer vision techniques and image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple single-function sensors are installed to detect various operating parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is configured to perform multiple functions: capturing images in both unfolded and folded positions, detecting ground surfaces, detecting environmental features, and providing visibility information. This single multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which imaging device to use based on the implement's current position (unfolded or folded). The computing system determines the implement position and selectively activates the appropriate imaging device, allowing the system to adapt its sensing capabilities to the current operating state without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each position
2Measurement precision
If multiple single-function sensors are installed to detect various operating parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device serves multiple purposes: providing ground surface detection, environmental feature detection, and visibility information for both unfolded and folded positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and install multiple separate sensors, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing the quantity of substance (cost)
3Loss of information
If imaging devices are positioned to capture environment outward of implement, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic position detection to determine whether the implement is in an unfolded or folded state, and selectively activates the appropriate imaging device based on this detection. This dynamic selection simplifies the overall system configuration by using a single imaging device for multiple positions rather than requiring simultaneous operation of multiple devices, thereby improving visibility while managing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for an agricultural application includes an implement including a frame. The frame includes a center frame section and at least one movable frame section. A first imaging device is installed on the movable frame section. A second imaging device is installed inboard of the movable frame section relative to the center frame section in the unfolded position. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the first imaging device and the second imaging device. When the implement is in the unfolded position, the computing system receives image data associated with an imaged environment outward of the implement from the first imaging device. When the implement is in the folded position, the computing system receives image data associated with an imaged environment outward of the implement from the second imaging device.