Implement Recognition Lighting for Glare-Controlled Field Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exterior illumination systems for agricultural vehicles during nighttime operations often result in excessive light, leading to glare, reduced operator visibility, and increased fatigue, as they provide uniform lighting rather than targeted illumination based on the specific needs of the vehicle and its attached implements.
Innovation Solution
An illumination control system that includes a lighting system with multiple light sources, sensors, and a controller to detect objects and selectively activate lights for targeted illumination, adjusting brightness and direction based on the size and position of attached implements, using machine learning to optimize light distribution and reduce unnecessary illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If uniform lighting is provided across the entire area, then operator visibility is improved, but glare and operator fatigue increase due to excessive light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform lighting across the entire area to selective illumination that provides different lighting levels to different zones. The system illuminates only the specific areas where implements are detected, creating localized high-intensity lighting zones while leaving other areas in darkness, thereby improving visibility where needed while eliminating excessive glare in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independently controllable light sources that can be selectively activated. Each light source or group of light sources can be controlled separately based on the position and size of detected implements, allowing the system to divide the illumination task into discrete, manageable segments rather than treating the entire area as a single illumination zone
2Area of stationary object
If all light sources are activated to illuminate the entire area, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of light sources required to illuminate the detected implements, rather than activating all light sources. The controller determines the minimum set of light sources needed based on implement position and size, providing sufficient illumination coverage while avoiding the excessive energy consumption that would result from activating the entire lighting system
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is made dynamic through real-time adjustment of light source activation based on sensor input. The system continuously monitors the position and size of implements and dynamically reconfigures which light sources are active, allowing the illuminated area coverage and power consumption to adapt to changing operational conditions rather than remaining static
3Use of energy by moving object
If targeted illumination is provided only to detected objects, then power consumption is reduced, but illumination coverage may be insufficient for larger implements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the position and size of implements before activating the lighting system. This advance detection allows the controller to pre-calculate which light sources need to be activated and in what combinations to achieve adequate coverage, ensuring that the illumination pattern is appropriately scaled to the implement size before illumination begins, rather than attempting to adjust during illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for targeted illumination of an object coupled to a machine, such as an implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, are disclosed. The systems and methods include sensing an area adjacent to the machine, determining whether an implement is present in the sensed area, and providing targeted illumination to the detected object while avoiding the provision of light to the area that is not occupied by the object.