Implement Working Width Detection from Parallel GPS Passes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the implement working width in agricultural machinery often fail to accurately calculate this critical parameter, leading to incorrect yield and acreage measurements due to improper initial settings or lack of verification, especially when GPS lines are not properly set up.
Innovation Solution
A method using a GPS receiver to determine if pass lines are parallel and calculate the perpendicular distance between them, comparing this distance to known implement working widths, and generating notifications if discrepancies are found, allowing for automatic verification and updating of the implement working width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic methods are used to determine implement working width, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when initial parameters are not set up properly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects implement working width by monitoring GPS coordinates during field operations and comparing the calculated width against a database of known implement widths. When a match is found, the system provides feedback to confirm the working width; when no match is found, it notifies the operator to verify the setting. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables accurate automated detection without requiring manual parameter setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically calculating working width from GPS track data and comparing it with stored implement specifications. The system serves itself by detecting discrepancies and prompting operator verification only when necessary, rather than requiring continuous manual input or preconfiguration of parameters.
2Measurement precision
If manual verification of implement working width is required, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial verification by requiring manual operator confirmation only when the automatically calculated working width does not match any entry in the database of known implement widths. When a match is found, the system accepts the automated result without further verification. This selective verification approach minimizes operator time investment while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
3Ease of operation
If implement working width is not properly setup, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of yield and acreage calculations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors GPS coordinates during field operations and automatically calculates working width from the recorded track data. It provides feedback by comparing the calculated width against stored implement specifications and notifying operators of any discrepancies. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable yield and acreage calculations without requiring manual working width setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual working width input and verification with automated GPS-based detection. Instead of relying on mechanical or manual measurement methods, the system uses electronic GPS coordinate tracking and computational geometry to determine working width, thereby eliminating setup errors while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for automatic detection of implement (100, 110) working width of an implement (100, 110) on a vehicle (100). The method includes tracking location of the vehicle (100); determining if the vehicle (100) is making substantially parallel passes; if the vehicle (100) is making substantially parallel passes the method also includes determining distances between consecutive passes; and calculating a calculated implement (100, 110) working width based on the distances between consecutive passes. A location sensor (120) attached to the vehicle (100) can be used for tracking the vehicle (100). Determining if the vehicle (100) is making parallel passes can include grouping the location sensor (120) readings into pass lines (210, 510) that each include sensor readings defining a single pass line (210, 216, 510, 520); and determining if a current pass line (210, 216, 510, 520) is parallel to a prior pass line (210, 216, 510, 520). Vehicle (100) heading can be used for determining if pass lines (210, 510) are substantially parallel. Known implement (100, 110) working widths can be used to verify calculated implement (100, 110) working widths.