Optical Sensor System for Harvester Worked Area Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled harvesting machines lack comprehensive monitoring capabilities to assess worked areas, limiting their ability to optimize operations, reduce losses, and improve precision farming, as current sensor systems only measure specific parameters and do not provide insights into soil conditions or crop health.
Innovation Solution
Equipping self-propelled harvesting machines with an optical sensor system that optically records the worked area behind the attachment and in front of the tires, allowing for data evaluation on stubble quality, crop conditions, and soil parameters, which informs adjustments to the harvesting process and subsequent work steps, including pest control and fertilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensor systems are used to monitor worked areas, then specific parameters can be measured, but comprehensive monitoring capabilities and insights into soil conditions or crop health are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple sensor types (optical sensors, GPS receivers, yield monitors) into a single monitoring system that simultaneously measures various parameters including crop health, soil conditions, and yield data. This allows the system to perform multiple monitoring functions rather than requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate monitoring functions into an integrated system. By merging optical sensing capabilities with GPS location tracking and yield monitoring, the system creates a comprehensive monitoring platform that collects and correlates data from multiple sources to provide holistic insights into worked area conditions.
2Loss of information
If optical sensors are positioned to monitor worked area behind attachment and in front of tires, then real-time data on stubble quality and crop conditions can be obtained, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data processing unit as an intermediary between the optical sensors and the user. This intermediary component automatically processes, analyzes, and interprets the raw sensor data, converting it into meaningful information about stubble quality and crop conditions. This reduces the complexity burden on the user while maintaining comprehensive information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring worked areas and using the collected data to provide real-time information about harvesting quality. The processed information feeds back to operators, enabling them to adjust harvesting parameters immediately to optimize performance and reduce losses.
3Productivity
If comprehensive data collection is implemented to improve yield mapping and precision farming, then agricultural practices can be optimized, but data processing requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by processing and analyzing sensor data during the harvesting operation itself, rather than waiting for post-processing. The system continuously collects, processes, and interprets data in real-time, enabling immediate decision-making and optimization during the harvesting process, thus avoiding time losses after harvesting is complete.
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
Enables real-time optimization of harvesting operations, reduces crop losses, improves yield mapping accuracy, and facilitates targeted agricultural practices by providing timely and precise data on crop and soil conditions, enhancing precision farming.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one optical sensor optically detects at least sections of the worked area behind the attachment and in front of the tires
Data Source
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AI summary
The agricultural area is processed by a front attachment (2) provided in self-propelled harvester (1). An optical sensor (3) is provided for detecting the processed surface that is directly behind the front attachment and for outputting data signals representing the optically sensed area. The quality of the processed surface is determined by evaluating the data signals output by optical sensor, using a data analysis unit (10). Independent claims are included for the following: (1) optical imaging and data analysis device; and (2) self propelled harvester.