Laser Rangefinder Signal Evaluation for Agricultural Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser rangefinders on self-propelled agricultural machines face challenges in distinguishing useful signals from interference signals, particularly due to environmental factors like dust and dirt, which affect signal quality and require efficient methods to improve measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that separates measuring points into useful and interference signals by setting limit values for distance, differentiating between dust and dirt signals based on reflection distances, and assigning signals to specific measuring ranges and angular ranges to identify and address the cause of interference, triggering cleaning or dust extraction measures as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal separation based on distance limit values is implemented, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments measurement signals into different categories (useful signals, dust signals, dirt signals) based on distance threshold values. By dividing the signal processing into distinct segments with specific distance criteria, the system can apply targeted evaluation and filtering to each segment, improving overall signal quality while maintaining manageable processing complexity through structured classification.
2Measurement precision
If interference signals are differentiated into dust and dirt signals, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary classification of interference signals by establishing distance threshold values that pre-categorize signals as either dust signals (within threshold) or dirt signals (beyond threshold). This preliminary action enables the system to quickly identify signal types before detailed processing, reducing overall processing time while maintaining accurate differentiation between interference sources.
3Productivity
If rangefinder is mounted on agricultural machine, then productivity is improved, but signal reliability deteriorates due to dust and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors measurement signals for patterns indicative of dust or dirt interference. Based on this feedback, the system can identify when signal quality is compromised by environmental factors and trigger appropriate responses (such as cleaning operations or data filtering), thereby maintaining signal reliability despite the rangefinder's exposure to harsh agricultural conditions.
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
This approach enhances signal quality by distinguishing and addressing the source of interference, improving the accuracy of distance measurements and reducing data processing complexity, thereby optimizing the performance of agricultural machines.
Implementation Method 1
The distance is determined from the travel time of the measurement signals
Implementation Method 2
Rangefinders operate by emitting measurement signals and receiving the reflected measurement signals
Implementation Method 3
The rangefinder is preferably a laser rangefinder. Laser rangefinders are also known as LiDAR systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for signal evaluation of signals from a rangefinder (2), in particular a laser rangefinder, wherein the rangefinder (2) cyclically performs measurements and outputs a plurality of measurement points (20a, 20b, 22, 25a, 25b, 25c) for each measurement, wherein each measurement point indicates a distance, wherein the rangefinder (2) measures distances in a plurality of directions and a horizontal angle (24) is assigned to each measurement point (20a, 20b, 22, 25a, 25b, 25c), wherein a plurality of the measurement points (20a, 20b, 22, 25a, 25b, 25c) are distinguished into useful signals (22) and noise signals based on the distance, wherein measurement points (20a, 20b, 22, 25a, 25b, 25c) with a distance below a first limit value (12) are identified as interference signals (20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 25c) and measurement points above the first limit value (12) are identified as useful signals (22), the number of interference signals is determined and a warning signal is issued,when the number of interference signals meets a predetermined condition.