Remote Agricultural Machine Operation With Prioritized Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated agricultural machines lack the benefits and insights provided by experienced operators, particularly when operating autonomously or semi-autonomously, due to the absence of real-time operator feedback and control.
Innovation Solution
A remote operation system that utilizes a variety of sensors to provide a remotely located operator with a simulated operating environment, including visual, auditory, and haptic feedback, allowing for prioritization and amplification of critical information to enhance the operator's experience and control over multiple agricultural machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an operator is present in the agricultural machine, then the operator can provide real-time feedback and control, but the operator is dedicated to that particular machine and cannot operate multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the operator cabin environment through a remote system that transmits sensor data (visual, auditory, haptic) to a remote location. This allows the operator to interact with the agricultural machine as if physically present, enabling one operator to control multiple machines simultaneously while maintaining real-time feedback and control capabilities.
2Productivity
If autonomous or semi-autonomous operation is used, then labor shortages and operator availability issues are addressed, but the machine lacks the benefits and insight of experienced operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensor data from the agricultural machine is transmitted to the remote operator, who can observe the environment through virtual cameras and receive haptic feedback. The operator can then provide corrective input or take control when needed, combining autonomous operation with human expertise for improved decision quality while maintaining operational continuity.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors provide information to the remote system, then situational awareness is enhanced, but information overload may occur without prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of information processing to different sensor inputs. Critical safety and operational information receives priority processing and amplification, while less critical data is processed at standard levels. This allows comprehensive situational awareness without overwhelming the operator with equally weighted information streams.
4Loss of information
If sensor information is amplified for remote output, then critical information becomes more noticeable, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies amplification selectively rather than uniformly to all sensor inputs. Only critical information streams that require enhanced visibility or noticeability to the remote operator receive amplification processing, while non-critical data is transmitted at standard levels. This reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining information fidelity for essential operational parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote operation system for operation of an agriculture machine that provides an operator at a remote station with an operating environment that can emulate aspects of being within the agricultural machine. The remote operation system can utilize a variety of information obtained by a plurality of sensors at least during the operation of the agricultural machine. The plurality of sensors can include one or more agricultural sensors, functional sensors, and condition sensors. A controller can include a priority signal that can prioritize certain information in connection with generating the remote operation environment. Additionally, the remote operation system can amplify the output of at least certain information at the remote operation environment. The remote operation system can also accommodate the remote operator being able to monitor, and, if necessary, adjust the operation of a plurality of agricultural machines that may be simultaneously operating.