RGB Camera System for Forage Harvester Crop Flow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for self-propelled forage harvesters are not cost-effective in accurately distinguishing between grain and non-grain components in the crop flow, particularly in high-speed environments, which affects the efficiency of grain processing and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A camera system comprising an RGB camera with specific parameters such as a frame rate of 20-40 images/second, exposure time of 5-25 microseconds, and a lens with a focal length of 7-10 mm, positioned on the discharge chute with a translucent viewing window and adjustable light source, enables accurate differentiation between whole and crushed grains through optical sieving and image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multispectral cameras, hyperspectral cameras, or RGB+IR camera combinations are used to detect grain components, then detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex multispectral or hyperspectral camera systems with a standard RGB camera that captures images in the visible spectrum only. This substitution uses a much simpler, more affordable camera type while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy through optimized imaging parameters and processing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary infrared sensing capability from the detection system. By removing the IR camera component and relying solely on RGB imaging with optimized exposure and processing, the system achieves comparable grain detection accuracy without the added complexity and cost of multiple sensor types.
2Reliability
If the camera captures images at high frame rates to track fast-moving crop flow, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the camera's exposure time parameter to an extremely short duration (5-25 microseconds) and sets the frame rate to 20-40 fps. This parameter optimization allows the camera to capture sufficient image data for reliable grain detection while minimizing the energy consumed during each capture cycle, achieving a balance between detection reliability and energy efficiency.
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
The system achieves accurate detection and differentiation of grain components, optimizing grain processing by determining the degree of grain digestion, thereby enhancing processing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mirror which deflects light reflected from the crop flow into a lens arranged on the RGB camera
Implementation Method 2
at least one mirror which deflects light reflected from the crop flow into a lens arranged on the RGB camera
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera system (16) for a forage harvester (1), designed to detect and evaluate a crop flow (21) processed by working units (20) of the forage harvester (1), comprising an RGB camera (32), wherein the RGB camera (32) is arranged in a housing (28) located on the discharge spout (15), in which a light-transmitting viewing window (29) is arranged, past which the crop flow (21) to be detected flows, and a light source (33) arranged opposite the viewing window (29), the light rays of which are directed towards the crop flow (21), at least one mirror (30) which deflects light reflected from the crop flow (21) into a lens (31) arranged on the RGB camera (32), and an image analysis device (27) to which the RGB camera (32) transmits images recorded from the crop flow (21) for evaluation.wherein the RGB camera (32) captures the images at a frame rate in the range of 20 frames/second to 40 frames/second, that the exposure time is between 5 microseconds and 25 microseconds, and that the lens (31) of the RGB camera (32) has a focal length between 7 mm and 10 mm.