Soil Clod Size Detection via Image Edge Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farmers face challenges in accurately determining soil clod size during tillage operations, making it difficult to adjust operating parameters to maintain optimal clod sizes, which affects agricultural performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an imaging device and controller to capture and analyze images of the field, identifying soil clod edges and perimeters to determine clod sizes, allowing for real-time adjustments to operating parameters of the tillage implement, such as increasing force on basket assemblies when clod sizes exceed predetermined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to determine soil clod size during tillage operations, then the operator can monitor clod sizes, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient for accurate determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated imaging system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The controller captures images of the field, processes them to identify soil clod edges, and automatically determines clod sizes, eliminating the need for manual measurement while significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the actual soil clods in the field. By capturing and analyzing these image representations, the system can measure clod sizes accurately without physically contacting or disturbing the soil clods, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
2Loss of time
If manual monitoring of soil clod size is performed during tillage, then the operator can observe the field conditions, but the response time for adjustments is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by capturing images of the field during tillage operations, automatically analyzing soil clod sizes in real-time, and providing immediate information to the operator or control system. This enables rapid adjustment of operating parameters based on actual field conditions, reducing response time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging and measurement system operates autonomously without requiring continuous manual intervention. The controller automatically processes images, identifies soil clods, measures their sizes, and can even automatically adjust implement parameters, freeing the operator and reducing response time for adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If automated image analysis is implemented to determine soil clod size, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the imaging device, processes the captured images, identifies soil clod edges, calculates clod sizes, and can adjust implement operating parameters. By consolidating these functions into a single control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for determining soil clod size as an implement is being towed across a field by a work vehicle may include an imaging device provided in operative association with the work vehicle or the implement such that the imaging device is configured to capture images of the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the imaging device. The controller may be configured to receive, from the imaging device, image data associated with an imaged portion of the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured analyze the received image data to identify at least one edge of a soil clod within the imaged portion of the field. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a size of the soil clod based on the identified at least one edge of the soil clod.