Stalk Sensor Calibration for Harvest Cross-Track Error Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cross track error during agricultural harvesting leads to lost yield and economic harm, necessitating the ability to determine and correct this error to maximize yields.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using stalk sensors to measure stalk angles and calculate cross track error (XTE), involving calibration with set points, signal filtering, and communication with vehicle guidance systems to correct the error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cross track error is not determined and corrected, then harvesting continues without adjustment, but yield is lost and economic harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring and mechanical correction methods with an automated optical/electronic sensor system. The stalk sensor uses optical detection to measure stalk angles and calculate cross track error, substituting human judgment with precise electronic measurement to determine and correct positioning errors during harvesting.
2Measurement precision
If stalk sensors are used to measure stalk angles for cross track error determination, then cross track error can be calculated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration procedures where set points are established before harvesting operations begin. The sensor system is pre-calibrated with reference measurements taken at known positions, allowing the complex measurement system to be simplified into a set of reference values that guide real-time cross track error calculations without requiring complex processing during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex physical measurement of stalk angles into simplified parameter comparisons. By changing the measurement approach from direct geometric calculation to comparison against pre-established set points, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision for determining cross track error.
3Measurement precision
If signal filtering is applied to exclude non-stalk signals, then measurement accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective signal filtering that processes only the necessary characteristics of sensor signals to distinguish stalks from non-stalk objects. Rather than performing exhaustive analysis on all signal aspects, the system applies targeted filtering criteria that provide sufficient accuracy for cross track error determination while minimizing processing time and avoiding unnecessary computational overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining cross track error, comprising calibrating a stalk sensor with two or more set points, detecting plant stalks by the stalk sensor, measuring a stalk angle for each plant stalk, and measuring presence and amount of cross track error based on the stalk angle.