Terahertz Crop Imaging for Automated Threshing Loss Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring threshing losses in combine harvesters are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inaccurate, often leading to increased fuel consumption and inefficiencies due to manual assessment and the use of supplementary threshing sections that consume additional energy.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing terahertz radiation to create a two-dimensional image of the crop sample, identifying ears and grain kernels, and determining threshing losses based on the identified kernels, combined with optional image sensors and AI algorithms to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual assessment of threshing losses is performed by the operator, then threshing losses can be evaluated, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment with an automated optical detection system. A camera captures images of crop residue, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and count grain kernels, eliminating the need for manual picking and inspection while providing continuous real-time measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement by using the combine harvester's own imaging and processing capabilities to automatically assess threshing losses without requiring operator intervention. The harvester monitors its own performance continuously through automated image capture and analysis.
2Measurement precision
If a supplementary threshing section is activated to measure threshing losses, then grain kernel detection is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical supplementary threshing with an optical detection system. Instead of using additional mechanical threshing elements to release grain kernels for detection, the system uses cameras and image processing to detect and count kernels directly in the crop residue stream, eliminating the energy required for supplementary threshing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system between the threshing process and measurement. Rather than using mechanical means to facilitate detection, light and imaging technology serve as intermediaries to non-invasively measure threshing losses without adding energy consumption to the threshing process.
3Measurement precision
If aggressive threshing is applied to reduce threshing losses, then grain kernel detachment improves, but fuel consumption and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where continuous real-time measurement of threshing losses provides data to the operator or control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of threshing parameters to optimize the balance between detachment efficiency and energy consumption, allowing the system to use only the aggressiveness necessary to achieve acceptable loss levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of threshing settings based on real-time measurements. Rather than requiring consistently aggressive threshing, the system allows parameters to be optimized dynamically to achieve minimal losses with minimal energy input, adapting to varying crop conditions and threshing effectiveness.
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
Accurately measures threshing losses by distinguishing between threshed and unthreshed ears, reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency by optimizing threshing settings.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a crop sample downstream at least a portion of a threshing system with electromagnetic waves having a frequency in a range of 0.1-10 THz
Implementation Method 2
grain kernels that absorb a significant portion of the terahertz radiation
Implementation Method 3
measuring a reflection and/or a transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the crop sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system (100) are provided for determining a threshing loss in a threshing system (24). The method comprises irradiating a crop sample (500) downstream at least a portion of a threshing system (24) with electromagnetic waves having a frequency in a range of 0.1-10 THz, measuring a reflection and/or a transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the crop sample (500), establishing, based on the measured reflection and/or transmission, an at least two-dimensional terahertz image of the crop sample (500), identifying at least one ear in the terahertz image, identifying at least one grain kernel in the identified ear, and determining the threshing loss based on the identified grain kernel.