Tractor Work Type Estimation From Position and Operation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for data communication between tractors and work machines require installation of communication devices, which is not feasible for old machines, and manual input of machine information is cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A work information management device that includes a tractor-side information acquisition unit and a work type estimation unit using machine learning to automatically estimate the work type based on position and operation information, reducing the need for manual input and enabling automatic classification of work periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If communication devices are installed in the tractor and work machine to enable automatic data communication, then data acquisition automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine itself serves as the information source by automatically outputting machine information to be displayed on the tractor's display device, eliminating the need for separate communication devices. The machine's own systems (sensors, controllers) provide the data directly to the tractor through existing connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor's display device serves multiple functions: it displays machine information from various work machines, work information from work logs, and navigation information. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated communication and display systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual input of machine information is required every time the work machine is replaced, then adaptability to different machines is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine automatically provides its own identification information (machine ID, model name, specifications) to the tractor's display device, eliminating the need for manual input. The machine itself serves as the source of its own information through existing sensors and controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine information is prepared in advance within the work machine's control system, so when the machine is connected to the tractor, the information is already formatted and ready for automatic display, eliminating the need for manual entry at the time of replacement.
3Reliability
If operator manually inputs machine information, then data accuracy can be controlled, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine automatically outputs its own machine information through its existing sensors and controllers, eliminating manual input operations. This self-service approach ensures data accuracy while eliminating time loss and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical input process is replaced by an automatic information transmission system where the machine's controller directly communicates with the tractor's display device, eliminating human intervention and associated errors.
Data Source
AI summary
This work information management device includes: a tractor-side information acquisition unit for acquiring tractor-side information which includes position information of a tractor at each of specific times and operation information of the tractor at each of specific times, such tractor-side information being acquired from the tractor having mounted thereon any one of a plurality of types of work machines; and a work type estimation unit for estimating the work type of work that has been carried out by a work machine mounted on the tractor, on the basis of the tractor-side information acquired by the tractor-side information acquisition unit.