Unloading Spout Controller Using Crop Stream Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesting machines lack effective control mechanisms for ensuring accurate and reliable unloading of crop material into containers, particularly in windy conditions, as they do not account for the geometry of the crop flow between the spout and the container, leading to potential spillage.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that utilizes image data, including depth data from a camera, to perform edge recognition and determine the shape of the crop stream, allowing for adjustments in the position and orientation of the unloading apparatus to direct the crop material accurately into the container, taking into account wind speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic unloading control is implemented without monitoring crop flow geometry, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but crop spillage increases due to wind influence
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to capture images of the crop flow, processes these images to determine the stream shape and direction, and feeds this information back to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the spout position to compensate for wind influence and maintain accurate unloading, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and crop spillage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring and adjustment with an automated optical measurement and control system. The camera-based image processing system substitutes for physical monitoring of crop flow geometry, while automated control algorithms replace manual spout positioning, achieving both ease of operation and reduced spillage.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spout position is adjusted frequently to compensate for wind, then crop unloading accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automated control system that uses image processing and algorithmic calculations to determine spout positioning, replacing complex manual monitoring and adjustment procedures. This substitution achieves high unloading accuracy while managing system complexity through software-based solutions rather than additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors crop flow geometry through image capture and processing, and autonomously adjusts spout position without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability maintains high unloading accuracy while minimizing the need for additional operational complexity.
3Reliability
If image processing is used to determine crop stream shape, then unloading reliability improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures and processes images of the crop flow in real-time, performing edge recognition and stream shape determination as preliminary actions before final spout positioning adjustments are made. This continuous preliminary processing ensures reliable unloading while minimizing delays through proactive rather than reactive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system operates continuously rather than intermittently, maintaining constant monitoring of crop flow geometry. This continuous action ensures reliable unloading control while optimizing processing efficiency through sustained operation rather than repeated start-stop cycles.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A controller (12) for a movable unloading apparatus (1) of an agricultural harvesting machine, wherein the movable unloading apparatus (1) is configured to direct crop material (3) from the agricultural harvesting machine to a container (4) driven in the vicinity of the agricultural harvesting machine, and wherein the controller is configured to receive image data representative of a stream (3) of crop material as it passes from the unloading apparatus (1) to the container (4); process the image data in order to determine a shape of the stream (3) of crop material in the image data; and set an attribute of the unloading apparatus (1) in accordance with the determined shape of the stream of crop material in order to direct the crop material (3) from the unloading apparatus (1) to the container (4).