Patent classifications
A01B69/004
VEHICLE ROW FOLLOW SYSTEM
A vehicle row follow system may include a vehicle comprising at least one sensor to output signals serving as a basis for a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud and to output signals corresponding to a two-dimensional (2D) image of a region forward the vehicle. The system may further include a non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions to direct a processor to: determine plan row lines in a 2D image; determine a yaw of the vehicle based upon a slope of a heading line relative to a centerline between the plant row lines in the 2D image; determine a lateral offset of the vehicle from the centerline between the consecutive plant rows based upon an identity of the consecutive plant rows in the 3D point cloud; and output steering control signals based upon the determined yaw and lateral offset of the vehicle.
Method for executing an agricultural work process on a field
A method for executing an agricultural work process on a field by means of a group of agricultural work machines. The work machines each have work assemblies which are adjustable with machine parameters for adapting to the respective agricultural conditions. The work machines of the group communicate with one another via a wireless network. The work machines of the group are configured as self-optimizing work machines which each have a driver assistance system for generating and adjusting machine parameters in an automated manner. These machine parameters are optimized with respect to the agricultural conditions. The work machines of the group cooperate collectively in the manner of a virtual work machine.
Implement guidance module
An implement guidance module is provided for positioning a drawn implement as the implement is pulled by a vehicle traveling along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a connection point for receiving a hitch. The module includes a module main frame having a first end configured for connection to the vehicle connection point, and a second end configured for connection to the implement, the main frame having a longitudinal axis, and having a pivot mount connected to the second end with an implement mounting plate pivoting relative to the module main frame about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A vehicle mounting plate defines the first end of the module main frame, and the implement mounting plate defines the second end of the module main frame.
System for controlling a working implement connected to a vehicle
A system for controlling a working implement connected to a vehicle, the system comprising: at least one tool mounted on the working implement, the implement and the at least one tool configured to perform an agricultural operation; an automatic steering device associated with the vehicle, the automatic steering device configured to guide the vehicle on an intended vehicle path; an actuator for controlling the lateral position of the working implement relative to the vehicle, the actuator connected to an implement control unit that can be operated to control the actuator in such a way that the working implement is moved on an intended path of the working implement and the implement control unit is set up to compensate a lateral deviation of the vehicle from the intended path of the vehicle through actuation of the actuator; and wherein the implement control unit is programmed to pre-set the actuator after a turning operation in a position in which the effects of the turning operation is compensated.
CONTROL UNITS, NODES, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING AND COMMUNICATING DATA
Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.
METHODS, APPARATUS, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO SELECT TRACK PATHS FOR ONE OR MORE VEHICLES IN A FIELD
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to select track paths for one or more vehicles in a field are disclosed. An example apparatus includes input interface circuitry to obtain a request for a first track path for a first vehicle, path instruction generation circuitry to, in response to the request, obtain information defining a plurality of track paths in a field, and select, based on the request, the first track path from the plurality of track paths, and update circuitry to update the information to indicate that the first track path is claimed by the first vehicle.
IMPLEMENT CONTROL
Systems and methods are provided for controlling operation of an agricultural vehicle-implement combination. An orientation of the vehicle, the implement and/or the vehicle-implement combination is used to determine whether an adjustment in a lateral position of the implement is required. An actuator mechanism is provided for controlling the lateral position of the implement in accordance with any determined adjustment.
TRAILED IMPLEMENT WITH VISION GUIDANCE
A method of navigating a vehicle through a field as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises obtaining an image of the field, segmenting the image to identify one or more crop rows, and steering the vehicle to avoid the one or more crop rows.
PRECISION CULTIVATOR WITH VISION GUIDANCE
A method of navigating an agricultural implement through a field in an operative direction as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises providing the implement with a main mounting assembly, which is mountable to the tractor and has a stationary main beam, and a toolbar movably supported on the main beam in a lateral position so as to be shiftable laterally relative to the operative direction to align the toolbar relative to crop rows, the toolbar including row units configured to pass between crop rows; obtaining an image of the field with a camera; segmenting the image to identify a plurality of the crop rows extending in the operative direction within a field of vision of the camera; and adjusting the lateral position of the toolbar to maintain the row units between the plurality of crop rows while avoiding damage to the crops.
Zonal machine control
A work machine receives a thematic map that maps values of a variable to different geographic locations at a worksite. Control zones are dynamically identified on the thematic map and actuator settings are dynamically identified for each control zone. A position of the work machine is sensed, and actuators on the work machine are controlled based upon the control zones that the work machine is in, or is entering, and based upon the settings corresponding to the control zone. These control zones and settings are dynamically adjusted based on in situ (field) data collected by sensors on the work machine.