Vision based guidance of an agricultural combine

Benson, Eric Randolph

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/86042 Copy

Description

Title

Vision based guidance of an agricultural combine

Author(s)

Benson, Eric Randolph

Issue Date

2001

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Reid, John F.

Department of Study

Agricultural Engineering

Discipline

Agricultural Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Engineering, Mechanical

Language

eng

Abstract

A machine vision based guidance system for agricultural combines was developed at the University of Illinois. Three machine vision guidance algorithms were developed and evaluated for guidance. The first algorithm, the Low Head Mounted Camera Algorithm (LHMCA), utilized images from a head mounted camera that directly viewed the cut/uncut crop edge. The LHMCA was used under actual field conditions in 1999; however, shadows and poor crop condition compromised performance of the algorithm. The High Head Mounted Camera Algorithm (HHMCA) used a camera mounted on the head directly above the cut/uncut edge to image the scene. The HHMCA performed well in the laboratory; poor image quality in the field restricted the use of the algorithm. The Cab Mounted Camera Algorithm (CMCA) processed images from a monochrome image sensor mounted above the cab of the combine. The CMCA closely mimics methodology used by the operator. The CMCA was used to automatically harvest 4.6 ha (12.0 a) of corn during both daylight and at night. The resulting accuracy of the guidance system (13.3 cm) was not statistically different from the accuracy of the GPS position recording system (11.0 cm).

Graduation Semester

2001

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/86042

Owning Collections