Security sensor

• US 20170086377A1
• Filed: 05/20/2015
• Published: 03/30/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Original Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Inventors: Jongmans, Dr W.J., Missotten, Bart M.A., Viaene, Karel M.C.
• Application Number:
  US15/312,528
• Publication Number:
  US 20170086377A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 75/185 Avoiding collisions with obstacles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/93 for anti-collision purposes

Abstract

An agricultural harvester including a sensor for measuring a position of an object in surroundings of the harvester. The sensor is connected to a processor for defining at least two different danger zones respectively corresponding to at least two different sets of harvester driving parameter values. The processor can determine actual harvester driving parameter values, and the processor can compare the actual harvester driving parameter values with the different sets to select a matching set and to select a corresponding one of the danger zones. The processor outputs a warning signal if the position is in the corresponding danger zone.

Claims

1. An agricultural harvester comprising:

a sensor adapted for measuring a position of an object in surroundings of the harvester;

a memory storing at least two different sets of harvester driving parameter values in relation to at least two different danger zones in the surroundings; and

a processor operationally connected to the sensor, to the memory, and to the agricultural harvester for determining actual harvester driving parameter values, wherein the processor is configured for comparing the actual harvester driving parameter values with the two different sets of harvester driving parameters stored in the memory to select a matching set and to select a corresponding one of the at least two different danger zones, wherein the processor is further configured for outputting a warning signal if the position of the object is determined to be in the selected danger zone.

2. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein the harvester driving parameter values comprise a harvester steering wheel position.

3. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein the harvester driving parameter values comprise an unloading tube position.

4. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein harvester driving parameter values comprise gearbox settings.

5. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein harvester driving parameter values comprise residue spreading system settings.

6. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein the warning signal is output to the operator via at least one of visual and acoustic outputting devices.

7. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein the warning signal causes the agricultural harvester to enter an operational safe mode.

8. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, wherein the sensor is comprises at least one radar sensor placed at a back end of the agricultural harvester.

9. The agricultural harvester of claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises multiple radar sensors arranged alongside each other to scan the surroundings of the harvester.

10. The agricultural harvester of claim 1, further comprising a display in the cabin of the harvester to visualize a corresponding one of the at least two different danger zones together with the position of the object.

11. A method for sending a warning signal in an agricultural harvester, the harvester comprising a sensor adapted for measuring a position of an object that is situated in surroundings of the harvester, the method comprising:

defining in the surroundings at least two different danger zones respectively corresponding to at least two different sets of harvester driving parameter values;

detecting an object in the surroundings via the sensor;

wherein the method further comprises, upon detection of the object;

measuring the position of the object in the surroundings;

comparing actual harvester driving parameter values with the at least two different sets of harvester driving parameter values to select a matching one of the at least two different sets of harvester driving parameter values and selecting a corresponding one of the at least two different danger zones;

determining whether the position of the object is in the corresponding danger zone; and

sending the warning signal if the position of the object is determined to be in the corresponding danger zone.