Patent ID: 12194915

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and methods, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

InFIG.1, an illustrative example is provided of a work machine. In this example, the work machine is depicted as an agricultural vehicle, and in particular, to an agricultural combine10. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to a combine or any other agricultural vehicle. The work machine or vehicle may be any type of agricultural, construction, forestry, industrial, or off-road machine or vehicle. Moreover, the terms “machine” and “vehicle” are used interchangeably in this disclosure to refer to the same thing.

In the embodiment ofFIG.1, an agricultural combine10is shown with a chassis12with wheels14in contact with the ground. Wheels14are coupled to the chassis12and are used for a forward propulsion of the combine10in a forward operating or travelling direction. The forward operating direction is to the left inFIG.1. The operation of the combine10is controlled from an operator's cab16. The operator's cab16may include any number of controls including an operator terminal or controls96for controlling the operation of the combine10. A cutter head18may form part of an implement attached to the combine10. Alternatively, the cutter head18may form part of the combine and thus is mounted to the chassis12. In any event, the cutter head18may be disposed at a forward end of the combine10and is used in order to harvest crop such as corn and to conduct it to a slope conveyor20. The harvested crop is conducted by a guide drum22to a slope conveyor20. The guide drum22guides the harvested crop through an inlet transition section24to an axial harvested crop processing arrangement26, as shown inFIG.1.

The harvested crop processing arrangement26may include a rotor housing34and a rotor36arranged therein. The rotor36includes a hollow drum38to which crop processing elements are fastened for a charging section40, a threshing section42, and a separating section44. The charging section40is arranged at the front end of the axial harvested crop processing arrangement26. The threshing section42and the separating section44are located downstream in the longitudinal direction and to the rear of the charging section40. The drum38may be in the form of a truncated cone located in the charging section40. The threshing section42may include a forward section in the form of a truncated cone and a cylindrical rear section. The cylindrical separating section44of the drum38is located at the rear or end of the axial harvested crop processing unit26. In place of the axial harvested crop processing unit26, a tangential threshing drum with a following axial threshing section or a straw chopper could also be used.

Corn and chaff that fall through a thresher basket associated with the threshing section42and through a separating grate associated with the separating section44may be directed to a cleaning system28with a blower46and sieves48,50with louvers. The sieves48,50can be oscillated in a fore-and-aft direction. The cleaning system28removes the chaff and guides the clean corn over a screw conveyor52to an elevator for clean corn (not shown). The elevator for clean corn deposits the clean corn in a corn tank30, as shown inFIG.1. The clean corn in the corn tank30can be unloaded by an unloading screw conveyor32to a corn wagon, trailer, or truck (not shown). Harvested crop remaining at the lower end of the lower sieve50is again transported to the harvested crop processing arrangement26by a screw conveyor54and an overhead conveyor (not shown). The harvested crop residue delivered at the upper end of the upper sieve48that consist essentially of chaff and small straw particles may be conveyed by an oscillating sheet conveyor56to the rear and to a lower inlet58of a chopper rotor assembly60.

The aforementioned blower46produces an air flow that carries much of the chaff and small particles to the rear of the combine and to the chopper rotor assembly60. The blower46is capable of providing three or more air paths inside the combine. A first air or flow path may be through a front portion of the combine10. A second air or flow path may be above the lower sieve50and below the upper sieve48or chaffer. A third air or flow path may be below the lower sieve50. All three air or flow paths fill the combine body and can create pressurized air flow to pick up and carry straw, grain, and other residue or particles to the rear of the combine10.

Threshed-out straw leaving the separating section44is ejected through an outlet62from the harvested crop processing arrangement26and conducted to an ejection drum64. The ejection drum64, or discharge beater, interacts with a sheet66arranged underneath it to eject the straw to the rear, and the grain and MOG is directed through the cleaning system28. A wall68is located to the rear of the ejection drum64. The wall68guides the straw into an upper inlet70of the chopper rotor assembly60.

The chopper rotor assembly60may include a housing72(i.e., chopper housing) with a rotor74arranged therein that can rotate in a counterclockwise direction about an axis extending horizontally and transverse to the direction of operation. The rotor74may include a plurality of chopper knives76, pendulously suspended in pairs and distributed around the circumference of the rotor74, that interact with opposing knives78, which are fixed to the housing72. Two impeller blowers82arranged side by side alongside each other, may be provided downstream of an outlet80of the chopper rotor assembly60. Only a single blower82is shown inFIG.1. The impeller blowers82may include a number of impeller blades84, each of which is connected rigidly to an upper circular disk86, that can rotate about central axes88. The disks86with the impeller blades84that extend radially can be rotatably driven by a hydraulic motor90that is attached above a bottom sheet102which is connected with the housing72of the chopper rotor assembly60. At their radially inner ends the impeller blades84are connected to a cylindrical central body92that transitions into a cone94with a point on its end facing away from the disk86. The impeller blades84may be rectangular and the height of the body92(without cone94) may be equal to the height of the impeller blades84. The cross section of the body92and the cone94may be circular, although it could also have a multifaceted shape.

InFIG.1, the agricultural vehicle10may include a lighting module or system104which is an integral part of the vehicle. The lighting module or system104may utilize a high-definition (HD) pixel or pixel light-emitting diode (LED) light array module. The system104may include its own control module224(seeFIG.2). The light system control module or controller224may be operably disposed in electrical communication with a vehicle controller222, which controls the operation of the vehicle10. The vehicle controller222may send communications or signals to the control module224for controlling the lighting system104.

With matrix lighting, a vehicle controller may use a high beam and a low beam to illuminate the vehicle surroundings. With matrix lighting control, the controller may turn off the high beam and create a darkened column in the area where an oncoming vehicle or object is so as to not blind the vehicle (or person). With HD LED or HD Pixel source LED illumination, pixel technology is utilized in which more focused areas can be illuminated or de-illuminated based on need. Rather than using a single bulb, for example, the lighting system of the present disclosure may control individual pixels or pixel segments to project or illuminate. Individual segments may include between a thousand to over a million pixels, and the lighting system controller or control module224may operably enable or disable individual segments during operation. Moreover, the control module224may vary the intensity of the individual segments to project information or other communications onto the field as will be described below with reference toFIGS.3and4.

The lighting system may be formed by an ambient or working lighting of the vehicle or an illumination provided inside the cab16in the form of illuminatable control and display elements or interior lighting. The working lighting may include a plurality of field lights mounted to the vehicle at different locations. In one example, each of the plurality of field lights may comprise a LED array field light. Other technology besides LED may be used for the field lights. The plurality of field lights may include a first field light106, a second field light108, a third field light110, a fourth field light112, and a fifth field light114. In other embodiments, there may be additional or fewer field lights. In other words, there can be any number of field lights mounted to the chassis12, cab16, cutter head18, etc. In the illustrated example ofFIG.1, the first field light106may be mounted to a roof of the cab16. The second field light108may be mounted to each side or only one side of the vehicle10. The third field light110may be mounted to the rear of the chassis12. The fourth field light112may be mounted to a front portion of the roof of the cab16, and the fifth field light114may be mounted to a front deflector or portion of the chassis12below the cab16. The location of each field light may differ on other vehicles or machines, and thus the example ofFIG.1is only intended to illustrate an example of one lighting system104.

The plurality of field lights may enable an aerial or overlapping illumination of a terrain or field surface surrounding the agricultural vehicle10. One or more of the field lights can be activated individually and varied in terms of their luminous intensity by the vehicle controller222for adapting the emission characteristic or light intensity.

In addition to the actual lamp (Halogen or gas discharge lamp, LEDs or the like), one or more of the plurality of field lights may have optical devices for changing the emission characteristic, and consequently, the emission angle or the emission angle-dependent light distribution. The optical devices can be formed either by electrically controllable optical systems (collimators or lens systems), or else by the lamp itself. In the latter case, this may include a segmented LED matrix, in which individual matrix segments can be switched on and off and varied in their luminosity by the controller222.

Inside the cab16may include a camera100for optically detecting the position or head posture of a vehicle operator. The information obtained by the camera100may be fed to the controller222to determine the instantaneous viewing direction of the vehicle operator using image processing software. The camera100may be integrated in a rear-view mirror or a housing98, for example, covered by the rear-view mirror.

As shown inFIG.2, the vehicle controller222may form part of a vehicle control system220. Here, the controller222may include a data interface212for the wireless reception of position or other information broadcast by another work machine or vehicle (not shown). The position information broadcast by the other vehicle may be located in a data cloud216and can be retrieved from there via the data interface212using an existing wireless network.

On the basis of the position information received, the controller222can determine a relative position of the agricultural vehicle10with respect to another vehicle or an implement, for which purpose the controller222performs a comparison with position information in relation to the vehicle10. The assessment or determination of the relative position may be carried out on the basis of a polar coordinate system, in which the vehicle10forms the origin of the coordinate system.

The position information related to the vehicle10may be captured by a satellite-based navigation system. The satellite-based navigation system can be either installed in the vehicle10or else implemented as a wireless device218. The latter may be a component part of a mobile telephone of the vehicle operator, wherein the calculated position information is transmitted wirelessly to the controller222via an LTE connection established by a wireless interface214.

In addition, in order to determine potential extraneous light effects, the controller222may be connected to an ambient-sensing light or image sensor. The light or image sensor may be a panorama or 360-degree camera116arranged in the roof area of the cab16. Alternatively, it can also be light-sensitive sensor elements or individual cameras (not shown), distributed along an outer side of the vehicle10.

Besides the lighting system104and cameras, the agricultural vehicle10may include one or more sensors for detecting a relative position of the vehicle to another object. For example, a first proximity sensor118may be mounted to the front side of the vehicle10and a second proximity sensor120may be mounted to the rear side thereof. Each sensor may be in electrical communication with the controller222, as shown inFIG.2. The first sensor118may detect an object in front of the vehicle as it travels in a forward direction, whereas the second sensor120may detect an object either approaching from behind or an object in the path of rearward movement of the vehicle10. The vehicle10may include additional sensors for detecting the position of the vehicle relative to surrounding objects and provide corresponding feedback to the controller222.

The controller222may be in a position where it receives data and other feedback from the operator of the vehicle along with sensors, cameras, remote devices, and the like across the vehicle and implement. In the example ofFIG.2, the controller222may be arranged to receive a plurality of inputs. For instance, the controller may receive communication from the operator terminal96in the form of commands or instructions from the operator. This may include instructions to accelerate, decelerate, or turn the tractor. Alternatively, this may include to active or de-activate the lighting system104. Further, it may include commands to operate the vehicle according to a desired mode or setting. Other known operator commands may be communicated to the controller222via the operator terminal96.

The controller222may also receive images or other communications from the camera100located in the cab16of the vehicle. The camera may detect movement of the operator and communicate the same to the controller222. While a camera is depicted inFIG.1, the camera100may also comprise a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the vehicle from inside the cab16.

The controller222may further receive communication from the camera116located externally of the cab16. Here, the camera116may detect environmental conditions such as dusk or dawn, lighting effects from the lighting system104, along with a view of the area around the work vehicle10. This may include objects or obstacles in a field, a fence line, a roadway, or other on-road or off-road vehicles in the general area. Further, the camera116may detect an implement being towed by the work machine and communicating this to the controller222. In one example, the camera116may provide images to the controller222, which in turn may communicate these images to the operator as will be described further below.

The controller222may be in communication with the first and second proximity sensors118,120. The sensors may communicate objects that are within a predefined distance of the vehicle10. This may include other vehicles or an implement being towed by the work vehicle in the field, or on a roadway during transport.

In this disclosure, the term “work vehicle” may include the type of work vehicle depicted inFIG.1. However, this disclosure is not intended to be limiting. “Work vehicle” may generally be any vehicle or machine capable of operating or performing a work function. Thus, an implement is considered a “work vehicle” for purposes of this disclosure. As such, the use of “work vehicle” and “implement” in this disclosure is not intended to be limiting, and any work vehicle may be an implement and any implement may be a work vehicle. Moreover, a self-propelled unit such as a tractor, sprayer, combine, etc. may be described herein as a work vehicle, as well as an implement towed by a tractor or other vehicle may also be referred to as a work vehicle.

As shown inFIG.2, the controller222may receive communications from one or more sensors200regarding an operating status, operating position, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the vehicle. These sensors200may communicate warnings in the form of DTCs to the operator such as, but not limited to, low battery level, low fuel, etc.

The controller222may receive communications from a field map input202which may include positional information relative to a field. This information may be determined and loaded into a memory unit of the controller222, or it may be communicated from a remote source. The information from the field map input202may include field boundaries, roadways, fence lines, obstacles to avoid, etc. This information may be provided to the controller222, which can then provide this information to the operator during field operation.

The controller222may also be in communication with a global positioning sensor (GPS) input204. The GPS input204may come from a satellite or other remote sensing device (e.g., a cell phone). The GPS input204may provide a location of the vehicle10to the operator so that the operator is able to determine where in the field the vehicle is located.

A vehicle speed input206may provide vehicle speed to the controller222. An operation mode type input208may provide the operator with details related to what type of operating mode a towed implement or the cutter head18is in. For an agricultural sprayer, for example, the operation mode type input208may signal when a sprayer boom of the sprayer is folded, which is indicative of a transport mode, or unfolded, which is indicative of a field or working mode.

Other sensors210may be in communication with the controller222to provide performance data or information about the vehicle or implement. This performance data or information may include any data that is generally collected, monitored, displayed, calculated, etc. and provided to the operator to better control the operation of the vehicle or implement.

As shown inFIG.2, the work vehicle10may be capable of towing an implement. For instance, the work vehicle may be a tractor which tows a mowing, planting or spraying implement. In any event, the implement may include its own lighting system. The implement lighting system may be operably controlled by the vehicle controller222in the same way as the vehicle lighting system104. In another embodiment, the implement lighting system may be operably controlled via the vehicle light control module224.

In yet another embodiment, which is shown inFIG.2, the implement lighting system may include its own implement light control module226for operably controlling the implement lighting system. Here, the implement lighting system228may include a first implement array field light230and a second LED array implement field light232. The implement lighting system228may include one or more array field lights for projecting a light emission externally from the implement to illuminate areas around the implement.

As described above, conventional lighting systems were controlled to either be turned completely on or off. If a high beam and low beam were available, then a high beam may be used to further illuminate the surrounding environment compared to the low beam. When an oncoming vehicle is detected, the high beam may be switched to the low beam. In doing so, the operator of the oncoming vehicle is not blinded by the light emission of the high beam.

In this disclosure, the light control module224of the vehicle and/or the implement light control module226may receive communications from the controller222and operably control individual pixel segments to project or display light emissions from each of its individual array field lights. Each array field light may be operably controlled independently of the other field lights such that at any given time one or more of the field lights may be operably controlled on or off. As a result, if an oncoming vehicle is approaching, individual pixel segments may be disabled without completing shutting off the entire field light. This can provide advantages such that the surrounding environment may still be illuminated by the lighting system, but the operator of the oncoming vehicle is not blinded. The ability to control the lighting system of the vehicle and implement via matrix lighting technology, along with camera and/or sensor technology to detect the presence of an oncoming vehicle and the like, provides additional benefits over conventional lighting systems.

In the same way, if the operator controlling the work vehicle is distracted or partially blinded due to a glare caused by the lighting system, the present disclosure provides a control system and method for turning off segments of light to reduce the glare and distractions from the operator.

To achieve the aforementioned benefits, the present disclosure provides a high-definition pixel and/or pixel LED lighting system to expand the overall coverage zone of illumination around the work vehicle and implement. This lighting system may improve the visibility of the work vehicle and implement to the operator and to others in or near the coverage zone, particularly as more work vehicles are operating later at night. The lighting system may be operably controlled via control system to that shown inFIG.2where individual array field lights may be selectively controlled to modify the light emission therefrom.

In one example of this disclosure, a combination of a combine10and grain cart (not shown) may be in the same coverage zone. A camera or sensor may detect the presence of the grain cart such that the lighting system on the combine is operably controlled so that a corresponding array field light does not project a light emission directly at the grain cart operator. Similarly, a lighting system on the grain cart may be operably controlled so that a corresponding array field light does not project a light emission directly at the combine operator. The combination of both lighting systems, however, project sufficient light emission around the respective work vehicles for others to see.

In another example, a pair of tractors may be working in the same field. Each tractor may include a camera or sensor for detecting the presence of the other tractor. Upon doing so, the respective controllers may operably control the lighting systems on each tractor so as not to blind the operators of each tractor.

In the previous examples, it may also be possible for the operator of the combine, grain cart, or either tractor to manually identify the other vehicle and/or control the lighting system so as not to blind the operator of the other vehicle.

In yet another example, a fast strobe sequence of all array field lights may be implemented to help illuminate the work vehicle so that another vehicle in the field or otherwise may clearly see the work vehicle. The fast strobe sequence may utilize a rotation of a field light, flashing, or any other type of lighting sequence.

In a further example, a lighting system of a work vehicle may be interfaced with a lighting system on a towed implement. For instance, a tractor may be pulling a planter through a field such that the tractor lighting system and planter lighting system project light emissions from each array field light to illuminate the field in which they are operating. In this example, the vehicle controller may operably control the planter lighting system to illuminate the field and then operably control the tractor lighting system to illuminate those zones or areas not illuminated by the planter lighting system. The use of matrix lighting may be implemented where individual pixel segments of each array field light may be controlled on to fill in the gaps left by the planter lighting system. The same may be true with using the planter lighting system to fill in gaps not illuminated by the tractor lighting system.

In this most recent example, as the tractor and implement make a turn in the field, logic in the vehicle controller may be executed to control the tractor lighting system and the implement lighting system to cover the intended path of travel through the turn.

Similarly, in another example, a tractor may be towing a mower implement through a field. As the mower moves from one side of the tractor to the other, the controller may operably control the lighting system on the tractor to illuminate the path of the mower as it moves from one side to the other.

In the present disclosure, an improved wireless communication protocol such as light fidelity (“Li-Fi”) may be utilized to improve communication between work vehicles or machines, work vehicle and implement, and the like. Li-Fi is a known wireless communication technology which uses light to transmit data and position between devices. Moreover, Li-Fi is a light communication system capable of transmitting data at high speeds over visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared spectrums. Typically, LED lamps may be used to transmit visible light.

In use, Li-Fi uses the modulation or pulsing of light intensity to transmit data at high speeds and in environments where electromagnetic interference does not affect its transmission performance. Generally, a Li-Fi system includes at least one receiver and one transmitter. There is an established or known communication protocol or language between the two such that pulsing light signals via the transmitter is received by the receiver, and the receiver is capable of interpreting the signals or transferring the signals to another device (e.g., a control system).

In one example, a light-transmitting module on a roof of a work vehicle such as a tractor may be used to communicate with a receiver module on an implement such that the tractor is capable of communicating with the implement via Li-Fi. The light-transmitting module may transmit light which is received and interpreted by the receiver module but which may not be detectable by a human eye. For instance, the light-transmitting module may pulse light at 50 kHz. This form of communication is desirable particularly where a wired communication is unavailable and when it is necessary to transmit information at a higher bandwidth than is possible with a radio transmission receiver.

In one such embodiment, a work vehicle and implement may be capable of utilizing Li-Fi communication to share data and position information therebetween. InFIG.3, for example, a work vehicle-implement combination300may communicate with one another via a Li-Fi communication system. The combination300may include a work vehicle such as a tractor302and an implement304. A drawbar306may be used to connect the tractor302and implement304to one another. The tractor302may operate in a forward travel direction defined by arrow308inFIG.3.

The tractor302may include a vehicle controller222and light control module224similar to those described relative toFIG.2. The controller222may include a memory unit (M) and a processor (P), where the memory unit is capable of storing data, lookup tables, software, control algorithms, and the like. The tractor302may also include a receiving module312capable of receiving light emissions or signals from a light-transmitting module. In one example, the receiving module312may be in the form of a photodetector. The receiving module312may include or be electrically coupled to a signal converter (not shown) which may convert the light signals into a format which is capable of being interpreted by the vehicle controller222or light control module224. In this example, the signal converter may be an externally-located module from the receiving module312, vehicle controller222and light control module224. Alternatively, the signal converter may be part of the receiving module312, vehicle controller222or light control module224.

The tractor302may include a plurality of field lights or light-transmitting modules. Each light-transmitting module may include one or more LEDs with a visible light communication (VLC) technology to perform optical data transmission. InFIG.3, for example, the plurality of light-transmitting modules may include a first light-transmitting module316, a second light-transmitting module318, a third light-transmitting module320, and a fourth light-transmitting module322.

Each light-transmitting module is capable of emitting or transferring a light signal. In the example ofFIG.3, the first light-transmitting module316may emit a first light signal330. The vehicle controller222may communicate with the light control module224a type of data or position information to be emitted by the first light-transmitting module316. As such, the light control module224may send instructions or commands to the first light-transmitting module316to communicate via light the instruction or command. In doing so, the first light-transmitting module316emits the first light signal330which includes the data or position information as instructed by the vehicle controller222in this example.

The second light-transmitting module318can be operably controlled to emit a second light signal332. Similarly, the third light-transmitting module320can be operably controlled to emit a third light signal324and the fourth light-transmitting module322can be operably controlled to emit a fourth light signal334. Each light-transmitting module may be operably controlled independently of one another. The light-transmitting modules may be located at different positions on the work vehicle302, and the light control module224may instruct each light-transmitting module to transmit a different signal simultaneously or at different times.

In one embodiment, the implement304may be operably controlled via its own implement controller310. Alternatively, the vehicle controller222may operably control a work function of the implement304. The implement controller310may include a memory unit (M) and a processor (P). Further, the implement304may include the implement light control module224which is in electrical communication with the implement controller310(or vehicle controller222as inFIG.2).

The implement304may include a receiving module314capable of receiving light emissions or signals from a light-transmitting module from the tractor302(or other machine). In one example, the receiving module314may be in the form of a photodetector. The receiving module314may include or be electrically coupled to a signal converter (not shown) which may convert the light signals into a format which is capable of being interpreted by the vehicle controller222or implement light control module226. In this example, the signal converter may be an externally-located module from the receiving module314, vehicle controller222and implement light control module226. Alternatively, the signal converter may be part of the receiving module314, vehicle controller222or implement light control module226.

The implement304may include a plurality of field lights or light-transmitting modules. Each light-transmitting module may include one or more LEDs with a visible light communication (VLC) technology to perform optical data transmission. InFIG.3, for example, the plurality of light-transmitting modules may include a first implement light-transmitting module326and a second implement light-transmitting module328.

Each implement light-transmitting module is capable of emitting or transferring a light signal. In the example ofFIG.3, the first implement light-transmitting module326may emit a first light signal336. The vehicle controller222may communicate with the implement light control module226a type of data or position information to be emitted by the first implement light-transmitting module326. As such, the implement light control module226may send instructions or commands to the first implement light-transmitting module326to communicate via light the instruction or command. In doing so, the first implement light-transmitting module326emits the first light signal336which includes the data or position information as instructed by the vehicle controller222in this example.

The second implement light-transmitting module328may emit a second light signal338as shown inFIG.3. Each light signal from the implement light-transmitting modules may be operably received by the receiving module312on the tractor302and/or another receiving module located on a different work vehicle or implement. Upon receiving a light signal from the implement304, the receiving module312may transmit the signal to a signal converter which may in turn convert the light signals into a format which is capable of being interpreted by the vehicle controller222or implement light control module226. In this way, the vehicle controller222may communicate with the operator of the tractor or work machine data or position information related to the implement304.

Similarly, one or more of the light-transmitting modules of the tractor302may emit a light signal which is received by the implement receiving module314. The implement receiving module314may transmit the signal to a signal converter which in turn converts the light signal into a format that may be received and understood by the implement controller310. As noted above, the signal converter may be a part of the receiving module or a separate unit therefrom.

In one embodiment, the light-transmitting modules on the tractor and/or implement may comprise the field lights used to illuminate the areas surrounding the respective machine. Moreover, during operation, one or more of the implement light-transmitting modules may pulse infrared light to the tractor so that a glare or blinding light is not emitted in such a way that it affects the operator's ability to control the tractor. Further, light signals may be emitted or pulsed from the tractor via infrared light.

The use of Li-Fi technology is ideal in these circumstances where it is not possible to have a wired connection between transmitter and receiver. Further, it is desired where a larger bandwidth is needed to communicate therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, the communication between the tractor or work vehicle and implement may be via a first wireless communication protocol or a second wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication protocol may utilize Li-Fi technology. In one aspect, the first wireless communication protocol may be the default communication protocol. However, the vehicle controller222or implement controller310may be programmed to detect when the amount of bandwidth available with the first wireless communication protocol is insufficient for the amount of data or information being transferred between the work vehicle302and implement304. When this is detected, the communication protocol may be switched from the first wireless communication protocol to the second wireless communication protocol. In this case, the vehicle controller222or implement controller310may operably trigger the communication to switch to Li-Fi and thus the communication therebetween is via the light-transmitting modules and receiving modules as described above.

In the aforementioned example, the vehicle controller222may continuously monitor the bandwidth being used relative to the amount of bandwidth available between the work vehicle302and implement304. The same may be true with respect to communication between the work vehicle302and another work vehicle in a field or other location. The vehicle controller222may be programmed to detect the bandwidth used versus available bandwidth, compare the amount of bandwidth used or available to a threshold amount, and operably switch between communication protocols when additional or less bandwidth is needed. For example, when the amount of bandwidth being used at any given time is less than the bandwidth threshold, the vehicle controller222may communicate via a first wireless communication protocol with less bandwidth. When the amount of bandwidth being used at any given time is more than the bandwidth threshold, the vehicle controller222may switch to a second wireless communication protocol with more bandwidth. As the controller222switches to the second wireless communication protocol, the vehicle controller222may communicate with the light control module224to send a light signal via one or more of the vehicle light-transmitting modules to the implement receiving module314indicating the switch to the second wireless communication protocol. Moreover, when switching back to the first wireless communication protocol, the vehicle controller222may use the light control module224to send a light signal indicative of this switch to the implement receiving module314which is communicated to the implement controller310.

Referring now toFIG.4, a further embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. InFIG.3, the embodiment illustrates a work vehicle pulling an implement. As described above, the work vehicle and implement are configured to communicate with one another via light signals emitted and received therebetween. InFIG.4, a combination400of a pair of work machines or implements are shown which are capable of communicating with one another via Li-Fi communication to share data and position information therebetween. The combination400may include a first work vehicle402and a second work vehicle404. The first work vehicle402, however, may be an implement. Similarly, the second work vehicle404may be an implement. Thus, it is possible for a pair of implements to communicate with one another utilizing Li-Fi communication.

The first work vehicle402may include a controller406and light control module412similar to those described relative toFIG.2. The controller406may include a memory unit (M)408and a processor (P)410, where the memory unit408is capable of storing data, lookup tables, software, control algorithms, and the like. The first work vehicle402may also include a receiving module428capable of receiving light emissions or signals from a light-transmitting module. In one example, the receiving module428may be in the form of a photodetector. The receiving module428may include or be electrically coupled to a signal converter (not shown) which may convert the light signals into a format which is capable of being interpreted by the controller406or light control module412. In this example, the signal converter may be an externally-located module from the receiving module428, controller406and light control module412. Alternatively, the signal converter may be part of the receiving module428, controller406or light control module412.

The first work vehicle402may include a lighting system414similar to the lighting system104ofFIGS.1and2. The lighting system414may comprise a plurality of field lights or light-transmitting modules. Each light-transmitting module may include one or more LEDs with a visible light communication (VLC) technology to perform optical data transmission. InFIG.4, for example, the plurality of light-transmitting modules may include a first light-transmitting module416, a second light-transmitting module418, and a third light-transmitting module420. There may be any number of light-transmitting modules, and thusFIG.4is only one type of example. In other words, there can be more or more light-transmitting modules functioning as part of the lighting system414.

Each light-transmitting module is capable of emitting or transferring a light signal. In the example ofFIG.4, the first light-transmitting module416may emit a first light signal422. The controller406may communicate with the light control module412a type of data or position information to be emitted by the first light-transmitting module416. As such, the light control module412may send instructions or commands to the first light-transmitting module416to communicate via light the instruction or command. In doing so, the first light-transmitting module416emits the first light signal422which includes the data or position information as instructed by the controller406in this example.

The second light-transmitting module418can be operably controlled to emit a second light signal424. Similarly, the third light-transmitting module420can be operably controlled to emit a third light signal426. Each light-transmitting module may be operably controlled independently of one another. The light-transmitting modules may be located at different positions on the work vehicle402, and the light control module412may instruct each light-transmitting module to transmit a different signal simultaneously or at different times.

InFIG.4, the second work vehicle404may be operably controlled via its own controller430. Alternatively, the first controller406may operably control a work function of the second work vehicle404. The controller430may include a memory unit (M)432and a processor (P)434. Further, the second work vehicle404may include a light control module436which is in electrical communication with the controller430(or first controller406).

The second work vehicle404may include a receiving module452capable of receiving light emissions or signals from a light-transmitting module from the first work vehicle402(or other machine). In one example, the receiving module452may be in the form of a photodetector. The receiving module452may include or be electrically coupled to a signal converter (not shown) which may convert the light signals into a format which is capable of being interpreted by the controller430or light control module436. In this example, the signal converter may be an externally-located module from the receiving module452, controller430and light control module436. Alternatively, the signal converter may be part of the receiving module452, the controller430or the light control module436.

The second work vehicle404may include its own lighting system438comprising a plurality of field lights or light-transmitting modules. Each light-transmitting module may include one or more LEDs with a visible light communication (VLC) technology to perform optical data transmission. InFIG.4, for example, the plurality of light-transmitting modules may include a first light-transmitting module440, a second light-transmitting module442, and a third light-transmitting module444.

Each light-transmitting module is capable of emitting or transferring a light signal. In the example ofFIG.4, the first light-transmitting module440may emit a first light signal446. The second controller430may communicate with the light control module436a type of data or position information to be emitted by the first light-transmitting module440. As such, the light control module436may send instructions or commands to the first light-transmitting module440to communicate via light the instruction or command. In doing so, the first light-transmitting module440emits the first light signal446which includes the data or position information as instructed by the second controller430in this example.

The second light-transmitting module442may emit a second light signal448as shown inFIG.4, and the third light-transmitting module444may emit a third light signal450. Each light signal from the one or more light-transmitting modules may be operably received by the receiving module428on the first work vehicle402and/or another receiving module located on a different work vehicle or implement. Upon receiving a light signal from the second work vehicle404, the receiving module428may transmit the signal to a signal converter which may in turn convert the light signals into a format which is capable of being interpreted by the first controller406or light control module412. In this way, the first controller406may communicate with the operator of the first work machine402data or position information related to the second work vehicle404.

Similarly, one or more of the light-transmitting modules of the first work vehicle402may emit a light signal which is received by the receiving module452on the second work vehicle404. The second receiving module452may transmit the signal to a signal converter which in turn converts the light signal into a format that may be received and understood by the controller430. As noted above, the signal converter may be a part of the receiving module or a separate unit therefrom.

In this embodiment, light signals may be emitted from the first work vehicle402to the second work vehicle404in a first communication direction454, and/or light signals may be emitted from the second work vehicle404to the first work vehicle402in a second communication direction456.

In one embodiment, the light-transmitting modules on either work vehicle may comprise the field lights used to illuminate the areas surrounding the respective machine. Moreover, during operation, one or more of the light-transmitting modules may pulse infrared light to the other work vehicle so that a glare or blinding light is not emitted in such a way that it affects the operator's ability to control the other work vehicle.

The use of Li-Fi technology is ideal in these circumstances where it is not possible to have a wired connection between transmitter and receiver. Further, it is desired where a larger bandwidth is needed to communicate therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, the communication between the two work vehicles may be via a first wireless communication protocol or a second wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication protocol may utilize Li-Fi technology. In one aspect, the first wireless communication protocol may be the default communication protocol. However, the first controller406or the second controller430may be programmed to detect when the amount of bandwidth available with the first wireless communication protocol is insufficient for the amount of data or information being transferred between the first work vehicle402and second work vehicle404. When this is detected, the communication protocol may be switched from the first wireless communication protocol to the second wireless communication protocol. In this case, the first controller406or second controller430may operably trigger the communication to switch to Li-Fi and thus the communication therebetween is via the light-transmitting modules and receiving modules as described above.

In the aforementioned example, the first controller406may continuously monitor the bandwidth being used relative to the amount of bandwidth available between the first work vehicle402and second work vehicle404. The same may be true with respect to communication between the first or second work vehicle and another work vehicle or implement in a field or other location. Either controller406,430may be programmed to detect the bandwidth used versus available bandwidth, compare the amount of bandwidth used or available to a threshold amount, and operably switch between communication protocols when additional or less bandwidth is needed. For example, when the amount of bandwidth being used at any given time is less than the bandwidth threshold, the respective controller may communicate via a first wireless communication protocol with less bandwidth. When the amount of bandwidth being used at any given time is more than the bandwidth threshold, the respective controller406,430may switch to a second wireless communication protocol with more bandwidth. As the respective controller406,430switches to the second wireless communication protocol, the respective controller406,430may communicate with the respective light control module412,436to send a light signal via one or more of the vehicle light-transmitting modules to the respective receiving module428,452indicating the switch to the second wireless communication protocol. Moreover, when switching back to the first wireless communication protocol, the respective controller406,430may use the respective light control module412,436to send a light signal indicative of this switch to the respective receiving module428,452which is communicated to the respective controller406,430.

As described above, the first work vehicle402may be a tractor, implement, or any other type of work machine. Likewise, the second work vehicle404may be a tractor, implement, or any other type of work machine.

In this disclosure, LED technology is covered but is not intended to be limiting. Other lighting technologies may be used as well including laser, DLP, a combination of LED and other, etc. Each light may be an array field light or light source.

In this disclosure, a plurality of sensing device technologies is described including proximity sensors and camera-based technology. Other sensing technologies such as LIDAR, infrared, radar, etc. may also be used.

While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.