Image selection for machine control

[0001] The present description relates to harvesters. More specifically, the present description relates to image selection for controlling a harvester.

[0002] There are a wide variety of different types of agricultural machines. Some such machines include harvesters, such as combine harvesters, forage harvesters, cotton harvesters, sugarcane harvesters, among others. Such machines can collect data that is used in machine control.

[0003] Some current systems attempt to predict yield in a field that is to be harvested (or is being harvested) by a harvester. For instance, some current systems use aerial images that are taken of a field, in an attempt to predict yield for that field.

[0004] Also, some current systems attempt to use predicted yield in controlling the harvester. Therefore, there is a relatively large body of work that has been devoted to attempting to accurately predict yield from images of a field.

[0005] The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] A vegetation index variability metric is assigned to an image of vegetation at a worksite. The vegetation index variability metric is indicative of the magnitude of vegetation index range and the vegetation index distribution uniformity across the corresponding image. The image is selected for predictive map generation based upon the vegetation index variability metric. The predictive map is provided to a harvester control system which generates control signals that are applied to controllable subsystems of the harvester, based upon the predictive map and the location of the harvester.

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.

[0014] As discussed above, there is a relatively large body of work that has been devoted to attempting to predict yield for an agricultural field, based upon aerial images of that field. By way of example, some current systems attempt to predict yield by assigning a vegetation index value which represents vegetation development, to different locations shown in the aerial photograph. Yield is then predicted based upon the values of the vegetation index assigned to different portions of the field, in the image. One example of a vegetation index that has been used is referred to as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Another vegetation index that has been used is referred to as the Leaf Area Index. The current systems assign index values (using one of the above-mentioned index systems, or a different one) based upon an analysis of a land based or remote sensed image, which tends to indicate the development of the vegetation under analysis in the image.

[0015] However, this can present problems. For example, plant NDVI values will normally increase from 0 to approximately 0.6-0.7 at the peak vegetation performance of the plant (that is, at a time during the growing season when the crop vegetation (the leaves, etc.) are most fully developed). At their peak vegetative performance, the plant spectral response saturates so that the spectral response is clipped at a near maximum value. This saturation means that, when attempting to control a combine based on yield predicted using these images, sensitivity of the control algorithm is limited based on this saturation and the signal-to-noise ratio in the yield prediction process.

[0016] Thus, the present description describes a mechanism by which spectral analysis is used to select images that are more useful in performing machine control. It identifies those images which show a sufficient yield variability across the image. For instance, at a very early point in the growing season, the images may not be useful because there is too little plant growth captured in the imagery. However, at various points in the growing season, the images may be highly useful because there has been adequate plant growth and there is currently active plant growth, but there is still a good distribution in the vegetation index values, across the image. Then, once the plants are fully grown, the images may not be as useful because the peak vegetative growth results in saturated imagery and low yield prediction accuracy. Again, late in the season, where there is active plant senescence, the images may again show a good vegetation index variation magnitude, variability and distribution, across the images, and thus be more useful in predicting yield.

[0017] Thus, the present description provides a system which selects images where the vegetation index variability is sufficient so that the images are helpful in generating a predictive map. A predictive map is generated based on the selected images and is provided to the harvester. The harvester control system uses the predictive map, along with the current harvester position and route, to control the harvester.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a partial pictorial, partial schematic, illustration of an agricultural machine 100, in an example where machine 100 is a combine harvester (or combine). It can be seen in FIG. 1 that combine 100 illustratively includes an operator compartment 101, which can have a variety of different operator interface mechanisms, for controlling combine 100, as will be discussed in more detail below. Combine 100 can include a set of front end equipment that can include header 102, and a cutter generally indicated at 104. It can also include a feeder house 106, a feed accelerator 108, and a thresher generally indicated at 110. Thresher 110 illustratively includes a threshing rotor 112 and a set of concaves 114. Further, combine 100 can include a separator 116 that includes a separator rotor. Combine 100 can include a cleaning subsystem (or cleaning shoe) 118 that, itself, can include a cleaning fan 120, chaffer 122 and sieve 124. The material handling subsystem in combine 100 can include (in addition to a feeder house 106 and feed accelerator 108) discharge beater 126, tailings elevator 128, clean grain elevator 130 (that moves clean grain into clean grain tank 132) as well as unloading auger 134 and spout 136. Combine 100 can further include a residue subsystem 138 that can include chopper 140 and spreader 142. Combine 100 can also have a propulsion subsystem that includes an engine (or other power source) that drives ground engaging wheels 144 or tracks, etc. It will be noted that combine 100 may also have more than one of any of the subsystems mentioned above (such as left and right cleaning shoes, separators, etc.).

[0019] In operation, and by way of overview, combine 100 illustratively moves through a field in the direction indicated by arrow 146. As it moves, header 102 engages the crop to be harvested and gathers it toward cutter 104. After it is cut, it is moved through a conveyor in feeder house 106 toward feed accelerator 108, which accelerates the crop into thresher 110. The crop is threshed by rotor 112 rotating the crop against concave 114. The threshed crop is moved by a separator rotor in separator 116 where some of the residue is moved by discharge beater 126 toward the residue subsystem 138. It can be chopped by residue chopper 140 and spread on the field by spreader 142. In other implementations, the residue is simply dropped in a windrow, instead of being chopped and spread.

[0020] Grain falls to cleaning shoe (or cleaning subsystem) 118. Chaffer 122 separates some of the larger material from the grain, and sieve 124 separates some of the finer material from the clean grain. Clean grain falls to an auger in clean grain elevator 130, which moves the clean grain upward and deposits it in clean grain tank 132. Residue can be removed from the cleaning shoe 118 by airflow generated by cleaning fan 120. That residue can also be moved rearwardly in combine 100 toward the residue handling subsystem 138.

[0021] Tailings can be moved by tailings elevator 128 back to thresher 110 where they can be re-threshed. Alternatively, the tailings can also be passed to a separate re-threshing mechanism (also using a tailings elevator or another transport mechanism) where they can be re-threshed as well.

[0022] FIG. 1 also shows that, in one example, combine 100 can include ground speed sensor 147, one or more separator loss sensors 148, a clean grain camera 150, and one or more cleaning shoe loss sensors 152. Ground speed sensor 147 illustratively senses the travel speed of combine 100 over the ground. This can be done by sensing the speed of rotation of the wheels, the drive shaft, the axel, or other components. The travel speed and position of combine 100 can also be sensed by a positioning system 157, such as a global positioning system (GPS), a dead reckoning system, a LORAN system, or a wide variety of other systems or sensors that provide an indication of travel speed.

[0023] Cleaning shoe loss sensors 152 illustratively provide an output signal indicative of the quantity of grain loss by both the right and left sides of the cleaning shoe 118. In one example, sensors 152 are strike sensors (or impact sensors) which count grain strikes per unit of time (or per unit of distance traveled) to provide an indication of the cleaning shoe grain loss. The strike sensors for the right and left sides of the cleaning shoe can provide individual signals, or a combined or aggregated signal. It will be noted that sensors 152 can comprise only a single sensor as well, instead of separate sensors for each shoe.

[0024] Separator loss sensor 148 provides a signal indicative of grain loss in the left and right separators. The sensors associated with the left and right separators can provide separate grain loss signals or a combined or aggregate signal. This can be done using a wide variety of different types of sensors as well. It will be noted that separator loss sensors 148 may also comprise only a single sensor, instead of separate left and right sensors.

[0025] It will also be appreciated that sensor and measurement mechanisms (in addition to the sensors already described) can include other sensors on combine 100 as well. For instance, they can include a residue setting sensor that is configured to sense whether machine 100 is configured to chop the residue, drop a windrow, etc. They can include cleaning shoe fan speed sensors that can be configured proximate fan 120 to sense the speed of the fan. They can include a threshing clearance sensor that senses clearance between the rotor 112 and concaves 114. They include a threshing rotor speed sensor that senses a rotor speed of rotor 112. They can include a chaffer clearance sensor that senses the size of openings in chaffer 122. They can include a sieve clearance sensor that senses the size of openings in sieve 124. They can include a material other than grain (MOG) moisture sensor that can be configured to sense the moisture level of the material other than grain that is passing through combine 100. They can include machine setting sensors that are configured to sense the various configurable settings on combine 100. They can also include a machine orientation sensor that can be any of a wide variety of different types of sensors that sense the orientation or pose of combine 100. Crop property sensors can sense a variety of different types of crop properties, such as crop type, crop moisture, and other crop properties. They can also be configured to sense characteristics of the crop as they are being processed by combine 100. For instance, they can sense grain feed rate, as it travels through clean grain elevator 130. They can sense yield as mass flow rate of grain through elevator 130, correlated to a position from which it was harvested, as indicated by position sensor 157, or provide other output signals indicative of other sensed variables. Some additional examples of the types of sensors that can be used are described below.

[0026] Also, it will be noted that FIG. 1 shows only one example of machine 100. Other machines, such as forage harvesters, cotton harvesters, sugarcane harvesters, etc. can be used as well.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one example of a computing system architecture 180. Architecture 180, in the example shown in FIG. 2 shows that an aerial image capture system 182 captures a set of aerial images and/or other image capture systems 183 can capture other images. The images 184 represent a spectral response captured by one or more of image capture systems 182 and 183 and are provided to a predictive map generation system 186. Predictive map generation system 186 selects images 184 that are to be used in generating a predictive map 188. The predictive map 188 is then provided to the control system of harvester 100 where it is used to control harvester 100.

[0028] It will be noted that, in FIG. 2, predictive map generation system 186 is shown separate from harvester 100. Therefore, it can be disposed on a remote computing system or elsewhere. In another example, however, predictive map generation system 186 can also be disposed on harvester 100. These and other architectures are contemplated herein. Before describing the overall operation of architecture 180 in more detail, a brief description of some of the items in architecture 180, and their operation, will first be provided.

[0029] Aerial image capture system 182 can be any type of system that captures aerial images (or a spectral response) of a field being harvested, or to be harvested, by harvester 100. Thus, system 182 can include a satellite-based system where satellite images are generated as images 184. It can be a system that uses unmanned aerial vehicles to captures images 184, or manned aerial vehicles. It can be another type of aerial image capture system as well. Other image capture systems 183 can be other types of ground based image capture systems that capture the spectral response of the field as well.

[0030] Predictive map generation system 186 illustratively includes one or more processors or servers 190, communication system 192, data store 194, spectral analysis system 196, image selection logic 198, map generation logic 200, map correction logic 202, and it can include a wide variety of other items 204. Spectral analysis system 196 can include image quality identifier logic 205, vegetation index metric identifier logic 206 (which, itself, can include leaf area index logic 208, crop orientation detector logic 209, NDVI logic 210, other remote sensing index logic 211, and/or other logic 212), image analysis logic 214 (which, itself, can include adequate plant growth identifier 216, magnitude identifier 215, distribution identifier 217, variability identifier 218, and it can include other items 220), as well as other items 222. Image selection logic 198 can, itself, include multifactor optimization logic 223, threshold logic 224, sorting logic 226 and/or other logic 228. In operation, communication system 192, receives images 184 from system 182 and/or 183, or from another system where they may be stored. It can also receive other information about the field, such as topology, crop type, environmental and crop conditions, among other things. Thus, communication system 192 can be a system that is configured to communicate over a wide area network, a local area network, a near field communication network, a cellular communication network, or any other of a wide variety of different networks or combinations of networks.

[0031] Once the images 184 are received, spectral analysis system 196 performs a spectral analysis on the images and image selection logic 198 selects images for map generation, based upon the spectral analysis. In one example, image quality identifier 205 performs an initial check to see that an image is of sufficient quality. For instance, it can look for the presence of clouds, shade, obscurants, etc. Vegetation index metric identifier logic 206 identifies a set of vegetation index metrics corresponding to each of the images received. Those metric values will vary across the image, based upon the particular metric being calculated. For instance, where the leaf area index is used, leaf area index logic 208 will generate leaf area index values corresponding to different portions of the aerial image (and thus corresponding to different portions of the field). Where NDVI is used, NDVI logic 210 will generate NDVI metric values for different portions of the image. Crop orientation detector logic 211 can detect crop orientation (e.g., downed crop, lodged crop, etc.). Other remote sensing index logic 211 can generate other index metric values for different portions of the image.

[0032] Image analysis logic 214 then determines whether the vegetation index metrics are adequate for this particular image. It can do that by identifying the magnitude of the range of the vegetation index metrics, how the vegetation index metric values vary across the image, and the distribution. These can be performed by magnitude identifier 215, variability identifier 218 and distribution identifier 217. If the leaf area index metrics are used, it identifies those characteristics for those metric values across the image. If the NDVI metric is used, it identifies the characteristics for those metric values across the image.

[0033] First, however, adequate plant growth identifier 216 determines whether the image was taken at a time when there was adequate plant growth. If it was taken too early in the season (such as before the plants emerged, or shortly after they emerged) then there may not be sufficient plant growth to generate the vegetation index values adequately. Adequate plant growth identifier 216 thus analyzes the image to ensure that there has been adequate plant growth, reflected in the image, so that the vegetation index values are meaningful.

[0034] Assuming the image under analysis reflects adequate plant growth, magnitude identifier 215 identifies the magnitude of the range of the vegetation index metric values. Distribution identifier 217 identifies their distribution and variability identifier 218 then identifies the range of distribution or variability of the vegetation index metric values across the image to identify a variability level. This can be done through distribution analysis, mean trend observations, time series analysis of distribution means, standard deviation or using other tools.

[0035] Once an indication of magnitude, distribution and variability has been assigned to the image, image selection logic 198 determines whether that image should be selected for predictive map generation, based upon those values.

[0036] Logic 198 can determine whether the image is suitable in a variety of different ways. For instance, multifactor optimization logic 223 can perform a multifactor optimization using magnitude, distribution and variability. The images can be sorted and selected based on the optimization. Threshold logic 224 may compare the values assigned to the image to threshold values. If they meet the threshold values, then the image may be selected as an image to be used for predictive map generation.

[0037] In another example, sorting logic 226 can sort the processed images based upon one or more of the magnitude, distribution and/or the variability values corresponding to each image. It may use the top N images (those images with the top N values of magnitude, distribution and/or variability) for predictive map generation. It will be noted, however, that other mechanisms for selecting the images, based upon the magnitude, variability, distribution, mean, or other statistical metric values assigned to them, can be used as well.

[0038] Map generator logic 200 receives the selected images from image selection logic 198 and generates a predictive map based upon those images. In one example, the predictive map is a predictive yield map which generates a predicated yield value for different locations in the field, based upon the selected images. Communication system 192 then provides the predictive map 198 to harvester 100 (in the example where system 186 is separate from harvester 100) so that it can be used to control harvester 100.

[0039] At some point, harvester 100 may sense (or derive) actual yield. In that case, the actual yield values, along with the location corresponding to those yield values, can be provided back to system 186 where map correction logic 202 corrects the predictive map 188 based upon the in situ, actual yield, values. The corrected predictive map 188 can then be provided to harvester 100 for continued control.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows that, in one example, harvester 100 includes one or more processors 230, communication system 232, data store 234, a set of sensors 236, control system 238, controllable subsystems 240, operator interface mechanisms 242, and it can include a wide variety of other items 244. Operator 246 interacts with operator interface mechanisms 242 in order to control and manipulate harvester 100. Therefore, the operator interface mechanisms 242 can include levers, a steering wheel, joysticks, buttons, pedals, linkages, etc. Where mechanisms 242 include a touch sensitive display screen, then they can also include operator actuatable elements, such as links, icons, buttons, etc. that can be actuated using a point and click device or touch gestures. Where mechanisms 242 include speech processing functionality, then they can include a microphone, a speaker, and other items for receiving speech commands and generating synthesized speech outputs. They can include a wide variety of other visual, audio and haptic mechanisms.

[0041] Sensors 236 can include position sensor 157 described above, a heading sensor 248 which identifies a heading or route which harvester 100 is taking. It can do that by processing multiple position sensors outputs and extrapolating a route, or otherwise. It can illustratively include speed sensor 147 as discussed above, mass flow sensor 247, and moisture sensor 249. Mass flow sensor 247 can sense a mass flow of grain into the clean grain tank. This, along with crop moisture, sensed by sensor 249, can be used to generate a yield metric indicative of yield. Sensors 236 can include a wide variety of other sensors 250 as well.

[0042] Controllable subsystems 240 can include propulsion subsystem 252, steering subsystem 254, machine actuators 256, power subsystem 258, crop processing subsystem 259, and it can include a wide variety of other items 260. Propulsion system 252 can include an engine or other power source that controls propulsion of harvester 100. Steering subsystem 254 can include actuators that can be actuated to steer harvester 100. Machine actuators 256 can include any of a wide variety of different types of actuators that can be used to change machine settings, change machine configuration, raise and lower the header, change different subsystem speeds (e.g., fan speed), etc. Power subsystem 258 can be used to control the power utilization of harvester 100. It can be used to control how much power is allocated to different subsystems, etc. Crop processing subsystems 259 can include such things as the front end equipment, the threshing subsystem, the cleaning subsystem, the material handling subsystem, and the residue subsystem, all of which are described in more detail above with respect to FIG. 1. The other subsystems 260 can include any other subsystems.

[0043] In operation, once harvester 100 receives predictive yield map 188, control system 238 receives the current position of harvester 100 from the position sensor and the heading or route (or another variable indicative of a future position) of harvester 100 and generates control signals to control the controllable subsystems 240 based upon the predictive map 188 and the current and future positions of harvester 100. For instance, where the predictive map 188 indicates that harvester 100 is about to enter a very high yield portion of the field, then control system 238 may control propulsion system 252 to slow down the ground speed of harvester 100 to maintain a generally constant feedrate. Where it indicates that harvester 100 is about to enter a very low yield portion, it may use steering system 254 to divert harvester 100 to a higher yield portion of the field, or it may control propulsion system 252 to increase speed of harvester 100. It can generate control signals to control machine actuators 256 to change machine settings, or power subsystem 258 to change power utilization or reallocate power in different ways among the subsystems, etc. It can control any of the crop processing subsystems 259 as well.

[0044] FIGS. 3A and 3B (collectively referred to herein as FIG. 3) show a flow diagram illustrating one example of the operation of architecture 180 in selecting images 184, generating a predictive map 188, and using that predictive map 188 to control harvester 100. It is first assumed that aerial image capture system 182 and/or 183 are deployed to capture images 184 of the field under consideration This is indicated by block 262 in the flow diagram of FIG. 3. It will be noted that the images 184 can be captured over a single day, or another single period, or they can be captured at different times during the growing season, as indicated by block 264. They can be captured in a wide variety of other ways as well, and this is indicated by block 266.

[0045] Vegetation index metric identifier logic 206 then selects an image for processing. This is indicated by block 268. Image quality identifier logic 205 then checks the image quality to determine whether it is sufficient for further processing. The image quality may suffer for a variety of reasons, such as the presence of clouds, shadows, obscurants, etc. Calculating image quality is indicated by block 267. Checking for clouds is indicated by block 269 and checking for shade is indicated by block 271. Checking for other things (such as dust or other obscurants, etc.) that may affect image quality is indicated by block 273. Determining whether the image quality is sufficient is indicated by block 275. If not, processing reverts to block 268 where another image is selected. If quality is sufficient, then vegetation index metric identifier logic 206, illustratively assigns vegetation index metric values to different portions of the image (and thus to different locations of the field that the image represents). This is indicated by block 270. As discussed above, leaf area index logic 208 can generate leaf area index metric values for the image. This is indicated by block 272. NDVI logic 210 can generate NDVI metric values for the image. This is indicated by block 274. Crop moisture can also be measured or otherwise established, as indicated by block 276, as can crop orientation, as indicated by block 277. Other vegetation index values can be assigned as well, or instead, and this is indicated by block 279.

[0046] Adequate plant growth identifier 216 then determines whether the aerial image was taken at a time when adequate plant growth is reflected in the image. This is done by determining whether the vegetation index values corresponding to the image have values that show sufficient active plant growth. Determining whether the image shows adequate plant growth is indicated by block 278 in the flow diagram of FIG. 3.

[0047] Image analysis logic 214 then performs the additional image analysis on the selected image to assign it a magnitude, distribution and a level of variability that is represented in the image. This is indicated by block 280 in the flow diagram of FIG. 3. In one example, magnitude identifier 215 identifies the magnitude of the range of the vegetation index values. This is indicated by block 282. Distribution identifier 217 identifies distribution of those values. This is indicated by block 283. Variability identifier 218 calculates a variation in the vegetation index values (or the variability in those values) across the image. This is indicated by block 284. The image analysis can be performed in other ways as well, and this is indicated by block 285.

[0048] Spectral analysis system 196 then determines whether there are more images 184 to be processed. This is indicated by block 286. If so, processing reverts to block 268 where a next image is selected for processing.

[0049] If no more images need to processed then image selection logic 198 selects one or more images for generating a predictive map 188 based on the magnitude, distribution and/or level of variability, corresponding to each of the images. This is indicated by block 288 in the flow diagram of FIG. 3.

[0050] In one example, multifactor optimization logic 223 performs an optimization based on the magnitude, variability and distribution of the vegetation index metric values. This is indicated by block 289. In another example, threshold logic 224 compares the variability (or other characteristic) value of each image to a corresponding threshold value to determine whether it is sufficient. This is indicated by block 290. In another example, sorting logic 226 sorts the processed image by the characteristics discussed above to identify those images with the top (e.g., best) values and selects those images. This is indicated by block 292. The images can be selected, based upon the magnitude, distribution and/or variability values, in other ways as well. This is indicated by block 294.

[0051] Map generator logic 200 then generates a predictive map 188 using the selected images. This is indicated by block 296 in the flow diagram of FIG. 3. In one example, map generator logic 200 can generate the map using other information as well. That information can include such things a topology, crop type, crop properties (e.g., crop moisture, etc.), environmental conditions (such as soil moisture, weather, etc.), or a prediction model based on data modeling. Considering other variables in generating the map is indicated by block 298. The map may be a predictive yield map which gives predicted yield values for different areas in the field. This is indicated by block 300. The predictive map can be generated in other ways, and represent other crop properties such as biomass, moisture, protein, starch, oil etc., as well, and this is indicated by block 302.

[0052] The predictive map 188 is then output for control of harvester 100. This is indicated by block 304.

[0053] Control system 238 can then receive sensor signals from sensors 238 which indicate the harvester position and route (or heading or other value that indicates where the harvester is traveling). This is indicated by block 306. The sensor values can include a current position 308, speed 310, heading 312, and/or a wide variety of other values 314.

[0054] Based upon the harvester position, and where it is headed, and also based upon the values in the predictive map, control system 238 generates harvester control signals to control one or more controllable subsystems 240. Generating the control signals is indicated by block 316. It then applies the control signals to the controllable subsystems to control harvester 100. This is indicated by block 318. It can do this in a variety of different ways. For instance, it can control the propulsion/speed of harvester 100 (e.g., to maintain a constant feedrate, etc.), as indicated by block 320. It can control the route or direction of harvester 100, by controlling the steering subsystems 254. This is indicated by block 322. It can control any of a wide variety of different types of machine actuators 256, as indicated by block 324. It can control power subsystems 258 to control power utilization or power allocation among subsystems, as indicated by block 326. It can control any of the crop processing subsystems 259, as indicated by block 327. It can apply the control signals to different controllable subsystems to control harvester 100 in different ways as well. This is indicated by block 328.

[0055] As discussed above, sensors 236 can include a mass flow sensor 247 and moisture sensor 249 which can be used to derive actual yield on harvester 100. This is indicated by block 330. The actual yield, along with the position where the yield was realized, can be fed back to map correction logic 202 which makes any desirable corrections to the predictive map 188, based upon the actual yield values derived from information sensed by the sensors 247 and 249. This is indicated by block 332. For instance, where the actual yield is consistently offset from the predicted yield by some value or function, that value or function may be applied to the remaining yield values on the predictive map as corrections. This is just one example.

[0056] When the harvester has completed harvesting the field, then the operation is complete. Until then, processing may revert to block 304 where the corrected map (if any corrections were made) are provided back to harvester control system 238 which uses it to control the harvester. Determining whether the operation is complete is indicated by block 334.

[0057] It will be noted that the above discussion has described a variety of different systems, components and/or logic. It will be appreciated that such systems, components and/or logic can be comprised of hardware items (such as processors and associated memory, or other processing components, some of which are described below) that perform the functions associated with those systems, components and/or logic. In addition, the systems, components and/or logic can be comprised of software that is loaded into a memory and is subsequently executed by a processor or server, or other computing component, as described below. The systems, components and/or logic can also be comprised of different combinations of hardware, software, firmware, etc., some examples of which are described below. These are only some examples of different structures that can be used to form the systems, components and/or logic described above. Other structures can be used as well.

[0058] The present discussion has mentioned processors and servers. In one embodiment, the processors and servers include computer processors with associated memory and timing circuitry, not separately shown. They are functional parts of the systems or devices to which they belong and are activated by, and facilitate the functionality of the other components or items in those systems.

[0059] Also, a number of user interface displays have been discussed. They can take a wide variety of different forms and can have a wide variety of different user actuatable input mechanisms disposed thereon. For instance, the user actuatable input mechanisms can be text boxes, check boxes, icons, links, drop-down menus, search boxes, etc. They can also be actuated in a wide variety of different ways. For instance, they can be actuated using a point and click device (such as a track ball or mouse). They can be actuated using hardware buttons, switches, a joystick or keyboard, thumb switches or thumb pads, etc. They can also be actuated using a virtual keyboard or other virtual actuators. In addition, where the screen on which they are displayed is a touch sensitive screen, they can be actuated using touch gestures. Also, where the device that displays them has speech recognition components, they can be actuated using speech commands.

[0060] A number of data stores have also been discussed. It will be noted they can each be broken into multiple data stores. All can be local to the systems accessing them, all can be remote, or some can be local while others are remote. All of these configurations are contemplated herein.

[0061] Also, the figures show a number of blocks with functionality ascribed to each block. It will be noted that fewer blocks can be used so the functionality is performed by fewer components. Also, more blocks can be used with the functionality distributed among more components.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of harvester 100, shown in FIG. 2, except that it communicates with elements in a remote server architecture 500. In an example, remote server architecture 500 can provide computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location or configuration of the system that delivers the services. In various examples, remote servers can deliver the services over a wide area network, such as the internet, using appropriate protocols. For instance, remote servers can deliver applications over a wide area network and they can be accessed through a web browser or any other computing component. Software or components shown in FIG. 2 as well as the corresponding data, can be stored on servers at a remote location. The computing resources in a remote server environment can be consolidated at a remote data center location or they can be dispersed. Remote server infrastructures can deliver services through shared data centers, even though they appear as a single point of access for the user. Thus, the components and functions described herein can be provided from a remote server at a remote location using a remote server architecture. Alternatively, they can be provided from a conventional server, or they can be installed on client devices directly, or in other ways.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 4, some items are similar to those shown in FIG. 2 and they are similarly numbered. FIG. 4 specifically shows that predictive map generation system 186 can be located at a remote server location 502. Therefore, harvester 100 accesses those systems through remote server location 502.

[0064] FIG. 4 also depicts another example of a remote server architecture. FIG. 4 shows that it is also contemplated that some elements of FIG. 2 are disposed at remote server location 502 while others are not. By way of example, data store 194 can be disposed at a location separate from location 502, and accessed through the remote server at location 502. Regardless of where they are located, they can be accessed directly by harvester 100, through a network (either a wide area network or a local area network), they can be hosted at a remote site by a service, or they can be provided as a service, or accessed by a connection service that resides in a remote location. Also, the data can be stored in substantially any location and intermittently accessed by, or forwarded to, interested parties. For instance, physical carriers can be used instead of, or in addition to, electromagnetic wave carriers. In such an example, where cell coverage is poor or nonexistent, another mobile machine (such as a fuel truck) can have an automated information collection system. As the harvester comes close to the fuel truck for fueling, the system automatically collects the information from the harvester or transfers information to the harvester using any type of ad-hoc wireless connection. The collected information can then be forwarded to the main network as the fuel truck reaches a location where there is cellular coverage (or other wireless coverage). For instance, the fuel truck may enter a covered location when traveling to fuel other machines or when at a main fuel storage location. All of these architectures are contemplated herein. Further, the information can be stored on the harvester until the harvester enters a covered location. The harvester, itself, can then send and receive the information to/from the main network.

[0065] It will also be noted that the elements of FIG. 2, or portions of them, can be disposed on a wide variety of different devices. Some of those devices include servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, or other mobile devices, such as palm top computers, cell phones, smart phones, multimedia players, personal digital assistants, etc.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of one illustrative example of a handheld or mobile computing device that can be used as a user's or client's hand held device 16, in which the present system (or parts of it) can be deployed. For instance, a mobile device can be deployed in the operator compartment of harvester 100 for use in generating, processing, or displaying the stool width and position data. FIGS. 6-7 are examples of handheld or mobile devices.

[0067] FIG. 5 provides a general block diagram of the components of a client device 16 that can run some components shown in FIG. 2, that interacts with them, or both. In the device 16, a communications link 13 is provided that allows the handheld device to communicate with other computing devices and under some embodiments provides a channel for receiving information automatically, such as by scanning. Examples of communications link 13 include allowing communication though one or more communication protocols, such as wireless services used to provide cellular access to a network, as well as protocols that provide local wireless connections to networks.

[0068] In other examples, applications can be received on a removable Secure Digital (SD) card that is connected to an interface 15. Interface 15 and communication links 13 communicate with a processor 17 (which can also embody processors or servers from previous FIGS.) along a bus 19 that is also connected to memory 21 and input/output (I/O) components 23, as well as clock 25 and location system 27.

[0069] I/O components 23, in one example, are provided to facilitate input and output operations. I/O components 23 for various embodiments of the device 16 can include input components such as buttons, touch sensors, optical sensors, microphones, touch screens, proximity sensors, accelerometers, orientation sensors and output components such as a display device, a speaker, and or a printer port. Other I/O components 23 can be used as well.

[0070] Clock 25 illustratively comprises a real time clock component that outputs a time and date. It can also, illustratively, provide timing functions for processor 17.

[0071] Location system 27 illustratively includes a component that outputs a current geographical location of device 16. This can include, for instance, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a LORAN system, a dead reckoning system, a cellular triangulation system, or other positioning system. It can also include, for example, mapping software or navigation software that generates desired maps, navigation routes and other geographic functions.

[0072] Memory 21 stores operating system 29, network settings 31, applications 33, application configuration settings 35, data store 37, communication drivers 39, and communication configuration settings 41. Memory 21 can include all types of tangible volatile and non-volatile computer-readable memory devices. It can also include computer storage media (described below). Memory 21 stores computer readable instructions that, when executed by processor 17, cause the processor to perform computer-implemented steps or functions according to the instructions. Processor 17 can be activated by other components to facilitate their functionality as well.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows one example in which device 16 is a tablet computer 600. In FIG. 6, computer 600 is shown with user interface display screen 602. Screen 602 can be a touch screen or a pen-enabled interface that receives inputs from a pen or stylus. It can also use an on-screen virtual keyboard. Of course, it might also be attached to a keyboard or other user input device through a suitable attachment mechanism, such as a wireless link or USB port, for instance. Computer 600 can also illustratively receive voice inputs as well.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows that the device can be a smart phone 71. Smart phone 71 has a touch sensitive display 73 that displays icons or tiles or other user input mechanisms 75. Mechanisms 75 can be used by a user to run applications, make calls, perform data transfer operations, etc. In general, smart phone 71 is built on a mobile operating system and offers more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone.

[0075] Note that other forms of the devices 16 are possible.

[0076] FIG. 8 is one example of a computing environment in which elements of FIG. 2, or parts of it, (for example) can be deployed. With reference to FIG. 8, an example system for implementing some embodiments includes a computing device in the form of a computer 810. Components of computer 810 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 820 (which can comprise processors or servers from previous FIGS.), a system memory 830, and a system bus 821 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 820. The system bus 821 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Memory and programs described with respect to FIG. 2 can be deployed in corresponding portions of FIG. 8.

[0077] Computer 810 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 810 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media is different from, and does not include, a modulated data signal or carrier wave. It includes hardware storage media including both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computer 810. Communication media may embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.

[0078] The system memory 830 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832. A basic input/output system 833 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 810, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 831. RAM 832 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit 820. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 8 illustrates operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837.

[0079] The computer 810 may also include other removable/non-removable volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only, FIG. 8 illustrates a hard disk drive 841 that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, an optical disk drive 855, and nonvolatile optical disk 856. The hard disk drive 841 is typically connected to the system bus 821 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 840, and optical disk drive 855 is typically connected to the system bus 821 by a removable memory interface, such as interface 850.

[0080] Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (e.g., ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (e.g., ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0081] The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 8, provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 810. In FIG. 8, for example, hard disk drive 841 is illustrated as storing operating system 844, application programs 845, other program modules 846, and program data 847. Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837.

[0082] A user may enter commands and information into the computer 810 through input devices such as a keyboard 862, a microphone 863, and a pointing device 861, such as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 820 through a user input interface 860 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures. A visual display 891 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 821 via an interface, such as a video interface 890. In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 897 and printer 896, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 895.

[0083] The computer 810 is operated in a networked environment using logical connections (such as a local area network—LAN, or wide area network—WAN or a controller area network—CAN) to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 880.

[0084] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 810 is connected to the LAN 871 through a network interface or adapter 870. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 810 typically includes a modem 872 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 873, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modules may be stored in a remote memory storage device. FIG. 10 illustrates, for example, that remote application programs 885 can reside on remote computer 880.

[0085] It should also be noted that the different examples described herein can be combined in different ways. That is, parts of one or more examples can be combined with parts of one or more other examples. All of this is contemplated herein.

[0086] Example 1 is a method of controlling a work machine, comprising:

[0087] receiving a plurality of images of spectral response at a worksite;

[0088] identifying a set of vegetation index values based on the spectral response;

[0089] identifying a vegetation index characteristic, corresponding to each image, indicative of how the set of vegetation index metric values varies across the corresponding image;

[0090] selecting an image, from the plurality of images, based on the vegetation index characteristics;

[0091] generating, from the selected image, a predictive map; and

[0092] controlling a controllable subsystem of the work machine based on a location of the work machine and the predictive map.

[0093] Example 2 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein identifying the vegetation index characteristic comprises:

[0094] identifying a magnitude of a range of the vegetation index values, a vegetation index value distribution and a vegetation index value variability metric.

[0095] Example 3 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein selecting an image comprises:

[0096] selecting a set of images, from the plurality of images, based on the vegetation index characteristics corresponding to the images, in the set of images.

[0097] Example 4 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein generating a predictive map further comprises:

[0098] generating a predicted yield map based on the selected set of images.

[0099] Example 5 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein identifying the vegetation index characteristic comprises:

[0100] calculating a set of imagery spectral values in the spectral response for a corresponding image; and

[0101] identifying a variability of the imagery spectral values across the set of metric values.

[0102] Example 6 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein selecting the set of images comprises:

[0103] selecting the set of images that have vegetation index characteristics that show more variation than the vegetation index characteristics of non-selected images.

[0104] Example 7 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein selecting the set of images comprises:

[0105] selecting the set of images that have vegetation index characteristics that meet a threshold vegetation index characteristic value.

[0106] Example 8 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein selecting the set of images comprises:

[0107] selecting the set of images based on a vegetation distribution represented in the images that inhibits spectral saturation and that reflects a predefined level of plant growth.

[0108] Example 9 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein controlling the controllable subsystem comprises controlling a machine actuator.

[0109] Example 10 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein controlling the controllable subsystem comprises controlling a propulsion subsystem.

[0110] Example 11 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein controlling the controllable subsystem comprises controlling a steering subsystem.

[0111] Example 12 is the method of any or all previous examples wherein controlling the controllable subsystems comprises:

[0112] controlling a crop processing subsystem.

[0113] Example 13 is a work machine, comprising:

[0114] a communication system configured to receive a plurality of images of vegetation at a worksite;

[0115] a controllable subsystem;

[0116] an image selector configured to generate a vegetation index characteristic that includes a variability, distribution, and magnitude metric, corresponding to each image, indicative of how a vegetation index value varies across each image, and to select an image based on the vegetation index characteristic;

[0117] a processor configured to generate a predictive map based on the selected image;

[0118] and

[0119] subsystem control logic configured to control the controllable subsystem of the work machine based on a location of the work machine and the predictive map.

[0120] Example 14 is the work machine of any or all previous examples wherein the image selection comprises:

[0121] variability identifier logic configured to identify a set of vegetation index metric values

[0122] for a corresponding image and identify a variability of the vegetation index

[0123] characteristic across the set of vegetation index metric values.

[0124] Example 15 is the work machine of any or all previous examples wherein the processor is configured to generate a predictive yield map based on the selected set of images.

[0125] Example 16 is the work machine of any or all previous examples wherein variability identifier logic is configured to identify a set of leaf area index metric values for a corresponding image and identify a variability of the leaf area metric values across the set of leaf area index metric values.

[0126] Example 17 is the work machine of any or all previous examples wherein variability identifier logic is configured to identify a set of normalized difference vegetation index metric values for a corresponding image and identify a variability of the normalized difference vegetation index metric value across the set of normalized difference vegetation index metric values.

[0127] Example 18 is the work machine of any or all previous examples wherein the image selector is configured to select a set of images that have vegetation index characteristics that indicate more vegetation variability than the vegetation index characteristics of non-selected images.

[0128] Example 19 is the work machine of any or all previous examples wherein the image selector is configured to select a set of images that have vegetation index characteristics that meet a threshold vegetation index characteristic value.

[0129] Example 20 is an image selection system, comprising:

[0130] a communication system configured to receive a plurality of images of vegetation at a worksite;

[0131] an image selector configured to generate a vegetative index variability metric, corresponding to each image, indicative of how a vegetation index value varies across each image, and to select an image based on the vegetation index variability metric; and

[0132] a processor configured to generate at least one predictive map based on the selected images.

[0133] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.