How Farm Tractors Automatically Turn at the End of a Row

This patent describes a GPS-guided system for agricultural vehicles that automatically calculates and offers multiple turn options at the end of a crop row, allowing the operator to choose the best path.

What it covers

The patent details a method for automatically guiding an agricultural vehicle, like a tractor with an attached implement, through a turn at the end of a crop row. It uses a 'swath generation apparatus' (SGA) which has a computer and memory, connected to a GPS receiver that knows the vehicle's exact location. The SGA calculates at least two different 'end of row turn paths' by repeatedly processing predetermined parameters, such as the vehicle's minimum turning radius and how fast it can change direction, along with the actual position of the vehicle (Claim 1, 2). These calculated paths are defined by many 'interpolated data points' that form a curved, non-linear route (Claim 6). The system then shows these paths to the operator and lets them choose which one to follow, or even manually guide the vehicle (Claim 1, 4). For example, a farmer approaching the end of a field could see two suggested turn paths on a screen, pick the tighter or wider one, and the tractor would steer itself along that path.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover systems that only calculate a single, fixed end-of-row turn path without offering the operator a choice between multiple options (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover turns that are not 'end of row turns' or those that do not connect 'predefined end points of equally spaced swath paths' (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover vehicle guidance systems that do not use an 'iterative process' to calculate the turn paths based on predetermined parameters and actual vehicle position (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover systems where the turn path is entirely straight or does not involve 'interpolating data points along a non-linear path that is at least partially curved' (Claim 6).
• —Does not cover systems that lack an 'operator input device' for communicating parameters or selecting a turn path (Claim 1).

The clever bit

The clever part is the system's ability to dynamically calculate *multiple* distinct end-of-row turn options in real-time, based on the vehicle's specific physical limits and its exact position, and then allow the operator to choose the most suitable path. This provides flexibility that simpler, pre-programmed turn patterns cannot offer.

Why it matters

This patent contributes to the automation of precision agriculture, making farming more efficient and less physically demanding for operators. By automatically planning and executing turns, it helps reduce overlap or missed areas in fields, saving fuel, time, and resources. This technology allows large agricultural machines to operate with greater accuracy, which is crucial for maximizing crop yields and minimizing environmental impact.

Real-world examples

• 1.John Deere AutoTrac guidance systems
• 2.Case IH AFS AccuGuide systems
• 3.New Holland IntelliSteer systems
• 4.AGCO Fendt Guide systems
• 5.Precision planting equipment with automated steering