System & Method For Determining A Location Of An Unloaded Unit of Agricultural Product & Locating A Desired Unit Of Agricultural Product

摘要

A system and method for determining a location of an unloaded unit of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product or identifying a candidate unit of agricultural product as a function of sensing system information indicating contact of the unit with the ground or other surface onto which the unit is unloaded, global positioning system or other location system information identifying the contact or related location, and heading information, which information can then be used to discern the unit from others at the location for desired loading.

主权项

1. A system for determining a location of an unloaded unit of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product, comprising:
a communication network configured and operable to communicate information between an unloading vehicle and a loading vehicle or between a central or base location and the unloading vehicle and the loading vehicle; the vehicles each including a holding structure for the unit of agricultural product and a structure deployable from the holding structure to a surface therebelow; an apparatus configured and operable to move the unit of agricultural product from the holding structure along the deployed structure to the surface therebelow; a sensing system configured and operable to sense when the unit of agricultural product has reached and is stationary on the surface or a location in predetermined relation thereto and provide an indicator representative thereof; a location system configured and operable to receive information identifying a location of a receiver of the unloading vehicle and the loading vehicle; a heading system configured and operable to determine a heading of the unloading vehicle and the loading vehicle; and at least one controller associated with the unloading vehicle and loading vehicle in communication with the location system, the heading system, and the sensing system, configured and operable to automatically determine a location of the unloaded unit of agricultural product as a function of the location of the receiver of the unloading vehicle and the heading thereof when the sensing system has sensed and indicated that the unit of agricultural product has reached the surface or the location in predetermined relation thereto.