Patents by Inventor Rachel BRUFLODT

Rachel BRUFLODT has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230340759
    Abstract: A work vehicle is configured for visually representing an area of interest such as the blade of a work implement. A first portion (e.g., frame) includes an operator cab and a second portion (e.g., boom assembly) is moveable relative to the first portion, wherein the area of interest is at least partially obscured from operator view during movement of the second portion. An imaging device is mounted on the second portion and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the movement of the second portion. During a first operating mode, a display unit is caused to statically display an area around the area of interest while the area of interest moves along with movement of the second portion. During a second operating mode, the display unit is caused to statically display the area of interest while the background moves along with movement of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Brett S. Graham
  • Publication number: 20230339402
    Abstract: A method is provided for visually representing an area of interest proximate to or otherwise associated with a work vehicle including a first portion including a frame, an operator cab supported by the frame, and a second portion (e.g., boom assembly) moveable relative to the frame. The area of interest is at least partially obscured from an operator during movement of the second portion. First and second imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, at least one of the imaging devices having a field of view including the area of interest at any given time throughout movement of the second portion. The method includes selectively providing image data corresponding to the area of interest from either the first or the second imaging device to a display unit, wherein a display of the area of interest is substantially maintained thereon throughout the movement of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt
  • Publication number: 20230340758
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method provide visual representation of an area of interest proximate to a work vehicle (e.g., a loader) during operative movement. A first vehicle portion comprises a frame, and a second vehicle portion (e.g., front-mounted bucket) is moveable relative to the first portion, and may for example obscure the area of interest from view during at least part of a trajectory of bucket movement. At least two imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, at least one of which has a field of view including the area of interest at any given time throughout the trajectory of bucket movement. Image data is provided to a display unit representing the area of interest and based on inputs from one or more of the imaging devices, wherein a display of the area of interest is substantially maintained thereon throughout bucket movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt, Derek K. Pickett, Tianshuang Gao, Drake A. VanDerZyl
  • Publication number: 20230339734
    Abstract: A method and system of controlling a work machine having an object detection system. The method comprises capturing an image with a camera and then recognizing an object in the image with the object detection. In next steps, the method includes defining the recognized object as a target object and operating the work machine wherein the object detection system is configured to execute a function of the work machine when the object is recognized. Finally, the method includes overriding the execution of the function of the object detection system when the object is defined as the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Scott R. Stahle, Doug M. Lehmann, Rachel Bruflodt, Samantha F. Echaves, Harry E. Rawlins, Giovanni A. Wuisan
  • Publication number: 20230279644
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with a first portion having a frame supported by ground engaging units, and an operator cab with a first (forward) side and opposing second and third sides having respective (i.e., left and right) fields of view. At least a first portion of terrain proximate to the frame (i.e., an area of interest) is obscured from view of an operator in the operator cab during at least a portion of a trajectory of movement of a second portion of the work vehicle (e.g., a boom assembly). At least one imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the trajectory of movement of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt, Brett S. Graham
  • Publication number: 20230279643
    Abstract: A method is provided for displaying an area of interest proximate a work vehicle. A first portion of the work vehicle includes a frame supporting an operator cab. A second portion of the work vehicle, e.g., a boom assembly, is moveable relative to the first portion, and at least partially obscure the area of interest from an operator seated in the operator cab during at least a portion of a trajectory of movement for the second portion. An imaging device is mounted on the boom assembly and has a field of view including the defined area of interest throughout the available trajectory of movement. The method may include dynamically processing (e.g., cropping and resizing) raw image data to maintain display parameters throughout the available trajectory of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt, Donald A. Fuller
  • Patent number: 11680387
    Abstract: A method is provided for visually representing areas of interest associated with and/or proximate a work vehicle which includes a first portion (e.g., frame) and a second portion (e.g., work implement) moveable relative thereto, wherein for example a first area of interest comprising terrain proximate a ground-engaging work tool is obscured from direct operator view. An imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and has a field of view including the first area of interest at least while the tool is proximate a ground-engaging position. Selections may accordingly be made from among various areas of interest, wherein image display parameters associated with perimeter contours of the selected area of interest are substantially maintained throughout movement of the second portion. For example, display parameters corresponding to the first area of interest may be maintained while the tool and the imaging device move relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt
  • Publication number: 20230175235
    Abstract: A rear collision avoidance system and method for a machine with left and right side traction devices for moving the machine. Sensors monitor obstacles around the machine. A commanded reverse path is calculated based on operator traction device commands. If an obstacle is in the commanded reverse path, the system automatically adjusts the traction device commands to avoid collision with the obstacle. A time to collision can be calculated, and the traction device commands adjusted only when it is below a threshold. Adjusting the traction device commands to avoid collision can include determining reverse propel and steer components based on the traction device commands; and if the reverse propel is greater than a propel threshold then adjusting the traction device commands to reduce reverse propel but maintain the reverse path; and if steer is greater than propel then adjusting the traction device commands to reduce reverse propel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A Wuisan, Michael Kean, Brett S Graham
  • Publication number: 20230174055
    Abstract: A body swing collision avoidance system and method for a machine with steerable traction devices for moving the machine. Sensors monitor obstacles around the machine. A commanded body swing path is calculated based on operator steering commands. If an obstacle is in the commanded body swing path, the system automatically adjusts the steering commands to avoid collision with the obstacle. A time to collision can be calculated, and the steering commands adjusted only when it is below a threshold. Adjusting the steering commands to avoid collision can include determining propel and steer components based on the steering commands; and if propel is greater than a threshold then adjusting the steering commands to adjust the swing path to avoid collision; and if propel is less than the threshold then adjusting the steering commands to slow the machine to avoid collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Michael Kean, Brett S. Graham
  • Patent number: 11661722
    Abstract: A self-propelled work vehicle is provided with a control system enabling the use of gestures on a touch screen interface to provide a simple and intuitive way to manipulate displayed images, and/or automatically changing a region of interest of a surround view camera unit. Exemplary automatic manipulation may be implemented if a work vehicle is detected as performing a certain function, wherein surround view images can automatically change to a smaller sub-view which gives more focused visibility appropriate to that function. The distortion and simulated field of view of surround view images may also/otherwise be automatically manipulated based on a detected operation/function. The control system can also/otherwise dynamically modify surround view images in accordance with a detected work state, and/or based on outputs from an obstacle detection system. The control system can also/otherwise lock the sub-view to recognized objects of interest, such as trucks or trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Michael G. Kean, Keith J. Lensing, Giovanni A. Wuisan
  • Publication number: 20230133175
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for object detection for a work machine. In an embodiment, data may be received from at least one sensor associated with the work machine and corresponding to a field of view extending from the main frame. Objects are classified in respective locations in the field of view, and at least one segmentation mask is generated corresponding to contours for at least one portion of, or attachment to, the work machine as determined to be in the field of view, wherein each of the at least one segmentation mask defines a respective masked zone in the field of view. One or more of the classified objects may then be determined as separate from the portion/attachment, wherein the at least one segmentation mask is applied to the portion/attachment independently of the one or more separate objects in the field of view. The at least one segmentation mask may be dynamic in nature to account for detected movements of, e.g., attachments to the work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Nathaniel M. Czarnecki, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt, Christopher B. Howard
  • Patent number: 11609562
    Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Amy K. Jones, Brett S. Graham, Nathaniel M. Czarnecki, Gordon E. Miller, Rachel Bruflodt
  • Patent number: 11590892
    Abstract: A work vehicle display system utilized in piloting a work vehicle includes a display device having a display screen, a context camera mounted to the work vehicle and positioned to capture a context camera feed of the work vehicle's exterior environment, and a controller architecture. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) receive the context camera feed from the context camera; (ii) generate a visually-manipulated context view utilizing the context camera feed; and (iii) output the visually-manipulated context view to the display device for presentation on the display screen. In the process of generating the visually-manipulated context view, the controller architecture applies a dynamic distortion-perspective (D/P) modification effect to the context camera feed, while gradually adjusting a parameter of the dynamic D/P modification effect in response to changes in operator viewing preferences or in response to changes in a current operating condition of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A. Wuisan
  • Publication number: 20230001854
    Abstract: A work vehicle display system utilized in piloting a work vehicle includes a display device having a display screen, a context camera mounted to the work vehicle and positioned to capture a context camera feed of the work vehicle's exterior environment, and a controller architecture. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) receive the context camera feed from the context camera; (ii) generate a visually-manipulated context view utilizing the context camera feed; and (iii) output the visually-manipulated context view to the display device for presentation on the display screen. In the process of generating the visually-manipulated context view, the controller architecture applies a dynamic distortion-perspective (D/P) modification effect to the context camera feed, while gradually adjusting a parameter of the dynamic D/P modification effect in response to changes in operator viewing preferences or in response to changes in a current operating condition of the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A. Wuisan
  • Publication number: 20220154423
    Abstract: A self-propelled work vehicle is provided with a control system enabling the use of gestures on a touch screen interface to provide a simple and intuitive way to manipulate displayed images, and/or automatically changing a region of interest of a surround view camera unit. Exemplary automatic manipulation may be implemented if a work vehicle is detected as performing a certain function, wherein surround view images can automatically change to a smaller sub-view which gives more focused visibility appropriate to that function. The distortion and simulated field of view of surround view images may also/otherwise be automatically manipulated based on a detected operation/function. The control system can also/otherwise dynamically modify surround view images in accordance with a detected work state, and/or based on outputs from an obstacle detection system. The control system can also/otherwise lock the sub-view to recognized objects of interest, such as trucks or trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Michael G. Kean, Keith J. Lensing, Giovanni A. Wuisan
  • Publication number: 20210333790
    Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Michael G. KEAN, Amy K. JONES, Brett S. GRAHAM, Nathaniel M. CZARNECKI, Gordon E. MILLER, Rachel BRUFLODT