Patents by Inventor ZACHARY T. BONEFAS

ZACHARY T. BONEFAS 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: 20160009509
    Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected first image data and the collected second image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An image data evaluator determines whether to use the first image data, the second image data, or both based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or a target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Zachary T. Bonefas, Darin E. Bartholomew
  • Publication number: 20150378359
    Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected first image data and the collected second image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An image data evaluator determines whether to use the first image data, the second image data, or both based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or a target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Zachary T. Bonefas, Darin E. Bartholomew
  • Publication number: 20150356722
    Abstract: A single imaging device collects image data of a storage portion. A container module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected image data. A spout module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An arbiter determines whether to use the image data based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central or target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Patent number: 9119342
    Abstract: System utilizes stereo cameras to sense the position of a tractor-drawn grain cart relative to a combine during the unloading (on-the-go) process. The sensing system also detects the fill level of grain in the cart and adjusts the relative position of the tractor to the combine to achieve an even fill to the desired fill level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Publication number: 20150109410
    Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected first image data and the collected second image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An image data evaluator determines whether to use the first image data, the second image data, or both based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or a target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Zachary T. Bonefas, Mark M. Chaney, Jeremiah K. Johnson, Aaron J. Bruns, Herman Herman, Carlos Vallespi-Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez Mora
  • Publication number: 20150023775
    Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected first image data and the collected second image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An image data evaluator determines whether to use the first image data, the second image data, or both based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or a target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicants: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation, Deere & Company
    Inventors: Zachary T. Bonefas, Mark M. Chaney, Jeremiah K. Johnson, Aaron J. Bruns, Herman Herman, Carlos Vallespi-Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez Mora
  • Publication number: 20140350801
    Abstract: A single imaging device collects image data of a storage portion. A container module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected image data. A spout module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An arbiter determines whether to use the image data based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central or target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Publication number: 20140311113
    Abstract: System utilizes stereo cameras to sense the position of a tractor-drawn grain cart relative to a combine during the unloading (on-the-go) process. The sensing system also detects the fill level of grain in the cart and adjusts the relative position of the tractor to the combine to achieve an even fill to the desired fill level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Patent number: 8868304
    Abstract: A mode controller determines whether to use an automated control mode of the spout or operator-directed manual control mode of the spout, based on a first operational status of a first location determining receiver associated with the propelling vehicle, a second operational status of a second location determining receiver associated with the harvesting vehicle, a third operational status of the imaging device or devices. In the automated control mode, an image processing module is adapted to facilitate the determination of the relative position of the spout and the storage portion and to generate command data place the storage portion and spout in relative cooperative alignment for transferring of material into the storage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Publication number: 20140290199
    Abstract: Present invention is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container within field of view of optical image capture device, displays image of container together with symbol representing calculated expected point of incidence of crop flow on container on display, receives adjustment inputs from user interface for adjusting position of actuator and thus of adjustable transfer device, updates position of symbol in image on display, receives confirmation input from user interface once symbol in image on display is in appropriate position, derives at least one feature in image representing container, and tracks container within output signal of image processing system based on retrieved image feature and controls actuator accordingly to fill container with crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Herman Herman, Zachary T. Bonefas, Carlos Vallespi-Gonzalez, Johannes Josef Zametzer
  • Publication number: 20140224377
    Abstract: A spout is pivotally mounted to a transferring material for transferring the agricultural material to the receiving vehicle. An imaging device faces towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle and collects image data. A container module is adapted to determine a container position of the storage portion, or its container perimeter. An alignment module determines the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and for generating command data to shift a relative longitudinal alignment between the vehicles in or against a direction of travel of the vehicles when the discharge end of the spout is in misalignment state. An angle sensor is associated with the spout for measuring an observed rotational angle of the spout, wherein the misalignment state means the observed rotational angle is equal to or greater than a rotational angle limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Publication number: 20140083556
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring agricultural material from a transferring vehicle to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle, and detecting and filling void areas of the agricultural material is disclosed. A transferring vehicle having a spout transfers agricultural material to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle. An imaging device associated with the transferring vehicle and facing towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle collects imaging data. An image processing module is operable to, based on the imaging data, estimate fill levels of agricultural material within the storage portion; identify an area of the storage portion as targeted to fill; and identify a first void within the targeted area. A controller in communication with the image processing module is configured to command the spout to a position to direct agricultural material to the first void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicants: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Deere & Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Darr, Robert McNaull, John Kruckeberg, Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Patent number: 8649940
    Abstract: A stereo imaging device on a propelled portion of the receiving vehicle collects image data. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of a storage portion in the collected image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the harvesting vehicle in the collected image data. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or target zone of the container perimeter. A steering controller is associated with a steering system of the propelled portion for steering the receiving vehicle in accordance with the cooperative alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Zachary T Bonefas
  • Publication number: 20130211675
    Abstract: A stereo imaging device on a propelled portion of the receiving vehicle collects image data. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of a storage portion in the collected image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the harvesting vehicle in the collected image data. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or target zone of the container perimeter. A steering controller is associated with a steering system of the propelled portion for steering the receiving vehicle in accordance with the cooperative alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: ZACHARY T. BONEFAS