WO2025166462A1 - Method for defining and controlling cut height by geographic location - Google Patents

Abstract

A control system is provided for a combine header, which provides multiple operating methods for controlling the header to control cut height and the resultant height of stubble. The control system incorporates adjustable contour wheels to adjust cut height and stubble height resulting from a cutter bar assembly. The operating system maintains stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode while maximizing harvested crop, and maximizes the stubble height based on crop height in a second operating mode, wherein the operating system may perform both modes. The operating system can be operated in the third operating mode wherein cut heights can be predefined by geographic location in combination with target stubble heights or target intake fractions representing the fraction of a crop taken into the combine during harvesting.

Description

METHOD FOR DEFINING AND CONTROLLING CUT HEIGHT BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a control system for an agricultural implement, and preferably, to a control system and methods for defining and controlling cut height and the stubble left thereby based upon field maps loaded into the header control system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Combines for harvesting a variety of crop from a field are generally known in the art. Combines include headers mounted in front of a feeder house. The headers include a cutter bar assembly to cut crop material from the field, and a draper belt assembly positioned behind the cutter bar assembly to transport crop material into the feeder house. A variety of hydraulic cylinders may be used to adjust combine components such as the height of the cutter bar assembly. For example, a contour wheel or gauge wheel cylinder may extend or retract contour wheels on the header to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly when cutting above the ground. Similarly, a skid shoe cylinder may be provided to extend or retract skid shoes on the header to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly when cutting close to the ground. A header tilt cylinder and/or a faceplate cylinder also may control the pitch of the header relative to the ground during the cutting action.

[0003] In known header designs such as a flex header, which has header segments that can articulate and follow ground contours, an operator may use the contour wheels or gauge wheels as a means to control the height of a flex header while allowing it to follow the field topography, similar to when it is cutting on the ground. When determining appropriate cut height, an operator determines the length of stubble desired and adjusts the height of the contour wheels. When a change in cut height is required, the operator must adjust the contour wheels to set the cut height and thereby generate a constant stubble height throughout the field being worked.

[0004] Some header configurations monitor the ground and the height of the cutter bar assembly above the ground to thereby define the constant stubble height. In one example disclosed in US20220279719A1, a header height control is provided for a harvesting header, wherein this known system controls the header relative to the ground using sensors and hydraulic lift and flex cylinders to control the cut height. [0005] However, deciding a stubble height can be as simple as selecting a constant value for the entire field, or as complicated as changing the cut height throughout the field depending on field topography, crop material density, or any other factor. Therefore, one problem associated with these types of system is that a high level of skill and experience may be required to adjust stubble height manually, and may require familiarity with each field the harvester operates in. Further, a field may have differing elevations within a field boundary, and a fixed cut height does not adjust the stubble height left in the field. These known systems may not be particularly suitable for varying stubble height within the same field if an operator preferred to vary the stubble height, which would require the operator to adjust the inputs on the fly during harvesting.

[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved header and methods for operating the header to provide improved control over cut heights and stubble heights and to allow for adjustment of stubble heights within a field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The improved header and control system is a cut height control system that allows a harvest header to control its cutting height off of the ground automatically using an initial input from the operator for desired stubble height as well as automatic adjustment in response to canopy height of the crops being harvested. The initial inputs can be based upon a value for a desired stubble height or upon an intake fraction value, wherein the intake fraction is the percentage or ratio of crop material removed from the crop canopy top relative to the total height of the crop canopy.

[0008] The inventive control system further relies upon automatic control and prescription maps linked to a geographic location to vary the stubble heights in different zones of a field, such that an operator with lower experience and familiarity can achieve the same resulting stubble height variation as an experienced operator who otherwise might attempt to vary stubble heights through manual control inputs on the fly.

[0009] The present invention includes one or more sensors attached to the header that would reference or detect the height of the crop and the distance to the ground of the cutter bar assembly and the crop height. The control system is operated to vary the position of the contour wheels and cutter bar assembly supported thereby to control the position of the cut height off of the ground relative to the desired input from the operator. The control system is operable in at least one of two possible operating modes wherein possible inputs would be height of the cutter bar assembly off of the ground to generate a target cut height and resultant stubble height or would be its height below the canopy height to generate a target intake fraction. With the use of appropriate sensors, the control system can operate to automatically adjust the contour wheel position relative to the crop canopy as well as the ground.

[0010] In one advantageous aspect of the invention, the control system incorporates the ground following benefits resulting from adjustable contour wheels, and also includes additional control options for the operator, who can select either of first and second operating modes. By measuring the height of the header relative to both the ground and the crop canopy height, the operator may have the option to set the header height relative to the ground position in a first operating mode or the canopy height in a second operating mode. This allows the operator to maintain stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode or allow the operator to maximize the stubble height based on crop height in the second operating mode.

[0011] In a further beneficial aspect of the invention, the first operating mode allows the operator to set a desired target cut height and the resultant stubble height associated therewith, but if the crop height falls below the target cut height, the header will automatically adjust the cut height below the target cut height and below the canopy height so that harvestable crop continues to be harvested. As a result, no harvestable crop is missed, and an operator does not need to attempt to monitor the canopy height and judge whether the crop height appears to be lower than the cut height.

[0012] In another aspect, in the second operating mode, the cut height is determined based upon canopy height and this second operating mode can be operated so that the stubble height can also be maximized by setting a target intake fraction which avoids or minimizes the amount of harvestable top portion of the crop that might be missed. As defined further herein, the intake fraction is that portion of the crop that is taken into the header and cut with the remainder of the crop defining stubble left in the field. In some conditions, an operator or field manager may prefer to maximize stubble height for various environmental programs and soil conservation strategies.

[0013] Furthermore, in conjunction with automatic cut height control, the present invention may define the target cut height, or amount of crop intake (intake fraction) based on geographic location in the form of a control map, usually packaged as a shape file. The control map can also be packaged in any other format representing geographic location and machine variables.

[0014] As the harvester combine moves through the field, a value for desired target cut height, or target intake fraction representing the percentage of total crop material relative to the top of the crop canopy is received from a field computer, or machine computer, and a controller adjusts the position of the gauge wheels, or contour wheels to achieve the desired target cut height. Depending upon the geographic location of the combine in the field, the target cut height or target intake fraction can be varied as the combine works the field depending upon the field requirements in that geographic location.

[0015] The control maps can be prescription maps depicting geographical locations and would prove valuable since topography is a key component to soil erodibility and drainage. Stubble height therefore can be a key method of mitigating soil erosion, such that creating a stubble height prescription map will allow operators to vary stubble height strategies in a given field to optimize conservation of soil.

[0016] As noted above, the control system incorporates the ground following benefits resulting from adjustable contour wheels, and also includes several control options for the operator. This system allows the operator to maintain stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode or allow the operator to maximize the stubble height based on crop height in the second operating mode. Further, the operating system can be operated in the third operating mode wherein the operator does not need to make decisions on setting cut height while operating since the cut height and resulting stubble height can be predefined by geographic location in combination with target stubble heights or target intake fractions. This allows unfamiliar operators to produce the same results as skilled and experienced operators.

[0017] These operating modes are particularly advantageous for headers having flexible wing sections and variable header tilt, which can affect the cut height and machine response. The operating modes can allow adjustment of the cut height and resultant stubble height for individual wing sections of the header which further refines the ability to optimize stubble height and recovery of harvestable crop material.

[0018] Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure l is a front perspective view of an agricultural implement configured as a harvester combine having a header and reel according to one aspect of the invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the header and reel thereof.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of the header and reel illustrating a known operation of the header to cut crop at a set height and leaving a constant stubble height in a field. [0022] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the inventive header and reel illustrating a first mode of automatic operation of the header to cut crop and leave a constant stubble height based upon ground elevation relative to the header with automatic adjustment to lower heights based upon canopy heights.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view of the header and reel illustrating a second mode of automatic operation of the header to cut crop and leave a maximum stubble height based upon crop height or canopy height with automatic adjustment to lower cut heights.

[0024] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the header and reel illustrating operational variables relative to the header and reel geometry.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operational process or routine for cut height calculation.

[0026] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operational process or routine for crop height calculation.

[0027] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operational process for the constant stubble height control mode of Figure 4.

[0028] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operational process for the max stubble height control mode of Figure 5.

[0029] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a field map in the form of a topography map for use in controlling stubble height.

[0030] Figure 12 is an elevation profile graph showing an example of an elevation profile and ranges of intake fractions representing the percentage of crop height measured from the crop which is taken into the header and cut from the top of the plants.

[0031] Figure 13 is a chart showing representative ranges of intake fraction values used in the operation of the inventive header system.

[0032] Figure 14 illustrates the topography map of Figure 10 showing the intake fraction ranges as applied to the topographical contour zones on the topography map to generate a geographic control map.

[0033] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the operational process for operating the inventive header based upon intake fraction values relative to a field map to generate the geographic control map.

[0034] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words "upwardly", "downwardly", "rightwardly" and "leftwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a combine harvester i.e., combine 10 according to embodiments of the present invention. The combine 10 includes a header 12 mounted on a feeder house 14. The header 12 includes a header frame 13 and a cutter bar assembly 16 operatively extending across a front portion of the header 12 to cut crop material from the field. A draper assembly typically is positioned behind the cutter bar assembly 16 to transport the crop material into the feeder house 14 of the combine 10.

[0036] In the preferred configuration such as the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the header 12 is supported close to the ground 17 such that the height of the cutter bar assembly 16 can be varied to cut crop close to the ground 17 and to increase the cut height according to the present invention. In this preferred configuration, a gauge wheel or contour wheel 18 is pivotably connected to the header 12 for ground following contact. The gauge wheel 18 includes a wheel 19 rotatably connected to a pivot arm 20. The pivot arm 20 is pivotably connected to the header 12 and a hydraulic gauge wheel cylinder may be used to extend and retract the gauge wheel 18. In the extended position, the gauge wheel 18 follows the ground 17 and supports the header 12 when cutting at a set cut height above ground 17. Extension or retraction of the gauge wheel 18 raises and lowers the cut height. The leading edge of the cutter bar assembly 16 includes a cutter bar 22 to perform cutting of the crop, wherein the cut portion of the crop moves through the header 12 to the feeder house 14, while the remaining portion defines stubble that remains in the field after harvesting. Generally, the cut height corresponds to the stubble height SH referenced in Figure 3. The header 12 may also be adjustable to adjust the pitch thereof.

[0037] Referring further to Figures 1-3, one or more crop pick-up reels 24 are positioned generally above the front portion of the header 12 for engaging the crops to be harvested. The cutter bar assembly 16 operatively extends across the front portion of the header frame 12 between the ends thereof for cutting the crops to be harvested as referenced above. During harvesting, the crop pickup reels 24 are typically positioned close to the cutter bar assembly 16 without contacting the cutter bar assembly 16 to facilitate optimal harvesting efficiency of the header 12.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cutter bar assembly 16 is correspondingly flexible with center and side wing sections of the header 12 for contouring to the field. One such configuration of the cutter bar assembly 16 and header 12 is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,462,968, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0039] Referring again to Figures 1-3, the header 12 includes a plurality of reel support arms 26 disposed adjacent to each end of the crop pick-up reels 24 for supporting these crop pick-up reels 24 on the header frame 13. Each crop pick-up reel 24 is rotatably supported by the reel support arms 26. The reel support arms 26 are pivotable on the header frame 13 upwardly and downwardly via a hydraulic system to vertically position the crop pick-up reels 24 relative to the cutter bar assembly 16 for optimally engaging the crops, as is known in the art. It is to be appreciated that the header 12 may ultimately include any number or arrangement of reel support arms 26 and crop pickup reels 24 to correspond to the number of sections on the header 12 without varying the scope of the invention.

[0040] In a known header configuration such as shown in Figure 3, the known header may be used to cut crops in an auto header height control mode ("AHHC"), which uses a sensor (e.g., a wheel, dongle, lever position, etc.) to determine the height of the header 12 relative to ground 17 and adjusts the height thereof to achieve that height target and thereby adjust the cut height of the cutter bar assembly 16 and the resultant stubble height SH. The header 10 has a control system that includes monitoring devices, a processor, memory and one or more control units to adjust the cut height. The monitoring devices may include position sensors for the header and sensors. Figure 3 generally illustrates the header 10 operated according to this operating mode wherein the stubble height is identified as SH wherein the stubble height is constant throughout the field as a result of the operator preselecting a constant stubble height and the cutter bar assembly 16 is operated to cut crops at this predefined stubble height.

[0041] In this operating configuration of Figure 3, the height of the cutter bar assembly 16 can be monitored relative to ground and the operator can input the cut height so as to generate a fixed stubble height SH. In Figure 3, the crop canopy height is diagrammatically shown by the dashed line CH. Realistically in a field, the actual crop height CH is generally similar throughout the field. However, this may not be true for all field areas wherein the canopy or crop height CH may be shorter and in some cases, substantially shorter than the majority of the crop height. Figure 3 shows a depressed crop area designated with a crop height CHI. These aberrations in the crop height CHI can be caused by various environmental reasons during a growing season or different ground conditions in the field. In the operating mode depicted in Figure 3, the shorter crop height CHI may actually fall below the set stubble height SH. As a result, all or some of the harvestable top portion of the crop is missed. While an operator might attempt to monitor the canopy height as the harvester 10 is moving, it can be difficult for the operator to judge whether the crop height CHI looks lower than the set cut height and difficult to manually adjust the cut height as the combine 10 operates. As such, manual adjustment of the cut height based on ground sensing during use may be difficult and undesirable and still may not avoid missing of harvestable crop.

[0042] Referring to inventive operating modes of Figures 4 and 5, the improved header 12 and control system therefore is a header height control system that allows a harvest header 12 to control its cutting height off of the ground 17 automatically using an initial input by the operator for a target cut height resulting in a desired stubble height SHI and then automatic adjustment in response to sensing of the crop height CH of the crops being harvested.

[0043] As seen in Figures 1-3 and 4-5, the present invention includes one or more sensor supports 30 with one or more sensors 31 attached to the header 12 that would reference or detect the height of the crop or crop height CH and the distance to the ground 17 of the cutter bar assembly 16 and the crop height CH. The ground 17 and crop or crop height CH may be sensed by a sensor 31 having a single sensor module or multiple sensing modules. The control system is operated to vary the position of the gauge wheels 18 and cutter bar assembly 16 supported thereby to control the position of the cut height off of the ground 17 relative to the desired input from the operator. The control system is operable in at least one of two possible operating modes wherein possible inputs would be height of the header 12 or the cutter bar assembly 16 off of the ground 17 or its height below the crop height CH.

[0044] With the use of appropriate sensors 31, the control system can be utilized to automatically adjust the gauge wheel position relative to the crop canopy CH as well as the ground 17. The sensors 31 may comprise radar sensors that continuously or intermittently sense and monitor the crop height CH and ground location, which are typically sensed and monitored simultaneously. The sensors 31 also may be LiDAR or ultrasonic sensors or other appropriate sensors or sensing means such as a vision system, which can sense or detect the ground elevation and crop height CH even when crops are fully developed.

[0045] In one advantageous aspect of the invention, the control system incorporates the ground following benefits resulting from adjustable gauge wheels 18, and also includes additional control options for the operator. By measuring the height of the header 12 or the cutter bar assembly 16 relative to both the ground 17 and the canopy or crop height CH, the operator may have the option to set the header and cutter bar heights relative to the ground position or relative to the crop height CH. This allows the operator to maintain stubble height SH at a desired height or allow the operator to maximize the stubble height SH based on crop height CH.

[0046] In a further beneficial aspect of the invention, the operator could also set a target cut height and the resultant stubble height SH associated therewith, but if the crop height CH falls below the target cut height, the header 12 will automatically adjust the cut height below the desired target cut height. As a result, no harvestable crop is missed and an operator does not need to attempt to monitor the crop height CH and judge whether the crop height CH appears to be lower than the cut height.

[0047] In another aspect, the operating mode where the cut height is determined based upon crop height CH can be operated so that the stubble height can also be maximized. In some conditions, an operator or field manager may prefer to maximize stubble height SH for various environmental programs and soil conservation strategies.

[0048] . The control system is operable in at least one of several operating modes depicted in Figures 4 and 5, wherein possible inputs could be the height of the header 12 or the cutter bar assembly 16 off of the ground to generate a target cut height and constant stubble height SH (Figure 4) and could be the height thereof below the canopy height as defined by a target intake fraction that governs the percentage of canopy top that is harvested (Figure 5). With the use of appropriate sensors 31, the control system can be utilized to automatically adjust the gauge wheel position relative to the crop canopy CH as well as the ground 17.

[0049] More particularly as to the first operating mode of Figure 4, the operator inputs a preferred stubble height SHI that preferably is intended to remain constant as the field is harvested. However, the crop height CH is monitored during combine operation and when a depressed or shorter crop height CHI is detected that falls below the set stubble height SHI, the header 12 or cutter bar assembly 16 is automatically lowered by the control system so that a reduced or adjusted stubble height SH2 is applied that is at least as low as the shorter crop height CH. Preferably, the adjusted stubble height SH2 is able to maintain a minimum intake fraction that recovers the harvestable portion of the shorter crop. The adjusted stubble height SH2 may be a single value less than the reduced crop height CH or may be continuously variable or adjusted to react to further variations in the reduced crop height CH. In this operating mode, no harvestable crop is missed even when the crop height CH drops substantially or abruptly. This adjusted stubble height SH2 may even be lowered to ground level to ensure no harvestable crop is missed. Once an increase in the harvestable crop height CH is detected by the sensors 31, the control system raises the cut height after the crop canopy CH is again detected by the sensors 31. Eventually, the target cut height is reached to leave the target stubble height SHI.

[0050] As to the second operating mode of Figure 5, this operating mode provides a maximum stubble height relative to the canopy or crop height CH while still maximizing the amount of the crop that is desired to be removed or in other words, minimizing the intake fraction. In this second operating mode, the operator inputs a desired target intake fraction and the cut height is determined relative to this target intake fraction. This may result in a variable stubble height SH3 and SH4. In this operating mode, the stubble height SH is defined in reference to the canopy or crop height CH and use of the target intake fraction. In this configuration, the stubble height may be defined by an intake fraction or in other words, the ratio of harvestable top portion of the crop relative to the total crop height CH being detected by the sensors 31 and monitored by the control system. For example, it may be desirable to harvest the top of the crop of some set quantity such as 25% of the total crop height CH. This percentage-based quantity is referenced as the intake fraction and may vary depending upon the type of crop and the amount of the crop that is harvestable For example, it may be desirable to harvest the top 25% of wheat and the top 40% of canola. This intake fraction may also be a desired height from canopy. For example, a cut of some value, such as a cut of 20 cm, may be removed from the crop canopy in standing crop, but if harvesting lodged or down crop, the harvester may cut on the ground and then return to 20 cm of removal when the harvester is back in standing crop.

[0051] The harvest percentage or intake fraction may continue to be used throughout the field. In Figure 5, it can be seen that as long as the crop height CH is detected and monitored, the gauge wheels 18 can be automatically adjusted to maintain the desired maximum stubble height SH3 in areas of higher crop height CH and a reduced stubble height SH4 in areas of reduced or shorter crop height CHI. The actual stubble height therefore can vary between full height stubble areas having a stubble height SH3 and shorter areas having reduced stubble height SH4. In either case, the stubble height SH3 or SH4 follows the crop height but remains shorter than the different canopy heights CH and CHI.

[0052] In most cases, it is desirable to use a constant intake fraction or ratio of harvestable portion versus total crop height throughout the field. However, it is possible to vary the intake fraction, wherein the intake fraction may be set for full height crop and adjusted for shorter or stunted crop. [0053] To operate the header 12 in these different operating modes, the header 12 may include adjustment mechanisms that may vary and adjust the geometry of the mechanisms on the header 12. Figure 6 diagrammatically shows some of the different variables for the operating geometry. As shown in Figure 6, the header 12 may use the sensors 31 on the sensor support arm 30 to detect the crop canopy CC and ground 17 to determine and monitor the crop height CH. The sensor support arms 30 are configured to extend forwardly of the reel 24 to detect the crop canopy CC and ground 17 ahead of the combine 10 as it travels over a field. The reel support arm 26 is typically adjustable such that the combine control system may monitor the reel arm pitch RAP. The sensor support arm 30 may be maintained parallel to the ground 17 so that the perpendicular ground distance GDP can be monitored as well as the perpendicular crop distance CDP. However, the sensor support arm 30 might not be parallel wherein this can optionally be corrected for in an algorithm implemented in the control system.

[0054] Since the cutter bar assembly 16 and header 12 can be raised and lowered by the gauge wheels 18, the cutter bar 22 can be raised and lowered accordingly. As mentioned, the cutter bar assembly 16 and header 12 may be formed as a single unit or from multiple articulating sections. The control system may monitor the header pitch HP relative to a gravity reference plane as well as the perpendicular cutter bar distance CBDP below the sensor 31. The operating system may also monitor the pitch of the combine/harvester or cab thereof. Monitoring of these variables allows calculation of the stubble height SH. Further, the control system may monitor the reel arm pitch RAP and use the angle to calculate a reel arm pitch RAP-Z that determines the ground distance at this angle, which angles rearwardly of the perpendicular ground distance GDP.

[0055] Generally, Figures 7-10 illustrate various routines performed by the system CPU in reliance upon manual and sensor-based inputs. The operating system may comprise a computing device on the combine 10 or remote therefrom, which includes the CPU and other computer- based devices operating a control program and configured to receive inputs, process data, and generate outputs. A detailed discussion of the computing environment is not required for an understanding of the present invention. For purposes of discussion, Figures 7-10 and 15 may be referenced as routines but also may be characterized as processes of the operating program to process data, receive inputs and generate outputs for use by other routines or processes or for use by the operators of the operating system.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7, one routine or process of an operating method of the control system is shown for performing a cut height calculation. As mentioned, the routine is performed by the combine operating or control system which comprises a computing device with a central processing unit (CPU) configured to communicate inputs and outputs for data and commands, data storage, and a display device for use by an operator. The routine starts at step 35 and monitors header position sensors at step 36 to determine and monitor the header pitch HP, a harvester or combine pitch, and a reel height position, which may be calculated based upon a gravity reference plane GRP (Figure 6) or other reference points. In some cases, the reel height position might be sensed based upon the reel arm pitch RAP. At step 37, crop sensor data generated by the sensors 31 is monitored to determine the ground range from which the perpendicular ground distance GDP and the ground distance average are calculated. In this regard, the sensors 31 may detect both the crop canopy CC and the ground 17. In use, the ground may be uneven and vary to a degree such that the average ground distance preferably is used. In step 39, the distance A (Figure 6) is calculated, which is the distance between the vertical elevation of each sensor 31 and a horizontal reference line RL (Figure 6), which may extend through a reel support arm pivot 26 A or other reference point. In step 40, the distance B is calculated, which is the distance between the reference line RL and the stubble height SH defined by the engagement of the cutter bar 22 with the crop. In step 41, the output is calculated as the average cut height or stubble height SH, and this data processing routine can end in step 42.

[0057] Referring to Figure 8, another routine or process for the operating method of the control system is shown for performing a crop height calculation. The method is performed by the combine control system which comprises the computing device with the central processing unit (CPU) configured to communicate inputs and outputs for data and commands, data storage, and a display device for use by an operator. The routine starts at step 45 wherein several position sensors detect and allow monitoring of the header pitch HP, harvester pitch and reel height similar to the cut height routine of Figure 7. In step 47, the sensors 37 detect and allowing monitoring of the ground range of ground 17 and crop range of crop canopy CC, wherein the sensor data is input to the CPU. In step 48, the ground distance perpendicular GDP and crop distance perpendicular CDP relative to the sensors 31 are calculated. In step 49, the crop height CH is calculated from the ground distance perpendicular GDP less the crop distance perpendicular CDP. The control system can monitor the crop height CH and variations thereof to calculate and output an average crop height CH, and then terminates this routine in step 51. The foregoing routines or processes of Figures 7 and 8 generate output data for further use by the control system to perform the operating methods or processes discussed above relative to Figures 4 and 5. [0058] In more detail, Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operating process for the constant stubble height control mode of Figure 4. More particularly as to the first operating mode of Figures 4 and 9, in step 53, selected control settings are input into the control system, such as by an operator, wherein the control settings or inputs include a preferred cut height target correlating to stubble height SHI, wherein the target cut height preferably is intended to remain constant as the field is harvested.

[0059] In step 53, the operator also may input a minimum intake fraction, which is the percentage of the total crop height CH that will be input into the header 12 and removed by the cutter bar assembly 16 during harvested. This intake fraction may also be characterized as a ratio of the canopy height or a distance from the crop canopy that is removed from the top of the crop relative to the total crop height CH. For field crops, an upper portion of each plant is the harvestable portion that contains harvestable plant portions with the remainder at the bottom being the stubble that is left in the field. This intake fraction can vary between crops, wherein some crops might have one intake fraction, such as 40% for canola, and other crops can have different intake fractions, such as 25% for wheat. The intake fraction can range between 0% and 100% and essentially is the inverse of the cut height target corresponding to stubble height SHI. In other words, a low minimum intake fraction, as low as 0%, would result in a high maximum stubble height SHI, 100% stubble. Conversely, a high minimum intake fraction, as high as 100%, would result in a low maximum stubble height SHI, 0% stubble. Defining a minimum intake fraction greater than 0% would result in harvesting of some portion of the crop canopy CC with the remainder being stubble.

[0060] The operator may also input a numerical value for the deadband, which is the permissible variance between a set value and an actual value before the operating system reacts to adjust the operation of the header 12. This deadband is discussed further herein relative to subsequent processing steps.

[0061] Next in step 54, the header position sensors detect the position of various header components, wherein header position sensors may provide data inputs for the reel height position, a fore-aft position for the reel 24 on the header frame 13, a gauge wheel position indicating the height of the header 12 from the ground 17, the header pitch HP and a cab pitch for the combine 10 itself.

[0062] In step 55, the operating system calculates the cut height, which can be performed in accord with the routine described relative to Figure 7. The operating system further can use this data to calculate the actual intake fraction, and also can process the crop height calculation of Figure 8. As such, this calculation in step 55 allows the operating system to monitor the cut height and the actual intake fraction.

[0063] In step 56, the operating system calculates a cut height error, which is the difference between the actual cut height calculated in step 55 minus the cut height target input in step 53. In step 57, the operating system calculates an intake fraction error, which is the difference between the actual intake fraction calculated in step 55 minus the minimum intake fraction input in step 53.

[0064] In step 58, the cut height error is compared relative to the deadband value wherein this comparison step determines whether the cut height is lower than the target cut height minus half the deadband value. If the comparison determines NO, the actual cut height is not lower than the target cut height adjusted for the deadband value, and a further comparison of the cut height error is performed at step 59 to determine if the tactual cut height is higher than the target cut height plus half the deadband value. If NO at step 59, the comparison steps 58 and 59 will have confirmed that the actual cut height is within the range of the deadband value for the target cut height. In such instance, the process moves to Step 61 to hold the gauge wheels 18 at the set height, and the subroutine ends at Step 62 and then returns through the control loop 63 to the start at Step 52 for continued and continuous monitoring of the cut height and resultant stubble height SH. With the gauge wheels 18 held in such condition, the stubble height SH will be deemed to be constant.

[0065] If in Step 59, the determination is YES that the actual cut height is higher than the target cut height plus half the deadband value, the routine performs step 64 to retract the gauge wheels to reduce the actual cut height so that it falls within the range of the total deadband value for the target cut height. The routine would then pass to return loop 65 until steps 58 and 59 both reach NO determinations, so that the routine then reaches step 61 to hold the gauge wheels 18 at the height that maintains the actual cut height within the deadband range for the target cut height. [0066] As previously noted, the crop height CH is monitored during combine operation and when a depressed or shorter crop height CHI is detected that falls below the set or target stubble height SHI, the header 12 or cutter bar assembly 16 is automatically lowered by the control system so that a reduced or adjusted stubble height SH2 is applied that is at least as low as the shorter crop height CHI. This determination is made at step 58 if the comparison indicates that YES the actual cut height is lower than the target cut height minus half the deadband value. If so, step 66 is performed to determine if the actual intake fraction is less than the minimum intake fraction minus half the deadband value. If NO at step 66, the routine passes to step 68 to extend the gauge wheels, and if YES at step 66, the routine passes through loop 67 to step 64 to raise the gauge wheels and in turn pass through loop 65 to step 54.

[0067] The gauge wheels 18 are extended in step 68 or retracted in step 64 and the intake fraction error is repeatedly compared until steps 58 and 59 both return NO determinations and the gauge wheels 18 are held in position. Referring to Figure 4, the gauge wheels 18 would be retracted in step 64 when reduced -height crops are encountered by the header 12 to lower the header 12 and cutter bar assembly 16 and leave a reduced stubble height SH2. When the crop height increases, the gauge wheels 18 can be extended in step 68 to raise the cutter bar assembly 16 and leave the constant stubble height SHI.

[0068] The adjusted stubble height SH2 may be a single value less than the reduced crop height CHI or may be continuously variable or adjusted to react to further variations in the reduced crop height CHI. In this operating mode, no harvestable crop is missed even when the crop height CHI drops substantially or abruptly. This adjusted stubble height SH2 may even be lowered to ground level to ensure no harvestable crop is missed. Once harvestable crop is detected, the control system raises the cut height after the normal average crop canopy CH is again detected by the sensors 31.

[0069] Next, Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operating process for the maximum stubble height control mode of Figure 5. More particularly, as to this max stubble height control mode of Figures 5 and 10, the system starts at step 70 and in step 71, the operator inputs selected control settings into the control system including an intake fraction target which is the preferred intake fraction for the crop as the field is harvested. Based upon the description above, the intake fraction is the percentage of the total crop height CH that will be input into the header 12 and removed by the cutter bar assembly 16. This intake fraction may also be characterized as a ratio of the canopy height that is removed from the top of the crop relative to the total crop height CH. If a shorter crop height CHI is encountered, this typically would not vary the intake fraction, although it may be desirable to configure the operating system to reduce the intake fraction in such a scenario.

[0070] In step 71, the operator may also input a numerical value for the deadband, which is the permissible variance between the intake fraction target value and an actual intake fraction before the operating system reacts to adjust the operation of the header 12.

[0071] Next in step 72, the combine position sensors detect the position of various components, wherein position sensors may provide data inputs for the reel height position, a fore aft position for the reel 24 on the header frame 13, the gauge wheel position indicating the height of the header 12 from the ground 17, the header pitch HP and a cab pitch for the combine 10 itself. [0072] In step 73, the operating system calculates the actual intake fraction being cut by the cutter bar assembly 16, which may be calculated in reference to the cut height and its resultant stubble height SHI, which can be performed in accord with the routine described relative to Figure 7, and in reference to the crop height CH, which can be performed in accord with the routine described relative to Figure 8. The actual intake fraction would be the ratio of the difference between the cut height or stubble height SH and crop height CH or CHI, which determines the crop portion harvested, divided by the total crop height CH or CHI . The actual intake fraction typically could be expressed in terms of the percentage of the crop height CH or CHI removed by the header 12 after cutting.

[0073] In step 74, the operating system calculates an intake fraction error, which is the difference between the actual intake fraction calculation in step 73 minus the target intake fraction input in step 71.

[0074] In the second operating mode of Figure 10, it is not necessary to specifically determine target or actual cut heights and then calculate the cut height error. Rather the routine or process of Figure 10 next compares the intake fraction error relative to the target intake fraction.

[0075] More particularly in step 75, the intake fraction error is compared to the deadband value to determine if the actual intake fraction is less than the target intake fraction minus half the deadband value. If YES at step 75, this indicates the actual intake fraction is too low and the cutter bar assembly 16 is too high to generate the desired intake fraction wherein step 76 is then performed to automatically lower the gauge wheels 18, and then the routine passes to the return loop 77 that returns to step 72 to repeat these steps.

[0076] If NO at step 75, the routine passes to step 78 to determine if the actual intake fraction is greater than the target intake fraction plus half the deadband value. If YES, this indicates the actual intake fraction is too high and the cutter bar assembly 16 is too low to generate the desired intake fraction, wherein step 79 is then performed to automatically lower the gauge wheels 18, and then the routine passes to the return loop 80 that returns to step 72 to repeat these steps. [0077] If YES at step 75, the routine passes to step 76 to retract the gauge wheels 18, and if YES at step 78, the routine passes to step 79 to extend the gauge wheels 18, which respectively pass through the return loops 77 or 80 to repeat the routine until neither condition is satisfied. In this regard, if both of steps 75 and 78 make NO determinations, the gauge wheels 18 are not adjusted and the routine passes to the end step 81 to repeat this routine during operation of the cutter bar assembly 16.

[0078] As to the second operating mode of Figures 5 and 10, the operating system essentially maintains a maximum stubble height SH through the field, although the maximum stubble height SH is defined by reliance upon the target intake fraction, which refers to the percentage of crop removed. Or in other words, the remainder of the crop after the intake fraction is removed defines the amount of the crop that is desired to be left as stubble. In this case, the stubble height SH is dictated by how much of the top portion of the crop that is removed. It is not necessary to remove more than the harvestable top portion of each crop, which allows more stubble to remain in the field.

[0079] For example, it may be desirable to set an intake fraction as some set quantity such as an intake fraction of 25% of the total crop height CH. This percentage-based quantity or intake fraction may vary depending upon the type of crop and the amount of the crop that is harvestable In a more specific example, it may be desirable to set a first intake fraction of 25% that harvests the top 25% of a wheat crop and a second intake fraction of 40% that harvests the top 40% of a canola crop. The remaining stubble represents the maximum amount of stubble height that can remain for each type of crop.

[0080] Next, the intake percentage may continue to be used throughout the entire field or an operator might change the target intake fraction if it is desirable to do so based upon the operator’s experience and observations. In Figure 5, it can be seen that as long as the target crop height CH is detected and monitored, the gauge wheels 18 can be automatically adjusted to maintain the target intake fraction in the deadband range and maintain the desired maximum stubble height SH3 in areas of higher crop height CH. By this automatic adjustment, the target intake fraction would be used to lower the cut height in the areas of reduced or shorter crop height CHI to generate the shorter stubble height SH4. The maximum stubble height therefore can be automatically varied by the process of Figure 10 as a combine 10 moves between full height stubble areas having a stubble height SH3 and shorter areas having reduced stubble height SH4. In either case, the stubble height SH3 or SH4 follows the canopy height but remains shorter than the different canopy heights CH and CHI being detected by the sensors 31, and as an end result, the stubble height is still maximized through stubble heights SH3 and SH4.

[0081] Therefore, for both operating modes of Figures 9 and 10, the sensors 31 can sense the ground 17 and canopy or crop height CH and the operating system can monitor the sensor data to perform the processes or routines of Figures 7-8. These operating modes are believed to represent inventive aspects independent of each other. Either or both operating modes may be incorporated separately or together into an operating system for a combine 10 such that the scope of the invention is not limited to the combination of both operating modes. That being said, the combination of both operating modes in a single operating system using the sensors 31 also represents an inventive aspect of the present invention. Further, the sensors 31 may be configured as a single unit that can sense both ground 17 and crop height CH although the sensors 31 may also represent a combination of a plurality of separate ground sensors and crop height sensors without departing from the present invention.

[0082] In a further aspect of the invention, the operating system of Figures 1-10 provides the combine 10 and an operator thereof with automatic cut height control in the first and second operating modes described above. The present invention also encompasses a third operating mode, wherein the operator may define the target cut height, or amount of crop intake (intake fraction) based on the geographic location and field data associated with the field being harvested. The geographic location and field data may be in the form of a control map, usually packaged as a shape file. Figure 11 illustrates an example of control map or field map 100 in the form of a topography map for use in controlling the stubble height SH. These types of elevation maps can be obtained from other third party, precision application maps. The control map or field map 100 is shown as a topography map, but the present invention can rely upon different types of maps, such as other types of elevation maps, base maps, fertility maps, organic matter maps, soil maps, and the like. Essentially, the control map can map variables that might affect or be affected by stubble height and intake fractions used during harvest operations.

[0083] The control maps 100 can be prescription maps depicting geographical locations and would prove valuable since topography is a key component to soil credibility and drainage. Stubble height therefore can be a key method of mitigating soil erosion, such that creating a stubble height prescription map will allow operators to vary stubble height strategies in a given field to optimize conservation of soil.

[0084] In Figure 11, this type of control map 100 could show the highest elevation 101 and lowest elevation 102 in which a field lies, wherein the differences in elevation are depicted by conventional gradient or contour lines 103. More generally, each field may have a field maxima such as elevation 101, and a field minima, such as elevation 102. In one aspect of the invention, a slope line 104 may be defined by the operating system so as to extend between the highest elevation 101 and lowest elevation 102. While a single slope line 104 is shown for diagrammatic purposes, other slope lines 104 might also be used to help to define the different elevations in a more complex field layout.

[0085] The control map 100 can also be packaged in any other format representing geographic location and machine variables. The control maps 100 can be prescription maps depicting geographical location and would prove valuable since topography is a key component to soil erodibility and drainage. Furthermore, in conjunction with automatic cut height control, the present invention may define the target cut height, or amount of crop intake (intake fraction) based on geographic location wherein the control map may be packaged as a shape file. The control map can also be packaged in any other format representing geographic location and machine variables. Stubble height SH is a key method of mitigating soil erosion, so creating a stubble height prescription map will allow operators to vary stubble height strategies in a given field to optimize conservation of soil.

[0086] In accord with the foregoing description, as the harvester combine 10 moves through the field, a value for a desired target cut height and resultant stubble height SH, or a value of a percentage of total crop material relative to the top of the crop canopy, i.e., intake fraction, can be established. For this third operating mode, the operating system can rely upon an input of a target cut height or target intake fraction, wherein the input is received from a field computer, or machine computer, and the system controller adjusts the position of the gauge wheels 18 to achieve the desired target cut height for the crop being harvested.

[0087] In some field situations, the highest elevation 101 may benefit from a longer or the longest stubble height, while the lowest elevation 102 might benefit from a shorter or the shortest stubble height. The stubble height and intake fraction generally correlate wherein the maximum stubble height would correlate to the minimum intake fraction, and the minimum stubble height would correlate to the maximum intake fraction. As described above, the intake fraction can range between 0% and 100% and essentially is the inverse of the target stubble height or target cut height. In other words, a low minimum intake fraction, as low as 0%, would result in a high maximum stubble height, as high as 100% of the crop remaining in a field. Conversely, a high minimum intake fraction, as high as 100%, would result in a low maximum stubble height, as low as 0% stubble.

[0088] Alternatively, the intake fraction of 0-100% can be defined by a range from 0.0 to 1.0 with 1.0 being the maximum possible intake fraction of 100%. In relating these ranges to percentages, a minimum intake fraction of 0.1 would represent a 10% minimum intake fraction representing the top 10% of the crop height and a maximum intake fraction of 0.9 would represent a 90% maximum intake fraction representing 90% of the crop height. These maximum and minimum values are set by an operator or defined in the operating system, and in this example, the total range would be the difference of 0.8. Further, the single total range can be subdivided into smaller ranges or range increments, typically by the operator. For example, the total range of 0.8 may be divided into four smaller ranges or range increments of 0.2 Preferably, these range increments may be equal but they also may be set with independent values that may be made different from each other depending upon field requirements.

[0089] To further illustrate these concepts, Figure 12 is an elevation profile graph showing an example of an elevation profile 105 along the slope line 104. The Y-axis represents the maximum elevation 106 corresponding to the highest elevation 101 and the minimum elevation 107 corresponding to the lowest elevation 102. The X-axis of this graph shows the distance between the high and low elevations 101 and 102 and the profile elevation at those locations along the distance axis.

[0090] In the inventive control system, the elevation graph may be subdivided in the Y-axis into multiple range increments representing different stubble heights or intake fractions of crop that would be applied across the elevation changes in the field. For example, the operating system may allow an operator to select the number of smaller ranges or range increments to be used, wherein Ranges 1-4 are represented by reference numerals 108-111. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual ranges 108-111 are equal.

[0091] Figure 13 is a chart showing representative ranges of intake fraction values assigned to the incremental ranges 108-111 (Ranges 1-4) used in the operation of the inventive header system. For example, incremental range 108 (Range 1) would span a range of intake fractions from 0.7 to 0.9 with the median value being 0.8. Similarly, incremental ranges 109-111 (Ranges 2-4) equally span the respective intake fractions of 0.5-0.7, 0.3-0.5 and 0.1-0.3 with respective median values of 0.6, 0.4 and 0.2 Since these intake fractions represent the percentage of crop being cut that then leaves a corresponding stubble height SH, the lower range of 0.1-0.3 has the highest stubble height SH and the higher range of 0.7-0.9 has the lowest stubble height SH.

[0092] In the selected operating configuration, the highest stubble height SH is applied to higher elevations and the lower stubble heights SH are applied to lower elevations. These decisions may be made to increase stubble in higher areas, which increases organic matter retained in these areas to assist in moisture retention or other reasons. Lower areas may retain more moisture and less stubble may be desired for this reason. Further, the stubble heights SH for each range increment might vary for other reasons such soil fertility or composition. In some cases, a field manager may prefer higher stubble in lower areas and lower stubble in higher areas.

[0093] This discussion references the different elevations in different zones of the field. These zones may be also defined by other considerations such as field fertility, soil type and the like. As such, different considerations other than elevation may be considered to determine the stubble height in different zones of the field.

[0094] More specifically as to Figure 13, the operating system may generate median values 112 for each of the intake fraction ranges 108-111. It may be advantageous adjust the cutter bar assembly 16 to maintain the intake fraction at the median values 112 for each range 108-111 rather than attempt to adjust cutter bar assembly 16 based upon the full extent of each incremental range. The operating system may then use the median values 112 as the target intake fraction such as that entered in step 71 of Figure 10.

[0095] Further, Figure 14 illustrates the topography map of Figure 10 showing the intake fraction ranges 108-111 as applied to the topographical contours 103 on the topography map 100 to generate a topographic zone map 100-1. In this example, the lowest range increment 111 (Range 4) may be applied to the contour for the highest elevation 101 and the next adjacent elevation contour wherein the stubble height SH would be highest in this region or zone. The next range increment 110 (Range 3) may be applied to the next three contours of decreasing elevation to define a second zone. Further, the next lower range increment 109 may be applied to the next two contours of decreasing elevation to define a third zone, and the lowest range increment 108 may be applied to the lowest contours including the lowest elevation 102 to define a fourth zone, which would have the lowest stubble height SH. As such, the stubble height SH can progressively decrease across the distance 104 between the highest and lowest elevations 101 and 102. In accord with the above discussion, this represents one operating strategy and the number and size of the range increments can vary depending upon field requirements that may be decided by various personnel including the combine operator or the field agronomist.

[0096] This third mode of operation may be performed by modifying the process of Figure 10 to allow for inputting of multiple target intake fractions and the geographic zone map 100-1 and permit changing of the target intake fraction on the fly during harvest operations in reliance upon the zone map 100-1. With reference to the process of Figure 10, multiple target intake fractions would be entered at step 71 representing the median values for the intake fraction ranges 1 OS- 111. The operating system would also track the physical or geographic location of the combine 10 in the field, for example, by relying upon the geographic zone map 100-1 in combination with GPS tracking or other tracking technologies. As the combine 10 moves through the field and enters mapped zones with different intake fraction ranges (such as Ranges 1-4), the process of Figure 10 would change the assigned target intake fraction to reflect this geographic location and the zone in which the combine 10 is located. The process of Figure 10 would then assign the mean value 112 for one of the incremental intake fraction ranges 108-111 as a new target intake fraction and perform the steps 72-75 and 78 using this new target intake fraction to retract and extend the gauge wheels in steps 76 and 79 in response to the mean values 112 used for the target intake fractions. In this third operating mode, the crop height CH would still be monitored, and the stubble height adjusted relative thereto, and the stubble height SH would be adjusted based upon the intake fraction corresponding to the geographic location of the combine 10 in the field. Since the combine 10 typically travels linearly through a field in adjacent passes, a single pass might adjust the target intake fraction through one or more intake fraction ranges 108-111 depending upon field contours and elevations encountered in each pass. The adjustments of the cutter bar assembly 16 and the cut height thereof preferably would be performed automatically based upon the geographic zone map 100-1 and the combine location thereon.

[0097] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the operational process for operating the inventive header based upon selected ranges intake fraction values relative to a field map, such as topography map 100. The routine is initiated at step 115 and in step 116, a field boundary is loaded into memory in the CPU. In step 117, a field map or control map 100 such as a field elevation map is loaded into the operating system. As noted above, the field map 100 may be one of several types and may indicate the geographic layout within the field boundary as well as relevant field conditions such as elevation, soil type, moisture content or moisture history, soil fertility, etc.

[0098] In step 118, an operator can define the minimum and maximum intake fraction values such as the total range 0.1-0.9 used in the examples above. In step 119, the operator defines the number of zones or ranges, such as four as used above. In step 120, the operating system determines the minimum and maximum elevations within the boundaries of the field such as elevations 107 and 106 described above. This determination may be generated automatically by processing of the field map 100 by the system CPU. Or such data could be input by an operator through evaluation of the field map 100. Using the inputs of steps 119 and 120, the total elevation range may be split into smaller zones or ranges in step 121 to generate the incremental ranges (Ranges 1-4) of the intake fractions. In this case, the minimum and maximum intake fractions values of step 118 may differ by 0.8 and the incremental ranges may be 0.2.

[0099] Next in step 122, each of the incremental intake fraction ranges 108-111 (Ranges 1-4) is converted into single value targets for each zone or range. In accord with the above description, the single target values would be the median value 112 for each intake fraction range 108-111, which represents the respective target intake fractions to be used by the operating system during the routine depicted in Figure 10.

[00100] In step 123, the operating system and CPU thereof creates geographic map zones based upon the elevation zones or ranges. Each geographic map zone would correlate to a respective target intake fraction, and in step 124, the operating system assigns one target intake fraction to each zone. For example, Figure 14 illustrates four zones with the contours of intake fraction ranges 111 defining one geographic map zone, 110 defining a second geographic map zone, 109 defining a third geographic map zone and 108 defining a fourth geographic map zone. The respective median values 112 would define the assigned intake fraction targets for each geographic map zone. As a result, a geographic control map 100-1 is generated, and the geographic control map 100-1 is exported in step 125 to the field or machine controller and used in the routine or process of Figure 10 to vary the target intake fraction as the combine 10 transits the field. By tracking the location of the combine 10 in the field relative to the geographic control map 100-1, the target intake fraction of step 71 (Figure 10) can be automatically adjusted or changed as the combine 10 transits through multiple geographic map zones. The routine of Figure 15 ends at step 126. In most cases, the above-described process of Figure 15 might need to be run initially before harvesting a field or area within a field boundary.

[00101] While the foregoing disclosure of Figures 11-15 relies upon intake fractions, the use of intake fractions may be replaced with target cut heights and this third mode may be operated relative to the routine depicted in Figure 9. In this version of the third operating mode, the ranges 1-4 may represent different, respective cut heights and resultant stubble heights SH, and the median values 112 may represent median cut heights/ stubble heights that are assigned to the geographic map zones to generate the geographic control map 100-1. The different geographic map zones would represent different cut heights/ stubble heights SH for the different elevations. As such, the cut height targets input in step 53 would represent the target stubble height established for each of the geographic map zones, and these target stubble heights would then automatically adjust as the combine 10 transits through each pass in the field. [00102] As noted above, the control system incorporates the ground following benefits resulting from adjustable gauge wheels 18, and also includes several control options or operating modes for the operator. This system allows the operator to maintain stubble height SH at a desired height in the first operating mode of Figure 9, and allows the operator to maximize the stubble height SH based on crop height CH in the second operating mode of Figure 10. Further, the operating system can be operated in the third operating mode disclosed relative to Figures 11-15 wherein the operator does not need to make decisions on setting cut heights since the cut heights can be predefined by geographic location in combination with the target stubble heights or target intake fractions.

[00103] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an operating system of a combine header to control stubble heights in a field based upon geographic mapping of said field, the method comprising the steps of: providing a field map geographically illustrating a plurality of field portions within a field boundary of a field to be harvested by said combine header, each of said field portions exhibiting respective ground conditions which differ from said ground conditions of other said field portions; defining minimum and maximum values for target values of stubble height to be generated by said combine header after removing harvestable crop portions from a field crop and leaving said stubble, said target values representing one of an intake fraction and a cut height, wherein said harvestable portions are removed from said stubble at said cut height and said cut height represents said stubble height, and wherein said intake fraction is a ratio representing said harvestable portion removed from a crop height relative to a total crop height; defining a number of field zones within said field map, wherein each said field zone encompasses one or more field portions exhibiting different said ground conditions; determining a total range representing a difference between said minimum and maximum values; dividing said total range by said number of field zones to define a plurality of incremental ranges of target values wherein each of said incremental ranges corresponds to a respective one of said field zones; assigning single target control values for each of said incremental ranges of said target values wherein each said single target control value corresponds to a respective one of said field zones and defines a stubble height for said respective field zone; generating a geographic control map subdividing said field map into said field zones with each said field zone having said single target control value associated therewith; and operating of said header according to said geographic control map wherein said header changes stubble heights in said field according to said field zones so that said stubble height for each said field zone corresponds to said single respective target control value representing said one of said cut height and said intake fraction associated therewith.

2. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said field portions are differentiated by respective elevation changes and said field conditions are represented by different field elevations.

3. The method according to Claim 2, wherein said different field elevations are represented by field contours with elevation changes and at least one of said field zones encompasses a plurality of said field contours.

4. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said field map defines a geographic layout within said field boundary, and wherein said field conditions are represented by at least one of elevation, soil type, soil moisture, organic matter content and soil fertility.

5. The method according to Claim 1, wherein each said target value represents a median value for said incremental range.

6. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said operating of said header includes the step of adjusting said cut height by raising and lowering said cut height based upon said single target control value associated with said field zone in which said header is geographically located to adjust said stubble height.

7. The method according to Claim 6, further comprising the step of automatically changing said single target value used for said adjusting of said cut height as said header transits through a plurality of said field zones.

8. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said field map depicts variables that affect said cut height and said intake fractions used during harvest operations.

9. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said stubble heights resulting from said target control values are different from each other so that different said field zones have different heights for said stubble heights.

10. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said header comprises a cutter bar assembly defining said cut height, and said step of operating said combine header further includes the step of adjusting said cut height by raising and lowering said cutter bar assembly.

11. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of operating said header further includes the step of tracking a geographic location of said combine header within said field boundary and relative to said field zones of said geographic control map to vary said target control value based on said geographic location within one of said field zones.

12. A combine header configured to vary stubble heights in a field based upon geographic mapping of said field, said combine header comprising: a header frame: a cutter bar assembly mounted on said header frame for cutting fields crops at a cut height, which is adjustable as said combine header moves within a field boundary of the field, said cutter bar assembly removing harvestable portions of a field crop at said cut height wherein said cut height defines a stubble height of the remaining portions of said field crop, said harvestable portions defining an intake fraction, which is defined by a ratio representing said harvestable portion removed from a crop height relative to a total crop height; a gauge wheel assembly configured to adjust a height of said cutter bar assembly to adjust said cut height; an operating system configured to control said cut height during transit of said combine header within said field; said operating system being configured to operate based upon a geographic control map which governs said cut height as said combine header transits said field, said geographic control map geographically encompassing a plurality of field portions within said field boundary, wherein each of said field portions exhibits respective ground conditions which differ from said ground conditions of other said field portions, said geographic control map comprising a plurality of field zones with each said field zone comprising a plurality of said field portions and having a target control value associated with said field zone, said target control value being one of a target cut height and a target intake fraction, wherein said header operates according to said geographic control map such that said header is configured to automatically adjust said cut height as said header transits said field based upon said target control value of each said field zones in which said combine is geographically located so that said stubble height for each said field zone corresponds to said target control value associated therewith and said stubble heights vary across said field zones.

13. The combine header according to Claim 12, wherein said operating system is configured to generate said geographic control map by performing the following steps: define minimum and maximum values for said target values, said target values representing one of said intake fraction and said cut height; provide a field map encompassing said field portions; define a number of said field zones within said field map, wherein each said field zone encompasses one or more said field portions exhibiting said different said ground conditions; determining a total range representing a difference between said minimum and maximum values; dividing said total range by said number of field zones to define a plurality of incremental ranges of target values wherein each of said incremental ranges corresponds to a respective one of said field zones; assigning single target control values for each of said incremental ranges of said target values wherein each said single target control value corresponds to a respective one of said field zones and defines a respective stubble height for said respective field zones based upon said one of said cut height and said intake fraction represented by said single target control value; and generate said geographic control map subdividing said field map into said field zones with each said field zone has said target control value associated therewith.

14. The combine header according to Claim 13, wherein said header changes stubble heights in said field according to said field zones so that said stubble height for each said field zone corresponds to said single respective target control value representing said one of said cut height and said intake fraction associated therewith.

15. The combine header according to Claim 12, wherein said field portions are differentiated by respective elevation changes and said field conditions are represented by different field elevations with said stubble heights being adjusted with elevation changes.

16. The combine header according to Claim 12, wherein said field conditions are represented by at least one of elevation, soil type, soil moisture, organic matter content and soil fertility.

17. The combine header according to Claim 12, wherein said cutter bar assembly raises and lowers said cut height based upon said target control value associated with said field zone in which said header is geographically located to adjust said stubble height in that field zone, and at least a plurality of said field zones have a plurality of said stubble heights which differ from each other.

18. The combine header according to Claim 12, wherein said operating uses one said target control value at a time, and said target control value automatically changes from one said field zone to another said field zone for automatic adjusting of said cut height as said header transits through a plurality of said field zones.