FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is a novel straight line guidance system (also referred herein as DISHA feature) designed to be used in on-road or off-road/off-highway vehicles, particularly for agri-machineries and construction equipments, and more particularly in tractors, mobile cranes, backhoe loader, compactor etc. The said straight line guidance system is a compass based guidance system to assist farmer while driving on field in a straight line without installation of any of the sophisticated devices like GPS or LIDARs. Similarly, the said guidance system is capable of assisting operators/drivers of various types of special purpose off-road vehicles for driving in straight line, either in forward direction or in backward direction.
[0002] The system comprises a magnetometer sensor to direct the operator of the vehicle, based upon the backend programming. Once, the reference point is set, the LED’s, LCD and Buzzer will provide the audio-visual aids to help the operator in identifying whether he is driving the tractor/vehicle in straight line or not.
[0003] This invention relates to increasing operational efficiency and reduction in fuel wastage. This is an active system, which continuously detects error and guide driver to take corrective action through technological aids. This invention gives a simple and cost effective guidance system to attain straight line travel during field operations by assisting the driver through audio visual signals through an application running on mobile or through instrument panel/cluster on the tractor. This invention provides a solution which doesn’t involve the use of advanced technologies like GPS, LIDARs etc.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
[0004] During field operations, driving the tractor in straight line is a major issue for the farmer. Even if the farmer holds steering wheel straight at starting position to follow a straight line, because of the ground forces from undulated land, the tractor continuously deviates from the initial set position. And farmer fails to maintain a proper straight line drive from one end to other end of the field, which finally results in over or under treatment of complete land and hence it hampers overall productivity.
[0005] As all of us know that the world population is expanding exponentially and with that, the food security threat rises. So, there is more pressure on farmers to grow more from the same land. So, the idea of precision farming pitches in, where the ultimate goal is to increase the productivity by improving the field operational practices and optimizing soil and crop management.
[0005] Among various use-cases of precision farming, straight line driving is a basic requirement; which helps the farmer to achieve maximum yield out of available land. Though there are multiple solutions available in market, an affordable solution for this problem is still a challenge for the farmers across globe especially in India.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is intended to provide a straight line guidance system designed to be used in on-road or off-road/off-highway vehicles, particularly for agri- machineries and construction equipments, and more particularly in tractors, mobile cranes, backhoe loader, compactor etc.
[0007] Prime object of the present invention is to provide a compass based straight line guidance system to assist farmer while driving on field in a straight line without installation of any of the sophisticated devices like GPS or LIDARs.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a straight line guidance system, which is capable of assisting operators/drivers of various types of special purpose off-road/off-highway vehicles for driving in straight line, either in forward direction or in backward direction.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a straight line guidance system, which system comprises a magnetometer sensor to direct the operator of the vehicle, based upon the backend programming; wherein once, the reference point is set, the LED’s, LCD and Buzzer will provide the audio-visual aids to help the operator in identifying whether he is driving the tractor/vehicle in straight line or not.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a straight line guidance system to provide a cost effective guidance solution for the farmers for the straight line operation.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a straight line guidance system to provide such a pocket friendly solution as to straight line guide in an agricultural machinery like tractor, which can work without the presence of GPS or LIDARs and which is not complex in nature to implement on agriculture machines.
[0012] Another objective of this invention is to provide an easy design of the installed mechanism which can be easily manufactured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Straight line guidance system, as described herein is to be used in on-road or off-road/off-highway vehicles, particularly for agri-machineries and construction equipments, and more particularly in tractors, mobile cranes, backhoe loader, compactor etc. One of the prime embodiments of the present invention is a compass based guidance system to assist farmer while driving on field in a straight line without installation of any of the sophisticated devices like GPS or LIDARs. The proposed guidance system is provisioned to be incorporated in the Instrumental Panel/Cluster unit of the vehicle or/and optionally can be used as an electronic gadget or as an app in the mobile phone or a computer.
[0014] Straight line guidance system, to be installed and applied within an off-road vehicle like tractor comprises a magnetometer sensor, backend programming based operating and control module (as DISHA application), and one of the selected form one of the three means enabled in the vehicle/tractor namely (i) showcases standalone unit, (ii) integrated instrument panel/cluster or (iii) mobile phone with inbuilt compass sensor; and wherein said straight line guidance system is characterized in at least one of the followings:-
• a compass based guidance system to assist farmer while driving on field in a straight line without installation of any of the sophisticated devices like GPS or LIDARs;
• Directing the operator for driving the vehicle in straight line, either in forward direction or in backward direction, and without involving any GPS and LIDAR technologies; and
• Once, the reference point is set, the LED’s, LCD and Buzzer will provide the audio-visual aids to help the operator in identifying whether he is driving the tractor/vehicle in straight line or not.
[0015] The mobile app has been programmed in the Android Studio while the Interment panel/cluster will be consisting of magnetometer/compass sensor, LED’s, LCD (for visual aids) and Buzzer (for audio aid) and software programming.
[0016] The furthermore description, which follows, it is to be understood that the forthcoming explanation only describes a particular form of this invention. However, such a particular design is only an illustrative incarnation, without intending to imply any limitation on the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the description is to be understood as an illustrative incarnation and understanding of the invention and not intended to be taken restrictively.
[0017] Short description of schematic drawings, included in the present specification to illustrate the inventive concept of the straight line guidance system, its installation on vehicle(s) and their functionality thereof, as under:
[0018] Figure 1: Schematic depiction of the straight line guidance system, installed and operated in a tractor, wherein it mainly indicates the compass sensor based guidance device as well as the display-cum-control button assembly, being operational with the help of suitable logic/program, dedicated for the said straight line guidance system.
[0019] Figure 2: It showcases standalone unit of DISHA application which will be mounted on the tractor for the straight line guidance visual/ audio feature.
[0020] Figure 3: Presents the DISHA feature integrated inside the instrument panel/cluster.
[0021] Figure 4.a:- Depicts the view of the DISHA mobile application, in which as the operator starts the application, it will show the orientation of the sensor w.r.t tractor.
[0022] Figure 4.b:- highlights that as soon as operator presses the reset button, the orientation of the compass is set in the direction in which the tractor is aligned and deviation is set as “Zero degrees” and green thumbnails get activated.
[0023] Figure 4.c & 4.d: they represent lighting up of the round tabs as soon as the deviation occurs on either side of the centre. As the deviation increases, the tabs away from the centre, light up changes.
[0024] Figure 5: represent the workflow chart to elaborate the straight line guidance system of the instant invention characterized in the unique backend programming based operating and control module (as DISHA application) for operating the of the magnetometer sensor provisioned for the vehicle and to direct the operator thereof.
Methodology for deployment of the said straight line guidance system in the tractor/vehicle:
[0025] The straight line guidance system (also referred herein as DISHA feature) can be enabled in the tractor by three means, as explained below:
1. Standalone Unit:
[0026] Figure 2 showcases standalone unit of DISHA application which will be mounted on the tractor for the straight line guidance visual/audio feature. START and RESET buttons for setting up direction are provided at front for easy operation.
[0027] On pressing START button, it displays the orientation of the tractor with respect to “true north”. Once driver stand on the starting point of the filed, he/she can fix the direction before starting the field operation. After setting the direction, when driver moves ahead in the field, DISHA keeps on tracing the direction and warns the driver for any deviation.
[0028] After finishing field operation, driver can reset the direction with reset button.
2. Integrated Cluster Unit:
[0029] Figure 3 presents the DISHA feature integrated inside the integrated instrument panel/cluster unit. The centre of the Cluster has LCD which having the capability to display existing information of the tractor and also the graphics required for DISHA feature. Operator can switch between these two screens based on the requirement. The current depicted scenario will occur when the operator presses the start button first and then the RESET button, both present on the rear hood of the tractor to initiate DISHA functionality.
3. Mobile Application:
[0030] In this deployment methodology, operator can use his mobile phone which has inbuilt compass sensor. Operator has to install DISHA mobile application.
[0031] Figure 4.a:- depicts the view of the DISHA mobile application, in which as the operator starts the application, it will show the orientation of the sensor w.r.t tractor.
[0032] Figure 4.b:- highlights that as soon as operator presses the reset button, the orientation of the compass is set in the direction in which the tractor is aligned and deviation is set as “Zero degrees” and green thumbnails get activated.
[0033] Figure 4.c & 4.d represents the lighting up of the round tabs as soon as the deviation occurs on either side of the centre. As the deviation increases, the tabs away from the center light up changes.
Description of the Invention with the help of accompanying workflow:
[0034] The present invention is a novel straight line guidance system designed to be used in agri-machineries, more particularly, in tractors. As highlighted in prior objective, this system will guide the tractor in straight line without involving any advanced GPS and LIDAR technologies. The system is designed to use the magnetometer sensor to direct the operator based upon the backend programming. Once, the reference point is set, the LED’s, LCD and Buzzer will provide the audio visual aids to help the operator in identifying whether he is driving the tractor in straight line or not.
[0035] If any critical alert arises in the tractor, that will be highlighted as in flashing mode overriding the DISHA functionality screen.
[0036] Separate buttons will be provided for the ON/OFF for DISHA application and RESET option for reference point.
[0037] Figure 5 is a detailed workflow to illustrate the principles of the invention. The workflow is provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
[0038] As per the workflow scheme provisioned for the instant straight line guiding system, its backend programming provides the following preferred operational module:-
Step 1: Operator switches on "DISHA" feature;
Step 2: Operator Clicks on SET/Reset Button to align the sensor w.r.t the alignment of the tractor as set in field;
Step 3: Tractor starts operating in the field;
Three conditions arise:
(A) Alignment straight:
(i) Center Tab ON, LCD displaying tractor aligned straight
When tractor turning 180 degree:-
(ii) LCD displaying tractor should align itself in the direction of tractor.
Therefore, the tractor follows the step 3, that is startc operating in the field.
(B) Deviation Left: following selected conditions of left deviation may arise (with one type of sound):-
2-5 deg.-First Tab (30% pitch intensity)
5-10 deg.- Second Tab (65% pitch intensity)
10-15 deg.- Third Tab (100% pitch intensity)
Then,
The LCD displaying tractor should change the orientation with respect to the variations observed in the deviation band.
(C) Deviation Right: following selected conditions of right deviation may arise (with one type of sound):-
2-5 deg.-First Tab (30% pitch intensity)
5-10 deg.- Second Tab (65% pitch intensity)
10-15 deg.- Third Tab (100% pitch intensity)
Then,
The LCD displaying tractor should change the orientation with respect to the variations observed in the deviation band.
[0039] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

CLAIMS:We claim:
1. Straight line guidance system, to be used in on-road or off-road/off-highway vehicles, particularly for agri-machineries and construction equipments, and more particularly in tractors, mobile cranes, backhoe loader, compactor etc.; wherein said straight line guidance system comprises a magnetometer sensor, backend programming based operating and control module (as DISHA application), and one of the selected form one of the three means enabled in the vehicle/tractor namely (i) showcases standalone unit, (ii) integrated instrument panel/cluster or (iii) mobile phone with inbuilt compass sensor; and wherein said straight line guidance system is characterized in at least one of the followings:-
• a compass based guidance system to assist farmer while driving on field in a straight line without installation of any of the sophisticated devices like GPS or LIDARs;
• Directing the operator for driving the vehicle in straight line, either in forward direction or in backward direction, and without involving any GPS and LIDAR technologies; and
• Once, the reference point is set, the LED’s, LCD and Buzzer will provide the audio-visual aids to help the operator in identifying whether he is driving the tractor/vehicle in straight line or not.
2. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said straight line guidance system is provisioned to be incorporated in the Instrumental Panel/Cluster unit of the vehicle or/and optionally can be used as an electronic gadget or as an app in the mobile phone or a computer; wherein further said straight line guidance system is characterized in:
• the Interment panel/cluster, consisting of magnetometer/compass sensor,
• LED’s, LCD (for visual aids) and Buzzer (for audio aid) and software
programming; and
• the mobile app, preferably programmed in the Android Studio.
3. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compass based straight line guidance system is provisioned to assist farmer while driving on field in a straight line without installation of any of the sophisticated devices like GPS or LIDARs.
4. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said straight line guidance system is capable of assisting operators/drivers of various types of special purpose off-road/off-highway vehicles for driving in straight line, either in forward direction or in backward direction.
5. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said straight line guidance system comprises a magnetometer sensor to direct the operator of the vehicle, based upon the backend programming; wherein once, the reference point is set, the LED’s, LCD and Buzzer will provide the audio-visual aids to help the operator in identifying whether he is driving the tractor/vehicle in straight line or not.
6. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in claim 1, constructed as Standalone Unit of DISHA application which is mounted on the tractor for the straight line guidance visual/audio feature, wherein said Straight line guidance system is characterized in the followings:-
• START and RESET buttons for setting up direction are provided at front for easy operation;
• On pressing START button, it displays the orientation of the tractor with respect to “true north”;
• Once driver stand on the starting point of the filed, he/she can fix the direction before starting the field operation;
• After setting the direction, when driver moves ahead in the field, DISHA keeps on tracing the direction and warns the driver for any deviation; and
• After finishing field operation, driver can reset the direction with reset button.
7. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 hereinabove, wherein said straight line guidance system is illustrated and characterized in inventive features indicated with the help of figure 1, as under:

8. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in claim 1, constructed as the integrated instrument panel/cluster unit of DISHA application, wherein said straight line guidance system is characterized in the followings:
• The centre of the Cluster has LCD which having the capability to display existing information of the tractor and also the graphics required for DISHA feature;
• Operator can switch between these two screens based on the requirement;
• The current depicted scenario will occur when the operator presses the start button first and then the RESET button, both present on the rear hood of the tractor to initiate DISHA functionality; and
• said straight line guidance system is illustrated and characterized in inventive features indicated with the help of figure 3, as under:

9. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 hereinabove, wherein said straight line guidance system is illustrated and characterized in inventive features indicated with the help of figures 4(a) to 4(d), as under:
Figure 4.a:- depicts the view of the DISHA mobile application, in which as the operator starts the application, it will show the orientation of the sensor w.r.t tractor.
Figure 4.b:- highlights that as soon as operator presses the reset button, the orientation of the compass is set in the direction in which the tractor is aligned and deviation is set as “Zero degrees” and green thumbnails get activated.
Figure 4.c & 4.d represents the lighting up of the round tabs as soon as the deviation occurs on either side of the centre. As the deviation increases, the tabs away from the centre light up changes.
10. Straight line guidance system, as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 9 hereinabove, wherein the backend programming based operating and control module (as DISHA application) of said straight line guidance system is characterized with the help of workflow chart of the figure 5, as under:

Figure 5
Step 1: Operator switches on "DISHA" feature;
Step 2: Operator Clicks on SET/Reset Button to align the sensor w.r.t the alignment of the tractor as set in field;
Step 3: Tractor starts operating in the field;
Three conditions arise:
(A) Alignment straight:
(iii) Center Tab ON, LCD displaying tractor aligned straight
When tractor turning 180 degree:-
(iv) LCD displaying tractor should align itself in the direction of tractor.
Therefore, the tractor follows the step 3, that is startc operating in the field.
(B) Deviation Left: following selected conditions of left deviation may arise (with one type of sound):-
2-5 deg.-First Tab (30% pitch intensity)
5-10 deg.- Second Tab (65% pitch intensity)
10-15 deg.- Third Tab (100% pitch intensity)
Then,
The LCD displaying tractor should change the orientation with respect to the variations observed in the deviation band.
(C) Deviation Right: following selected conditions of right deviation may arise (with one type of sound):-
2-5 deg.-First Tab (30% pitch intensity)
5-10 deg.- Second Tab (65% pitch intensity)
10-15 deg.- Third Tab (100% pitch intensity)
Then,
The LCD displaying tractor should change the orientation with respect to the variations observed in the deviation band.