Evaluation of implement monitoring systems

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A challenge associated with farming is the task of monitoring the operation of a machine trailing behind the tractor while simultaneously looking ahead of the tractor to guide it safely and accurately across the field. The rear-monitoring task becomes even more difficult for anyone who has experienced an injury to the back and/or neck (or even those susceptible to back and/or neck pain). A number of different companies are now promoting video surveillance systems at relatively low cost. Such systems consist of cameras that can be mounted on an implement wherever desired and a monitor that mounts in the cab of the tractor. The idea is that the tractor operator can have a close-up view of the rear-hitched machine without having to physically turn to the rear. Allen Leigh Security & Communications Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Allen Leigh) markets an Implement Quad System (IQS) to western Canadian farmers. Allen Leigh wishes to evaluate the performance of the IQS compared with traditional implement monitoring systems so that further innovations can be implemented. It is suspected that the system may need to be modified to ensure that critical visual information is detected and correctly interpreted by the operator. System re-design may require changes to the physical components or the system configuration. Evaluation of the existing IQS in a simulated tractor-cab environment is necessary so that used of the IQS can be compared to traditional implement monitoring systems in a controlled environment. The tractor-driving simulator available at the University of Manitoba is the ideal tool to complete the unique analysis required to inform future design innovations to the IQS.