Benefits from optimal route planning based on B-patterns

Route planning for orchard operations

“…B-patterns were introduced by Bochtis (2008) and are defined as ''algorithmically-computed sequences of field-work tracks completely covering an area and that do not follow any pre-determined standard motif, but in contrast, are a result of an optimisation process under one or more selected criteria'' (Bochtis et al, 2013). The aforementioned optimisation process of finding the optimal traversal sequence of the fieldwork tracks is based on finding the shortest tour (or tours, in the case of operations constrained by material carrying capacity of the machine) in an weighted graph.…”

“…The general optimisation problem underlying the generation of B-patterns is finding the optimal permutation (Bochtis et al, 2013):…”

Partial field coverage based on two path planning patterns

“…For improved supply chain efficiency, logistical optimisation and route planning play an important role in all of the four functional areas. Regarding production, for example, by means of minimisation of the non-working distance travelled by machines operating in the headland field according to Bochtis & Vougioukas (2008), optimal route planning based on B-patterns according to Bochtis et al (2013), or route planning for the coordination of fleets of autonomous vehicles as discussed in Conesa-Muñoz et al (2016a) and Seyyedhasani & Dvorak (2017). See also Day (2011) for an overview of means for efficiency improvements, Bochtis (2013) for the importance of satellite-based navigation systems in modern agriculture, and for a distinction between infield, inter-field, inter-sector and inter-regional logistics.…”

Energy Savings from Optimised In-Field Route Planning for Agricultural Machinery

“…The implementation of the approach in field operations executed by conventional agricultural machines equipped with auto-steering systems has reduced the total non-working travelled distance up to 50%, as it has been experimentally shown [18]. This optimised new type of field-work patterns, called B-patterns, is defined as: "algorithmically-computed sequences of field-work tracks completely covering an area and that do not follow any pre-determined standard motif, but in contrast, are a result of an optimisation process under one or more selected criteria" [19]. An example of the optimisation of route planning compared to the non-optimised for two operating widths (6 m and 12 m) is presented in Figure 1.…”