Experience Enhanced Performance: Key Updates in Obstacle Detection, Control, and Diagnostics Await!
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Reducing False Positives From Obstacle Detection
Redefined Implement Control - Working Mode
Detailed Diagnostic Trouble Code Notifications
Increased View For Camera Photos
John Deere 6E Compatibility
With vOS 1.16.0, Steward is now officially compatible with John Deere 6E platforms. This update brings complete control of Steward’s current autonomous capabilities to 6E platforms.
Reducing False Positives From Obstacle Detection
We have made updates to enhance obstacle detection, targeting obstacles outside the geofence.
- Extra detection buffer space outside the implement's edge has been removed.
- See graphical example below.
- We’ve enhanced the obstacle detection system’s accuracy by improving the speed data it receives, helping to reduce unnecessary pauses beyond the geofence during end-of-row turns when the vehicle is slowing down.
These changes are designed to boost current performance, with future updates planned to modify the obstacle detection range based on braking performance to further reduce false positives on end of row turns.
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Before: With detection buffer |
After: Without detection buffer |
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Steward would detect obstacles outside of the implements edge. |
Steward now only focuses on obstacles within the implements direct path. |
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| Areas where the obstacle detection system will detect obstacles are highlighted in green. | |
Redefined Implement Control - Working Mode
Operators can now specify in vMC when their implement will be autonomously controlled by Steward™ on the implements' settings page.
This feature is especially useful for operators who need to raise a implement for field-to-field transits but keep it lowered throughout the whole mission. It also helps to ensure the hydraulic remote valves remain disengaged for a specific implement when it does not plug into Steward™’s hydraulic controls, extending the system’s lifespan.
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To avoid potential system damage, please set the working mode to 'Remote Control Only' on the settings page for any implement which does not plug into Steward™'s hydraulics.
Detailed Diagnostic Trouble Code Notifications
Steward™ now delivers detailed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) notifications to keep operators fully informed when issues arise. Whether it’s turning off ignition, pausing navigation, or alerting the operator in response to specific error codes, Steward™ ensures you’re in the loop. Detected DTCs are now prominently displayed in vMC, giving you real-time insights and greater awareness to respond swiftly and keep operations running smoothly.
Smarter Fuel Control
With vOS 1.16.0, Steward™ makes it easier to ensure you do not run out of fuel. Before, Steward™ would only turn off the ignition for low fuel warnings when navigating. Now, if fuel is running low and the switch box toggles are set to auto, it will turn off the ignition even when it is not navigating. This way, you avoid burning extra fuel when it is not needed, or running out of fuel.
Hibernation Mode Notification
Operators will now receive a notification 15-minutes before the vPFM enters hibernation mode, ensuring you are informed well before Steward™ powers down. This gives you time to prepare and stay in control of your operations.
Increased View For Camera Photos
With vOS 1.16.0, operators can now enjoy an expanded view of the environment when requesting photos. This larger perspective provides clearer insight into Steward™'s surroundings, making it easier to assess conditions and make informed decisions.
| Before | After |
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Resolved Issues
- Field geometry upload failure: Large field geometries would occasionally fail to upload to vMC.
- Ignition shut off during vPFM Wake-Up: While waking up the vPFM from a powered-off state, Steward™ would sometimes turn off the ignition before the vPFM had fully powered up.
- Ignition would not turn if the engine stalled: Ignition would fail to turn off after 15 minutes when Steward™’s engine was already off.
- Ignition would not turn if a operator paused navigation: Ignition would fail to turn off after 15 minutes if a operator paused autonomous operators during a mission in attempts to begin hibernation mode.
Known Issues
- Ignition shutdown when requested to pause: Steward™'s ignition could be unexpectedly turned off when the vehicle is requested to pause, with the error message: "Tractor ignition was killed as it failed to pause."
- Implement wings cannot fold: When a vPFM goes through a "Device Reset" the implements wings may not react to the fold or unfold remote control on vMC.
- Workaround: View the implements settings page, click the "Save" button on the bottom of the page. You should now be able to fold or unfold the implement wings through vMC.
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The PTO ‘Engage’ button for the Agrivator is active at the wrong times: When a "Device Reset" is performed with an Agrivator attached, or when the Agrivator is assigned to the vehicle while the 3-PT hitch is raised, the PTO "Engage" button becomes enabled. However, when the implement is lowered, the button becomes grayed out.
Workarounds:
- Assign Steward™ to an aeration mission and click ‘Begin navigation’. The system will then control the implement autonomously as needed.
- Lower the 3-PT hitch and perform a 'Device Reset'.
Notification Message Changes
Additions
| New notification message | Short description of why you would see this |
| "Ignition killed due to engine being off for 15 minutes." | Situations where the engine is off, but the ignition is still turned on. |
| "The vehicle will enter hibernation mode in 15 minutes." | Situations where Steward™ is about to enter hibernation mode. |
| "Navigation paused because Steward™ needs to reconfigure the obstacle detection system." | When Steward™ needs to update settings for the obstacle detection system. |
Modifications
| Old notification message | New notification message |
| "Shutting down due to a serious malfunction. Check diagnostics." | "System is shutting down due to an engine light. DTC codes: (Currently detected DTC codes)" |
| "Paused due to a serious malfunction. Check diagnostics." | "Navigation is pausing due to an engine light. DTC codes: (Currently detected DTC codes)" |
| "Notifying user as malfunction was detected. Check diagnostics." | "An engine light is on and the following DTC codes were detected: (Currently detected DTC codes)" |