System and method for automatic dump control

A method for automatic dump control for a loader work vehicle, the loader work vehicle having a boom and a bucket each positionable by hydraulic cylinders actuated by a hydraulic circuit, the method comprising:

• receiving image data of a receptacle;
• determining, by a controller, a height of the receptacle based on the image data;
• determining, by the controller, a difference between the height of the receptacle and a height of the bucket based on a position of the boom and the bucket;
• outputting, by the controller, one or more control signals to the hydraulic circuit to position at least one of the boom and the bucket at a target height above the receptacle based on the difference;
• outputting, by the controller, one or more control signals to the hydraulic circuit to position the bucket at a dump position based on the position of the boom and the bucket and the image data;
• and
• determining, by the controller, that the bucket is positioned above the receptacle based on the position of the boom and the bucket and the image data.

An automatic dump control system for a loader work vehicle, the loader work vehicle having a boom and a bucket each positionable by hydraulic cylinders actuated by a hydraulic circuit, the control system comprising:

• a source of image data of a receptacle;
• a source of position data for the boom and the bucket, and a speed of the loader work vehicle;
• and
• a controller that:
• determines a height of the receptacle and a distance to the receptacle based on the image data;
• determines a difference between the height of the receptacle and a height of the bucket based on the position data;
• determines whether the bucket is positionable at a target height above the receptacle based on the difference, the position data, the speed of the loader work vehicle and the distance;
• and
• outputs one or more control signals to the hydraulic circuit to position at least one of the boom and the bucket at the target height above the receptacle based on the determination;
• wherein the controller outputs control signals to the hydraulic circuit and a propulsion system of the loader work vehicle based on the position data, the distance, and the speed of the loader work vehicle to raise the height of the bucket above the height of the receptacle before the loader work vehicle traverses the distance.