Method and apparatus for loader positioning and load handling using vision system

A positioning assist apparatus for assisting moving a loader carried on an associated tractor to a desired loader height, the apparatus comprising:

• a vision system disposed on the associated tractor, the vision system being operable to image a plurality of target devices carried on the loader to generate target device data representative of an image of the plurality of target devices;
• a loader position control apparatus operatively coupled with the vision system, the loader position control apparatus comprising:
• a processor device;
• a non-transient memory device operatively coupled with the processor device and storing the target device data;
• and loader positioning logic stored in the non-transient memory device;
• and a display unit operatively coupled with the loader position control apparatus and comprising a screen that is viewable by an operator of the associated tractor, wherein the processor device is operable to execute the loader positioning logic to:
• determine, based on the target device data, a current loader height of the loader comprising a height of a boom of the loader and a carrier angle of a tool carrier of the loader;
• and generate, based on the determined current loader height, current loader height data representative of the determined current loader height, wherein the display unit is operable to display on the screen, based on the generated current loader height data, a current loader height image viewable by the operator of the associated tractor, the current loader height image visually communicating the determined current loader height to the operator for assisting moving the loader to the desired loader height.