System and method for field object detection, mapping, and avoidance

A work machine comprising:

• a control system having an obstacle detection system, a first detection system of the obstacle detection system configured to provide a first detection input indicative of a presence and a size of one or more first obstacles on a surface of a particular field, a second detection system of the obstacle detection system configured to provide a second detection input indicative of a presence and a size of one or more second obstacles that are both partially below, and partially above, the surface of the particular field, and a third detection system of the obstacle detection system configured to provide a third detection input indicative of a presence and a size of one or more third obstacles completely beneath the surface of the particular field,
• the control system includes a memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by a processor to cause the processor to receive the first, second, and third detection inputs, and to selectively map, with the aid of a location system, an obstacle map identifying a location of each of the one or more first, second, and third obstacles, the processor further configured to assign a first visual indicator to the one or more first obstacles, a second visual indicator to the one or more second obstacles, and a third visual indicator to the one or more third obstacles, the first, second, and third visual indicators providing a different visual indication of a positon relative to the surface of the particular field;
• and
• a spotlight system communicatively coupled to the processor, the spotlight system comprising a light unit and one or more actuators, the light unit being coupled to the work machine, the processor configured to select a target object from the one or more first, second, and third obstacles and to generate commands to the one or more actuators to adjust a position of the light unit about one or more axes to position the light unit at an orientation that directs a light emitted from the light unit toward the target object.

A method of operating a work machine including a frame structure coupled to a work implement that has a plurality of ground engagement tools configured for interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a controller of the work machine, a first detection input provided by a first obstacle detection system that is indicative of a presence of a first obstacle positioned on a surface of a particular field;
• receiving, by the controller, a second detection input provided by a second obstacle detection system that is indicative of a presence of a second obstacle that is partially positioned beneath, and partially positioned above, the surface of the particular field;
• receiving, by the controller, a third detection input provided by a third obstacle detection system that is indicative of a presence of a third obstacle that is positioned entirely beneath the surface of the particular field;
• identifying, by the controller, the presence of the first obstacle in the particular field based on the first detection input, the presence of the second obstacle in the particular field based on the second detection input, and the presence of the third obstacle in the particular field based on the third detection input;
• selectively mapping, by the controller and with the aid of a location system, a location of:
• the first obstacle based on the first detection input, the second obstacle based on the second detection input, and, the third obstacle based on the third detection input;
• and
• assigning, by the controller, a first visual indicator to the first obstacle, a second visual indicator to the second obstacle, and a third visual indicator to the third obstacle, the first, second, and third visual indicators providing a different visual indication of a positon relative to the surface of the particular field.