SISTEMA, MÉTODO E APARELHO PARA INTEGRAÇÃO DE DADOS DE EQUIPAMENTOS DE CAMPO, CULTIVO E IRRIGAÇÃO PARA GESTÃO DE IRRIGAÇÃO

Abstract

The present invention provides a system, a method, and an apparatus for providing an irrigation scheduling module including a graphical user interface to provide irrigation scheduling data for a given field location. According to a preferred embodiment, the irrigation scheduling module is configured to calculate and display an irrigation recommendation for a given set of forecast data. According to another preferred embodiment, the irrigation recommendation includes a representative form in the shape of a circle that changes from a complete circle to an increasing percentage of the complete circle based on the field moisture status.

Description

"SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATING DATA FROM FIELD, CULTIVATION AND IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT FOR IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT" RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims priority for the Application of US Patent No. 62 / 945,268 filed December 9, 2019. BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of the present invention

[002] The present invention relates generally to an irrigation management system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system, a method and an apparatus for providing total integration of field equipment, crop and irrigation data for irrigation management. Background of the Invention

[003] Modern field irrigation machines are combinations of drive systems and sprinkler systems. Generally, these systems are divided into two types depending on the type of path they are designed to run: center pivot and / or linear.

[004] Regardless of whether it is a center pivot or linear system, common irrigation machines most often include a sprinkler irrigation system consisting of several pipe segments (usually galvanized steel or aluminum) joined together and supported by trusses, mounted on wheeled towers with sprinklers positioned along their length. These machines move in a circular (if center pivot) or linear pattern and are fed with water from an external source (i.e., a well or water line). The essential function of an irrigation machine is to apply an applicator (i.e., water or other solution) to a given location.

[005] Traditionally, producers map a field using field observation imagery, satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and / or micro aerial vehicles (MAVs). Additionally, irrigation machines Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 10 / 37 / 15. The deployed and active sensors provide continuous data streams. Each of these monitored factors impacts crop yield. Regardless of these factors, producers are also affected by the cost of goods and services needed for crop production (e.g., water, electricity, fertilizers). These costs change continuously along with weather data and commodity prices. Currently, these sets of information are not integrated or easily displayed. Instead, managing and analyzing this data can be very expensive and require three or more software platforms to visualize and analyze the data. Additionally, producers are forced to spend increasingly more time manually combining data and calculating field irrigation requirements.

[006] To overcome the limitations of the previous technique, a system is needed that can effectively integrate and display data from different sources. In addition, a system is needed that can provide actionable data analysis for producers. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[007] To minimize the limitations found in the prior art and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent after reading the specifications, the present invention provides a system, a method and an apparatus for providing an irrigation programming module including a graphical user interface to provide irrigation programming data for a given field location.

[008] According to a preferred embodiment, the irrigation scheduling module is configured to calculate and display an irrigation recommendation for a given set of forecast data. According to another preferred embodiment, the irrigation scheduling display includes a representative shape in the form of a circle that changes from a complete circle to an increasing percentage of the complete circle based on the field moisture status. Brief Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 11 / 37 / 15 Description of the Drawings

[009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary irrigation system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary control system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a functional diagram illustrating an exemplary data flow for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a functional diagram illustrating an exemplary data collection system for the system shown in FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a functional diagram illustrating an exemplary net yield module for the system shown in FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a functional diagram illustrating a net yield algorithm.

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a functional diagram illustrating a user interface and additional modules of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary interactive display according to aspects of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 9 shows a second interactive display that incorporates other aspects of the present invention. Description of Preferred Embodiment Forms

[0018] Reference is now made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in all drawings to refer to identical or similar parts. The descriptions, embodiments, and figures should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be understood that throughout this disclosure, unless logically required otherwise, where a process or method is shown or described, the steps of the method may be... Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 12 / 37 / 15 performed in any order, repetitively, iteratively or simultaneously. As used throughout this petition, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., it means “having the potential to”), rather than the obligatory sense (i.e., it means “must”).

[0019] Additionally, any examples or illustrations given in this document should not be considered in any way as restrictions, limitations, or express definitions of any term or terms with which they are used. Instead, these examples or illustrations should be considered illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are used will encompass other embodiments that may or may not be provided with the same or elsewhere in the descriptive report, and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or those terms.

[0020] The terms “program,” “computer program,” “software application,” “module,” and the like, as used in this document, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A program, a computer program, a module, or a software application may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, source code, object code, a shared library, a dynamic link library, and / or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A data storage medium, as defined in this document, includes many different types of computer-readable media that allow a computer to read data from them, including volatile storage such as RAM, buffers, cache memory, and signals within network circuits.

[0021] Aspects of the systems and methods described in this document can be implemented as programmed functionality in any of a Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 13 / 37 / 15 variety of circuits, including programmable logic devices (PLDs), microcontrollers with memory, embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the systems and methods can be incorporated into microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinational), custom devices, fuzzy logic (network neutral), quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. Additionally, the functions of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented on a single computer or shared / distributed among two or more computers on or through a network or cloud.

[0022] Communications between computers implementing embodiments can be carried out using any suitable electronic, optical, radio frequency, or other communication methods and tools in accordance with known network protocols. For example, the present invention may include an RF module for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves, implementing the conversion between electromagnetic waves and electronic signals, and communicating with the communication network or other devices. The RF module may include a variety of existing circuit elements that perform functions such as antennas, RF transceivers, digital signal processors, encryption / decryption chips, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, etc. The RF module may communicate with a variety of networks such as the Internet, intranets, wireless networks, and communicate with other devices via wireless network.

[0023] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate various irrigation system configurations that can be used as examples of implementations of the present invention. As should be understood, the irrigation systems shown in FIGS. 1-9 are exemplary systems in which the features of the present invention can be integrated. Thus, FIGS. 1-9 are intended to be purely illustrative and any one of a variety of systems (i.e., Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 14 / 37 / 15 fixed systems, as well as self-propelled linear and center pivot irrigation systems; stationary systems; corner systems) can be used with the present invention without limitation. For example, although FIG. 1 is shown as a center pivot irrigation system, the exemplary irrigation system 100 of the present invention can also be implemented as a linear irrigation system. The example irrigation system 100 is not intended to limit or define the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0024] With reference now to FIG. 1, an exemplary irrigation machine 100 of the present invention may preferably include a main span 104, a center pivot structure 102 and supporting drive towers 108, 110. The exemplary irrigation machine 100 may also include a corner span 106 affixed at a connection point 112. The corner span 106 may be supported and moved by a steerable drive unit 114. The corner span 106 may include a boom 116 and an end gun (not shown) and / or other sprayers. Additionally, a position sensor 118 is preferably provided to provide positional and angular orientation data for the system as discussed further below. Furthermore, a central control panel 120 is provided to include onboard computer elements, such as elements of the exemplary control device 121 discussed below.The control panel 120 can also be connected to a transceiver to transmit and receive data between system elements, device / internet clouds 103, remote servers 105 and / or the like. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the control panel 120 can also be connected to a remote sensing element, such as a sensor array located on an unmanned aerial vehicle 122 (UAV) or manned aerial vehicle (MAV). The system is preferably further designed to receive and process sensor data provided by the satellite 124 and other high-altitude monitoring systems. Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 15 / 37 / 15

[0025] Additionally, the system may include and / or receive data from remote sensors 128 that may provide in situ soil data (e.g., moisture content) and / or crop-related data. The system may also include imaging sensors 123, 125 which may preferably include sensors to indirectly determine moisture levels in a given soil area and / or optical sensors to allow detection of crop type, growth stage, health, presence of disease, growth rate, and the like. The system may also include a weather station 126 or similar to measure meteorological characteristics such as humidity, pressure, precipitation, solar radiation, temperature, and the like. Additionally, the system may include wireless transceivers / routers 127, 129 to receive and transmit signals between system elements.Preferably, the data collected by the detectors and sensors of the present invention connected to the gap are sent to a main control panel 120 and control device 121. Alternatively, the received data can be collected and retransmitted to a remote server / cloud for processing and analysis.

[0026] With reference now to FIG. 2, an exemplary control device 121 representing functionality for controlling one or more operational aspects of the irrigation system 100 will now be discussed. As shown, the exemplary control device 121 may include a processor 122, a memory 126, and a network interface 124. The processor 122 may provide processing functionality for the control device 121 and may include any number of processors, microcontrollers, or other processing systems. The processor 122 may execute and the memory 126 may store one or more software programs, as well as other data, to enable the processor 122 and other elements of the control device 121 to implement the techniques described in this document. The memory 126 may additionally provide Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 16 / 37 / 15 storage for instruction sets and modules such as, for example, a variable rate irrigation (VRI) module 129 to calculate and control the timing and disbursement of applicants through the irrigation system. Memory 126 may also include an irrigation positioning module 132 or similar to provide mapping and position data to the system. Memory may also include a soil / crop analysis module 133 to analyze soil and crop conditions as discussed further below. Memory may also include a machine / engine module 131 to receive diagnostic and maintenance information via engine sensors, fuel sensors, OBD-II links and the like.

[0027] The control device 121 may also include a network interface 124 or similar to allow the control device 121 to communicate with one or more network(s) 134 through a variety of components internal and external to the irrigation machine. The control device 121 may also include a user interface 125 which may be a physical screen and / or remotely accessible software. Preferably, the system includes one or more location detection devices 136 (e.g., GPS, LORAN or similar) to provide location data. The system also preferably includes a valve and nozzle control / feedback system 130 to allow control of irrigation elements and multiple inputs / outputs to receive data from sensors 138 and monitoring devices as discussed further below.

[0028] Preferably, the crop / soil analysis module 133 can combine and analyze image data, in situ field data, and climate data to determine crop growth rates and potential crop yields. According to another preferred embodiment, image data can be processed and compared using vegetation indices, such as, but not limited to: RVI (ratio vegetation index), NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index), SAVI (saturation vegetation index). Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 17 / 37 / 15 soil-adjusted vegetation), MASVI (modified soil-adjusted vegetation index) and RSR (reduced simple ratio index). The crop / soil analysis module 133 will preferably process, combine and evaluate data collected from all sources, update the water balance and generate irrigation management recommendations. For example, the crop / soil analysis module 133 may receive specific field data on current field conditions and may preferably use system analysis to calculate crop water use, crop water stress index, plant yield ratio and other indices. In addition, vegetation indices may preferably be calculated as a comparison with values ​​calculated from aerial data and to provide information on the presence of clouds or other atmospheric interference.The crop / soil analysis module 133 and the net yield value module 135 (as discussed further below) can provide data to the VRI module 129, which can autonomously create and execute an irrigation plan that includes customized drive instructions and applicator spray rates for a given field, as discussed further below. The processor 122 of the present invention can preferably interface with the drive control and applicator pressure controls to execute the irrigation plan.

[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 3, a block diagram is shown illustrating aspects of the present invention. As shown, the data and sensor systems 130 of the present invention preferably provide input signals to the data collection inputs 132 which are then preferably processed for analysis by the soil / crop analysis module 133. The output of the soil / crop analysis module 133 can preferably be accessed by the VRI module 129. The VRI module 129 can preferably receive data from the net yield value module 135 as discussed further below. Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 18 / 37 / 15

[0030] With reference now to FIG. 4, the input signals from the sensor systems are preferably received through a set of data collection inputs 132 and subsequently collected and stored in the data memory / repository 127. Data sources may include: system / BUS diagnostic data 140; ground sensor inputs 142; climate sensor input 144; image sensor input 146; remote data inputs 148; and remote / MAV / satellite inputs 150. As the data from each of the sources of the present invention may differ in format and data structure, the data are preferably transformed into a common format, such as XML or another format, so that the data can be subsequently mined, modeled and interpreted.According to a preferred embodiment, the data repository 127 preferably provides a common schema and file for all sensor data in the system, as well as for externally supplied data, along with any necessary input transformations, extended data dictionaries, and database designs that encompass all inputs. Since the data stored in the data repository 127 is obtained from a variety of tools, the data is preferably processed to remove duplicate and / or conflicting data. This data deconfliction is preferably resolved by a combination of data deconfliction methodologies, such as rule-based and machine learning tools that are provided through a data deconfliction mechanism 123 or similar. As shown in FIG.7. Once conflict-free, the soil / crop analysis module 133 preferably extracts data from the data store 127 and merges the data with historical crop / climate data 134 and other inputs. Preferably, the data fusion is performed using various technologies which may include Dempster / Schaeffer, Bayesian classifiers, neural networks, parallel coordinates, genetic algorithms, AI techniques and other classification schemes. Once merged, the data can preferably be accessed. Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 19 / 37 / 15 and displayed through a user interface 182 together with the VRI module data 129 and the diagnostic data 140.

[0031] According to preferred embodiments, the user interface 182 can be any type of input device. In embodiments, the user interface 182 can communicate via a wired or wireless communication connection, including, but not limited to, a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) connection, an Ethernet connection, a fiber optic connection, a USB connection, or similar. The user interface may preferably include a web-accessible link that provides data via web pages that include graphical user interfaces (GUIs) as discussed further below.

[0032] With reference now to FIGS. 5-6, the system may additionally include a net yield value module 135 which preferably operates to collect and analyze data relating to crop health, crop growth rates, potential crop yields, and operating costs. Examples of input variables may include: commodity pricing 138; meteorological data 164; crop growth data 165; resource price data 167; drive system data 140; and historical data 134. Preferably, the data combination and analysis are continuously processed and updated.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the net yield value module 135 preferably analyzes the collected data using a net yield value algorithm 168 that includes several processing steps. According to a preferred embodiment, the net yield value algorithm 168 preferably processes the received data using regression analysis 172 to create future value models for selected variables. According to a preferred embodiment, the models may include one or more commodity pricing curves 174, crop yield optimization curves 176, and pricing curves of Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 20 / 37 / 15 resources 178. These respective models preferably represent a projected set of future values ​​for each variable over a given growing season. After that, the net yield value algorithm 168 preferably applies further mathematical optimization modeling 180 to the modeled curves to determine the ideal target crop yields, irrigation prescriptions, and crop scheduling. The optimization method used may include any mathematical optimization method without limitation. According to a preferred embodiment, artificial intelligence techniques may preferably be used, such as evolutionary or similar algorithms.The optimized target crop yields, irrigation prescriptions, and crop schedule are then preferably transmitted to or accessed by the VRI 129 module for use in developing a target irrigation prescription for a given area.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7, the data output from the soil / crop analysis module 133, the VRI module 129, and the vehicle diagnostic systems 140 are accessible through a user interface 182. The output data are preferably modeled and made available for presentation on an on-board display that is focused on the graphical and mathematical visualization of the data. The user interface 182 preferably provides an interface through which the data generated by the present invention are transformed into predefined or user-selectable visual representations as discussed further below.

[0035] With reference now to FIG. 8, the system of the present invention preferably processes requests by extracting data, transforming it, and displaying recommended and predicted data via the requester's web browser. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary interactive display incorporating various graphical user interfaces (GUIs) according to the present invention. As shown, a first GUI display 184 includes a recommendation of Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 21 / 37 / 15 daily irrigation along with supporting information for the irrigation recommendation for specific dates 189 (e.g., 09 / 06). In example display 184, an example crop of “Peppermint” is shown along with an initial crop evapotranspiration rate (ETo) 186 and an irrigation depth 188 for the current date. An irrigation recommendation 192 is provided (e.g., irrigation depth in inches) along with a representative shape 190 indicating the percentage of field capacity remaining as discussed further below. Additional supporting information shown includes: degree-days 194; current time 196; recommended irrigation rate 198; rainfall forecast 200 and recorded rainfall 202.

[0036] As shown in a second GUI screen 185, the present invention can display irrigation recommendations for a range of future dates 204 (e.g., 09 / 06 - 09 / 12). As shown, the display can include a daily irrigation recommendation 206 (e.g., irrigation depth in inches) along with a representative shape 208 indicating the percentage of remaining field capacity. As shown, the daily irrigation recommendation 206 can be superimposed on the representative shape 208 to provide an efficient view of the combined information. The field capacity 210 can also be represented numerically.

[0037] As shown in each GUI display 184, 185, the irrigation recommendation can be printed within or above a representative shape 190, 208 indicating the field moisture status for each day of the forecast. Preferably, shapes 190, 208 can be based on a circle that changes from a complete circle to a crescent shape depending on the soil moisture status. For example, less soil moisture (more irrigation needed) can preferably be represented by a less complete circle shape for that day's irrigation recommendation. From Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 22 / 37 / 15 In accordance with other preferred embodiments, the date assigned to the recommendation 189, 204 may be provided above each irrigation recommendation. Below the irrigation recommendation, the printed soil moisture status may be given numerically as a percentage of field capacity (%FC) 210. Preferably, the irrigation forecast for any given day may be expanded to display relevant crop and irrigation data by clicking on the irrigation recommendation or form(s) 190, 208. Form(s) 190, 208 of the present invention may be colored and may also change color, hue and / or intensity to indicate different soil moisture levels.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 9, an exemplary irrigation recommendation display 212 may include a graph 213 having information lines for each day within a selected range. Graph 213 may include columns listing information for each date 214 including: crop evapotranspiration rate (ETc) 216; original field capacity 216; after irrigation field capacity 220; deficit 222; irrigation depth 224; rainfall forecast 200; scheduled irrigation amount 228; recorded rainfall 230; irrigation rate 232; irrigation start time 234; current time 236; and irrigation end time 238. The graph may additionally include one or more circle-based shapes representing soil moisture status as discussed in detail above.

[0039] According to preferred embodiments, the user interface may preferably allow the user to manually enter daily irrigation amounts. The system may also preferably receive and automatically enter received daily precipitation amounts. In both cases, the displays of the present invention may preferably automatically update and display updated irrigation forecast data for a number of days ahead selected by the user. Thus, the user can propose irrigation for a selected number of days ahead and Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 23 / 37 / 15 visually compare the original irrigation forecast with the scheduled irrigation forecast. Furthermore, the system can preferably calculate and update the soil moisture deficit for each day and the irrigation required to fill the deficit on each day of the selected period.

[0040] The scope of the present invention shall be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for creating irrigation scheduling data for a water dispensing system for a first crop, characterized in that the water dispensing system comprises a primary conduit and a plurality of sprayers, the system comprising: a sensor system, wherein the sensor system is configured to produce a first set of sensor data; wherein the first set of sensor data comprises image data, soil data, crop data and climate data; a crop analysis module, wherein the crop analysis module is configured to analyze the first set of sensor data to produce a second set of yield calculation data; wherein the second set of yield calculation data comprises a set of prospective crop yields for a plurality of prospective crop dates;a yield analysis module, wherein the yield analysis module is configured to receive and analyze the first set of sensor data and the second set of yield calculation data; wherein the yield analysis module is configured to receive a third set of yield value data comprising commodity prices, weather forecast data, and operating cost data for the first crop; wherein the yield analysis module is configured to calculate a daily operating cost for the growth and maintenance of the first crop; wherein the yield analysis module is configured to calculate the daily operating cost based, at least in part, on weather forecast data;wherein the yield analysis module is configured to calculate a plurality of daily net yield values ​​based, at least in part, on the second set of yield calculation data and the daily operating cost calculated for the first crop; wherein the sensor system is configured to produce updated sensor data; wherein the yield analysis module is configured to produce updated yield calculation data based on the updated sensor data; and a VRI module, wherein the VRI module is configured to calculate and display a fourth irrigation recommendation based, at least in part, on the plurality of daily net yield values ​​produced by the yield analysis module; wherein the fourth irrigation recommendation is displayed with a representative form indicating a field moisture state;where the representative shape consists of a circle that changes from a complete circle to an increasing percentage of the complete circle based on the field's moisture status.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the VRI module is configured to modify the fourth irrigation recommendation based on information entered by the user.

3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the VRI module is configured to autonomously create and execute an irrigation plan that includes customized drive instructions and dispersal rates from the applicant for the first crop.

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the VRI module is configured to interface with a drive control unit to execute the irrigation plan.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the VRI module is configured to interface with a water pressure control unit to execute the irrigation plan.

6. System, according to claim 5, characterized by Petition 870220031264, dated 12 / 04 / 2022, page 26 / 37 3 / 3 fact that the yield analysis module is configured to calculate a fifth daily net yield value based on a commodity price curve.

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the yield analysis module is configured to calculate a sixth daily net yield value based on a resource pricing curve.

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the yield analysis module is configured to calculate the daily operating cost based, at least in part, on a plurality of system data collected.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of system data collected comprises diagnostic and maintenance information received from at least one engine sensor and at least one fuel sensor.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the yield analysis module is configured to transmit a seventh crop schedule to the VRI module; wherein the VRI module is configured to calculate an eighth VRI prescription based, at least in part, on the seventh crop schedule.

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the crop analysis module is configured to analyze image data using a vegetation index.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the vegetation index is selected from the group of vegetation indices comprising: RVI (ratio vegetation index), NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index), SAVI (soil-adjusted vegetation index), MASVI (modified soil-adjusted vegetation index) and RSR (reduced simple ratio index).

Images