Data storage and transfer device for an agricultural intelligence computing system

Abstract

In one embodiment, the disclosed technology includes an apparatus for storing data and communicating data between a vehicle or an agricultural implement and a computing device. Embodiments include a non-conductive housing, an antenna coupled to the non-conductive housing, an integrated circuit coupled to the antenna, a thermally and electrically conductive housing coupled to the integrated circuit, at least one grounding clip coupled to the thermally and electrically conductive housing, at least one other integrated circuit coupled to the at least one grounding clip, a memory coupled to the other integrated circuit and arranged to at least temporarily store digital communications between the vehicle or the agricultural implement and the computing device, and a connector communicatively coupled to the memory and arranged to mate with a connector of the vehicle or the agricultural implement.

Description

[0001] Copyright Notice

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 2020 The Climate Corporation. Technical Field

[0003] One technical area of ​​the present disclosure is electronic data transmission. Another technical area of ​​the present disclosure is data storage devices used with field agricultural equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, and other mobile equipment or implements. Another technical area is connectors, particularly ruggedized connectors, for attaching electronic devices to mobile devices. Another technical area is wireless data communication devices for farm equipment. Background Art

[0004] Agriculture is known to involve the cultivation of plants to sustain and enhance human life. Plant cultivation involves executing many steps of the agricultural life cycle, such as land management, irrigation, fertilization, planting, and harvesting. The effectiveness of the agricultural life cycle can depend on process control over the execution of these steps and, in turn, on many conditions, such as available sunlight, available water, temperature range, wind speed, soil type, soil nutrients, and other factors.

[0005] Computing devices are known for collecting, storing, processing, and communicating data. Examples of computing devices include embedded farm equipment electronics, smartphones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, storage servers, and / or data processing servers. Essentially, any device that includes a computing unit, one or more interfaces, and a memory system can be considered a computing device.

[0006] As further known, computing devices can be used to collect data associated with the agricultural life cycle and process the collected data. Such processed data can be used to understand causal relationships related to the effectiveness of the agricultural life cycle. An example is the device of U.S. Patent No. 9,609,112.

[0007] The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following claims may serve as a summary of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the attached figure:

[0010] Figure 1 is an illustration of an example of farm equipment communicating wirelessly with a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of farm equipment that wirelessly communicates with a portable computing device according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C and Figure 3D is an illustration of an embodiment of a connector for use in farm equipment.

[0013] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a mating connector of a wireless drive unit according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example of installing a circuit device of a wireless drive unit in a housing of a connector of the wireless drive unit according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 is an illustration of an example of an assembled wireless drive unit according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 is an illustration of an example of mating an assembled wireless drive unit with a connector of farm equipment according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 is an illustration of an example of an assembled wireless drive unit coupled to a connector of farm equipment according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an assembled wireless drive unit coupled to a connector of farm equipment according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 10A An example housing is shown that may be used in association with any of the connectors described herein.

[0020] Figure 10B Shown in unassembled configuration Figure 10A shell.

[0021] Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view of the housing and cap mounted on the connector and shows portions of the components within the connector.

[0022] Figure 10D Shown transparently Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figure 10C , to further illustrate the structure of the example multi-band antenna.

[0023] Figure 10E Shown in relation to Figure 10D Rotated in different orientations Figure 10D The same structure as in .

[0024] Figure 10F Shows that it can be Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B 、 Figure 10C 、 Figure 10D and Figure 10E An example multi-band antenna is used with the connector.

[0025] Figure 10G yes Figure 10F A top-down (flat) view of the antenna.

[0026] Figure 10H yes Figure 10F A partial top plan view of an antenna is provided to illustrate details of certain components.

[0027] Figure 11A is a perspective view from one side of a grounding clip according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11B It is from Figure 11A A perspective view of the other side of the grounding clamp.

[0029] Figure 12 Comes in place with chassis, circuit board and heat sink or housing Figure 11A A partially cutaway perspective view of a grounding clamp.

[0030] Figure 13 Comes in place with chassis, circuit board and heat sink or housing Figure 11A A partially cutaway perspective view of a grounding clamp.

[0031] Figure 14 yes Figure 11A A top plan view of the chassis in which the five (5) grounding clips are mounted via heat staking.

[0032] Figure 15A A bottom plan view of a rotatable connector having a recess exposing a plurality of roller contacts is shown.

[0033] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A A partial cross-sectional perspective cutaway view of a portion of a connector showing details of example roller contacts.

[0034] Figure 16is a partially transparent side view of the connector showing the coiled wire connections between the other elements of the connector.

[0035] Figure 17A yes Figure 16 A bottom plan view of the connector in a first rotational position.

[0036] Figure 17B yes Figure 16 A bottom plan view of the connector in a second rotational position.

[0037] Figure 18A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a wireless drive unit, in one embodiment, including a core assembly, an appliance connector, and a coupling structure.

[0038] Figure 18B yes Figure 18A Exploded plan view of the wireless drive unit, with the core components shown in assembled form.

[0039] Figure 18C yes Figure 18B Exploded plan view of the core components.

[0040] Figure 18D yes Figure 18B A perspective view of the assembled core components.

[0041] Figure 18E1 is included in the housing Figure 18B A plan view of an arrangement of a core assembly and a connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement showing the relationship between the core assembly and the connector.

[0042] Figure 18E2 yes Figure 18E1 A plan view of the device showing the core components of the connector for connection to a vehicle or agricultural implement.

[0043] Figure 18E3A It is along Figure 18E2 The line 18E3-18E3 is intercepted Figure 18E2 A cross-sectional view of a device of FIG. 1 is shown with a phantom view of a connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement.

[0044] Figure 18E3B Is a device similar to Figure 18E3A and relative to Figure 18E3A Another rotated cross-section.

[0045] Figure 18F1 is included in the housing Figure 18B Core components, adapters and Figure 18E1 A perspective view of a connector assembly showing the relationship between the core assembly, adapter, and connector.

[0046] Figure 18F2 It is along Figure 18F1 The line 18F2-18F2 is cut into the assembled form Figure 18F1 A cross-sectional view of a device of FIG. 1 is shown with a phantom view of a connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement.

[0047] Figure 19A 1 is a perspective view showing a drive unit-side connector portion of a connector subassembly of a core assembly of a wireless drive unit in an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 19B is a perspective view of the core components, showing Figure 19A The appliance side connector portion of the connector subassembly.

[0049] Figure 19C It is along Figure 19B The line 19C-19C is intercepted Figure 19B Cross-section of the core components.

[0050] Figure 20 is similar to Figure 19B A cross-sectional view of another core component of a core component.

[0051] Figure 21A It is in assembled form Figure 18F1 A perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus, including a connected cable.

[0052] Figure 21B yes Figure 21A A perspective view of the appliance-side connector portion of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 21C is a perspective view of an adapter assembly including an adapter and a cable, with the cable shown with a portion cut away.

[0054] Figure 21D yes Figure 21C Exploded perspective view of the adapter assembly.

[0055] Figure 21E is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter assembly.

[0056] Figure 22 yes Figure 10F A perspective view of another embodiment of an antenna.

[0057] Figure 23 An example computer system configured to perform the functions described herein is shown in a field environment along with other devices with which the system may interoperate.

[0058] Figure 24is a block diagram illustrating a computer system upon which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. According to the following summary, the embodiments are disclosed in various sections:

[0060] 1. General Overview

[0061] 2. Data storage and transmission equipment

[0062] 2.1. Example Wireless Communication Device

[0063] 2.2. Example Dual-Band Antenna and Thermally Conductive Housing

[0064] 2.3. Example Grounding Clip Structure

[0065] 2.4. Example roller contact structure

[0066] 3. Additional data storage and transmission equipment

[0067] 3.1. Example Wireless Communication Device

[0068] 3.2. Example Cooling Mechanism

[0069] 3.3. Example Cable Adapter

[0070] 3.4. Example Antenna Structure

[0071] 4. Example Agricultural Intelligent Computer System

[0072] 4.1. Structural Overview

[0073] 4.2. Application Overview

[0074] 4.3. Data Ingestion into Computer Systems

[0075] 5. Implementation Example—Hardware Overview

[0076] 6. Additional Examples

[0077] 7. Terminology and Other Aspects of the Disclosure

[0078] ***

[0079] 1. General Overview

[0080] Various embodiments of an apparatus for storing and transferring data between an agricultural implement and a computing device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a non-conductive housing, an antenna coupled to the non-conductive housing, a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna, a thermally and electrically conductive housing coupled to the first integrated circuit, at least one grounding clip coupled to the thermally and electrically conductive housing, at least one second integrated circuit coupled to the at least one grounding clip, a memory coupled to the second integrated circuit and configured to at least temporarily store digital communications between the agricultural implement and the computing device, and a connector communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to mate with a connector of a vehicle or the agricultural implement. The thermally and electrically conductive housing is disposed between the first integrated circuit and the at least one second integrated circuit to electromagnetically isolate the first integrated circuit from the second integrated circuit.

[0081] In some embodiments, a disclosed apparatus includes: a wireless drive unit; a thermally and electrically conductive housing for the wireless drive unit secured to a non-conductive cap that allows RF radiation to enter an antenna within the cap; an antenna; a multi-band RF antenna assembly; a ground clip; a rotatable housing for the wireless drive unit, the housing including a plurality of spaced-apart roller contacts, each roller contact in rolling contact with a corresponding plurality of circular circuit traces of a circuit board; a rotatable housing for the wireless drive unit, the housing including a plurality of spaced-apart roller contacts, each roller contact in rolling contact with a corresponding plurality of circular circuit traces of the circuit board; and a coiled, extendable cable coupling element of the apparatus; all as shown and described in any one or more of the figures and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification.

[0082] In some embodiments, the protective connector includes a core assembly structure, mating pins and a mating coupling structure. The core assembly structure has a circuit device installed therein. The mating coupling structure substantially encloses the core assembly structure and mates with another connector so that the mating pins of the protective connector are electrically coupled to the pins of the other connector. The mating coupling structure is mechanically free to move relative to the core assembly structure so that a force applied to the mating coupling structure to mate the protective connector with the other connector is not applied to the circuit device within the core assembly structure.

[0083] 2. Data storage and transmission equipment

[0084] 2.1. Example Wireless Communication Device

[0085] Figure 11 is an illustration of an example of farm equipment 10 in wireless communication with a portable computing device 12. The farm equipment 10 may be a tractor, a planter, a fertilizer spreader, a soil tiller, a harvester, and / or any other type of motorized equipment that aids in the planting, growing, caring for, and / or harvesting of crops. The portable computing device 12 may be a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a computer, and / or any device that includes a processing module, memory, a wireless transceiver, and a user interface.

[0086] In an example of operation, farm equipment 10 is equipped with a wireless drive unit 14 (not shown and discussed in one or more subsequent figures) that enables farm equipment 10 to wirelessly communicate with a portable computing device 12. When in wireless communication, farm equipment 10 can share data about various aspects of the farm with portable computing device 12. For example, the farm equipment captures data (e.g., location information, speed information, terrain information, planting information, fertilization information, harvesting information, etc.) and provides it to the portable computing device. The portable computing device analyzes the data locally and / or sends the collected data to a processing server (not shown) for analysis.

[0087] As another example, the portable computing device 12 sends an agricultural prescription to the farm equipment 10, which is a recommendation regarding one or more agricultural functions (e.g., planting, growing, caring for, and / or harvesting). For example, the agricultural prescription can be a plan for planting a certain crop (e.g., when to plant, what to plant, how to plant, planting spacing, etc.). In another example, the agricultural prescription can be a plan for caring for the crop (e.g., when to water and how much to water; what fertilizer to use, when to use, and how much to use; what nutrients to add to the soil, when to use, and how much to use; when to weed; etc.). These are two of the multiple agricultural prescriptions that can be generated from the collected data and other data sources (e.g., weather, technical reports, etc.).

[0088] Figure 2 FIG1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of farm equipment 10 that wirelessly communicates with a portable computing device 12. Farm equipment 10 is shown to include a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus 18 (and / or other types of bus structures), circuitry 16, and connector 20. Circuitry 16 may include one or more of a GPS receiver, a sensor, an onboard computer, an engine control unit, a regulator, a diagnostic module, etc. Connector 20 may be a female connector, such as a 9-pin DEUTSCH connector.

[0089] The portable computing device 12 includes a processing module 36, a memory 40, a transceiver 34, a video graphics module 42, a user input module 38, and a peripheral interface 44. The transceiver 34 can be a Bluetooth transceiver, a ZigBee transceiver, a WLAN transceiver, a cellular communication transceiver, and / or any other type of wireless communication transceiver. The user input module 38 can be a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone, and / or any other mechanism for a user to input data, commands, etc. into the portable computing device. The memory includes one or more of a read-only memory, a random access memory, one or more hard drives, a solid-state memory, and / or a cloud storage device. The video graphics module 42 is a processing module dedicated to video graphics processing on a video display (not shown). The peripheral interface 44 is coupled to one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a hard drive, a USB interface, a network interface, a flash drive interface, a cloud storage interface, etc.).

[0090] The wireless drive unit 14 connects to a connector of the farm equipment 10 and provides wireless connectivity with the portable computing device 12. The wireless drive unit 14 includes a circuit arrangement 25, which itself includes a mating connector 22, an interface module 24, a processing module 26, a transceiver 32, a memory 30, and a power module 28. The transceiver 32 is the counterpart of the transceiver within the portable computing device. Thus, the transceiver can be a Bluetooth transceiver, a ZigBee transceiver, a WLAN transceiver, a cellular communication transceiver, and / or any other type of wireless communication transceiver. The power module 28 can be a battery, a DC to DC converter, and / or any other circuit that provides a DC supply voltage to the components of the wireless drive unit. The interface module 24 can be a driver running on the processing module for providing the desired signaling protocol to the CAN bus of the farm equipment.

[0091] Figure 3A 、 3B , 3C, 3D are diagrams of embodiments of connectors 20 used in farm equipment 10. The connector may be as shown in FIG. Figure 3A The top view shows a 9-pin female DEUTSCH connector with nine female pin sockets. Figure 3B and Figure 3D The threaded bottom portion of the connector is shown for mechanical coupling to a threaded socket in the farm equipment 10. The connector also includes Figure 3B and Figure 3D A series of push and twist coupling receptacles 50 are shown for coupling to the mating connector 22 of the wireless drive unit 14 .

[0092] Figure 4is an exploded view of an embodiment of a mating protective connector 22 of the wireless drive unit 14. The mating connector 22 includes a core assembly structure 55, mating pins, and a mating coupling structure 57. The circuit assembly 25 is mounted within the core assembly structure. The mating coupling structure substantially encloses the core assembly structure and mates with the connector of the farm equipment such that the mating pins of the protective connector are electrically coupled to the pins of the connector of the farm equipment. In addition, the mating coupling structure is mechanically free to move relative to the core assembly structure such that forces applied to the mating coupling structure to mate the protective connector with the connector of the farm equipment are not applied to the circuit assembly within the core assembly structure.

[0093] The mating coupling structure 57 includes an outer housing 52 and an alignment, twisting, and locking member 62. The core assembly structure 55 includes a non-conductive end cap 54, an optional end cap pattern layer 56, a circuit device housing 58, and a circuit device mounting and mating connection portion 60. The outer housing 52 has a tubular shape, covers the circuit device housing 58 and the circuit device mounting and mating connection portion 60, and is mechanically coupled to the alignment, twisting, and locking member 62. The outer housing 52 and the alignment, twisting, and locking member 62 can each be constructed using one or more materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.

[0094] The combination of the non-conductive end cap 54, the optional end cap pattern layer 56, the circuit device housing 58, and the circuit device mounting and mating connection portion 60 encloses the circuit device of the wireless driver unit 14. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the wireless driving unit circuit device 25 (for example, Figure 2 The electrical components of the wireless drive unit (as shown) are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards, which are securely secured within the circuit device mounting and mating connection portion 60. Furthermore, the circuit device mounting and mating connection portion 60 establishes an electrical connection between the pins of the mating connector and the wireless drive unit circuitry.

[0095] Once the wireless driver unit circuitry is securely mounted within the circuitry mounting and mating connection portion 60, the circuitry housing 58, non-conductive end caps 54, and optional end cap pattern layer 56 are coupled to the circuitry mounting and mating connection portion 60. This core assembly 64 of the wireless driver unit provides a safe and pressure-free containment container for the wireless driver unit circuitry. Examples of core assemblies of a wireless driver unit include: Figure 6 shown.

[0096] The circuitry housing 58 has a tubular shape and can be constructed from one or more materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, carbon fiber, etc. To enable wireless communication with the wireless drive unit 14, the non-conductive end cap 54 is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic. For example, the non-conductive end cap 54 is constructed from clear polycarbonate plastic and the graphic layer 56 includes a desired decal (e.g., a company logo, a black finish, etc.).

[0097] The outer shell 52 covers the core assembly 64 of the wireless drive unit 14 and is coupled to the alignment, twist and lock member 62 to secure the core assembly 64 of the wireless drive unit within the outer shell 52. The outer shell 52 and the alignment, twist and lock member 62 are free to rotate (at least ten degrees or more) around the core assembly of the wireless drive unit to allow push-twist coupling with the female connector of the farm equipment. Figure 7 The example shown and coupled in Figure 8 Shown in.

[0098] With this connector structure for the wireless drive unit 14, very little, if any, force is applied to the circuitry when the mating pins are pushed into contact with the receptacles of the female connector of the farm equipment 10. Furthermore, when the outer housing 52 is rotated to lock the alignment, twist, and locking members into the push-twist receptacles of the female connector, little or no force is applied to the core assembly 64 of the wireless drive unit. This protects the integrity of the connection between the circuitry and the connector and increases the life and durability of the wireless drive unit.

[0099] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an assembled wireless drive unit 14 coupled to the connector 20 of the farm equipment 10. In this example, the outer housing 52 is partially cut away to illustrate the mating connector 22 of the core assembly and to illustrate portions of the alignment, torque, and locking features.

[0100] 2.2. Example Dual-Band Antenna and Thermally Conductive Housing

[0101] Figure 10A An example housing is shown that can be used in association with any of the wireless drive units described herein. In one embodiment, housing 100 is coupled to cap 102. Cap 102 has a skirt that mates with housing 100. Housing 100 and cap 102 combine to provide a rigid and protective outer covering for the wireless drive unit. Figure 10B Shown in unassembled configuration Figure 10A shell. Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view of the housing 100 and cap 102 mounted on the wireless drive unit, and shows portions of the components within the wireless drive unit.

[0102] First reference Figure 10AIn one embodiment, the housing 100 is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 100 is ultrasonically welded to the cap 102. The housing 100 can also be a conductive metal such as steel, copper, or brass, and the cap 102 can be polystyrene, ABS plastic, or other polymers and secured to the housing using a solvent-based cement or glue. The housing 100 comprises a generally hollow cylindrical or tubular element, and the cap 102 comprises a hollow cylinder terminating in a generally circular top surface 104. The housing 100 can include an annular, upward-facing circular periphery formed with an annular recess 110 to engage a corresponding upstanding annular tenon 112 of the annular, lower, downward-facing periphery 108 of the cap 102. These surfaces allow for securement using suitable fasteners (e.g., gluing); for example, using a smooth, polished surface can facilitate securement using cyanoacrylate adhesives, epoxies, or other glues. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners can be used, including mechanical fasteners such as screws.

[0103] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the housing 100 includes an inwardly facing annular recess 114 that mates with a corresponding outwardly facing annular tongue 116 formed on the peripheral surface of an internal chassis 118. In one embodiment, the chassis 118 is formed of a conductive metal to serve as a ground plane and / or heat sink for active electronic circuit elements secured thereto using circuit boards 120A, 120B, 120C. Thus, the close contact of the chassis 118 with the housing 100 facilitated by the recess 114 and tongue 116 facilitates heat transfer from the active electronic components to the surrounding atmosphere in a space-efficient manner. In one embodiment, the heat transfer may follow at least the following pattern: Figure 10C The paths indicated by arrows 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are shown, allowing heat to ultimately be conducted to the housing 100 and dissipated into the atmosphere outside the wireless driver unit. The internal antenna cover 122 may also be secured to the chassis 118. This combination of components has proven to be a superior thermal and antenna protection solution, in part due to the higher thermal conductivity of metal.

[0104] The above structure can be used to protect a dual-band or multi-band antenna used for wireless communication between the wireless drive unit and other computers when the wireless drive unit is operating in a field or other environment. Embodiments can be used for a dual-band antenna to receive RF signals for agricultural applications in the 900 MHz range, cellular radio range, Wi-Fi range, and for Bluetooth signals. Past attempts to implement similar solutions have been limited by the required length or size of the antenna, and have not been successful in implementing multi-band antennas in compact form factors (e.g., units only a few centimeters in diameter).

[0105] Figure 10D Shown transparently Figure 10A、 10B , 10C shell, to further illustrate the structure of the example multi-band antenna. Figure 10E Shows about Figure 10D Rotated in different orientations Figure 10D The structure is the same as the structure. Figure 10F Shows that it can be Figure 10A 、 10B , 10C, 10D, and 10E wireless drive units. Figure 10G yes Figure 10F Top-down plan (flat) view of the antenna. Figure 10H yes Figure 10F A partial top plan view of the antenna is provided to illustrate details of certain components.

[0106] First reference Figure 10D 、 Figure 10E In one embodiment, the internal antenna cover 122 can cover a multi-band, multi-segment antenna 130 having a distal end 132 without electrical connections and a plurality of proximal ends 134 electrically coupled to active RF circuitry on a circuit board 136 on the chassis 118. Each of the proximal ends 134 includes an upstanding arm 138 that vertically separates a proximal leg 140 from the circuit board and positions a plurality of generally planarly aligned upper elements 142 of the antenna 130 directly beneath the inner top surface of the internal antenna cover 122.

[0107] Now refer to Figure 10F In one embodiment, antenna 130 can be formed as a single or unitary conductive metal element, such as stainless steel, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, brass, copper, or other ferrous metal or alloy. In some embodiments, antenna 130 is die-cut or stamped from a larger sheet and folded, drilled, and / or milled to achieve Figure 10F The final shape shown. For example, a 2 mm copper sheet can be used and die cut, milled, laser cut, or CNC cut. In other embodiments, antenna 130 is manufactured using LDS (Laser Direct Structuring). Various embodiments may use different sizes and Figure 10F They should be regarded as not being drawn to scale, nor imposing any particular thickness or other dimensions.

[0108] The antenna 130 may include a plurality of spaced apart mounting holes 180 that engage corresponding downwardly extending pins on the inside top surface of the inner antenna cover 122 to secure the antenna against the inner antenna cover 122 via thermal bonding (hot staking) or a friction fit. Figure 10D 、 Figure 10EThe arrangement shown is secured to the inner top surface. Other embodiments may use ultrasonic welding, glue, or snaps to secure the components. The use of attachment points and front-facing fixation via thermal bonding preserves the antenna's geometry and inhibits movement, warping, or other changes in shape or position that could affect the antenna's resonance.

[0109] In one embodiment, the distal end 132 of the antenna 130 includes a generally rectangular arm 150 that terminates in a right-angle bend 152 to integrally join the arm 150 with a first arcuate arm 154 at a right angle 153. In some embodiments, when mounted in a wireless drive unit or housing, the distal end 132 is positioned adjacent to, but not conductive to, a heat dissipating element of the wireless drive unit. The first arcuate arm 154 has an opposite end 156 integrally formed at approximately a right angle with a side arm 158, which in turn is integrally formed at a second angled corner 160 with a second arcuate arm 162. The arms 154 and 162 can have the same radius or arc, or the arm 154 can have a larger radius.

[0110] The second arcuate arm 162 is integrally formed with a second side arm 164 at the end opposite the corner 160, and the second side arm 164 is connected to a third side arm 166 at a right-angle corner 165. The third side arm 166 transitions to a third arcuate arm 168 at the end 142 opposite the corner 165, and terminal side arms 172, 174, 178 extend generally perpendicularly from the third arcuate arm 168 at spaced points about the perimeter of the third arcuate arm. The first terminal side arm 172 comprises a generally rectangular member terminating at a non-connected end. The second terminal side arm 174 is integrally formed with an inwardly curved arcuate arm 176, which also includes one of the vertical elements 138 discussed above and terminates in a horizontally extending leg 140 that can be conductively secured to the circuit board 136. Similarly, the third terminal side arm 178 is integrally formed with the vertical element 138 via a bend, and the vertical element 138 is integrally formed with the horizontal leg 140 via another bend, and the horizontal leg 140 can be conductively fixed to the circuit board.

[0111] In some embodiments, a second antenna 190 may be provided that is not mechanically or electrically coupled to antenna 130, but has a separate structure and a separate electrical connection to chassis 118 or a circuit board thereon. Second antenna 190 may be tuned for a second frequency band compared to the structure of antenna 130, which has been found to provide good performance when utilizing a first frequency band that is different from the second frequency band.

[0112] In some embodiments, each element having a free end or an end coupled to a circuit board is formed to have a radius at its end rather than a square end or a truncated end. In one embodiment, the ends terminate in a curved end with a radius of 1 mm. Example elements with rounded ends include 150, 172, 190, and leg 140. Corners 153, 156, 165, 170 may also have rounded proximal and distal elements rather than sharp 90-degree angles or corners.

[0113] Now refer to Figure 10G , showing Figure 10F A top view of an embodiment of an antenna. Figure 10G Describes the process used to generate Figure 10F Example antennas 130, 190 in a flat configuration prior to the folding operation in the form of. Figure 10G An embodiment is depicted in which corner 165 is omitted and elements 162, 164, 166, 168 form a continuous arcuate element. While the figures do not indicate any specific dimensions or geometry, the overall length of the module from the contact point to the PCB to the end of the element is important. However, the combination of thickness, width, bends, and overall length determines the resonance at a specific frequency.

[0114] Now refer to Figure 10H , showing Figure 10F A top plan view of elements 172, 174, and 178. Figure 10H Describes the process used to generate Figure 10F The form is in a flat configuration before the folding operation Figure 10F Components 172, 174, 178. In addition, Figure 10H An embodiment is depicted wherein the elements 172 , 174 , 178 have an angled or splayed arrangement relative to one another.

[0115] The arrangement shown in the present disclosure provides a dual-band or multi-band antenna that operates efficiently and fits within a compact housing. The illustrated structure of antenna 130 incorporates multiple arms, arcs, corners, and other elements that result in an effective linear size of the antenna that is much larger than the compact housing in which the antenna is mounted. Furthermore, the antenna of the present disclosure has been demonstrated to provide good performance at cellular radiotelephone frequencies, enabling the use of cellular data connections with agricultural equipment in the field rather than relying on localized Wi-Fi access points or hotspots, or other short-range radio protocols.

[0116] 2.3. Example Grounding Clip Structure

[0117] Electronic devices often use grounded wireless drivers to establish a ground path from a circuit board trace to a chassis, housing, or other ground plane. In many cases, the ground contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board and have a linear or straight geometry. However, compact applications such as wireless drivers and storage devices, such as the embodiments described herein, cannot accommodate linear geometries.

[0118] Figure 11A is a perspective view from one side of a grounding clip according to one embodiment. Figure 11B It is from Figure 11A A perspective view of the other side of the grounding clamp. Figure 12 Comes in place with chassis, circuit board and heat sink or housing Figure 11A A partially cutaway perspective view of a grounding clamp. Figure 13 Comes in place with chassis, circuit board and heat sink or housing Figure 11A A partially cutaway perspective view of a grounding clamp. Figure 14 yes Figure 11A A top view of the chassis in which the five (5) grounding clips are mounted via heat fusion. First refer to Figure 11A In one embodiment, the grounding clip 200 includes a first wall 202 integrally formed with a second wall 204 and connected to the second wall 204 at an approximately right-angle bend. Thus, in one embodiment, the walls 202 and 204 are perpendicular. In some embodiments, the grounding clip 200 is formed from sheet metal, such as stainless steel, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, brass, copper, or other ferrous metals or alloys. Plating with silver, gold, or other conductive materials may also be used.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first wall 202 further includes a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers 206, each finger 206 having a first end integrally formed with the wall 202 and a second end that is unattached to the wall 202 and extends slightly outward from the wall 202. In some embodiments, the fingers 206 can be formed by subjecting the sheet-form wall 202 to a stamping, cutting, or coining operation to produce the fingers, leaving the recess 208 after completion of such operation. Each of the free ends of the fingers 206 can include a slightly curved and rounded end. In this configuration, as shown in other figures, inward pressure on the fingers 206 will push the fingers toward the recess under spring tension, while holding the grounding clip 200 in place.

[0120] Now refer to Figure 11BIn one embodiment, the second wall 204 includes an upwardly projecting contact 210. The contact 210 may be stamped, cut, or embossed from the wall 204 in sheet form, leaving a second recess 212 after these operations are completed. The contact 210 may have a first end integrally formed with the wall 204 and a second end that is free and formed using a bend and / or fillet. In this configuration, the contact 210 forms a second spring element that can maintain positive contact with a surface under pressure, as shown in other figures. Thus, both the finger 206 and the contact 210 are formed in a manner that creates at least some compressibility or spring tension during use and are formed using a material having a high electrical conductivity.

[0121] In one embodiment, the second wall 204 also includes one or more holes 214 that can receive corresponding pins of the chassis, which can secure the ground clip 200 to the chassis via heat staking the pins into and onto the holes, as further described herein.

[0122] Now refer to Figure 12 In one embodiment, in the assembled position, the internal chassis 118 of the wireless driver unit acts as a thermally and electrically conductive heat sink and is secured to a generally circular chassis base 220 comprising an insulating material such as a thermoplastic. A circuit board 120C is secured to the chassis base 220 in contact with the wall 204 of the grounding clamp 200, such that one or more ground terminals of the circuit board are in physical and electrical contact with at least one contact 210 of the grounding clamp. Positive physical and electrical contact can be achieved by securing the circuit board 120C to the chassis base 220 via a plurality of upstanding pins that are thermally bonded to the circuit board and sized such that securing the circuit board requires downward pressure of the board against the contacts 210, which is counteracted and balanced via spring tension when the contacts are simultaneously pushed upward in response.

[0123] Furthermore, in one embodiment, also due to spring tension, assembly of these components causes the fingers 206 of the ground clip 200 to press tightly against the inner surface of the chassis 118. In the unassembled state, the fingers 206 are bent outward, but mounting the chassis 118 to the base plate 220 requires applying inward pressure to push the fingers inward so that they firmly contact the inner surface of the chassis 118.

[0124] In this arrangement, the fingers 206 extending from the vertically positioned first wall 202 provide positive contact with the heat sink in the form of chassis 118, while simultaneously the contacts 210 extending upward from the horizontally oriented second wall 204 are forced into firm contact with the conductive ground terminal of the circuit board 120C. Thus, the ground terminal or ground plane of the circuit board 120C achieves positive conductivity with the chassis 118 without requiring a direct physical connection of the horizontal circuit board to the generally vertical chassis. Instead, the right-angled orientation of the ground clip 200 provides a physical and geometric transition between the vertical surfaces while providing positive conductivity.

[0125] Figure 13 The same arrangement is shown in the larger context of the other elements of the wireless drive unit, housing and chassis combination.

[0126] Now refer to Figure 14 In one embodiment, the base plate 220 includes a plurality of ground clips 200, five (5) of which are located at Figure 14 Five (5) cells are spaced about the perimeter of the base plate 220; however, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 The specific location of the clips shown is only an example and is not required in all embodiments. Other embodiments may have three or fewer clips.

[0127] One or more holes 214 in each grounding clip 200 are located over corresponding upstanding pins 230, which are thermally bonded or heat-soldered to the grounding clip through the holes. Other embodiments may use ultrasonic welding, glue, or snaps to secure the components. This method allows the grounding clip 200 to be quickly and permanently secured to the base plate 220 without the use of additional fasteners such as screws. However, in other embodiments, rivets, screws, or bolts may be used to secure the grounding clip 200 to the base plate. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein do not require direct surface mounting or soldering to connect a heat sink or large ground plane to the circuit board. Typically, ground contacts are soldered to the board and are vertical, but the embodiments disclosed herein reduce the space available for solder pads on the circuit board and are oriented orthogonally with respect to the board. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein utilize the rigidity of surrounding plastic or non-metallic components as a foundation or base to enhance mechanical stability. These embodiments are well-suited for applications with compact circuit boards where space is at a premium and large ground pads are undesirable. Using multiple grounding points increases grounding robustness and current and heat dissipation.

[0128] 2.4. Example roller contact structure

[0129] Wireless drive units of the type shown and described elsewhere in this disclosure can be configured for rotatable connection to computers, tractors, other agricultural machinery, or other equipment. In some cases, it may be beneficial to provide a wireless drive unit capable of mechanical and electrical connection while providing 360-degree rotation about a central axis. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to provide 360-degree rotation with a mechanical connection while transmitting electronic signals to an external device via conductive means. One example includes a wireless drive unit that provides a USB, RS232, or other serial data connection to an external device.

[0130] Figure 15A A bottom plan view of a rotatable wireless drive unit is shown having a recessed portion exposing a plurality of roller contacts. Figure 15B yes Figure 15A A partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of a wireless drive unit showing details of an example roller contact. Figure 15A In one embodiment, the wireless drive unit 14 includes an outer housing 300 that is rotatable about a fixed body 302. The outer housing 300 features an inwardly recessed recess 304 through which a plurality of roller contacts 306 protrude and can mechanically and conductively contact corresponding circuit board traces or other conductors of another component. In one embodiment, each roller contact 306 is fixed at a position having a different radial distance from the center of the roller contact to a center point 307 of the body 302. Thus, as the outer housing 300 rotates, each roller contact 306 will effectively track a circle having a different diameter than any other roller contact. Figure 15A In the embodiment of FIG, seven (7) roller contact points are provided having seven different radial distances from the center point 307. However, other embodiments may have more or fewer roller contact points.

[0131] Now turn Figure 15B In one embodiment, each roller contact 306 includes a downwardly protruding ball 312 formed of a conductive material. The contact 306 may include a spring pin. Each ball 312 is tightly held in a ball bearing manner within an upwardly and downwardly telescoping retaining tube 313 that rides in an outer body 315. Within the outer body 315, a spring 316 is positioned to push a plunger 314 downwardly to ride on the ball 312 and maintain the ball in contact with the substrate 308 having a plurality of circular circuit traces 310. The spring 316 and plunger 314 are formed of a conductive material, thereby forming a continuous conductive path from the ball 312 to a pin 318 fixed in the contact housing 320 in the form of a spring pin. The pin 318 can be soldered to an electrical wire (not shown) that reaches other components of the outer housing 300.

[0132] In some embodiments, the roller contacts or pins, any secondary circuit boards associated with the roller contact housing 320 or other components within the outer housing 300, and associated wires may be overmolded to provide a watertight seal. Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B As shown, the outer housing 300 and recess 304 may be molded onto the body 315 of each roller contact 306 to completely isolate the pins 318, roller contact housing 320, and other internal components from weather, dust, or other external elements.

[0133] With this arrangement, as the housing 300 continues to rotate a full circle, each of the roller contacts 306 can ride on the substrate 308 to contact a different one of the circular circuit traces 310. Thus, conductive transfer of electronic signals from active circuit devices mounted on the substrate 308 to other circuit devices in the housing can be achieved while allowing full rotation about the center point 307.

[0134] Dimensions are not provided in the drawings, but there is no known particular limit to the size of the roller contact 306. For example, the ball 312 may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, etc., and the sizes of the other components may be adapted to suit such dimensions.

[0135] Figure 16 is a partially transparent side view of a wireless drive unit showing coiled wire connections between elements of the wireless drive unit. Figure 17A yes Figure 16 A bottom plan view of the wireless drive unit in a first rotation position. Figure 17B yes Figure 16 A bottom plan view of the wireless drive unit in a second rotation position.

[0136] The outer housing 300, depicted in a transparent manner, rotates around the main body 302. The roller contact housing 320 is fixed to the outer housing 300, while the header 330 is fixed to the main body 302. The roller contact housing 320 has downwardly protruding roller contacts that ride on the circular circuit traces 310 of the substrate 308 to facilitate the conduction of signals from the roller contact housing or outer housing 300 to the circuit traces and / or active circuits on or below the substrate 308 to which the circuit traces are electrically coupled. Typically, the roller contact housing 320 and the header 330 expose the same number of solder-type contacts.

[0137] First reference Figure 16 In one embodiment, a length of coiled flexible wire cable 332 has a first end secured to a connector 334 and a second end secured to a header 330. Cable 332 is a multi-conductor conductive cable having a plurality of individual conductors that are coupled to different pins 318 of connector 334 and different conductors within header 330, respectively.

[0138] With this arrangement, a conductive path is formed from the connector 330, via the cable 332, to the connector 334, to the circuit trace 310, and then to the active circuit devices on or below the substrate 308. In addition, the outer shell 300 can be rotated about the body 302, and in response, the cable 332 stretches or expands while maintaining conductive contact with the aforementioned components. In this embodiment, the amount of rotation of the outer shell 300 is limited to less than 360 degrees or to the portion of the rotation that can be achieved when the cable 332 has been stretched to its maximum extent. The outer shell 300 can be formed to have an annular peripheral channel in which the cable 332 travels to maintain the separation of the cables and maintain the cables in a generally circular geometry around the perimeter of the outer shell as the length of the cables increases.

[0139] Now refer to Figure 17A 、 Figure 17B , the configuration of the aforementioned elements is illustrated by a plan view showing the connector 334 in two different rotational positions and the cable 332 in two different extended positions. It should be noted that the position of the body 302 and the connector 330 does not change in the two views. Figure 17A In FIG, connector 334 is relatively close to header 330, and therefore cable 332 only partially extends around the periphery of outer housing 300. Figure 17B In the embodiment shown, connector 334 is relatively far from header 330, so cable 332 extends almost completely around the perimeter of outer housing 300. Obviously, it is not possible to rotate the connector over or beyond header 330, but approximately 320-350 degrees of rotation can be provided.

[0140] The methods of these embodiments allow electronic signals to be transmitted to external devices using a compact housing with improved weather protection and simpler installation. There is no need for an external connector in a single location, nor is there a need to mate a compatible plug with that connector. Insertion can sometimes damage conductive pins, but the roller method of the present disclosure eliminates the need to mate the pins with a receptacle. Furthermore, with some embodiments, connection and rotation are possible at all points.

[0141] 3. Additional data storage and transmission equipment

[0142] 3.1. Example Wireless Communication Device

[0143] Figure 18Ais an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a wireless drive unit 1800. In one embodiment, the wireless drive unit 1800 includes an outer cap 1982, an outer housing 1834, a core assembly 1852, an appliance connector 1850, and a coupling structure 1802. In use, the coupling structure 1802 mechanically couples the wireless drive unit 1800 to a connector, such as Figure 2 A connector 20 is provided that can be attached to an agricultural implement, such as farm equipment 10 .

[0144] In one embodiment, when coupling structure 1802 is mated with a corresponding connector on a vehicle or agricultural implement, implement connector 1850 establishes one-way or two-way electrical digital communication between wireless drive unit 1800 and one or more electronic components of the agricultural implement. For example, wireless drive unit 1800 can periodically receive data (such as digital images and / or sensor data) from a camera or other type of sensor mounted on the agricultural implement or from a field sensor located remotely from the agricultural implement via antennas 1828, 1830, and / or implement connector 1850, at least temporarily store the received data in a memory (such as memory 30), and then transmit or forward the data to another computing device (such as a cloud storage device). In various embodiments, wireless drive unit 1800 is equipped with memory ranging from approximately 4 gigabytes to approximately 128 gigabytes, or more, depending on the requirements of a particular design.

[0145] Using one or more wireless communication technologies, data stored in the memory of the wireless drive unit 1800 is periodically forwarded or transmitted by the wireless drive unit 1800 to another computing device (such as a mobile computing device or a cloud server). Data and / or computer program instructions (such as control parameters) can be periodically received by the wireless drive unit 1800 from, for example, an agricultural intelligence system running on one or more remote computing devices.

[0146] The wireless drive unit 1800 can temporarily store data and / or instructions received from the agricultural intelligence system in its memory and periodically forward or transmit such data and / or instructions to a computing device located on or in the agricultural implement via the implement connector 1850 or antennas 1828, 1830. For example, the wireless drive unit 1800 can receive graphical data from the agricultural intelligence system and transmit the graphical data wirelessly or via a wired connection to a display monitor located on the agricultural implement, which enables the display monitor to display, for example, a graphical field map.

[0147] As another example, the wireless drive unit 1800 can receive data and / or instructions for generating a digital field map and transmit the data and / or instructions to a cab computer located in an agricultural implement, and the cab computer can cause a display monitor on or in the agricultural implement to display the digital field map. In various embodiments, the cab computer and the display monitor can be combined into a single device, such as a tablet computer, laptop computer, smartphone, or another form of intelligent electronic device.

[0148] exist Figure 18A In an embodiment, the wireless communication technology includes antennas 1828, 1830 and an integrated circuit of a first printed circuit board (PCB) 1824, to which the antennas 1828, 1830 are electrically coupled. The antennas 1828, 1830 and the first PCB 1824 are arranged to accommodate the transmission and reception of wireless communications using one or more radio frequencies and / or other frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, the antennas 1828, 1830 and the first PCB 1824 may be capable of transmitting and receiving one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular communications.

[0149] When assembled, the components of the core assembly 1852 are enclosed in an interior region defined by the outer cap 1836 or 1982, the outer shell 1834, the inner cap 1832, and the coupling structure 1802. In one embodiment, the coupling structure 1802 is similar to Figure 4 Alignment, twisting and locking member 62. In one embodiment, the outer cap 1836 or 1982, the outer shell 1834, the inner cap 1832 and the coupling structure 1802 are constructed using a non-conductive material such as plastic.

[0150] The core assembly 1852 itself includes two interior regions 1825, 1827 that are physically separated and electromagnetically and thermally isolated from each other by an electrical thermal shield 1820. Figure 18A , a first interior region 1825 is defined by the inner cap 1832 and the first surface 1822 of the electric thermal shield 1820. A second interior region 1827 is defined by the outer mold or connector subassembly 1806 and a second surface 1823 of the electric thermal shield 1820, where the second surface 1823 is opposite the first surface 1822.

[0151] First interior region 1825 includes first surface 1822, thermal pad 1818, first PCB 1824, and antennas 1828, 1830. Antennas 1828, 1830 are coupled to first PCB 1824 by one or more fasteners, such as screws. First PCB 1824 includes circuitry for wireless communications.

[0152] The second interior region 1827 includes a drive unit connector subassembly 1807 extending from a first side of the overmold or connector subassembly 1806, a gasket 1808, a set of ground clips 1810, a second PCB 1812, a shield 1814, a third PCB 1816, a thermal pad 1818, and a second surface 1823 of an electrical thermal shield 1820. In one embodiment, the second PCB 1812 includes integrated circuits that supply and manage power for the wireless drive unit 1800, while the third PCB 1816 includes integrated circuits that serve as a controller for the wireless drive unit 1800. In other embodiments, the integrated circuits of the second PCB 1812 and the third PCB 1816 are combined onto a single printed circuit board rather than onto two separate printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, the gasket 1808 is constructed using a waterproof or water-resistant material, such as rubber.

[0153] In some embodiments, antennas 1828, 1830 are implemented as Figure 10D 、 Figure 10E 、 Figure 10F 、 Figure 10G and / or Figure 10H The antennas 130 and 190 shown are as described above. In some other embodiments, the antennas 1828 and 1830 are Figure 22 The form of antenna 2200 shown in FIG. 22, as described below. The shape, width, thickness and end-to-end length of each of antennas 1828, 1830 are configured to meet specific frequency and / or resonance requirements and can be adjusted as needed for a particular implementation. Alternatively or additionally, for example, including Figure 18A The antenna assemblies of antennas 1828, 1830 may include any number of individual antennas, each of which may be configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals at a different frequency.

[0154] When assembled, the ground clips 1810 are coupled to the connector subassembly 1806 and arranged around the perimeter of the connector subassembly 1806 such that one or more contacts at a first end of each of the ground clips 1810 are electrically coupled to the PCB 1812 and one or more fingers at a second end of each of the ground clips 1810 are electrically engaged with a side surface of the electrical thermal shield 1820. The first and second ends of each ground clip 1810 are generally orthogonal. In some embodiments, the ground clips 1810 are implemented as Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe grounding clip 200 is shown as described above. In other embodiments, the grounding clip 1810 may have various shapes and configurations as needed to meet the requirements of a particular design or implementation. Generally speaking, the configuration and arrangement of the thermal shield 1820 and the grounding clip 1810 relative to the PCBs 1812, 1816, 1824 enables the thermal shield 1820 to function as both a heat sink and a ground plane, so that the operation of the integrated circuits of the PCBs 1812, 1816 does not interfere with the wireless communication performance of the PCB 1824 and the antennas 1828, 1830.

[0155] Drive unit connector subassembly 1807 and implement connector 1850 are electrically coupled, such that electrical signals received by implement connector 1850 from an agricultural implement or adapter cable are transmitted to wireless drive unit 1800 via drive unit connector subassembly 1807. Drive unit connector subassembly 1807 is supported by and extends from a first side of outer mold or connector subassembly 1806. Implement connector 1850 is supported by and extends from a second side of outer mold or connector subassembly 1806. The first and second sides of outer mold or connector subassembly 1806 oppose each other, such that implement connector 1850 faces a direction opposite to drive unit connector subassembly 1807. Collectively, the first and second sides of outer mold or connector subassembly 1806 supporting drive unit connector subassembly 1807 and implement connector 1850 can be referred to as substrates, respectively. Implement connector 1850 is supported by gasket 1804 and coupling structure 1802.

[0156] Figure 18B yes Figure 18A 1806 . The core assembly 1852 is shown in assembled form, and the end cap 1836 is shown as an alternative to the outer cap 1982. When assembled, the concave edge or surface 1854 of the electrothermal shield 1820 mates with the corresponding convex portion, edge or surface 1856 of the inner cap 1832. In some embodiments, the electrothermal shield 1820 is implemented as the chassis 118, as described above. The electrothermal shield 1820 and the inner cap 1832 are supported by a first side of the substrate portion of the outer mold or connector subassembly 1806. The drive unit connector subassembly 1807 is also supported by a first side of the substrate portion of the outer mold or connector subassembly 1806, but is not Figure 18B 1834 . The core assembly 1852 is not visible in the drawing because it is surrounded or enclosed by the electrical thermal shield 1820 . When the wireless drive unit 1800 is assembled, the core assembly 1852 is surrounded or enclosed by the outer housing 1834 .

[0157] Figure 18C yes Figure 18B Exploded plan view of the core components. Figure 18CThe diagram shows the relative spatial arrangement of connector subassembly 1806, including appliance connector 1850 and drive unit connector subassembly 1807, gasket 1808, ground clip 1810, second PCB 1812, shield 1814, third PCB 1816, first thermal pad 1818, electrical thermal shield 1820 (including concave portion 1854), second thermal pad 1818, first PCB 1824, fastener 1826, antenna 1830 (including tail element 1853), and inner cap 1832 (including male portion 1856). In some embodiments, second PCB 1812 contains a power integrated circuit, third PCB 1816 contains a control integrated circuit, and first PCB 1824 contains a wireless communication integrated circuit that includes circuitry for cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communications using the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0158] Figure 18D yes Figure 18B A perspective view of the assembled core assembly relative to Figure 18B 1852 is rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise about a vertical axis passing through the center of core assembly 1852. Boundary 1857 represents the intersection of convex portion 1856 of cap 1832 and concave portion 1854 of electric thermal shield 1820. In one embodiment, the configuration of concave portion 1854, convex portion 1856, and boundary 1857 allows for clearance of tail element 1853 in the form of a minimum physical distance between the distal end of tail element 1853 and electric thermal shield 1820 such that tail element 1853 does not physically engage electric thermal shield 1820. The minimum physical distance between tail element 1853 and electric thermal shield 1820 is determined based on, for example, the shape, size, and length of tail element 1853 and the design requirements for electric thermal shield 1820.

[0159] Figure 18E1 is included in the housing 1858 Figure 18B A plan view of the core assembly and the arrangement of the coupling structure 1802 and the connector 1860 of the vehicle or agricultural implement is shown, illustrating the relationship between the core assembly and the connector 1860 of the vehicle or agricultural implement. Examples of vehicles and agricultural implements are given throughout this disclosure and include, but are not limited to, manned and unmanned land and air commercial and consumer vehicles. When the core assembly is enclosed in the housing 1858, the interior area of ​​the core assembly is sealed to prevent water damage to the electrical components. Figure 18E1 It can be seen that mounting the housing 1858 over the core assembly causes the core assembly (including the appliance connector 1850 and the coupling structure 1802 ) to be surrounded or enclosed within the housing 1858 .

[0160] Figure 18E1One example of a vehicle or agricultural implement connector 1860 is shown including a coupling structure 1859 and a threaded portion 1862. The coupling structure 1859 is mechanically coupled to the coupling structure 1802, for example, in an aligned, twisted, and locked manner. Figure 18E2 yes Figure 18E1 A plan view of the device is shown, showing the core assembly, which is enclosed within the housing 1858 and connected to the appliance connector.

[0161] Figure 18E3A It is along Figure 18E2 The line 18E3-18E3 is intercepted Figure 18E2 A cross-sectional view of a device of FIG. 1 is shown with a phantom view of a connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement. Figure 18E3A Shown are an outer cap 1836 in a snap- or press-fit relationship with a first portion of the outer housing 1834, a coupling structure 1802 in a snap- or press-fit relationship with a second portion of the outer housing 1834, and a connector subassembly 1806 supported by the coupling structure 1802. Figure 10A Compared to the cap 102, the outer cap 1836 has no skirt and the mating line with the outer shell 1834 is on the top portion of the assembly rather than on the side of the assembly. The outer cap 1836, the outer shell 1834, the coupling structure 1802 and the subassembly 1806 together define an interior area including the core assembly 1852.

[0162] Regarding core component 1852, Figure 18E3A 18. A first interior region defined by inner cap 1832 and the first surface of thermal shield 1820, and a second interior region defined by the second surface of thermal shield 1820 and connector subassembly 1806 are shown. The first interior region of the core assembly includes antenna 1830, first PCB 1824, and a first thermal pad 1818 supported by the first surface of thermal shield 1820. The second interior region of the core assembly includes second thermal pad 1818, PCBs 1812 and 1816, a set of CAN (Controller Area Network) bus pins 1861, and a set of serial pins 1865. In some embodiments, the set of CAN bus pins 1861 includes nine pins, and the set of serial pins 1865 includes six pins. Figure 18E3A Also shown is an implement connector 1850 extending from the subassembly 1806 in a direction toward a connector 1860 of the agricultural implement, including a set of receptacles or female connectors 1863. Each receptacle 1863 is sized and configured to receive a pin 1864 of a male connector or connector 1860 and to establish an electrical connection between the pin 1864 and the pin 1861. Figure 18E3B is similar to Figure 18E3A Another cross-sectional view of the device, and relative to Figure 18E3ARotate approximately 90 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the core assembly.

[0163] Figure 18F1 is included in the housing Figure 18B Core components, adapters and Figure 18E1 A perspective view of a connector assembly showing the relationship between the core assembly, the adapter, and the connector. Figure 18F1 1852 is not visible because it is enclosed or surrounded by the housing 1858 and the end cap 1836. The housing 1858 and the cover 1836, and the components contained within the housing 1858 and the cover 1836, can be referred to as a wireless drive unit. The adapter 1870 is interposed between the connector 1860 of the vehicle or agricultural implement and the wireless drive unit.

[0164] A first body portion 1874 of the adapter 1870 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the appliance connector 1850 of the wireless drive unit via a set of securing pins 1872. A second body portion 1878 of the adapter 1870, spaced apart from and opposite the first body portion 1874 of the adapter 1870, supports an appliance connector assembly 1880 that is electrically and mechanically coupled to the connector 1860. The adapter 1870 includes a port 1876 that is capable of receiving a proximal end of an adapter cable 1882. Additional details of embodiments of the adapter cable 1882 and the adapter 1870 are provided in Figure 21C and Figure 21D As shown in the figure, it is described below.

[0165] Figure 18F2 It is along Figure 18F1 The line 18F2-18F2 is cut into the assembled form Figure 18F1 A cross-sectional view of the device, showing the connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement in phantom. Figure 18F2 As shown, a main body portion 1878 of the adapter 1870 has pins 1872 , 1873 that can be received by the sockets 1863 , 1867 of the wireless drive unit and a socket 1875 that can receive the pin 1864 of the connector 1860 . Figure 18F2 Also shown is an adapter cable 1882 connected to port 1876.

[0166] 3.2. Example Cooling Mechanism

[0167] Figure 19A1900 is another embodiment of the connector subassembly 1806. The connector subassembly 1900 includes a base plate 1916 that supports serial pins 1906, CAN bus pins 1908, a grounding clip 1910, contacts 1912, and fingers 1914, and a cooling mechanism that includes a fan 1902 and an air inlet covered by a mesh filter 1904. In one embodiment, the fan 1902 is a miniature fan, such as a fan about the size of a dime, that is capable of removing heat from very small enclosed spaces, such as the interior area of ​​the core assembly. The cooling mechanisms 1902, 1904 help release the thermal energy collected by the electric thermal shield 1820 into the atmosphere.

[0168] Figure 19B is a perspective view of the core components, showing Figure 19A The appliance-side connector portion of the connector subassembly of the appliance connector assembly 1950 includes a base plate 1956 that supports a set of connector pins 1962 and alignment posts 1964. The connector pins 1962 are made of a conductive material, while the posts 1964 are constructed using a non-conductive material. The base plate 1956 also includes a fluid inlet 1960 and a fluid outlet 1958 that allow fluid to circulate through a portion of the core assembly without damaging its electrical components. The base plate 1956 supports an electrical thermal shield 1954, which can be implemented in a manner similar to that of the electrical thermal shield 1820, and an inner cap 1952, which can be implemented in a manner similar to that of the inner cap 1832.

[0169] Figure 19C It is along Figure 19B The line 19C-19C intercepts the Figure 19B The wireless drive unit 1980 includes an outer cap 1982 and an outer shell 1984 that encloses the components of the core assembly, including the fan 1902, the fluid inlet 1960, and the fluid outlet 1968.

[0170] Figure 20 Is included with Figure 19B2000 is a cross-sectional view of another core assembly of a wireless driver unit having a similar core assembly. Wireless driver unit 2000 includes an outer cap 2002 and an outer shell 2004, which encloses components of the core assembly, including a fan 2018, a fluid inlet 2020, a fluid outlet 2022, a heat pipe 2006, and a cooling area 2008 for dissipating heat collected by the heat pipe 2006. Each thermal pad 2012 is adjacent to a PCB 2014, 2016. The heat pipe 2006 is in or near the electric thermal shield 2010 and is adjacent to one of the thermal pads 2012, for example, the thermal pad 2012 is adjacent to the PCB 2016. The PCB 2014 contains a modem (such as a cellular modem) for wireless communication, while the PCB 2016 contains a central processing unit. Both PCBs 2014 and 2016 are heat sources, so a heat pipe 2006 is disposed between the PCBs 2014 and 2016 to dissipate the heat generated by the PCBs 2014 and 2016 and release the heat to the atmosphere through the cooling area 2008. The size of the heat pipe 2006 is determined by the size of the wireless driver unit 2000. For example, in some embodiments, off-the-shelf light pipes may be used, while in other embodiments, custom-made light pipes may be used as the heat pipe 2006.

[0171] Such as Figure 19A 、 Figure 19B 、 Figure 19C and Figure 20 The cooling mechanism shown achieves cooling by circulating a fluid through various parts of the core assembly. Figure 19A 、 Figure 19B and Figure 19C In an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid is air. Figure 20 In an embodiment, a liquid is used as the cooling fluid. Figure 20 In the embodiment of the present invention, a cooling fluid flows through a liquid zone, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the heat pipe. In one embodiment, the liquid zone includes a mesh material (such as a porous core structure), and the cooling fluid passes through the mesh by osmosis. The heat from the surrounding components of the core assembly evaporates the cooling fluid in the heat pipe and flows through the vapor zone of the heat pipe. In one embodiment, the vapor zone is enclosed in the liquid zone and is concentric with the liquid zone. The cooling fluid then condenses the steam and releases latent heat through the cooling zone. Generally, any suitable fluid can be used as the cooling fluid according to the requirements of a specific design.

[0172] 3.3. Example Cable Adapter

[0173] Figure 21A It is assembled Figure 18F118. A perspective view of another embodiment of a device including a connected cable. Device 2100 is shown coupled to connector 1860 of a vehicle or agricultural implement. Housing 2102 is similar to housing 1858 and surrounds or encloses a variation of adapter 1870 in which cable 2106 is coupled to the vehicle or agricultural implement. Figure 18F1 The ways shown are different ways to connect to the adapter.

[0174] Figure 21B yes Figure 21A A perspective view of the appliance side connector portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21B As shown, an arcuate or crescent-shaped overmold 2108 is coupled to the end of the cable 2106 and mates with a corresponding groove in the adapter surface 2104. The overmold 2108 is formed to match the Figure 15A and Figure 15B Electrical connectivity to the adapter is established using a set of rolling pins and corresponding circular traces in a similar manner as shown. Adapter surface 2104 is adjacent to appliance-side connector subassembly 2101 , which includes a set of pins 2112 and alignment posts 2110 .

[0175] Figure 21C is a perspective view of an adapter cable assembly including an adapter and a cable, with the cable shown with a portion cut away. Figure 21C The adapter assembly includes an adapter body 2150 and an adapter cable coupled thereto, including a proximal end 2152 of the adapter cable, adapter cable portions 2154, 2156, a strain relief 2158, a housing or distal end 2160 of the adapter cable, and a set of serial communication interfaces supported by the housing 2160, including, for example, an RS-232 connector 2162 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 2164. The proximal end 2152 can be configured using, for example, a DEUTSCH-type connector. When the adapter cable is coupled to the adapter body 2150 and the adapter body is coupled to both the wireless drive unit and the connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement, the adapter cable enables two-way electronic communication between a device that can be connected to either or both of the connectors 2162, 2164 and the connector of the wireless drive unit and / or the vehicle or agricultural implement.

[0176] Figure 21D yes Figure 21C Exploded perspective view of the adapter cable assembly, with Figure 21C2178 . The exploded view of adapter 2150 illustrates the components of appliance-side connector 2166, which are supported by adapter body portions 2172, 2174, 2176, and 2178. The components of appliance-side connector 2166 include a set of pins 2182 and alignment posts 2170. Pins 2182 are supported by a first side of base plate 2180, while another set of pins 2184 are supported by a second side of base plate 2180, opposite the first side. Pins 2184 are part of the drive unit-side connector assembly.

[0177] Pin 2182 is configured to enable electrical communication with a connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement, while pin 2184 is configured to enable electrical communication with a wireless drive unit as described herein. Pins 2182, 2184 are correspondingly coupled or aligned with each other via substrate 2180 to enable serial communication between electronic devices (such as a display device, a cab computer, and / or other computing devices that may be located in or on the vehicle or agricultural implement) that may be connected to connectors 2162, 2164 and the wireless drive unit and / or the vehicle or agricultural implement to which the wireless drive unit is connected. In one embodiment, pin 2182 is a serial pin configured for both RS-232 and USB connectivity with the wireless drive unit. The distal housing 2160 of the adapter cables 2154, 2156 includes outer housing portions 2192, 2196, substrate 2194, and electrical connector 2198.

[0178] Figure 21E is a variation of using a serial connection similar to Figure 15A and 15B adapter components and Figure 21A and 21B A perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter assembly of the adapter assembly. Figure 21E , outer housing 2102 encloses the components of the wireless drive unit, including the appliance-side connector subassembly 2101. Housing 2012 has an inner sleeve with a surface 2103. Annular or donut-shaped surface 2103 contains a set of circular traces arranged around the circumference of surface 2013 to receive or mate with corresponding pins 2105. Pins 2105 are similarly arranged around the circumference of an annular adapter member 2107, to which an adapter cable 2106 is attached. Figure 21A and 21B The arrangement of the adapter assembly may include a greater number of pins (e.g., 7 pins) that are placed close to each other in a recess defined in the inner sleeve that receives the arcuate or crescent-shaped outer mold piece, while Figure 21E The adapter assembly uses a smaller number of pins (eg, 4 pins) that are spaced further apart and located outside the inner sleeve.

[0179] 3.4. Example Antenna Structure

[0180] Figure 22 yes Figure 10F A perspective view of another embodiment of an antenna. With respect to the various embodiments of antennas disclosed herein, terms used to refer to parts of one embodiment may be used interchangeably to refer to similar parts of any other embodiment. Antenna 2200 is constructed using conductive materials and, in one embodiment, is a single, integral piece. Antenna 2200 includes a tail element 2202, finger elements 2234, 2238, bow elements 2218, 2220, 2230, 2226, and non-bow elements 2210, 2214, 2222, 2228, 2236, 2232 positioned between finger elements 2234, 2238 and tail element 2202. Tail element 2202 is orthogonal to finger elements 2234, 2238 and bow elements 2218, 2220, 2230, 2226. The arch elements 2218 , 2220 , 2230 , 2226 are not coplanar with the finger elements 2234 , 2238 .

[0181] When the antenna 2200 is installed in a wireless driver unit as described herein, each of the finger elements 2234, 2238 is coupled to the first integrated circuit and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals at different radio frequencies. The tail element 2202 is aligned with the concave portion 1854 of the electro-thermal shield 1820 but is spaced apart therefrom so that the tail element 2202 does not physically contact the concave portion 1854 when the wireless driver unit is assembled.

[0182] The arcuate elements 2218, 2220, 2230, 2226 are coupled to and integral with the non-arcuate elements 2210, 2214, 2222, 2228, 2236, 2232. The arcuate elements 2218, 2220, 2230, 2226 are coplanar with the non-arcuate elements 2210, 2214, 2222, 2228. The non-arcuate elements 2232, 2236 are orthogonal to the finger elements 2234, 2238 and couple the finger elements 2234, 2238 to the coplanar portion of the antenna 2200. Bow element 2230 is arranged concentrically with either or both of bow elements 2218 , 2220 such that radius r1 extending from an imaginary center point C to bow element 2218 or 2220 is shorter in length than radius r2 similarly extending from center point C to bow element 2230 or 2226 .

[0183] 1832 ). The antenna 2200 is connected to the antenna 2201 by a plurality of connectors 22220. The connector 2204 couples the tail element 2202 orthogonally to the corner portion 2206. The non-bow element 2210 couples the corner portion 2206 to the corner portion 2212. The non-bow element 2210 includes an aperture 2208 through which a fastener can be inserted to secure the antenna 2200 to the housing of the core assembly (such as the cap 1832). The corner portion 2212 couples the non-bow element 2210 to the non-bow element 2214 at an angle in the range of approximately 90 degrees. The corner portion 2216 couples the non-bow element 2214 to the bow element 2218 at an approximately acute angle. The sizes of the various sub-elements of the antenna 2200 conform to the form factor of the core assembly and are variable to accommodate various configurations of the core assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the width of each sub-element is within the range of approximately 4 mm plus or minus approximately 0.1 mm, and the thickness of each sub-element is within the range of approximately 8 / 1000 to 10 / 1000 of an inch.

[0184] Each finger 2234, 2238 essentially corresponds to a different antenna having a different length. A first length extending from the end of finger 2234 to the end of tail element 2202 defines a first length, which is configured to achieve a first set of frequency and resonant performance requirements. A second length extending from the end of finger 2238 to the end of bow element 2230 defines a second length, which is configured to achieve a second set of frequency and resonant performance requirements. Generally, varying the width, thickness, or length of any element of antenna 2200 can alter RF performance or adapt the antenna to different frequency bands.

[0185] 4. Example Agricultural Intelligent Computer System

[0186] 4.1 Structural Overview

[0187] Figure 23 An example computer system configured to perform the functions described herein is shown in a field environment along with other devices with which the system can interoperate. In one embodiment, a user 2302 owns, operates, or controls a field manager computing device 2304 in or associated with a field location, such as a field intended for agricultural activities or a management location for one or more agricultural fields. Field manager computing device 2304 is programmed or configured to provide field data 2306 to an agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 via one or more networks 2309.

[0188] Examples of field data 2306 include (a) identification data (e.g., number of acres, field name, field identifier, geographic identifier, boundary identifier, crop identifier, and any other suitable data that can be used to identify farm land, such as common land units (CLUs), lot and plot numbers, parcel numbers, geographic coordinates and boundaries, farm serial number (FSN), farm number, zone number, field number, region, township, and / or range), (b) harvest data (e.g., crop type, crop variety, crop rotation, whether the crop is grown organically, harvest date, actual production history (APH), expected yield, yield, crop price, crop income, grain moisture, tillage practices, and previous growing season information), (c) soil data (e.g., type, composition, pH, organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC)), (d) planting data (e.g., planting date, seed type(s), relative maturity (RM) of the seed(s) planted, seed population), (e) fertilizer data (e.g., nutrient type (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), application type, application date, amount, source, method), (f) chemical application data (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, other substances or mixtures of substances intended for use as plant regulators, defoliants, or desiccants, application date, amount, source, method), (g) irrigation data (e.g., application date, amount, source, method), (h) weather data (e.g., precipitation, rainfall rate, predicted rainfall, water runoff rate area, temperature, wind, forecast, pressure, visibility, clouds, heat index, dew point, humidity, snow depth, air quality, sunrise, sunset), (i) imagery data (e.g., imagery and spectral information from vehicle or agricultural device sensors, cameras, computers, smartphones, tablets, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, or satellites; (j) reconnaissance observations (photographs, videos, free-form annotations, voice recordings, voice transcriptions, weather conditions (temperature, precipitation (current and long-term), soil moisture, crop growth stage, wind speed, relative humidity, dew point, black layer)), and (k) soil, seed, crop phenology, pest and disease reports, and forecast sources and databases.

[0189] Data server computer 2308 is communicatively coupled to agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 and is programmed or configured to transmit external data 2310 to agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 via network(s) 2309. External data server computer 2308 may be owned or operated by the same legal person or entity as agricultural intelligence computer system 2330, or by a different person or entity, such as a government agency, non-governmental organization (NGO), and / or private data service provider. Examples of external data include weather data, image data, soil data, or statistics related to crop yields. External data 2310 may consist of the same type of information as field data 2306. In some embodiments, external data 2310 is provided by external data server 2308 owned by the same entity that owns and / or operates agricultural intelligence computer system 2330. For example, agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 may include a data server specifically focused on data types that may otherwise be obtained from third-party sources, such as weather data. In some embodiments, external data server 2308 may be incorporated into system 2330.

[0190] Agricultural device 2311 may have one or more remote sensors 2312 affixed thereto. These sensors are communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 via agricultural device 2311 and are programmed or configured to transmit sensor data to agricultural intelligence computer system 2330. Examples of agricultural device 2311 include tractors, combines, harvesters, planters, trucks, fertilizer applicators, aerial vehicles including unmanned aerial vehicles, and any other physical machinery or hardware that is generally mobile and can be used for tasks associated with agriculture. In some embodiments, a single unit of device 2311 may include multiple sensors 2312 locally coupled to a network on the device; a controller area network (CAN) is an example of such a network that can be installed in combines, harvesters, sprayers, and cultivators. Application controller 2314 is communicatively coupled to agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 via network(s) 2309 and is programmed or configured to receive one or more scripts from agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 that are used to control the operating parameters of agricultural vehicles or implements. For example, a controller area network (CAN) bus interface can be used to support communication from agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 to agricultural device 2311, such as how any of the disclosed embodiments of wireless drive units are used, including but not limited to wireless drive unit 114, wireless drive unit 1800, and / or CLIMATE FIELDVIEW DRIVE available from CLIMATE, Inc. of San Francisco, California. Sensor data can consist of the same types of information as field data 2306. In some embodiments, remote sensor 2312 may not be fixed to agricultural device 2311, but rather may be located remotely in the field and may communicate with network 2309.

[0191] The apparatus 2311 may include a cab computer 2315 programmed with a cab application, which may include a version or variation of the mobile application for the device 2304, which is further described in other sections herein. In one embodiment, the cab computer 2315 comprises a compact computer, typically a tablet-sized computer or smartphone, with a graphical screen display (such as a color display) mounted in the operator's cab of the apparatus 2311. The cab computer 2315 may implement some or all of the operations and functions further described herein for the mobile computer device 2304.

[0192] The network(s) 2309 broadly represent any combination of one or more data communication networks including a local area network, a wide area network, an interconnected network, or the Internet, using any of wired or wireless links including terrestrial links or satellite links. The network(s) may be provided by Figure 23 The data exchange between the various elements can be achieved by any medium or mechanism. Figure 23 The various elements of the system may also have direct (wired or wireless) communication links. Sensors 2312, controllers 2314, external data server computers 2308, and other elements of the system each include an interface compatible with network(s) 2309 and are programmed or configured to communicate across the network using standardized protocols such as TCP / IP, Bluetooth, CAN protocols, and higher layer protocols such as HTTP, TLS, etc.

[0193] The agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 is programmed or configured to receive field data 2306 from the field manager computing device 2304, external data 2310 from the external data server computer 2308, and sensor data from the remote sensors 2312. The agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 may also be configured to host, use, or execute one or more computer programs, other software elements, digitally programmed logic (such as an FPGA or ASIC), or any combination thereof, to perform conversion and storage of data values, construction of digital models of one or more crops on one or more fields, generation of recommendations and notifications, and generation of scripts and sending of scripts to the application controller 2314 in the manner further described in other sections of this disclosure.

[0194] In one embodiment, the agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 is programmed to have or include a communication layer 2332, a presentation layer 2334, a data management layer 2340, a hardware / virtualization layer 2350, and a model and field data repository 2360. In this context, "layer" refers to any combination of electronic digital interface circuitry, microcontrollers, firmware such as drivers, and / or computer programs or other software elements.

[0195] The communication layer 2332 can be programmed or configured to perform input / output interface functions, including sending requests for field data, external data, and sensor data, respectively, to the field manager computing device 2304, the external data server computer 2308, and the remote sensors 2312. The communication layer 2332 can be programmed or configured to send received data to the model and field data repository 2360 for storage as field data 2306.

[0196] The presentation layer 2334 may be programmed or configured to generate a graphical user interface (GUI) to be displayed on the field manager computing device 2304, the cab computer 2315, or other computer coupled to the system 2330 via the network 2309. The GUI may include controls for inputting data to be sent to the agricultural intelligence computer system 2330, generating requests for models and / or recommendations, and / or displaying recommendations, notifications, models, and other field data.

[0197] The data management layer 2340 can be programmed or configured to manage read and write operations involving the repository 2360 and other functional elements of the system, including queries and result sets transmitted between the functional elements of the system and the repository. Examples of the data management layer 2340 include JDBC, SQL server interface code and / or HADOOP interface code, etc. The repository 2360 may include a database. As used herein, the term "database" may refer to a body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or both. As used herein, a database may include any collection of data, including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object-oriented databases, distributed databases, and any other structured collection of records or data stored in a computer system. Examples of an RDBMS include, but are not limited to MYSQL, DB2, SQL SERVER, and POSTGRESQL databases. However, any database that supports the systems and methods described herein may be used.

[0198] When field data 2306 is not provided directly to the agricultural intelligent computer system via one or more agricultural machines or agricultural machine devices that interact with the agricultural intelligent computer system, the user can be prompted to enter such information via one or more user interfaces on the user device (served by the agricultural intelligent computer system). In an example embodiment, the user can specify identification data by accessing a map on the user device (served by the agricultural intelligent computer system) and selecting a specific CLU that has been graphically shown on the map. In an alternative embodiment, the user 2302 can specify identification data by accessing a map on the user device (served by the agricultural intelligent computer system 2330) and drawing a field boundary on the map. Such CLU selection or map drawing represents a geographic identifier. In an alternative embodiment, the user can specify identification data by accessing field identification data from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency or other sources (provided in a shape file or similar format) via the user device, and provide such field identification data to the agricultural intelligent computer system.

[0199] In an exemplary embodiment, the agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 is programmed to generate and cause the display of a graphical user interface including a data manager for data entry. After one or more fields have been identified using the methods described above, the data manager can provide one or more graphical user interface widgets that, when selected, can identify changes to the fields, soils, crops, tillage, or nutrient practices. The data manager can include a timeline view, a spreadsheet view, and / or one or more editable programs.

[0200] The hardware / virtualization layer 2350 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs), memory controllers, and other devices, components, or elements of a computer system, such as volatile or nonvolatile memory, nonvolatile storage such as disks, and other devices, components, or elements of a computer system, such as a memory or nonvolatile memory, a nonvolatile storage device such as a disk, and a memory or nonvolatile storage device, such as a memory or nonvolatile storage device, in combination with, for example, a memory or nonvolatile storage device. Figure 4 I / O devices or interfaces as shown and described. Layer 2350 may also include programmed instructions configured to support virtualization, containerization, or other technologies.

[0201] For the purpose of illustrating a clear example, Figure 23 A limited number of instances of certain functional elements are shown. However, in other embodiments, there may be any number of such elements. For example, an embodiment may use thousands or millions of different mobile computing devices 2304 associated with different users. In addition, the system 2330 and / or the external data server computer 2308 may be implemented using two or more processors, cores, clusters, or instances of physical or virtual machines, configured in discrete locations or co-located with other elements in a data center, shared computing facility, or cloud computing facility.

[0202] 4.2. Application Overview

[0203] In one embodiment, implementation of the functions described herein using one or more computer programs or other software elements loaded into and executed using one or more general-purpose computers will result in the general-purpose computers being configured as specific machines or computers specifically adapted to perform the functions described herein. In addition, each of the flowcharts further described herein may, alone or in combination with the descriptions of the processes and functions described herein, serve as an algorithm, plan, or direction that can be used to program a computer or logic to implement the functions described. In other words, all prose text herein and all appended Figure 1 It is intended that, combined with the skill and knowledge of persons having a level of skill appropriate to such invention and disclosure, disclosure of an algorithm, plan or direction sufficient to allow the skilled person to program a computer to perform the functions described herein be provided.

[0204] In one embodiment, user 2302 interacts with agricultural intelligence computer system 2330 using a field manager computing device 2304 configured with an operating system and one or more application programs or apps. Field manager computing device 2304 can also independently and automatically interoperate with the agricultural intelligence computer system under program control or logic control, and does not always require direct user interaction. Field manager computing device 2304 broadly represents one or more of a smartphone, PDA, tablet computing device, laptop computer, desktop computer, workstation, or any other computing device capable of transmitting and receiving information and performing the functions described herein. Field manager computing device 2304 can communicate via a network using mobile applications stored on field manager computing device 2304, and in some embodiments, the device can be coupled to sensors 2312 and / or controllers 2314 using cables 2313 or connectors. User 2302 can own, operate, or otherwise control and use more than one field manager computing device 2304 at a time in conjunction with system 2330.

[0205] The mobile application can provide client-side functionality to one or more mobile computing devices via a network. In one example embodiment, the field manager computing device 2304 can access the mobile application via a web browser or a local client application or app. The field manager computing device 2304 can transmit and receive data to and from one or more front-end servers using network-based protocols or formats (such as HTTP, XML, and / or JSON) or app-specific protocols. In one example embodiment, the data can take the form of requests to the mobile computing device and user information input (such as field data). In some embodiments, the mobile application interacts with location tracking hardware and software on the field manager computing device 2304, which uses standard tracking technologies such as multilateration using radio signals, the Global Positioning System (GPS), Wi-Fi positioning systems, or other mobile location methods to determine the location of the field manager computing device 2304. In some cases, location data or other data associated with the device 2304, the user 2302, and / or the user account(s) can be obtained by querying the device's operating system or requesting an app on the device to obtain data from the operating system.

[0206] In one embodiment, field manager computing device 2304 transmits field data 2306 to agricultural intelligence computer system 2330. Field data 2306 includes or contains, but is not limited to, data values ​​representing one or more of the following: geographic location of one or more fields, farming information for one or more fields, crops grown in one or more fields, and soil data extracted from one or more fields. Field manager computing device 2304 may transmit field data 2306 in response to user input from user 2302, where user input 2302 specifies data values ​​for one or more fields. Additionally, field manager computing device 2304 may automatically transmit field data 2306 when one or more of the data values ​​become available to field manager computing device 2304. For example, field manager computing device 2304 may be communicatively coupled to remote sensors 2312 and / or application controllers 2314, including irrigation sensors and / or irrigation controllers. In response to receiving data instructing the application controller 2314 to release water onto one or more fields, the field manager computing device 2304 can send field data 2306 indicating that water has been released onto the one or more fields to the agricultural intelligence computer system 2330. The field data 2306 identified in this disclosure can be input and transmitted using electronic digital data that is transmitted between computing devices using parameterized URLs over HTTP or another suitable communication or messaging protocol.

[0207] A commercial example of a mobile application is CLIMATE FIELDVIEW, commercially available from CLIMATE, Inc. of San Francisco, California. The CLIMATE FIELDVIEW application or other applications may be modified, expanded, or adapted to include features, functionality, and programming that have not been disclosed prior to the filing date of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the mobile application includes an integrated software platform that allows growers to make fact-based decisions about their operations because the platform combines historical data about the grower's fields with any other data the grower wishes to compare. The combination and comparison can be performed in real time and based on a scientific model that provides potential scenarios to allow growers to make better, more informed decisions.

[0208] 4.3. Data Ingestion into Computer Systems

[0209] In one embodiment, the external data server computer 2308 stores external data 2310, including soil data representing the soil composition of one or more fields and weather data representing the temperature and precipitation of one or more fields. The weather data may include past and current weather data as well as forecasts for future weather data. In one embodiment, the external data server computer 2308 includes multiple servers hosted by different entities. For example, a first server may contain soil composition data, while a second server may contain weather data. In addition, the soil composition data may be stored on multiple servers. For example, one server may store data representing the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, while a second server may store data representing the percentage of organic matter (OM) in the soil.

[0210] In one embodiment, remote sensor 2312 includes one or more sensors that are programmed or configured to produce one or more observation results. Remote sensor 2312 can be an aerial sensor such as a satellite, a vehicle sensor, a planting equipment sensor, a tillage sensor, a fertilizer or pesticide application sensor, a harvester sensor, and any other device that can receive data from one or more fields. In one embodiment, application controller 2314 is programmed or configured to receive instructions from agricultural intelligent computer system 2330. Application controller 2314 can also be programmed or configured to control the operating parameters of agricultural vehicles or appliances. For example, application controller can be programmed or configured to control the operating parameters of vehicles (such as tractors), planting equipment, tillage equipment, fertilizer or pesticide equipment, harvester equipment or other farm appliances (such as water valves). Other embodiments can use any combination of sensors and controllers, the following are just selected examples.

[0211] System 2330 can ingest data in bulk from a large number of growers who have contributed data to a shared database system under the control of user 2302. This form of acquiring data can be referred to as "manual data ingestion" when one or more user-controlled computer operations are requested or triggered to acquire data for use by system 2330. For example, the CLIMATE FIELDVIEW application commercially available from CLIMATE, Inc. of San Francisco, California, can be operated to export data to system 2330 for storage in repository 2360.

[0212] For example, the seed monitor system can both control planter assembly components and obtain planting data, including signals from seed sensors via a signal harness that includes a CAN backbone and point-to-point connections for registration and / or diagnostics. The seed monitor system can be programmed or configured to display seed spacing, population, and other information to a user via the cab computer 2315 or other devices within the system 2330. Examples are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,738,243 and U.S. Patent Publication 20150094916, and this disclosure assumes knowledge of those other patent disclosures.

[0213] Likewise, the yield monitor system may include yield sensors for the harvester assembly that transmit yield measurement data to the cab computer 2315 or other equipment within the system 2330. The yield monitor system may utilize one or more remote sensors 2312 to obtain grain moisture measurements in the combine or other harvester and transmit these measurements to a user via the cab computer 2315 or other equipment within the system 2330.

[0214] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used with any mobile vehicle or device of the type described elsewhere herein include kinematic sensors and positioning sensors. Kinematic sensors can include any speed sensor, such as a radar or wheel speed sensor, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope. Positioning sensors can include a GPS receiver or transceiver, or a WiFi-based positioning or mapping app programmed to determine location based on nearby WiFi hotspots, and the like.

[0215] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used with a tractor or other mobile vehicle include an engine speed sensor, a fuel consumption sensor, an area counter or distance counter that interacts with GPS or radar signals, a PTO (power take-off) speed sensor, a tractor hydraulic sensor configured to detect hydraulic parameters (such as pressure or flow) and / or hydraulic pump speed, a wheel speed sensor, or a wheel slip sensor. In one embodiment, examples of controllers 2314 that can be used with a tractor include: a hydraulic directional controller, a pressure controller, and / or a flow controller; a hydraulic pump speed controller; a speed controller or governor; a hitch alignment controller; or a wheel alignment controller that provides automatic steering.

[0216] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used with seed planting equipment such as a planter, seed drill, or air seeder include: a seed sensor, which can be an optical, electromagnetic, or impact sensor; a downforce sensor, such as a load pin, load sensor, pressure sensor; a soil property sensor, such as a reflectivity sensor, a moisture sensor, a conductivity sensor, an optical residue sensor, or a temperature sensor; a component operation standard sensor, such as a planting depth sensor, a downforce cylinder pressure sensor, a seed tray speed sensor, a seed drive motor encoder, a seed conveyor system speed sensor, or a vacuum sensor; or a pesticide application sensor, such as an optical or other electromagnetic sensor, or an impact sensor. In one embodiment, examples of controllers 2314 that may be used with such seed planting equipment include: a toolbar fold controller, such as a controller for a valve associated with a hydraulic cylinder; a down force controller, such as a controller for a valve associated with a pneumatic cylinder, an airbag, or a hydraulic cylinder, programmed to apply down force to individual row units or the entire planter frame; a planting depth controller, such as a linear actuator; a metering controller, such as an electric seed meter drive motor, a hydraulic seed meter drive motor, or a swath control clutch; a hybrid selection controller, such as a seed meter drive motor, or programmed to selectively allow or prevent seed or air seed mixture from being delivered to or from a seed meter or a central bulk hopper; a metering controller, such as an electric seed meter drive motor or a hydraulic seed meter drive motor; a seed conveyor system controller, such as a controller for a belt seed delivery conveyor motor; a marking controller, such as a controller for a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator; or a pesticide application rate controller, such as a metering drive controller, an orifice size, or a positioning controller.

[0217] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used with tillage equipment include: a positioning sensor for an implement, such as a handle or disk; an implement positioning sensor for such an implement, the positioning sensor configured to detect depth, rake group angle, or lateral spacing; a downforce sensor; or a traction force sensor. In one embodiment, examples of controllers 2314 that can be used with tillage equipment include a downforce controller or an implement positioning controller, such as a controller configured to control implement depth, rake group angle, or lateral spacing.

[0218] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used in association with a device for applying fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, etc. (such as a fertilizer system on a planter, a subsoil fertilizer applicator, or a fertilizer sprayer) include: fluid system standard sensors, such as flow sensors or pressure sensors; sensors that indicate which sprinkler valves or fluid line valves are open; tank-associated sensors, such as level sensors; segment or system-wide supply line sensors, or row-specific supply line sensors; or kinematic sensors, such as accelerometers placed on the sprayer boom. In one embodiment, examples of controllers 2314 that can be used with such a device include: pump speed controllers; valve controllers programmed to control pressure, flow, direction, pulse width modulation (PWM), etc.; or positioning actuators, such as for boom height, subsoil depth, or boom positioning.

[0219] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used with a harvester include: yield monitors such as impact plate strain gauges or position sensors, capacitive flow sensors, load sensors, weight sensors, or torque sensors associated with an elevator or auger, or optical or other electromagnetic grain height sensors; grain moisture sensors such as capacitive sensors; grain loss sensors including impact, optical, or capacitive sensors; header operation standard sensors such as header height sensors, header type sensors, deck clearance sensors, feeder speed, and reel speed sensors; separator operation standard sensors such as concave plate clearance, rotor speed, brake shoe clearance, or chaff screen clearance sensors; auger sensors for position, operation, or speed; or engine speed sensors. In one embodiment, examples of controllers 2314 that can be used with a harvester include: header operation standard controllers for elements such as header height, header type, deck clearance, feeder speed, or reel speed; separator operation standard controllers for features such as concave plate clearance, rotor speed, brake shoe clearance, or chaff screen clearance; or auger controllers for position, operation, or speed.

[0220] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 that can be used with a grain cart include weight sensors, or sensors for auger positioning, operation, or speed. In one embodiment, examples of controllers 2314 that can be used with a grain cart include controllers for auger positioning, operation, or speed.

[0221] In one embodiment, examples of sensors 2312 and controllers 2314 may be installed in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) device or "drone." Such sensors may include a camera with a detector that is effective in any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet light, near infrared (NIR), etc.; an accelerometer; an altimeter; a temperature sensor; a humidity sensor; a pitot tube sensor or other airspeed or wind speed sensor; a battery life sensor; or a radar transmitter and a device that detects reflected radar energy; or other electromagnetic radiation transmitters and devices that detect reflected electromagnetic radiation. Such controllers may include guidance or motor control devices, control surface controllers, camera controllers, or controllers programmed to activate, operate, obtain data from, manage, and configure any of the aforementioned sensors. Examples are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,992,405, and this disclosure assumes knowledge of the other patent disclosures.

[0222] In one embodiment, the sensor 2312 and the controller 2314 can be attached to a soil sampling and measuring device that is configured or programmed to sample soil and perform soil chemical tests, soil moisture tests, and other soil-related tests. For example, the devices disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,767,194 and 8,712,148 can be used, and this disclosure assumes knowledge of those patent disclosures.

[0223] In one embodiment, the sensor 2312 and the controller 2314 may include a weather device for monitoring weather conditions of the field. For example, the apparatus disclosed in International Publication No. WO2016 / 176355 may be used, and this disclosure assumes knowledge of those patent disclosures.

[0224] 5. Implementation Example—Hardware Overview

[0225] According to one embodiment, the technology described herein is implemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Special-purpose computing devices can be hard-wired to perform these technologies, or can include digital electronic devices, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are permanently programmed to perform these technologies, or can include one or more general-purpose hardware processors that are programmed to perform these technologies according to program instructions with firmware, memory, other storage devices, or a combination. Such special-purpose computing devices can also combine customized hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with customized programming to achieve these technologies. Special-purpose computing devices can be desktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices, networked devices, or any other devices that incorporate hard-wiring and / or program logic to implement these technologies.

[0226] For example, Figure 24 2 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 2400 on which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Computer system 2400 includes a bus 2402 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor 2404 coupled with bus 2402 for processing information. Hardware processor 2404 may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor.

[0227] The computer system 2400 also includes a main memory 2406, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 2402 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 2404. The main memory 2406 may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 2404. Such instructions, when stored in a non-transitory storage medium accessible to the processor 2404, render the computer system 2400 into a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0228] Computer system 2400 also includes a read-only memory (ROM) 2408 or other static storage device coupled to bus 2402 for storing static information and instructions for processor 2404. A storage device 2410, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive, is provided and coupled to bus 2402 for storing information and instructions.

[0229] The computer system 2400 may be coupled via bus 2402 to a display 2412, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 2414, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 2402 for communicating information and command selections to processor 2404. Another type of user input device is a cursor control 2416, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 2404 and for controlling cursor movement on display 2412. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), which allows the device to be positioned in a specified plane.

[0230] Computer system 2400 can implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic that, in combination with the computer system, makes computer system 2400 a special-purpose machine or programs computer system 2400 to be a special-purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 2400 in response to processor 2404 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 2406. Such instructions can be read into main memory 2406 from another storage medium, such as storage device 2410. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 2406 causes processor 2404 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry can be used in place of software instructions or in combination with software instructions.

[0231] As used herein, the term "storage medium" refers to any non-transient medium that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific manner. Such storage media can include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, or solid-state drives, such as storage device 2410. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 2406. Common forms of storage media include, for example, floppy disks, disks, hard disks, solid-state drives, magnetic tape or any other magnetic data storage medium, CD-ROMs, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROM and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip, or cassette tape.

[0232] Storage media are distinct from transmission media, but can be used in conjunction with them. Transmission media participate in the transfer of information between storage media. For example, transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fiber, including the wires that comprise bus 2402. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0233] Various forms of media can be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor 2404 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a disk or solid-state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 2400 can receive the data on the telephone line and convert the data into an infrared signal using an infrared transmitter. An infrared detector can receive the data carried in the infrared signal, and appropriate circuitry can place the data on the bus 2402. The bus 2402 carries the data to the main memory 2406, from which the processor 2404 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the main memory 2406 can optionally be stored on the storage device 2410 before or after execution by the processor 2404.

[0234] Computer system 2400 also includes a communication interface 2418 coupled to bus 2402. Communication interface 2418 provides two-way data communication coupled to network link 2420, which is connected to local area network 2422. For example, communication interface 2418 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem that provides a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 2418 can be a local area network (LAN) card that provides a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. A wireless link can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 2418 sends and receives electrical signals, electromagnetic signals, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0235] The network link 2420 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link 2420 can provide a connection through the local network 2422 to a host computer 2424 or to data equipment operated by an Internet service provider (ISP) 2426. The ISP 2426, in turn, provides data communication services through the global packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet" 2428. Both the local network 2422 and the Internet 2428 use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link 2420 and through the communication interface 2418 are example forms of transmission media that carry the digital data to and from the computer system 2400.

[0236] Computer system 2400 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through network(s), network link 2420, and communication interface 2418. In the Internet example, server 2430 can transmit the requested code for the application program through Internet 2428, ISP 2426, local network 2422, and communication interface 2418.

[0237] The received code may be executed by processor 2404 as it is received and / or stored in storage device 2410 or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0238] 6.0. Additional Examples

[0239] Illustrative examples of the techniques disclosed herein are provided below. Implementations of these techniques may include any example or combination of the following.

[0240] Example 1 includes an apparatus for storing and wirelessly transmitting data between an agricultural implement and a computing device, the apparatus comprising: a non-conductive housing; a thermally and electrically conductive housing; a first interior area defined by the non-conductive housing and a first side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing; a connector subassembly; a second interior area defined by a second side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing and the connector subassembly; an antenna located in the first interior area; a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna and located in the first interior area; at least a second integrated circuit located in the second interior area; at least one grounding clip coupled to the connector subassembly, the second integrated circuit, and the thermally and electrically conductive housing; at least one mating connector coupled to the connector subassembly and arranged to communicatively couple with at least one connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement; and a memory coupled to the second integrated circuit and programmed to at least temporarily store digital data received via at least one connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement, or from the agricultural implement or computing device via the antenna.

[0241] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the antenna comprises at least two coplanar finger elements and a tail element orthogonal to the at least two coplanar finger elements, each finger element coupled to a first integrated circuit and capable of transmitting and receiving signals at different radio frequencies. Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the antenna comprises at least two arcuate elements coupled to at least one non-arcuate element, wherein the at least two arcuate elements and the at least one non-arcuate element are coplanar. Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the at least two arcuate elements are concentrically arranged. Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the antenna comprises a first arcuate element, a second arcuate element, and an angled element, wherein the angled element couples the first arcuate element to the second arcuate element at an angle less than or equal to ninety degrees; the first arcuate element, the second arcuate element, and the angled element are coplanar. Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the antenna comprises at least two finger elements, a tail element, and a bow element, each finger element coupled to a first integrated circuit and capable of transmitting and receiving signals at a different radio frequency, the bow element being located between the at least two finger elements and the tail element; the tail element being orthogonal to both the at least two finger elements and the bow element; and the bow element being non-coplanar with the at least two finger elements. Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-6, wherein at least one ground clip comprises: a first wall orthogonal to the first integrated circuit, a second wall orthogonal to a first end of the first wall, a contact coupled to the second wall, and a finger coupled to the second end of the first wall. Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the finger is electrically coupled to the thermally and electrically conductive housing, and the contact is electrically coupled to a ground terminal of the first integrated circuit. Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the at least one ground clip comprises one of a plurality of ground clips concentrically arranged around a perimeter of the connector subassembly. Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the first integrated circuit includes a circuit device for wireless data communication via an antenna; the thermally and electrically conductive housing includes a metal chassis that serves as both a ground plane and a heat sink for the circuit device and the antenna. Example 11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the first side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing includes a concave edge that is adjacent to, but not in contact with, the tail element of the antenna. Example 12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the connector subassembly includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, at least one ground clip coupled to the first side, and at least one mating connector coupled to the second side. Example 13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the at least one mating connector includes at least one female connector, the at least one female connector adapted to receive at least one male connector of at least one connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement, or at least one male connector of an adapter. Example 14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-13, further comprising a plurality of pins extending from the first side of the connector subassembly and electrically coupled to the second integrated circuit.Example 15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-14, further comprising a cooling element in the connector subassembly, the cooling element comprising at least one of a fan or a heat pipe and at least one fluid inlet. Example 16 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-15, further comprising an adapter assembly, the adapter assembly comprising a first connector subassembly, a second connector subassembly, and at least one serial communication interface, the first connector subassembly being configured to mate with at least one mating connector, the second connector subassembly being configured to mate with at least one connector of a vehicle or agricultural implement, the at least one serial communication interface being configured to receive a first end of a cable having a second end that includes at least one coupler configured to couple to a display monitor or computing device. Example 17 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-16, the at least one serial communication interface comprising at least one circular trace configured to mate with at least one pin of the first end of the cable. Example 18 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-17, the first end of the cable comprising an arcuate member or a circular member configured to engage with the at least one serial communication interface. Example 19 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-18, the apparatus being programmed to at least temporarily store in a memory at least one of: a script for controlling operating parameters of an agricultural implement, or digital communications received from an agricultural intelligence system, or digital data received from at least one sensor coupled to the agricultural implement, or digital data received from at least one field sensor.

[0242] In Example 20, a device for storing and transferring data between a vehicle or agricultural implement and a computing device includes: a non-conductive housing; an antenna coupled to the non-conductive housing; a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna; a thermally and electrically conductive housing coupled to the first integrated circuit; at least one grounding clip coupled to the thermally and electrically conductive housing; at least one second integrated circuit coupled to the at least one grounding clip; a memory coupled to the second integrated circuit and arranged to at least temporarily store digital communications between the agricultural implement and the computing device; and a connector communicatively coupled to the memory and arranged to mate with a connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement; wherein the thermally and electrically conductive housing is disposed between the first integrated circuit and the at least one second integrated circuit to electromagnetically isolate the first integrated circuit from the second integrated circuit.

[0243] In Example 21, a method includes a wireless control unit: wirelessly receiving data from an agricultural intelligent computer system via an antenna disposed in a first internal portion of the wireless control unit; storing the data in a memory located in a second internal portion of the wireless control unit that is electromagnetically isolated from the first internal portion; and transmitting the data from the memory to an agricultural implement via an alignment, twisting, and locking coupling mechanism of an external portion of the wireless control unit for display on a display device of the agricultural implement.

[0244] In Example 22, an apparatus includes a wireless drive unit as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying drawings and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification. In Example 23, an apparatus includes: a thermally and electrically conductive housing for a wireless drive unit, the housing secured to a non-conductive cap that allows radio frequency radiation to enter an antenna within the cap, as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying drawings and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification. In Example 24, an apparatus includes an antenna as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying drawings and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification. In Example 25, an apparatus includes a multi-band radio frequency antenna apparatus as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying drawings and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification. In Example 26, an apparatus includes a grounding clamp as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying drawings and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification. In Example 27, an apparatus includes a rotatable housing for a wireless drive unit, including a plurality of spaced-apart roller contacts, each roller contact in rolling contact with a corresponding plurality of circular circuit traces of a circuit board, as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying drawings and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification. In Example 28, an apparatus includes a rotatable housing for a wireless drive unit, including a plurality of spaced-apart roller contacts, each roller contact in rolling contact with a corresponding plurality of circular circuit traces of a circuit board, the roller contacts in a roller contact housing electrically coupled to a fixed joint via a coiled extendable cable, as shown and described in any one or more of the accompanying figures and / or any one or more paragraphs of the specification.

[0245] Example 29 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 22-28, further comprising: a circuit arrangement that enables the wireless drive unit to communicate wirelessly with the portable computing device and directly with the circuit arrangement of the farm equipment; and a protective connector having a core component structure, mating pins, and a mating coupling structure, wherein the circuit arrangement is mounted within the core component structure, wherein the mating coupling structure substantially encloses the core component structure and mates with the connector of the farm equipment such that the mating pins of the protective connector are electrically coupled to the pins of the connector of the farm equipment, and wherein the mating coupling structure is mechanically free to move relative to the core component structure such that force applied to the mating coupling structure to mate the protective connector with the connector of the farm equipment is not applied to the circuit arrangement within the core component structure.

[0246] Example 30 includes the apparatus of Example 29, wherein the core component structure comprises: an end cap; a circuit device housing; and a circuit device mounting and mating connector, wherein the circuit device is mounted to the circuit device mounting and mating connector, wherein the mating pins are within the circuit device mounting and mating connector and electrically coupled to the circuit device, wherein the circuit device housing is mechanically coupled to the circuit device mounting and mating connector to substantially enclose the circuit device, and wherein the end cap is mechanically coupled to an end of the circuit device housing.

[0247] 7.0. Terminology and Other Aspects of the Disclosure

[0248] It should be noted that terms that may be used herein, such as bitstream, stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents), have been used interchangeably to describe any type of digital information whose content corresponds to any of a variety of desired types (e.g., data, video, voice, audio, etc., any of which may generally be referred to as "data").

[0249] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" provide industry-accepted tolerances for the correlation between their corresponding terms and / or items. Such industry-accepted tolerances range from less than one percent to fifty percent and correspond to, but are not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and / or thermal noise. Such correlations between items range from a few percentage points of difference to several orders of magnitude of difference. As may also be used herein, the terms "configured to," "operably coupled to," "coupled to," and / or "coupled to" include direct coupling between items and / or indirect coupling between items through intermediary items (e.g., items including, but not limited to, components, elements, circuits, and / or modules), wherein, for example, indirect coupling, the intermediary item does not modify the information of the signal, but can adjust its current level, voltage level, and / or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as "coupled to."

[0250] As may be further used herein, the terms "configured to," "operable to," "coupled to," or "operably coupled to" indicate that an item includes one or more of a power connection, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform its corresponding function(s) when activated, and may also include inferred coupling to one or more other items.

[0251] As may further be used herein, the term "associated with" includes direct and / or indirect coupling of separate items and / or embedding of one item into another item.

[0252] As used herein, the term "compares favorably" means that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that the amplitude of signal 1 is greater than the amplitude of signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the amplitude of signal 1 is greater than the amplitude of signal 2, or the amplitude of signal 2 is less than the amplitude of signal 1. As used herein, the term "compares unfavorably" means that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide a desired relationship.

[0253] As may also be used herein, the terms "processing module," "processing circuitry," "processor," and / or "processing unit" may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a central processing unit, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic device, a state machine, a logic circuit device, an analog circuit device, a digital circuit device, and / or any device that manipulates signals (analog and / or digital) based on hard coding of circuit devices and / or operating instructions. A processing module, module, processing circuit, and / or processing unit may be or also include a memory and / or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and / or an embedded circuit device of another processing module, module, processing circuit, and / or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, a random access memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a static memory, a dynamic memory, a flash memory, a cache memory, and / or any device that stores digital information. Note that if a processing module, module, processing circuitry, and / or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and / or wireless bus structure) or may be distributed (e.g., cloud computing indirectly coupled via a local area network and / or wide area network). Note further that if a processing module, module, processing circuitry, and / or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or logic circuitry, the memory and / or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within or external to the circuitry including the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or logic circuitry. Note also that the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuitry, and / or processing unit execute, hard-coded and / or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and / or functions illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings. Such a memory device or memory element may be included in an article of manufacture.

[0254] One or more embodiments have been described with the aid of method steps that illustrate the performance of specific functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries and sequences of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries and sequences may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are properly performed. Therefore, any such alternative boundaries or sequences are within the scope and spirit of the claims. Furthermore, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for ease of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as certain key functions are properly performed. Similarly, flowchart blocks may be arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain key functions.

[0255] To the extent used, the flowchart block boundaries and sequences can be defined in other ways and still perform certain significant functions. Such alternative definitions of functional building blocks and flowchart blocks and sequences are therefore within the scope and spirit of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks and other illustrative blocks, modules, and components herein can be implemented as shown or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0256] In addition, the flowchart may include "start" and / or "continue" instructions. The "start" and "continue" instructions reflect that the steps presented may optionally be incorporated into or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically shown. Furthermore, the "continue" instruction reflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and / or may be continued by other activities not specifically shown. Furthermore, although the flowchart indicates a specific order of steps, other orders are equally possible as long as the principle of causality is maintained.

[0257] One or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and / or one or more examples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, article, machine, and / or process may include one or more aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more embodiments discussed herein. In addition, embodiments may include the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. from figure to figure, and these functions, steps, modules, etc. may use the same or different reference numerals, and thus, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different functions, steps, modules, etc.

[0258] Although the transistors in the above(multiple) figures are shown as field effect transistors (FETs), one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any type of transistor structure may be used to implement the transistors, including but not limited to bipolar metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), N-well transistors, P-well transistors, enhancement mode, depletion mode, and zero voltage threshold (VT) transistors.

[0259] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the signals to, from, and / or between the elements in the figures of any figure presented herein can be analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-ended or differential. For example, if the signal path is shown as a single-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path. Similarly, if the signal path is shown as a differential path, it also represents a single-ended signal path. Although one or more specific architectures are described herein, other architectures of indirect coupling between other elements recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art using one or more data buses not clearly shown, direct connectivity between elements, and / or other elements can also be implemented.

[0260] The term "module" is used in the description of one or more embodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device such as a processor or other processing device or other hardware, which may include or operate in association with a memory storing operating instructions. A module may operate independently and / or in conjunction with software and / or firmware. As also used herein, a module may include one or more submodules, each of which may be one or more modules.

[0261] Although specific combinations of various functions and features of one or more embodiments have been explicitly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are also possible. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples disclosed herein and expressly encompasses these other combinations.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing and wirelessly transferring data between a vehicle or agricultural implement and a computing device, the apparatus comprising: non-conductive housing; Thermally and electrically conductive housing; a first interior region defined by the non-conductive housing and a first side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing; Connector subassembly; a second interior region defined by the second side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing and the connector subassembly; an antenna located in the first interior area; a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna and located in the first interior region; wherein the antenna comprises at least two coplanar finger elements and a tail element orthogonal to the at least two coplanar finger elements, each finger element being coupled to the first integrated circuit and capable of transmitting and receiving signals of different radio frequencies; at least a second integrated circuit located in the second interior region; at least one ground clip coupled to the connector subassembly, the second integrated circuit, and the thermally and electrically conductive housing; at least one mating connector coupled to the connector subassembly and arranged to communicatively couple with at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement; as well as A memory is coupled to the second integrated circuit and programmed to at least temporarily store digital data received via the at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement, or from the vehicle or agricultural implement or the computing device via the antenna.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the antenna comprising at least two arcuate elements coupled to at least one non-arcuate element, wherein the at least two arcuate elements and the at least one non-arcuate element are coplanar. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the at least two arcuate elements are concentrically arranged.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the antenna comprises a first bow element, a second bow element, and an angled element, wherein the angled element couples the first bow element to the second bow element at an angle less than or equal to ninety degrees; the first bow element, the second bow element, and the angled element are coplanar.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, the at least one ground clip comprising one of a plurality of ground clips concentrically arranged around a perimeter of the connector subassembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , the first integrated circuit comprising circuitry for wireless data communication via the antenna; the thermally and electrically conductive housing comprising a metal chassis that serves as both a ground plane and a heat sink for the circuitry and the antenna.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, the first side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing comprising a concave edge adjacent to but not contacting the tail element of the antenna.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, the connector subassembly comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the at least one ground clip coupled to the first side, and the at least one mating connector coupled to the second side.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one mating connector comprises at least one female connector adapted to receive at least one male connector of the at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement, or at least one male connector of an adapter.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of pins extending from the first side of the connector subassembly and electrically coupled to the second integrated circuit.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a cooling element in the connector subassembly, the cooling element comprising at least one of a fan or a heat pipe and at least one fluid inlet.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an adapter assembly comprising a first connector subassembly, a second connector subassembly, and at least one serial communication interface, wherein the first connector subassembly is configured to mate with the at least one mating connector, the second connector subassembly is configured to mate with the at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement, and the at least one serial communication interface is configured to receive a first end of a cable, the cable having a second end, the second end comprising at least one coupler configured to couple to a display monitor or a computing device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, the at least one serial communication interface comprising at least one circular trace configured to mate with at least one pin of the first end of the cable.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, the first end of the cable comprising an arcuate or circular member configured to engage the at least one serial communication interface.

15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is programmed to at least temporarily store in the memory at least one of: a script for controlling operating parameters of the vehicle or agricultural implement, or digital communications received from an agricultural intelligence system, or digital data received from at least one sensor coupled to the vehicle or agricultural implement, or digital data received from at least one field sensor.

16. An apparatus for storing and wirelessly transferring data between a vehicle or agricultural implement and a computing device, the apparatus comprising: non-conductive housing; Thermally and electrically conductive housing; a first interior region defined by the non-conductive housing and a first side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing; Connector subassembly; a second interior region defined by the second side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing and the connector subassembly; an antenna located in the first interior area; a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna and located in the first interior region; wherein the antenna comprises at least two finger elements, a tail element, and a bow element, each finger element is coupled to the first integrated circuit and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals of different radio frequencies, the bow element is located between the at least two finger elements and the tail element, the tail element is orthogonal to the at least two finger elements and the bow element, and the bow element is not coplanar with the at least two finger elements; at least a second integrated circuit located in the second interior region; at least one ground clip coupled to the connector subassembly, the second integrated circuit, and the thermally and electrically conductive housing; at least one mating connector coupled to the connector subassembly and arranged to communicatively couple with at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement; as well as A memory is coupled to the second integrated circuit and programmed to at least temporarily store digital data received via the at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement, or from the vehicle or agricultural implement or the computing device via the antenna.

17. An apparatus for storing and wirelessly transferring data between a vehicle or agricultural implement and a computing device, the apparatus comprising: non-conductive housing; Thermally and electrically conductive housing; a first interior region defined by the non-conductive housing and a first side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing; Connector subassembly; a second interior region defined by the second side of the thermally and electrically conductive housing and the connector subassembly; an antenna located in the first interior area; a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna and located in the first interior region; at least a second integrated circuit located in the second interior region; at least one grounding clip coupled to the connector subassembly, the second integrated circuit, and the thermally and electrically conductive housing, the at least one grounding clip comprising a first wall orthogonal to the first integrated circuit, a second wall orthogonal to a first end of the first wall, a contact coupled to the second wall, and a finger coupled to the second end of the first wall; at least one mating connector coupled to the connector subassembly and arranged to communicatively couple with at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement; as well as A memory is coupled to the second integrated circuit and programmed to at least temporarily store digital data received via the at least one connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement, or from the vehicle or agricultural implement or the computing device via the antenna.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, the finger electrically coupled to the thermally and electrically conductive housing, and the contact electrically coupled to a ground terminal of the first integrated circuit.

19. An apparatus for storing and transferring data between a vehicle or agricultural implement and a computing device, the apparatus comprising: non-conductive housing; an antenna coupled to the non-conductive housing; a first integrated circuit coupled to the antenna; a thermally and electrically conductive housing coupled to the first integrated circuit; at least one ground clip coupled to the thermally and electrically conductive housing, the at least one ground clip comprising a first wall orthogonal to the first integrated circuit, a second wall orthogonal to a first end of the first wall, a contact coupled to the second wall, and a finger coupled to the second end of the first wall; at least one second integrated circuit coupled to the at least one ground clip; a memory coupled to the second integrated circuit and arranged to at least temporarily store digital communications between the agricultural implement and the computing device; as well as a connector communicatively coupled to the memory and arranged to mate with a connector of the vehicle or the agricultural implement; The thermally and electrically conductive housing is disposed between the first integrated circuit and the at least one second integrated circuit to electromagnetically isolate the first integrated circuit from the second integrated circuit.

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