Destination-specific product labels

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the use of products subject to regulatory approval, such as crop protection products, plant strengtheners, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives. The systems, methods, computer programs, and supporting kits disclosed herein relate to generating destination-specific product labels for the application of such products to target areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the use of products subject to regulatory approval, such as crop protection products, plant strengtheners, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives. The systems, methods, computer programs, and kits disclosed herein relate to generating destination-specific product labels for the application of such products to target areas. Background Technology

[0002] Crop protection products play a vital role in modern agriculture, helping to manage pests, diseases, and weeds that can threaten crop yield and quality. These products encompass a wide range of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemical or biological agents designed to protect crops and / or improve agricultural productivity.

[0003] In contemporary agriculture, the use of crop protection products is guided by stringent regulations, evolving scientific research, and a growing emphasis on sustainable and integrated pest management practices. Farmers and agricultural professionals rely on these products to maintain crop health and ensure food security, while also prioritizing environmental management and human health.

[0004] In many countries, crop protection products must be approved before they can be used. The approval process for crop protection products typically involves rigorous evaluation by regulatory agencies to ensure that these products are safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable.

[0005] This process typically includes the following steps:

[0006] Product Development and Testing: Manufacturers develop new crop protection products and conduct extensive research and testing to demonstrate their efficacy, safety, and environmental impact. This includes studies on product effectiveness (e.g., in controlling pests, weeds, or diseases) and assessments of potential risks to human health and the environment.

[0007] Regulatory Submissions: Once the product development and testing phases are complete, manufacturers submit comprehensive documentation to regulatory agencies. This documentation includes detailed scientific data on the product's ingredients, toxicity, environmental fate, and efficacy.

[0008] Review and Assessment: Regulatory agencies conduct a thorough review of the submitted data to assess the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of crop protection products. This assessment involves expert analysis of scientific research, risk assessment, and consideration of the potential benefits and risks associated with product use.

[0009] Risk assessment: Regulatory authorities conduct risk assessments to determine whether the potential benefits of crop protection products (such as increased crop yields and / or pest control) outweigh any identified risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment.

[0010] Labelling: If a product is found to meet regulatory standards, the regulatory agency approves the crop protection product for specific uses and conditions. This approval includes establishing usage guidelines, safety precautions, and environmental protection measures, which are communicated through the product label.

[0011] Such regulatory approvals are required not only for crop protection products, but also for other products used in agriculture, forestry, ranch management, aquaculture and / or other / additional economic activities, such as plant tonics, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, soil additives, etc.

[0012] The product label is universal, meaning it applies to every target area (e.g., farmland), regardless of the conditions there. In other words, the regulations governing the application of crop protection products are the same for all agricultural land, even if the land is located in different places and has different characteristics.

[0013] Furthermore, product labels are static, meaning they cannot be easily altered. Changes to product labels require new evaluation and approval.

[0014] Product labels are typically designed to minimize the risk of damage when the product is applied to the target area, even under the most adverse conditions. Therefore, the product's potential is often not fully realized. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This disclosure addresses these and further issues. This disclosure provides destination-specific product labeling, offering instructions for processing products tailored to individual conditions in a target region.

[0016] Therefore, in a first aspect, this disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for generating destination-specific product labels, the method comprising the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate destination-specific product labels for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0017] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a computer system comprising: Processing unit; and A storage medium storing a computer program configured to perform an operation when executed by a processing unit, the operation including the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate destination-specific product labels for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0018] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a non-transient computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processing unit of a computer system, causes the computer system to perform the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate destination-specific product labels for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0019] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a kit that includes crop protection products and a computer program that enables a computer system to perform the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate destination-specific product labels for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are found in the dependent claims, this specification, and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 Exemplary and illustrative embodiments of a computer-implemented method for generating destination-specific product labels are shown in flowchart form.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic example of a destination-specific product label is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 Exemplary and schematic computer systems and network architectures for generating destination-specific product labels are shown.

[0024] Figure 4 An exemplary and illustrative computer system for generating destination-specific product labels is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The subject matter of this disclosure will be explained in more detail below, without distinguishing between the various subjects (methods, computer systems, storage media, supporting kits). Instead, the following explanation is intended to be applied by analogy to all subjects, regardless of the context in which they appear (methods, computer systems, storage media, supporting kits).

[0026] When the order of steps is stated in this specification or claims, it does not necessarily mean that this disclosure is limited to the stated order. Rather, it is contemplated that the steps may be performed in a different order, or in parallel with each other, unless one step builds upon another, such that the step building upon the previous step must be performed immediately thereafter (but this will become apparent in individual cases). Therefore, the stated order constitutes an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] The following description will more fully illustrate some implementations of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, implementations of this disclosure. In fact, various implementations of this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided to make this disclosure exhaustive and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one”. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “one” or similar language is used when only one item is intended. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “has / have / having,” etc., are intended to be open-ended terms. Additionally, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless otherwise clearly stated. The term “A or B” may have the following meanings: “A,” “B,” and “A and B.”

[0030] This disclosure relates in particular to a destination-specific product label for applying a product in a target area.

[0031] This product is subject to regulatory approval, meaning it can only be used after regulatory approval is granted, within the validity period of the approval, and / or under the conditions and / or areas permitted by the approval.

[0032] Products are typically approved by regulatory agencies or departments in each country. For example, in the European Union, the approval of crop protection products is handled by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for approving crop protection products. Each country has its own regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the approval and regulation of products to ensure their safety and efficacy.

[0033] This product can be a crop protection product, plant strengthener, plant growth regulator, biostimulant, soil additive, and / or any other product used in agriculture, forestry, ranching, aquaculture, and / or other / additional economic activities. The product may also contain different substances with different functions, such as crop protection products as well as nutrients and / or biostimulants. The product may also contain several substances that perform the same or similar tasks, such as different crop protection products. The product may also contain other substances or be used in combination with substances that do not require regulatory approval (e.g., fertilizers).

[0034] The term "crop protection product" should be understood to mean a product that protects crops and / or crop products from pests and / or prevents their impact and / or damage to unwanted plants (e.g., weeds) and / or plant parts. Examples of crop protection products are herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides (e.g., insecticides, nematicides, molluscicides, etc.).

[0035] "Plant tonics" are products or substances used to enhance the overall health, resilience, and / or vitality of plants. These products are designed to improve a plant's ability to resist environmental stresses such as drought, disease, and / or pests, and / or promote better growth and development. Plant tonics can contain a variety of compounds, such as natural extracts, vitamins, minerals, or other bioactive substances, designed to enhance a plant's natural defense mechanisms and metabolic processes.

[0036] Plant growth regulators are substances or microbial-based products used to alter and / or control plant growth and development. Growth regulators can be natural or synthetic and are commonly used to increase crop yield, improve fruit quality, regulate plant height, stimulate root growth, and / or control flowering. Growth regulators can affect various physiological processes in plants, such as cell division, elongation, and / or differentiation, ultimately influencing the overall growth and development of the crop.

[0037] "Biostimulants" are substances or microbial-based products that, when applied to plants and / or the surrounding soil, promote growth, health, and / or productivity. Unlike fertilizers, biostimulants do not directly provide nutrients to plants; instead, they improve nutrient uptake, stress resistance, and / or overall plant vigor. Biostimulants can contain a variety of compounds, such as seaweed extracts, humic acids, amino acids, and / or beneficial microorganisms, which help enhance plant resilience, root development, and / or nutrient uptake, thereby improving crop growth and / or yield.

[0038] "Soil adjuvants" are products used to improve the physical, chemical, and / or biological properties of soil. These substances are designed to enhance soil fertility, soil structure, water retention, and / or overall health to support better plant growth and / or productivity. Soil adjuvants can include organic materials (such as compost, manure, and / or biochar) and inorganic materials (such as lime, gypsum, and / or certain minerals). Additionally, soil conditioners and amendments (such as perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss) are also considered soil adjuvants because they help alter soil properties, thereby creating a more favorable environment for plant growth.

[0039] The term "crop" should be understood as a plant cultivated specifically for useful purposes through human intervention. "Crop" refers to any plant intentionally grown and cultivated by humans for food, fodder, fiber, timber, spices, medicine, hygiene, and / or other economic purposes. These plants are typically selected and managed specifically for production or harvest, and can include a wide variety of species such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and fiber crops. Parts of the cultivated crop may be suitable for human and / or animal consumption. Ornamental plants and algae also fall under the category of "crops." The term "crop" also includes seeds sown to allow the plant to grow.

[0040] The term "crop" also includes cover crops. Cover crops are plants primarily cultivated to manage soil erosion, fertility, quality, moisture, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity, and / or wildlife. Cover crops are typically not planted directly for harvest but rather to improve soil and / or benefit subsequent crops. They are usually planted between fallow periods and / or between conventional crop plantings. Cover crops help prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, increase organic matter, suppress weeds, and / or reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and / or pesticides. Additionally, they can enhance biodiversity, provide habitat for beneficial insects, and / or contribute to overall sustainable agricultural practices. Common cover crops include legumes such as clover and wild peas, grasses such as rye and oats, and a variety of other species depending on specific agricultural objectives and / or local conditions.

[0041] The term “product label” as used in this article refers to information about the product being permitted (i.e., authorized, approved) for use.

[0042] Product labeling is a prerequisite for the use of a product. Without such a product label, the product may not (i.e., is prohibited) be used.

[0043] Existing product labels (i.e., traditional / classic / conventional product labels) are typically affixed to product packaging and / or included with product documentation, and are an important source of information for users. Product labels within the meaning of this disclosure may also be in digital form (further details are described below).

[0044] Product labels typically provide the product name.

[0045] Product labels typically provide the name and / or address (or any other / further contact information) of the product manufacturer and / or distributor.

[0046] Product labels typically list the (multiple) active ingredients contained in the product.

[0047] The product label outlines the product’s approved use and / or dosage and / or application time and / or application restrictions and / or other limitations.

[0048] Product labels can specify the crops and / or pests that the product targets.

[0049] The prescribed and / or recommended methods and times of application may be indicated on / by the product label.

[0050] Product labels may include safety information such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, handling instructions, first aid measures, and / or environmental precautions (e.g., maintaining buffer zones and / or maintaining distance from field boundaries). It may also provide guidance on the safe storage and / or disposal of the product.

[0051] Product labels may include detailed information about environmental hazards, disposal regulations, and / or any specific regulatory requirements and / or restrictions associated with product use.

[0052] Product labels may include signal words (such as "Danger" or "Warning") and / or hazard symbols to convey the level of risk associated with the product.

[0053] The product label disclosed herein is a destination-specific product label.

[0054] The term "destination-specific product labeling" means that information about a specific region was taken into account when the product label was generated, and that approval (regulatory approval) is granted only for use of the product in that specific region. That specific region is the target area in which the product will be used.

[0055] The term “target area” (also known as “destination”) refers to a portion of the Earth’s surface (including plants growing there) where the product will be applied.

[0056] Product application is typically carried out outdoors.

[0057] The target area could be, for example, farmland. The term "farmland" (or simply "field") should be understood as a spatially definable area of ​​the Earth's surface cultivated for agriculture. Such farmland typically grows crops that may require fertilization and / or be harvested.

[0058] The target area can be one or more areas of farmland. If the target area refers to several areas, these areas typically have the same or comparable characteristics. "The same or comparable characteristics" means that product labels generated for different areas have the same conditions of use.

[0059] The target area can be a body of water, such as a body of water used for aquaculture, or a portion thereof.

[0060] The target area can be a tree plantation, forest, park, garden, pasture, grassland, and / or a portion thereof.

[0061] The size of the target area can be 1cm 2 Between several million hectares.

[0062] The size of the target area may be determined by the spatial resolution of the sensors used to determine the target area / properties within the target area. Many modern commercial Earth observation satellites are capable of capturing images with resolutions ranging from less than 1 meter to several meters per pixel. Some advanced satellites can even achieve sub-meter resolution, thus providing highly detailed images of the Earth's surface.

[0063] The higher the spatial resolution of the method / sensor used to determine the properties and / or characteristics of a region, the smaller the target region that can be selected.

[0064] The size of the target area may also be determined by the local precision with which the product is applied in the target area (e.g., the application device available to the user / farmer).

[0065] If a boom sprayer with a spray width of several meters is used to apply a product, the local precision of the product application using such a boom sprayer is generally lower than that of a drone applying a product from a height of one meter through a single nozzle.

[0066] The higher the spatial precision of the method / equipment for applying the product, the smaller the target area that can be selected.

[0067] The target region can be specified as a surface or a volume.

[0068] A target area can refer to a specific region of the Earth's surface where plants grow. Destination-specific product labels may contain instructions on how much product can or should be sprayed per unit of current biomass. In this case, the target area may refer to the current biomass.

[0069] For soil-based aids, the target area is typically specified as soil.

[0070] Destination-specific product labels can be generated for a single target area or multiple (different) target areas. For example, a destination-specific product label may be applicable to the application of the product in farmland, but the product may be subject to different conditions of use in different areas of that farmland (target areas). "Conditions of use" are any and all rules and / or regulations and / or recommendations and / or prohibitions associated with the use of the product.

[0071] In embodiments of this disclosure, the target area is a continuous region or consists of several continuous sub-regions with the same or comparable properties, and the destination-specific product label applies only to that one target area. Therefore, if a destination-specific product label is to be generated for farmland, the farmland may have different areas, requiring different destination-specific product labels to be generated for these areas.

[0072] In another embodiment of this disclosure, destination-specific product labels are applied to different target areas that are subject to different usage conditions. Therefore, if a destination-specific product label is to be generated for farmland, which may have different areas, a destination-specific product label is generated for the entire farmland, incorporating the different usage conditions for the different areas of the farmland.

[0073] In embodiments of this disclosure, destination-specific product labels are generated for target regions, where the target regions may have different sub-regions with different characteristics. This results in the destination-specific product labels containing different information (e.g., suggestions, instructions, and / or prohibited items) for different sub-regions. In embodiments of this disclosure, a user indicates which target region they wish to generate a destination-specific product label for, and the computer system of this disclosure generates a destination-specific product label for the user-defined target region. The computer system of this disclosure takes into account the differences between the sub-regions of the target region when generating the destination-specific product label, where different regions may be subject to different product application rules.

[0074] The process of generating destination-specific product labels may be initiated by farmers who provide information or take actions to ensure that the required information is provided. However, the person who initiates the generation of destination-specific product labels is not necessarily a farmer; it can be other people or multiple people. In this disclosure, the term "user" is used to refer to one or more people who initiate and / or implement the process of generating destination-specific product labels.

[0075] Information used to generate destination-specific product labels may be input into the computer system disclosed herein by one or more users, and / or read from one or more databases, and / or transmitted to the computer system disclosed herein by one or more sensors, and / or transmitted to the computer system disclosed herein by one or more independent computer systems.

[0076] The term “receive” is used in this disclosure for all such provision of information because the information is received by the computer system of this disclosure (regardless of who provides and / or uses the computer system of this disclosure).

[0077] Destination-specific product labels are generated based on destination and product information. They can also be generated based on additional information.

[0078] "Product information" refers to information about a product that can and / or should be applied to a target area to protect crops and / or increase crop yield and / or increase crop quality and / or control pests and / or for other reasons.

[0079] As described above, a product may consist of several products that are applied together and / or sequentially.

[0080] Product information enables the explicit designation of (multiple) products. Product information may include names and / or codes (e.g., alphanumeric codes) assigned to (multiple) products. This information, which identifies the product, is also referred to as a "product identifier" in this specification.

[0081] Product information can include links (e.g., URLs (Uniform Resource Locators)) where information about (multiple) products can be stored and retrieved.

[0082] Product information may include information about the composition of the product(s), such as the active and / or inactive ingredients contained therein. Product information may also include information about the quantity (e.g., concentration) of the ingredients (e.g., active ingredients) in the product(s).

[0083] Product information may also include safety instructions for handling (multiple) products. Product information may include information about the properties of (multiple) products and / or their components, such as toxicity, composition (e.g., solid, liquid, gas, suspension, mixture, etc.).

[0084] Product information is typically provided by the manufacturer of (multiple) products (e.g., in the form of a manual accompanying (multiple) products and / or via a website and / or other means).

[0085] Product information may also be or include existing technology product labels (i.e., traditional / classic / conventional product labels).

[0086] Product information can be manually entered into the computer system disclosed herein by the user. The term "input" is also understood to mean selecting an item from a menu and / or clicking a checkbox.

[0087] In embodiments of this disclosure, an optical or electronically readable code attached to a container containing the product is used to input product information into a computer system.

[0088] Such optically readable codes can be, for example, barcodes or matrix codes (e.g., data matrix codes or QR (Quick Response) codes) printed on containers and / or product instructions. These optically readable codes can be detected and interpreted (read) using laser scanners and / or cameras.

[0089] This electronically readable code can be, for example, a radio tag (e.g., an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag) attached (e.g., pasted) to the container. This optically readable code can be read using a reading device (e.g., an RFID reader).

[0090] The computer system disclosed herein may prompt the user to specify a product (i.e., enter a product identifier). The user may manually enter the product identifier and / or use an optically and / or electronically readable code to specify the product. The computer system disclosed herein may be configured to retrieve further product information (such as from a database) based on the product information provided by the user. The database may be an integral part of the computer system or may be connected to the computer system via a network (e.g., the Internet). Multiple databases containing product information may exist.

[0091] Computer systems can be configured to obtain all the product information needed to generate destination-specific product labels based on product information provided by the user (e.g., product identifiers).

[0092] However, users may also provide only crop and / or pest information, and the computer system is configured to identify (appropriate) products for specified crops and / or pests, and to obtain the necessary product information based on the information provided by the user regarding the crops / pests.

[0093] The computer system disclosed herein may also be configured such that: a user provides information about a target area and optionally further information, and then the computer system suggests to the user (or another person) various products that can be applied to the target area. For each suggested product, the computer system may generate and output a destination-specific product label that provides the user with information about using that particular product in the target area.

[0094] Destination-specific product labels are generated based on destination information.

[0095] "Destination Information" specifies the target area where the product will be used.

[0096] Destination information may include geographic coordinates indicating the location of the target area. Such geographic coordinates may indicate at least one point within the target area or at the edge of the target area. These geographic coordinates may specify farmland boundaries, i.e., the boundaries that separate farmland from its surrounding environment. Preferably, for example, the destination information uses geographic coordinates to indicate the start and end locations of the target area (target area boundaries).

[0097] Destination information can specify the biomass present in the target area. Destination information can indicate the biomass of a specific plant species (e.g., crops and / or weeds) present in the target area.

[0098] Destination information may include information that has a direct or indirect impact on the distribution, diffusion, degradation, and / or movement of the product from / from the target area where it will be applied.

[0099] Destination information can include terrain information about the target area.

[0100] "Topographic information" refers to data relating to the physical and natural characteristics of the surface of a target area. This includes detailed information about the elevation, slope, aspect, and contour lines of the terrain. Topographic information is crucial for understanding landscape characteristics, drainage patterns, and / or soil properties, which are critical for various agricultural applications such as land suitability assessment, precision agriculture, and / or irrigation planning. This data helps farmers and land managers make informed decisions about crop selection, water management, and / or land use planning based on the physical properties of the terrain.

[0101] Destination information can include topological information about the target area.

[0102] "Topological information" refers to data relating to the spatial relationships and connectivity of features within a target area. This includes information about the arrangement, adjacency, and / or connectivity of farmland, water bodies, infrastructure, and / or other landscape elements. Topological information is crucial for tasks such as irrigation system design, crop management, and / or environmental impact assessment. It helps in understanding how different elements in an agricultural landscape relate to each other, which is essential for making informed decisions related to sustainable agricultural practices.

[0103] Destination information can include information about the soil types in the target area.

[0104] Soil types can be classified based on their physical and chemical properties, which significantly affect their suitability for different crops and agricultural practices. Some of the major soil types include: sandy soils, clay soils, loamy soils, silty soils, peat soils, chalky soils, and silty clay.

[0105] Sandy soils have a high proportion of sand particles and are characterized by good drainage and aeration. However, they tend to have lower nutrient retention and water holding capacity. Sandy soils are generally suitable for crops that prefer dry conditions and may require more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

[0106] Clay soils contain a high proportion of clay particles, which have excellent nutrient retention capacity but are prone to compaction and poor drainage. They have high water-holding capacity but may warm more slowly in spring. Clay soils are suitable for some crops but may require careful management to address drainage and aeration issues.

[0107] Loamy soils consist of a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, providing good drainage, nutrient retention, and favorable soil structure. They are generally considered ideal for agriculture because they offer a good balance of water retention and aeration, making them suitable for a variety of crops.

[0108] Silty soils contain a high proportion of fine silt particles and are known for their ability to retain moisture and nutrients. They have good fertility and tillage, but are prone to compaction. Silty soils are suitable for growing a variety of crops, but management measures may be needed to address compaction issues.

[0109] "Peat soils" are rich in organic matter, characterized by their high water retention capacity and acidity. They are commonly found in wetland areas, and agricultural use may require special management measures.

[0110] "Calmite soils" contain a high proportion of calcium carbonate and may be alkaline. They tend to drain well, but may limit nutrient availability for some crops.

[0111] "Silty clay" is a mixture of clay and silt, which provides good fertility and water retention, but may require management to address compaction and drainage issues.

[0112] Subtypes may exist based on specific combinations of sand, silt, and clay particles, as well as variations in organic matter content, pH, and other factors.

[0113] Destination information may include further information about the soil in the target area, such as soil texture, pH, organic matter content, nutrient levels, cation exchange capacity, soil structure, water holding capacity, soil drainage characteristics, and soil depth.

[0114] Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil. Texture affects water retention, drainage, aeration, and the ease with which roots can penetrate. Based on texture, soils are classified as sandy, loamy, or clayey.

[0115] Soil pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It affects nutrient availability and microbial activity. Different crops have specific pH requirements, and soil pH can be adjusted by applying soil conditioners.

[0116] "Organic matter content" refers to the amount of organic matter in the soil, which affects its fertility, structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Organic matter contributes to soil health and supports beneficial microbial activity.

[0117] Soil nutrient levels (including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential elements) are crucial for plant growth.

[0118] "Cation exchange capacity" measures the soil's ability to retain and exchange cations (positively charged ions such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium). It affects the retention and availability of nutrients by plants.

[0119] Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps. Good soil structure promotes root growth, water infiltration, and air circulation within the soil.

[0120] "Water holding capacity" refers to the soil's ability to retain water for plant use. It is affected by soil texture, organic matter content, and soil structure.

[0121] "Soil drainage characteristics" determine how excess water moves through the soil. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing waterlogging and ensuring adequate aeration of plant roots.

[0122] "Soil depth": The depth of the soil profile affects root development and the plant's access to water / nutrients. Shallow soil may be limiting for some crops.

[0123] Information about soil may also include information about the type and / or quantity of organisms in the soil (e.g., worms and / or microorganisms and / or fungi).

[0124] For example, information about the soil can be obtained from soil samples. Soil samples can be analyzed in the laboratory and / or in the field to determine soil type and properties (see, for example, the Guide to Soil Description, 4th edition, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 2006, ISBN 92-5-105521-1).

[0125] Information about the soil can also be obtained from one or more sensors located in the target area, such as soil moisture sensors, soil nutrient sensors, soil pH sensors, soil salinity sensors, soil temperature sensors, and / or other / further sensors.

[0126] Destination information can include static and dynamic information. Static information is information that does not change significantly during the growing season. For example, static information includes soil type. Dynamic information is information that changes significantly during the growing season. For example, dynamic information includes biomass, soil temperature, and soil moisture.

[0127] Soil moisture refers to the amount of water in the soil, usually measured as a percentage of soil weight. Soil moisture is a key factor that directly affects plant growth, plant development, and overall agricultural productivity. Soil moisture can be measured using in-situ probes (sensors) or remote sensing methods (e.g., satellites and / or drones).

[0128] Soil temperature is a measurement of the heat energy present in the soil. It is a key factor that directly affects seed germination, root development, nutrient availability, microbial activity, and overall plant growth. Soil temperature varies with depth, season, geographical location, and local environmental conditions. It is influenced by factors such as solar radiation, air temperature, soil moisture, and soil type.

[0129] Dynamic information is preferably captured using sensors, which may be located in or above the target area.

[0130] Static and / or dynamic destination information can be obtained using remote sensing technology.

[0131] Remote sensing refers to the collection of information about the Earth's surface without direct physical contact using various technologies such as satellites, drones, and / or aircraft.

[0132] Remote sensing can assess crop health and vigor by measuring factors such as chlorophyll content, leaf area index, and biomass, which can indicate plant stress, nutrient deficiency, or disease.

[0133] Remote sensing can track crop growth stages, providing insights into development, maturity, and potential yield estimates. Remote sensing data can contribute to yield prediction models by monitoring crop conditions and growth patterns.

[0134] Remote sensing can estimate soil moisture levels, helping farmers optimize irrigation practices and water management. It can also help identify water-stressed areas in crops, allowing for targeted irrigation strategies.

[0135] Remote sensing can provide detailed information about the types of crops being grown and how land use patterns change over time.

[0136] Remote sensing can identify potential pest and / or disease infestation areas by detecting changes in plant reflectance and health indicators.

[0137] Remote sensing can assess environmental factors such as erosion, deforestation, and habitat loss.

[0138] Destination information is typically provided by a user of the computer system disclosed herein. The user may input the information into the computer system disclosed herein. However, destination information may also be captured by one or more sensors (e.g., local sensors and / or remote sensing) and automatically transmitted to the computer system disclosed herein.

[0139] One or more sensors may be present in the target area, measuring destination information such as soil temperature, air temperature, soil moisture, humidity, air pressure, etc., and transmitting the measurements to the computer system disclosed herein (e.g., via a network) at a defined time and / or according to defined events. Air pressure, air temperature, and humidity may be recorded, for example, at a defined distance from the ground (e.g., 1 meter).

[0140] Destination information can also be collected via satellites and / or drones and / or aircraft and / or robots and / or sensors on agricultural machinery that move through the target area.

[0141] Destination information can be obtained from one or more databases, such as the Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO).

[0142] Destination information can be an average value (e.g., an arithmetic mean) over a target region. Destination information can also be spatially resolved information, where each sub-region is assigned information that characterizes that sub-region.

[0143] The target area may also be characterized by dominant (i.e., most frequently occurring) destination information. For example, if more than 50% of the soil in the target area is of a certain soil type, then the target area may be characterized by that soil type.

[0144] The target area may also be characterized by destination information that imposes the greatest limitation on the application of the product within the target area. For example, if there are two sub-regions with different destination information, and the permitted application amount in the first sub-region is higher than that in the second sub-region due to the corresponding destination information, it may be assumed that the entire target area is characterized by the destination information of the second sub-region.

[0145] Destination information can be an average over a specific time period (e.g., a day, a week, a month, a quarter, a half-year, a year, or several years). Destination information may also include time-resolved values. Destination information may also include maximum and / or minimum values ​​(e.g., daily high temperature and / or daily low temperature).

[0146] Destination-specific product labeling can be generated based on environmental information. "Environmental information" refers to information that specifies / characterizes the surrounding environment of the target area.

[0147] Environmental information can indicate whether a body of water exists near a target area, and / or how far the target area is from that body of water. Environmental information can also indicate the type of water body.

[0148] Environmental information can indicate whether there are nature reserves and / or groundwater protection areas near the target area, and / or how far the target area is from such nature reserves and / or groundwater protection areas.

[0149] Environmental information can indicate what vegetation exists near a target area.

[0150] Environmental information can indicate whether there are roads and / or residential areas near the target area, and / or how far the target area is from roads and / or residential areas.

[0151] Environmental information can indicate the soil type adjacent to the target area, and / or the properties of the adjacent soil.

[0152] Environmental information can indicate whether animals are kept and / or present near the target area, and / or how far away they are from the target area. Environmental information can also indicate what type of animals are involved.

[0153] Environmental information may include protection target information, which includes minimum, maximum, and / or preferred thresholds, boundaries, limitations, and constraints required by regulatory agencies for the protection of humans, animals, non-target organisms, and / or the environment.

[0154] Environmental information may include neighboring farm information, which includes information about one or more products applied to the neighboring area and / or farming practices used in the neighboring area.

[0155] Environmental information can also be any information that can be collected for the target area, such as topography, terrain, weather, climate, vegetation, etc.

[0156] Destination-specific product labels can be generated based on crop information.

[0157] “Crop Information” specifies the crops that have been, are being, or will be planted in the target area.

[0158] Crop information may include information about plant species and / or plant varieties. Crop information may include information about whether and / or how the crop has been genetically modified. Crop information may include information about the crop's developmental stage and / or when it was planted or sown and / or whether and / or when it was fertilized and / or whether and / or when it was irrigated.

[0159] Crop information can specify the seeds to be sown or to be sown in the target area.

[0160] Crop information may include information about whether the crop has been treated with one or more products and / or which (which) products have been used and / or when and how one or more products have been used.

[0161] Crop information can include information about which crops were previously grown in the target area. For example, crop rotation may have been implemented in the target area. “Crop rotation” refers to the practice of systematically planting different crops in the same target area over consecutive growing seasons. This approach involves rotating the types of crops planted on specific farmland to achieve various agronomic, economic, and / or environmental benefits. Crop rotation aims to improve soil health, manage pests and / or diseases, and / or optimize nutrient use. Through crop rotation, farmers can break pest and / or disease cycles, reduce soil erosion, enhance soil fertility, and / or minimize the need for chemical inputs such as fertilizers and / or pesticides. Additionally, crop rotation can promote sustainable agricultural practices by fostering biodiversity and / or reducing the risk of soil depletion.

[0162] Crop information can be provided by a user of the computer system disclosed herein, for example, by inputting information into the computer system.

[0163] There may also be optical or electronically readable codes (e.g., on containers that contain / have contained crop seeds), which users can use to input information about the crop into a computer system.

[0164] The computer system can be configured to obtain additional crop information based on information provided by the user, such as by reading additional crop information from one or more databases, which may be part of the computer system disclosed herein or may be connected to the computer system via a network.

[0165] The product may also be designed / suitable only for treating a specific crop, and that crop has been specified by the product / product information.

[0166] Crop information can also be identified and / or collected through sensors / monitoring devices (e.g., remote sensing via satellite, drones, or aircraft).

[0167] Crop information can include information about the amount of biomass present in the target area.

[0168] Crop information can include, for example, vegetation indices. Vegetation indices are numerical measures, typically derived from remote sensing data, that help quantify various aspects of vegetation health, density, and physiological condition. These indices are usually calculated using the spectral reflectance properties of vegetation, which are typically obtained from satellite or aerial imagery. Vegetation indices provide information about plant growth, health, and overall vigor. Common vegetation indices include the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is widely used to monitor plant health and assess vegetation cover. Another important index is the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), which provides improved sensitivity in areas of high biomass and performs better in areas with varying atmospheric conditions. Additionally, the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) is used to minimize the impact of soil brightness on the assessment of vegetation cover.

[0169] Information used to generate destination-specific product labels may include application information.

[0170] "Application information" is any information that specifies one or more (planned) applications of a product in a target area.

[0171] Application information must be distinguished from usage instructions and / or usage recommendations and / or usage prohibitions, which may be part of destination-specific product labeling. Application information is information about the use of the product in the target area that is known and / or planned prior to the generation of destination-specific product labeling. Based on the application information (and further information), a destination-specific product label is subsequently generated that takes the application information into account and may indicate which (additional) conditions of use apply.

[0172] Application information can indicate which application devices are available and / or how they are used. Application information can indicate what types of spraying equipment (e.g., drones, robots, boom sprayers) are available, what spray width the spraying equipment has, how many nozzles are available, what types of nozzles are available, and other / further specifications.

[0173] Application information can specify a future time period (e.g., one day or several consecutive days, or a specific time period within a day) or multiple time periods in which the product is planned to be applied in the target area.

[0174] Application information can indicate how a product is intended to be used. For example, application information can indicate where a product is intended to be applied (e.g., foliar application, root application, seed coating, or soil treatment).

[0175] Application information may be provided by a user of the computer system disclosed herein. The user may input information into the computer system disclosed herein. However, the computer system may also be configured to read application information from one or more databases based on information input by the user. These databases may be integral parts of the computer system or may be connected to the computer system via a network. For example, the user may specify an application device (e.g., a spraying device) that they can use to apply a product to a target area, and the computer system uses the information provided by the user to determine the application information associated with that application device from one or more databases (e.g., a database provided by the manufacturer of the application device).

[0176] Application information can also be provided via the application equipment (e.g., spraying equipment) through its interface.

[0177] Information used to generate destination-specific product labels can include weather information.

[0178] “Weather information” refers to data and / or forecasts related to atmospheric conditions in the target area, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, and other meteorological parameters.

[0179] Weather information preferably refers to the next day or another time period before the product is planned to be applied.

[0180] Weather information can be obtained from various sources, including government meteorological agencies, private meteorological services, and / or local weather stations.

[0181] Weather information can be obtained using one or more sensors in the target area, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, sensors for determining precipitation, anemometers, barometers, radiation sensors, and / or other / further sensors.

[0182] The specific data used to generate destination-specific product labels, and therefore the data that must be provided, depends on the (multiple) models used to generate the destination-specific product labels.

[0183] It is possible that not all the information / data required by the model to generate destination-specific product labels must be provided by the user. The computer system disclosed herein may be configured to use default values ​​for information / data not provided or unable to be provided by the user. Such default values ​​may, for example, be defined / specified by a regulatory agency. For instance, such default values ​​may assume worst-case scenarios.

[0184] Information provided by the user and / or information read from a database and / or information transmitted by sensors and / or other devices and / or default values ​​are used in further steps to generate destination-specific product labels.

[0185] Destination-specific product labels are automatically generated based on the information received. “Automatic” means that no further human intervention is required.

[0186] The generation of destination-specific product labels is based on one or more models.

[0187] A "model" is a simplified representation or abstraction of a real-world system, process, or phenomenon. Models are designed to simulate, describe, or predict the behavior and interactions of complex systems based on a set of assumptions, principles, and input data.

[0188] When the product is used in the target area, one or more models can calculate the effects based on the received information. In a further step, instructions, recommendations, and / or prohibitions for using the product in the target area can be derived from these effects and included in the destination-specific product label.

[0189] One or more models may also determine product usage instructions, recommendations, and / or prohibited items directly based on the information received, and include them in destination-specific product labels.

[0190] In one embodiment of this disclosure, multiple models are provided to determine various effects when a product is applied to a target region. One or more further models are then used to determine regulations, recommendations, and / or prohibitions regarding the application of the product to the target region.

[0191] A model can also include several sub-models.

[0192] For ease of reading, only one model is assumed below. However, this should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure.

[0193] Models can be data-driven models, such as machine learning models. A "machine learning model" is a computational algorithm or mathematical framework that learns patterns and relationships from data, enabling it to make predictions, identify trends, or perform tasks without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning models are trained on training data to produce specific output data based on specific input data.

[0194] A model can be a mechanistic model, which aims to represent the detailed mechanisms and interactions within a system using mathematical equations, physical laws, or biological principles. A "mechanistic model" is based on explicit knowledge of the underlying processes and aims to represent the causal relationships within the system.

[0195] The model can be a hybrid model. A "hybrid model" can combine mechanistic models with data-driven models. This integration allows for a more comprehensive representation of complex systems, incorporating both domain knowledge and observational data to improve prediction accuracy.

[0196] In the context of this disclosure, one or more models can describe the behavior of a product being applied to a target area. The purpose may be to use the model to derive the amount of product applied and / or one or more application times and / or application periods and / or application methods.

[0197] For example, the model may be or include a degradation model that describes the rate at which a product is degraded when applied to a target area.

[0198] "Degradation" refers to the process by which chemical compounds (such as active ingredients in pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and / or other products) break down and transform over time when exposed to environmental factors. Degradation can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including chemical, physical, and biological processes, leading to a decrease in the concentration and activity of the compound.

[0199] For the purposes of this disclosure, a product may be considered degraded if the substances contained in the product are degraded to the point that they or their degradation products no longer cause environmental damage and / or other adverse effects.

[0200] For example, the maximum dosage and / or application time of a product can be derived from the degradation rate and / or half-life and / or other parameters characterizing product degradation.

[0201] For example, a degradation model can describe the degradation of a product as a function of the prevailing conditions in the target area (weather (e.g., temperature, humidity, solar radiation), soil conditions (e.g., soil temperature, soil moisture)) and the product composition (e.g., dosage form, ingredients), where the prevailing conditions in the target area and the product composition can be used as input data for the model.

[0202] Based on such a degradation model, the maximum application amount of the product in the target area can be derived and then incorporated into the destination-specific product label.

[0203] However, degradation models may also output the maximum application rate directly based on input data.

[0204] Degradation models may also output a time period between product application and harvest, during which product application must not or should not be carried out to ensure that product residue levels in the crop at harvest are below a predefined threshold. Degradation models may also specify a time before which the product should be applied to ensure that residue levels in the crop at harvest are below a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold can be set by farmers, crop buyers, and / or regulatory agencies.

[0205] Degradation models have been described in the prior art (e.g., see S. Beulke). et al. : Evaluation of methods to derive pesticide degradation parameters for regulatory modelling (Evaluation of methods for deriving pesticide degradation parameters for regulatory modeling), Biol Fertil Soils 33, 2002, 558-564; MJ Loos: Modeling of pesticide biodegradation in soil (Modeling of pesticide biodegradation in soil), Master Thesis, ETH Zurich, https: / / doi.org / 10.3929 / ethz-a-006121570).

[0206] The model can be or includes a distribution model. Such a "distribution model" can describe the distribution of the product in the target area during and / or after application.

[0207] For example, a distribution model can use application information (e.g., information about the type of application and / or the nozzles used and / or spray pressure and / or other / additional application parameters) and / or weather information (e.g., wind direction and / or wind speed and / or precipitation) and / or destination information (e.g., soil properties, topography, terrain) as input data, and use this information (and / or other / further information) to calculate how the product diffuses in and outside the target area.

[0208] For example, a distribution model can be used to derive the distance that should be maintained from the target area boundary when applying a product to prevent the product from reaching non-target areas (i.e., areas outside the target area boundary). However, a distribution model may also directly provide such a mandatory distance.

[0209] When determining the mandatory distance to the boundary of a target area, information about the surrounding environment of the target area may also be included. For example, the mandatory distance to a body of water may be greater than the mandatory distance to fallow land.

[0210] The distance that must be maintained from the boundary of the target area when applying the product can be included in the destination-specific product label.

[0211] Destination-specific product labeling may be variable and may take current conditions into account. For example, wind direction and / or wind speed may be measured during product application, and the distance to the target area boundary may be variableally adjusted based on the measurements during application (see, for example, WO2022 / 029055A1).

[0212] Distribution models are described in the prior art (see, for example, F. van den Berg). et al. : PEARL model for pesticide behaviour and emissions in soil-plant systems (PEARL Model for Pesticide Behavior and Emissions in Soil-Plant Systems), WOT-technical report 61, 2016, ISSN 2352-2739; H. Dou et al. : Computational model of pesticide deposition distribution on canopies for air-assisted spraying (Computational model for pesticide deposition distribution in canopy using air-assisted spraying), Front. Plant Sci., 2023, Volume 14).

[0213] Models can also describe different aspects of a product. For example, many models known in the art are called “environmental fate models,” which simulate the behavior of a product in the environment, including processes such as degradation, leaching, volatilization, and runoff. These models are designed to assess the fate and migration of active ingredients and their decomposition products in various environmental media, such as soil, water, air, and vegetation (see, for example, A. Di Guardo). et al. : Environmental fate and exposure models: advances and challenges in 21st century chemical risk assessment (Environmental Fate and Exposure Models: Advances and Challenges in Chemical Risk Assessment in the 21st Century), Environ.Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2018, 20, 58-71; N. Suciu et al.: Environmental Fate Models(Environmental fate models), in: Global Risk-Based Management of Chemical Additives II: Risk-Based Assessment and Management Strategies, Chapter: Environmental fate models, Springer, pp. 47-71.

[0214] The model can be an ecological risk assessment model. Such models assess the potential impact of a product on non-target organisms, ecosystems, and biodiversity. They consider factors such as toxicity, exposure, and ecological relationships to assess the risk to wildlife, aquatic life, and beneficial insects (see, for example, https: / / www.epa.gov / risk / ecological-risk-models-and-tools).

[0215] The application of a product in farmland may depend on the risk of pest and / or disease infestation. The product may only be permitted if the risk of pest infestation exceeds a predetermined threshold. Such predetermined thresholds may be set by regulatory agencies, for example.

[0216] "Pests" are organisms that occur during crop cultivation and may damage crops, negatively impact crop yields, and / or compete with crops for natural resources. Examples of such pests include weeds, animal pests (such as beetles, caterpillars, and worms), fungi, and pathogens (e.g., bacteria and viruses). Even though viruses are not classified as organisms from a biological perspective, they are included under the term "pests" in this disclosure.

[0217] Therefore, the model can also be an infection model (also known as a pest and / or disease model). An infection model can determine the probability that a target area and / or the crops planted in the target area are infected by harmful organisms.

[0218] The model can determine the probability of infection based on, for example, weather and / or the crops grown and / or the environmental properties of the target area. It may also be based on data about organisms observed in distant and / or neighboring areas to determine the spread of pests toward the target area.

[0219] The time or period of product application and / or the amount of product applied can be derived from the infection model. The infection model may also directly specify (or exclude) the time or period of product application and / or the amount of product applied.

[0220] The model may also be used to identify (directly or indirectly) sub-regions within a target area where the product should be applied (e.g., sub-regions with a high risk of pest infestation).

[0221] Infection models are described in the prior art (e.g., see PS Teng). et al. : Simulation of pest effects on crops using coupled pest-crop models: the potential for decision support (Using Coupled Pest-Crop Models to Simulate the Impact of Pest Models on Crops: Potential for Decision Support), in: Understanding Options for Agricultural Production, Systems Approaches for Sustainable Agricultural Development, Vol 7, Springer, https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / 978-94-017-3624-4_12; S. Lee, CM Yun: A deep learning model for predicting risks of crop pests and diseases from sequential environmental data (Deep learning models for predicting crop pest and disease risks from sequence environmental data), Plant Methods, Volume 19, 2023, Article number: 145.

[0222] The amount of product that can or should be applied to the target area and / or the time or period at which the product can or should be applied may depend on the developmental stage of the crop / plant and / or the biomass present. Therefore, the model can also be a plant growth model.

[0223] Such plant growth models can describe plant growth under varying conditions, including weather, fertilizer, soil conditions, and / or irrigation. For example, the model can calculate what developmental stage a plant will be at a specific point in time, and / or when a plant will reach a particular developmental stage. Similarly, the model can calculate the biomass at a specific point in time, and / or at which point a certain biomass will be reached.

[0224] The input data for plant growth models can be weather information, crop information, and / or destination information.

[0225] The time or period for product application and / or the application rate can be derived from plant growth models. Plant growth models may also directly specify the time or period for product application and / or the application rate.

[0226] The amount of product to be applied can be derived from the biomass calculated by the plant growth model, or the plant growth model can directly provide the amount of product to be applied.

[0227] Plant growth models have been described in the prior art (e.g., see T. Fourcard). et al. : Plant Growth Modelling and Applications: The Increasing Importance of Plant Architecture in Growth Models (Plant Growth Modeling and Applications: The Growing Importance of Plant Structure in Growth Models), Annals of Botany, Volume 101, Issue 8, 2008, Pages 1053-1063; J. Hilty et al. : Plant growth: the What, the How, and the Why (Plant Growth: What It Is, How It Grows, and Why It Grows), New Phytologist, Volume 232, Issue 1, 2021, Pages 25-41.

[0228] The manner in which the product is applied to the target area and / or the time period in which the product is applied to the target area and / or the amount of the product applied to the target area may be determined or influenced by the toxicity of the product.

[0229] Therefore, models can be or include toxicological models. Toxicological models can be used to predict the toxicological effects of a product on human health and / or non-target organisms. Toxicological models can help assess acute and chronic toxicity, as well as potential health risks associated with exposure (see, for example, FMKluxen). et al. : Compounded conservatism in European re-entry worker risk assessment of pesticides (Overlapping conservatism in risk assessment of pesticide re-entry into workers in Europe), Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 121, 2021, 104864.

[0230] The model can be or includes an exposure and risk assessment model. Such a model estimates human and / or environmental exposure to the product and assesses associated risks. It typically considers factors such as application method, worker exposure, dietary exposure, and environmental concentrations to assess potential risks (see, for example, A. Charistou). et al. : Guidance on the assessment of exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders in risk assessment of plant protection products(Guidelines for assessing exposure to operators, workers, residents and bystanders in risk assessment of plant protection products), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Journal, 2021, doi: 10.2903 / j.efsa.2022.7032).

[0231] The optimal or preferred time to apply the product can be derived from the model, or the model can provide this information directly as output. The optimal or preferred time can refer to a period when the risk of human and / or animal exposure to the product is lower than at other times. For example, the risk of contamination from applying the product at night may be lower than from applying it during the day. If there are schools near the target area, it is preferable to apply the product during school holidays.

[0232] The amount of product to be applied can be derived based on a toxicological model, or the toxicological model can directly provide the amount of product to be applied.

[0233] Models can be or include residue and / or metabolic models. Such models can predict the formation and behavior of residues in crops, soil, and the environment. These models can provide information about residue levels, degradation rates, and the likelihood of translocation to subsequent crops (e.g., see M. Ebeling, K. Hammel). Evaluating plant residue decline data with KinGUII and TREC: results from case studies involving also non-SFO kinetic models (Assessing plant residue decay data using KinGUII and TREC: Case study results involving a non-SFO kinetic model), Environ Sci Eur 32, 2020, 116).

[0234] The application of a product in a target area may depend on the presence of non-target organisms. The product may only be permitted if the risk from non-target organisms is below a predetermined threshold. Such predetermined thresholds may be set by regulatory agencies.

[0235] "Non-target organisms" are organisms that appear during crop cultivation but are not the target of product application. Examples of such non-target organisms include mammals, birds, pollinators, soil organisms, and microorganisms.

[0236] Therefore, the model can also be a "population model". Population models can determine the probability of a species appearing in and / or near the target area.

[0237] The model can determine the probability of a species' presence based on factors such as weather and / or cultivated crops and / or species behavior (e.g., nocturnal foraging), migration patterns, natural habitats, and the presence of other organisms (i.e., raptors that prey on mice). It may also determine the presence of non-target organisms moving toward the target area based on data about organisms observed in distant and / or neighboring areas.

[0238] The time or period of application and / or amount of product can be derived from non-target biological models. Non-target biological models may also directly specify (or exclude) the time or period of application and / or amount of product to be applied.

[0239] The model may also be used to (directly or indirectly) identify sub-regions within a target area where products should not or must not be applied (e.g., sub-regions with a high incidence of non-target organisms).

[0240] The models listed here are for illustrative purposes only. Further / other models may exist.

[0241] The models used to generate destination-specific product labels may, for example, be defined by regulatory agencies. These models can evolve and adapt to advanced technological advancements. Regulatory agencies may manage and / or provide these models, and / or make them accessible to users, for example, via links.

[0242] The models used to generate destination-specific product labels may be part of the computer program disclosed herein. However, these models may also be hosted separately, and the computer program disclosed herein is configured to access these models (e.g., via an application programming interface (API), such as over a network).

[0243] Destination-specific product labels target a specific region (target area). Destination-specific product labels target a specific product. A specific product can also be a combination of multiple (i.e., more than one) products.

[0244] Therefore, destination-specific product labels include instructions, recommendations, and / or prohibitions specific to the target region and (multiple) products. However, destination-specific product labels may also include non-specific information applicable to all products or a category of products and / or all regions (e.g., farmland) or a category of regions.

[0245] Destination-specific instructions, suggestions, and / or prohibited items include, for example, the following:

[0246] Destination-specific product labels can include information about when (at what time, e.g., a day or a time of day) the product can be applied to the target area.

[0247] Destination-specific product labels may include information about when (at what time, e.g., a day or a time of day) the product should preferably be applied.

[0248] Destination-specific product labels may include information about when (at what time, e.g., a day or a time of day) the product should preferably not be applied.

[0249] Destination-specific product labels may include information about when (at what time, e.g., a day or a time of day) the product is prohibited from being used.

[0250] Destination-specific product labels may include information about the time interval that should or must be observed between two consecutive applications of the product.

[0251] Destination-specific product labels can include information about the quantity of product that can be applied in the target area. This quantity can be the same across different sub-regions or it can vary within the target area.

[0252] Destination-specific product labels may include information about how the product must, must not, may, and / or should be applied.

[0253] Destination-specific product labels may contain information about where the product must, must not, may, and / or should be applied.

[0254] Destination-specific product labels can include information about the distance that must be maintained from the boundary of the target area. This distance can be the same for all target area boundaries, or it can vary depending on, for example, the type of adjacent areas.

[0255] Destination-specific product labels may include information about situations in which the product should not or must not be applied. These situations may be related to weather conditions (e.g., do not apply during and / or the following day or several days of rain; do not apply on days when solar radiation exceeds a certain threshold to avoid phototoxicity; do not apply when wind speed exceeds a specified value; do not apply on days when beneficial insects and / or certain animal species are present in the target area and / or their probability of presence exceeds a certain threshold).

[0256] Destination-specific product labels may include information about the application methods and / or application parameters that should be followed.

[0257] Destination-specific product labels may be output (e.g., displayed on a screen or printed on a printer) and / or stored in a data storage device and / or transmitted to a separate computer system. Destination-specific product labels may also be transmitted to an application device (e.g., a spraying device).

[0258] Destination-specific product labels can be printed or printable documents.

[0259] Destination-specific product labels may include a certificate stating that the label contains official authorization for the use of the product in the target region.

[0260] Destination-specific product labels are preferably digital product labels.

[0261] "Digital product labeling" refers to the electronic or digital representation of a product label, which is typically accessible through digital platforms such as websites, mobile applications, and / or electronic databases. The digital format provides users (including farmers, agricultural professionals, and regulatory agencies) with convenient access to comprehensive information about the product.

[0262] Digital product labels provide simple, instant access to detailed product information, including approved uses, administration instructions, safety precautions, and regulatory compliance details. Users can access this information from a variety of digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and / or desktop computers.

[0263] Digital product tags can provide interactive features such as search functionality, hyperlinks to other resources, and multimedia content (e.g., videos, images) to enhance user experience and understanding of the product.

[0264] Digital product labels can be updated in real time to reflect changes in product formulation, regulatory requirements, and / or safety information. This ensures that users have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information about the product.

[0265] Digital product labels can provide multilingual support, which allows users to access product information in their preferred language, thereby enhancing accessibility and comprehensibility.

[0266] By providing product information in digital format, the need for printing materials is reduced, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability by saving paper and resources.

[0267] Digital product labels can promote regulatory compliance and support traceability efforts by providing comprehensive and standardized product information.

[0268] Destination-specific product labels may contain machine instructions that application equipment (e.g., spraying equipment) can follow when the product is applied to the target area.

[0269] Machine instructions can be used, at least in part, to control application equipment. Destination-specific product labels may contain a digital map of the target area. A “digital map” is a geospatial representation of land, resources, or features (e.g., in agriculture) that is stored and displayed in digital format. Such digital maps can be created using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and may include various layers of information such as soil type, crop distribution, topography, land use, irrigation systems, and / or infrastructure. Digital maps may contain three-dimensional information about the target area, such as contour lines, elevation, depressions, vegetation height, and / or their lateral extension at different distances from the ground.

[0270] Digital maps have a wide range of applications in agriculture, including precision agriculture, resource management, crop planning, and decision-making. By integrating various data layers, these maps provide farmers and agricultural professionals with valuable insights to help optimize planting patterns, manage water resources, and monitor crop health. Furthermore, digital maps facilitate the implementation of precision agriculture technologies, making agricultural practices more efficient and sustainable.

[0271] Digital maps can indicate the quantity of product that should / can be applied in or in the target area or its various sub-areas. Machine directives can ensure the application of the appropriate quantity of product, for example, via one or more nozzles, when the application equipment is located in the appropriate sub-area of ​​the target area. The location of the application equipment can be determined using, for example, a GPS receiver. Machine directives can ensure that the required distance is maintained from the boundaries of the target area. Machine directives can ensure the use of appropriate and / or approved nozzles. Machine directives can ensure that product is applied only if it conforms to the intent of the destination-specific product label.

[0272] The application process is preferably documented and archived. Such documentation may record when, where, and how much product was applied. Prevailing conditions during application (e.g., weather conditions such as wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity, and air pressure) may also be documented. The application method / parameters used may also be documented.

[0273] The document may contain all information / data used to generate destination-specific product labels, or all information / data that results in recommendations / instructions / prohibitions included in destination-specific product labels. The document may contain models and / or model parameters used to generate destination-specific product labels.

[0274] The document can be part of a destination-specific product label. With this document, the farmer can prove that he / she has applied the product according to the instructions in the destination-specific product label.

[0275] Documents can be passed to third parties (e.g., regulatory agencies, oversight bodies, distributors, retailers, customers, manufacturers, traders, processors) to demonstrate compliance with (market) standards and the product’s origin and intended use.

[0276] For example, if a destination-specific product label specifies a time interval that should / must be between two applications of one or more products, the document can be used to document the first application and check whether the second application complies with the specified time interval.

[0277] Information in the documentation regarding the application of previous crops and / or previous products can provide information about possible / permissible measures for the current crop.

[0278] Users may be granted access to destination-specific product labeling and / or methods for generating destination-specific product labels, for example, as part of a product purchase. Access may be granted via, for example, containers storing the product and for sale, and / or product packaging instructions, for example, in the form of an internet address (e.g., a URL). The internet address may be provided in an optically readable code (e.g., a QR code, a data matrix code) and / or in an alphanumeric, human-readable form. Such a code, for example, may direct users to an internet address that provides a user interface (web application, software as a service) for generating destination-specific product labels for the purchased product.

[0279] A user may also access a computer program via that internet address (e.g., in an app store), which he / she can download to his / her computer system and execute to generate destination-specific product labels for the purchased product.

[0280] If a user is technically unable to generate a destination-specific product label and / or is concerned about the complexity of the process and / or lacks the data required to create a destination-specific product label and / or prefers to use a standard product label for other reasons, the purchased product may include a standard product label.

[0281] However, destination-specific product labeling offers advantages over conventional product labeling. It is tailored to the needs and characteristics of the target area where the purchased product will be used. It provides the product with maximum achievable benefit in the target area while ensuring maximum safety for people, beneficial organisms, and the environment.

[0282] Computer programs used to create destination-specific product labels may also be provided by regulatory agencies and / or service providers via web portals (e.g., as a software-as-a-service product).

[0283] Offering via a web portal and / or as software as a service has the advantage that computer programs can always be kept up-to-date and can quickly adapt to changes in conditions (e.g., legal conditions).

[0284] Destination-specific product labels may contain digital certificates (e.g., digital signatures) that prove the authenticity of the destination-specific product label, for example, to prevent counterfeiting and / or tampering.

[0285] Destination-specific product labels can be continuously updated to adapt to changing conditions (both legal conditions and conditions related to the target region and / or product).

[0286] Web applications and / or computer programs that allow users to generate destination-specific product labels may be provided by regulatory agencies. However, they may also be provided by product manufacturers and / or distributors and / or independent service providers.

[0287] Users can input data into web applications and / or computer programs via a user interface and receive destination-specific product labels as output.

[0288] Destination-specific product labels may be time-limited (e.g., limited to the current growing season and / or the product's shelf life).

[0289] Destination-specific product labels may also be valid only for a specific weather period. After that specific weather period ends, a new destination-specific product label must be generated for the prevailing weather.

[0290] Application equipment that uses machine instructions to apply products in a target area using destination-specific product labels may verify the authenticity and / or validity of the destination-specific product labels before application. The application equipment may be configured to send requests via a network (e.g., via a mobile network) to regulatory agencies and / or product manufacturers and / or independent service providers to confirm the authenticity and / or validity of the labels.

[0291] If a digital certificate and / or digital expiry date exists (the label is valid before this date), the request can be responded to automatically, and the application can be approved (if the label is authentic and valid) or disapproved (if the label is not authentic and / or is no longer valid) depending on the results of the check on the request.

[0292] The application device can be configured to perform application according to machine instructions only when approved. The application device can be configured to archive (record) the application and send documentation via a network to regulatory agencies and / or service providers so that they (preferably automatically) can verify that the application has been performed according to the destination-specific product label.

[0293] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program product. This computer program product includes a non-transient (i.e., non-volatile) data carrier, such as a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or other media for storing data. The computer program is stored on the data carrier. The computer program can be loaded into the working memory of a computer system, wherein it causes the computer system to perform the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0294] The computer program can also be downloaded from app stores or via websites.

[0295] The computer program can also be sold in combination with a product, such as a crop protection product. This combination is also called a package deal. A package deal includes both the product and the computer program. It may also include the product and means by which the purchaser obtains the computer program, such as downloading it from a website or app store. These means may include links (i.e., the address of a website from which the computer program can be obtained), for example, from which the computer program can be downloaded to a computer system connected to the internet. These means may include codes (e.g., alphanumeric strings or QR codes, or data matrix codes or barcodes or other optically and / or electronically readable codes) that allow the purchaser to access the computer program. Such links and / or codes may, for example, be printed on product packaging and / or on product instructions. Therefore, a package deal is a combination of products sold together, including the product and the computer program (e.g., in the form of access to the computer program or in the form of executable program code on a data carrier).

[0296] Further examples are as follows:

[0297] 1. A computer-implemented method for generating destination-specific product labels, the method comprising: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0298] 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein the product is subject to regulatory approval and can only be used after regulatory approval has been granted and / or during the validity period of the approval and / or under the conditions of the approval and / or in the target area.

[0299] 3. The method according to Example 2, wherein the destination-specific product label is or includes regulatory approval for the application of the product in the target area.

[0300] 4. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the product is or includes crop protection products, plant tonics, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives.

[0301] 5. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the target area is or includes farmland for cultivating crops.

[0302] 6. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein receiving product information about the product to be applied in the target area includes: - Receive product identifier, - Retrieve product information from one or more databases based on the product identifier.

[0303] 7. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein receiving product information about the product to be applied in the target area includes: - Receive information about crops and / or pests. - Select one or more products based on information about crops and / or pests. - Retrieve product information for one or more selected products from one or more databases.

[0304] 8. The method according to embodiment 7 further includes: - Generate destination-specific product labels for each selected product. - Output product labels specific to each destination.

[0305] 9. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the destination information - Specify the target area, and / or - Specify the biomass present in the target area, and / or - Includes terrain and / or topology information about the target area, and / or - Includes information about the soil in the target area, which includes one or more of the following: soil type, soil texture, soil pH, organic matter content, nutrient level, cation exchange capacity, soil structure, water holding capacity, soil drainage characteristics, soil depth, soil temperature, soil moisture, and the type and / or number of organisms in the soil.

[0306] 10. The method according to Example 9, wherein at least a portion of the information about the soil in the target area is obtained from one or more sensors located in the target area.

[0307] 11. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the destination information is obtained using remote sensing.

[0308] 12. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein at least a portion of the destination information is spatially resolved information.

[0309] 13. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising: • Receive environmental information, which specifies and / or characterizes the surrounding environment of the target area.

[0310] 14. The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the environmental information indicates: - Are there any nature reserves and / or groundwater protection zones near the target area, and / or how far is the target area from nature reserves and / or groundwater protection zones, and / or - What vegetation exists near the target area, and / or - Are there roads and / or residential areas near the target area, and / or how far is the target area from roads and / or residential areas, and / or - What soil types are adjacent to the target area and / or what properties do adjacent soils possess, and / or - Are there any animals kept and / or present near the target area, and / or how far away from the target area are they, and / or what type of animals are present, and / or - Minimum, maximum, and / or preferred thresholds, boundaries, restrictions, and / or constraints required by regulatory agencies to protect humans, animals, and / or non-target organisms in the target area and / or environment, and / or - Whether and / or what quantity of one or more products were applied in the neighboring area, and / or the farming practices used in the neighboring area, and / or - The topology, terrain, weather, climate, and / or vegetation of the target area.

[0311] 15. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising: • Receive crop information, which specifies and / or characterizes crops that have been, are being, and / or will be planted in the target area.

[0312] 16. The method according to Example 15, wherein the crop information includes: - Information about crop species and / or crop varieties, and / or - Information about whether and / or how crops have been genetically modified, and / or - Information regarding the crop's developmental stage and / or when it was planted or sown and / or whether and / or when it was fertilized and / or whether and / or when it was irrigated, and / or - Information regarding whether the crop has been treated with one or more products and / or which products(s) have been treated with and / or when and / or how one or more products have been treated with, and / or - Information about which crops were previously grown in the target area, and / or - Information about the crop biomass present in the target area.

[0313] 17. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, further comprising: • Receive application information, which specifies and / or characterizes one or more intended applications of the product in the target area.

[0314] 18. The method according to Example 17, wherein the application information - Indicate which application devices are available and / or how to use them, and / or - Specify the future timeframe for when the product is planned to be applied in the target area, and / or - Indicates where the product is intended to be applied.

[0315] 19. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, further comprising: • Receive weather information about the weather in the target area when the product is expected to be used there.

[0316] 20. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein generating a destination-specific product label for applying the product to a target area based on the received information comprises: - Provide models, - Input the received information into the model. - Receive the output from the model, - Derive instructions, recommendations, and / or prohibitions for product application in the target area from the model's output. - Include instructions, suggestions, and / or prohibited items in destination-specific product labels.

[0317] 21. The method according to embodiment 20, wherein the model is or includes one or more of the following: - A degradation model that describes the rate of degradation of a product and / or one or more components of a product applied to a target area. - Distribution model, which describes the distribution of the product in the target area during and / or after application. - Environmental fate models, which simulate the behavior of products in target areas, including processes such as degradation, leaching, volatilization, and / or runoff. - An ecological risk assessment model that evaluates the potential impact of a product on non-target organisms, ecosystems, and / or biodiversity in a target area. - Pest and / or disease models that determine the probability of a target area and / or crops planted in the target area being infected with one or more pests. - A plant growth model that describes how plant growth in a target area depends on weather, fertilizer, soil conditions, and / or irrigation. - Toxicological models that predict the toxicological effects of a product on human health and / or non-target organisms in the target area and / or the surrounding environment. - Exposure and risk assessment models that estimate human and / or environmental exposure to a product and the associated risks. - Residue and / or metabolic models that predict the formation and behavior of product residues in crops and / or soil in target areas and / or environments. - Population model, which determines the probability of non-target organisms appearing in and / or near the target area.

[0318] 22. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the destination-specific product label includes one or more of the following: - Information regarding when the product can be applied to the target area. - Information regarding when the product should preferably be applied to the target area. - Information regarding products that should preferably not be applied to the target area. - Information regarding the product should not and / or must not be applied to the target area. - Information regarding the time interval that should or must be observed between two consecutive applications of the product in the target area. - Information regarding the quantity of product that can be applied in the target area. - Information on which quantities can be applied in which sub-regions of the target area. - Information regarding how the product must, must not, may, should, and / or should not be used. - Information regarding where the product must, must not, may, and / or should be applied. - Information regarding the required distance from the boundary of the target area. - Information regarding situations where the product should not or must not be used. - Information regarding application methods and / or application parameters to be followed when applying the product to the target area. - Information about when destination-specific product labels are generated. - Information about who initiated the generation of destination-specific product labels. - Information about the computer program used to generate destination-specific product labels. - Information about which model(s) are used to generate destination-specific product labels. - Information regarding the expiration date of destination-specific product labels. - The destination-specific product label should include official certification for use in the target region. - A digital signature capable of verifying the authenticity of destination-specific product labels and / or their expiration date. - Machine instructions used to control and / or guide the application equipment. - A digital map of the target area. - A digital map indicating the quantity of products that should be applied in / can be applied in the target area and / or in the various sub-areas of the target area.

[0319] 23. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the destination-specific product label is a digital product label.

[0320] 24. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, further comprising: • Transmit destination-specific product labels to the application device for control and / or guidance when applying the product in the target area.

[0321] 25. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, further comprising: • Monitor product application in the target area using application equipment.

[0322] 26. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, further comprising: • Check whether the product has been applied to the target area according to the information on the destination-specific label and / or has been applied to the target area according to the information on the destination-specific label.

[0323] 27. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, further comprising: • Receive information from the application equipment regarding the use of the product in the target area. • Transmit information about the use of the product in the target area to regulatory agencies.

[0324] 28. A computer system comprising means for implementing the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27.

[0325] 29. A computer system, comprising: Processing unit; and A storage medium that stores an application configured to perform an operation when executed by a processing unit, the operation including the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0326] 30. The computer system according to embodiment 29 is configured to implement the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27.

[0327] 31. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27.

[0328] 32. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium having software instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processing unit of a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0329] 33. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to embodiment 32, wherein software instructions cause a computer system to perform the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27.

[0330] 34. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27.

[0331] 35. A kit comprising a product and a computer program according to embodiment 34.

[0332] 36. The kit according to Example 35, wherein the product is or includes crop protection products, plant tonics, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives.

[0333] 37. A kit comprising a product and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to embodiment 33.

[0334] 38. The kit according to Example 37, wherein the product is or includes crop protection products, plant strengtheners, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives.

[0335] 39. A kit comprising a product and a computer program that causes a computer system to perform the following steps: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information about products that will be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for application of the product in the target area. • Output destination-specific product labels.

[0336] 40. The kit according to Example 39, wherein the product is or includes crop protection products, plant tonics, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives.

[0337] Various aspects of this disclosure will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the features and / or combinations of features shown in the drawings.

[0338] Figure 1 Exemplary and illustrative embodiments of a computer-implemented method for generating destination-specific product labels are shown in flowchart form.

[0339] The method (100) includes the following steps: (110) Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. (120) Receive product information regarding products to be applied in the target area. (130) Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for applying the product in the target area. (140) Output destination-specific product labels.

[0340] Destination-specific product labels can be displayed, for example, on a monitor, and / or printed on a printer. Destination-specific product labels can be stored in data storage. Destination-specific product labels can be transmitted to another computer system (e.g., via a network). Destination-specific product labels can be transmitted to an application device for applying the product to a target area based on the information contained in the destination-specific product label.

[0341] Figure 2 A schematic example of a destination-specific product label is shown. The destination-specific product label of this disclosure is preferably a digital product label; however, it preferably includes human-readable information represented in the form of text, graphics, illustrations, drawings, and / or other graphic representations. Therefore, at least a portion of the destination-specific product label is displayable on a display and / or printable using a printer.

[0342] Figure 2 The destination-specific product label (PL) shown has the date it was generated. Issued on 2024-01- 30 ).

[0343] Destination-specific product labels may also include information about who generated the label and / or what computer program / software was used to generate it (e.g., in the form of a version number).

[0344] Figure 2 The Destination Specific Product Label (PL) shown comes with a certificate certifying its authenticity. This certificate includes a date indicating the validity period of the Destination Specific Product Label (in this example, valid until January 30, 2025).

[0345] Preferably, the destination-specific product label includes a digital signature, which can be used to electronically verify the authenticity and validity of the label. Preferably, the computer program and / or another computer program disclosed herein includes means for verifying the digital signature online. For this purpose, the signed label can be loaded into the computer system of this disclosure or another computer system. The computer system can be configured to verify the authenticity of the digital signature, as described in publications related to asymmetric encryption (e.g., see the Federal Information Security Administration). Basics of Digital Signature Techniques and Trust Services(Digital Signature Technology and Trust Service Foundations), Version 2.0, April 2023).

[0346] Figure 2 The destination-specific product label (PL) shown contains product information. Product information includes the product name, product ingredients, and product intended use. Product intended use may indicate, for example, what type of product the product is (e.g., fungicide, insecticide, or herbicide) and / or what crops it is used on and / or what pests it is used against.

[0347] Figure 2 The destination-specific product label (PL) shown contains destination information. This destination information indicates where the product will be used (the target region). The destination-specific product label is also intended for use in that target region; that is, it is only valid for that target region because it is generated based on information specific to that region.

[0348] In this example, the target area is specified by its boundary with the surrounding area. The boundary is specified by the edges of a polygon. The polygon is given by four corner points (1, 2, 3, 4). Geographic coordinates can be specified for these corner points.

[0349] Figure 2 The destination-specific product label (PL) shown contains instructions, recommendations, and / or prohibitions. These specify the permitted application time (application time), the amount that can be applied (application amount), and the exact location in the target area where application is permitted (application area). The application amount may also vary within the application area. This information, or at least some of it, may also be in the form of machine instructions.

[0350] Figure 3 Exemplary and schematic computer and network architectures for implementing the present invention are shown.

[0351] Figure 3 The architecture shown includes multiple computer systems interconnected via a network (NW) and capable of sending and / or receiving information through that network. The network (NW) may include, for example, the Internet.

[0352] Figure 3 The architecture shown includes a first computer system (1) that is operated by a user (e.g., a farmer) to generate destination-specific product labels.

[0353] To generate destination-specific product labels, users access software, which in this example is provided by a service provider (SP) via the network (NW) as a software-as-a-service.

[0354] Users can input the information needed to generate destination-specific product labels into a first computer system (1). The user can be guided by software that retrieves the relevant information. This information includes, among other things, destination information, i.e., the target area where the product is intended to be applied.

[0355] Information used to generate destination-specific product labels can be generated by one or more sensors (S1, ..., S...). m )supply.

[0356] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the sensors (S1, ..., Sm) are directly connected to the first computer system (1); however, one or more sensors may also be connected to the first computer system (1) via a network (NW).

[0357] Users of the first computer system (1) may specify the products for which destination-specific product labels should be generated. Users may also generate different labels for different products. Figure 3 The architecture shown includes the product manufacturer's computer system (PM). The software used by the user of the first computer system (1) can be configured to retrieve product information from the product manufacturer's computer system (PM) in order to include it in the process of generating destination-specific product labels.

[0358] The software can be configured to receive data from one or more computer systems (IP1, ..., IP1) of one or more further information providers. n Receive further information. This could be weather information, soil information, satellite imagery, crop information, environmental information, destination information, and / or similar information.

[0359] One or more models (which are part of the software and / or accessible to the software) determine what information is needed to generate destination-specific product labels.

[0360] One or more models may be defined and / or provided and / or monitored and / or updated by a regulatory authority (RA). Regulatory authorities may also act as service providers. Product manufacturers may also act as service providers.

[0361] The generated destination-specific product label is available to the user of the first computer program (1). The user of the first computer program may transmit the generated label or a portion thereof to the application device (AD). The application device (AD) may be controlled and / or guided at least in part by machine instructions, which may be part of the destination-specific product label.

[0362] The application device can be directly connected to the first computer system (1) or connected to the first computer system (1) via a network (NW).

[0363] The application device (AD) may be configured to record and archive the application process. The application device (AD) may be configured to transmit information about the recorded application process to a first computer system (1). The first computer system (1) may be configured to transmit the recorded and archived application process to a regulatory agency (RA).

[0364] Figure 3 The examples shown are merely examples of possible architectures for implementing various aspects of this disclosure. Many other architectures are also possible. For example, software for generating destination-specific product labels can be stored and executed on a first computer system.

[0365] Figure 4 Exemplary and schematic computer systems for implementing the methods described herein are shown. Figure 4 The computer system described (1) can be Figure 3 The first computer system shown is (1). However, Figure 3 Other computer systems shown can also be like Figure 4 As shown and can be referenced Figure 4 To describe it.

[0366] A "computer system" is an electronic data processing system that processes data through programmable computational rules. Such a system typically includes a "computer" (which is a unit including a processor for performing logical operations) and peripheral devices.

[0367] In computer technology, "peripheral devices" refer to all devices connected to a computer and used to control the computer and / or as input and output devices. Examples include monitors (screens), printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, drives, cameras, microphones, speakers, etc. Internal ports and expansion cards are also considered peripheral devices in computer technology.

[0368] Figure 4 The computer system (1) shown includes a processing unit (21) connected to a storage medium (22).

[0369] The processing unit (21) may include one or more processors (alone or in combination with one or more storage media). The processing unit (21) may be conventional computer hardware capable of processing data, computer programs, models and / or other digital information. The processing unit (21) typically consists of an arrangement of electronic circuits, some of which may be designed as integrated circuits or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (integrated circuits are sometimes also called “chips”). The processing unit (21) may be configured to execute computer programs, which may be stored in the working memory of the processing unit (21) or in storage media (22) of the same or different computer systems.

[0370] Storage medium (22) can be conventional computer hardware capable of temporarily and / or persistently storing information, data, models, computer programs, and / or other digital information. Storage medium (22) can include volatile and / or non-volatile storage media and can be fixed or removable. Examples of suitable storage media are RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), hard disk, flash memory, interchangeable computer floppy disk, optical disk, magnetic tape, or a combination of the above. Optical disk can include optical discs with read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical discs with read / write capabilities (CD-R / W), DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.

[0371] The processing unit (21) can be connected not only to the storage medium (22) but also to one or more interfaces (11, 12, 31, 32, 33) to display, transmit, and / or receive information. The interfaces may include one or more communication interfaces (11, 32, 33) and / or one or more user interfaces (12, 31). One or more communication interfaces may be configured to send and / or receive information, for example, to send information to / from other computer systems, networks, data storage media, application devices, sensors, etc. One or more communication interfaces may be configured to transmit and / or receive information via physical (wired) and / or wireless communication connections. One or more communication interfaces may include one or more interfaces for connecting to a network (e.g., using technologies such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi, satellite, cable, DSL, fiber optic, etc.). In some examples, one or more communication interfaces may include one or more near-field communication interfaces configured to connect to devices with near-field communication technologies (such as NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, infrared (e.g., IrDA), etc.).

[0372] The user interface may include a display (31). The display (31) may be configured to display information to a user. Suitable examples are liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode displays (LEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), etc. The user input interfaces (11, 12) may be wired or wireless and may be configured to receive information from the user in the computer system (1) for, for example, processing, storage, and / or display. Suitable examples of user input interfaces are microphones, image or video recording devices (e.g., cameras), keyboards or keypads, joysticks, touch-sensitive surfaces (independent of or integrated into touchscreens), etc. In some examples, the user interface may include automatic identification and data capture technology (AIDC) for machine-readable information. This may include barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), magnetic stripes, optical character recognition (OCR), integrated circuit cards (ICCs), etc. In addition, the user interface may include one or more interfaces for communicating with peripheral devices such as printers.

[0373] One or more computer programs (40) may be stored in a storage medium (22) and executed by a processing unit (21), thereby being programmed to perform the functions described in this disclosure. The retrieval, loading, and execution of the instructions of the computer program (40) may occur sequentially, such that the instructions are retrieved, loaded, and executed separately. However, retrieval, loading, and / or execution may also occur in parallel.

[0374] The computer system disclosed herein can be designed as a laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook and / or tablet PC.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating destination-specific product labels, the method comprising: • Receive destination information regarding the target area where the product will be applied. • Receive product information regarding the product to be applied in the target area. • Based on the received information, generate a destination-specific product label for the application of the product in the target area. • Output the destination-specific product label.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the product is subject to regulatory approval and can only be used after regulatory approval has been granted and / or during the validity period of the approval and / or under the conditions of the approval and / or in the target area.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the destination-specific product label is or includes the regulatory approval for the application of the product in the target area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the product is or includes crop protection products, plant strengthening agents, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target area is or includes farmland used for the cultivation of crops.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein receiving product information regarding the product to be applied in the target area comprises: - Receive information about crops and / or pests. - Select one or more products based on the information about the crop and / or the pest. - Retrieve product information for the selected one or more products from one or more databases. - Generate destination-specific product labels for each of the selected products. - Output destination-specific product labels.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the destination information is: - Specify the target area, and / or - Specify the biomass present in the target area, and / or - Including terrain and / or topology information about the target area, and / or - Includes information about the soil in the target area, including one or more of the following: soil type, soil texture, soil pH, organic matter content, nutrient level, cation exchange level, soil structure, water holding capacity, soil drainage characteristics, soil depth, soil temperature, soil moisture, and the type and / or number of organisms in the soil.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the information about the soil in the target area is obtained from one or more sensors located in the target area.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the destination information is obtained using remote sensing, and wherein at least a portion of the destination information is spatially resolved information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: • Receive environmental information, wherein the environmental information specifies and / or characterizes the surrounding environment of the target area. The environmental information indicated therein: - Whether there are nature reserves and / or groundwater protection areas near the target area, and / or how far the target area is from the nature reserves and / or groundwater protection areas, and / or - What vegetation exists near the target area, and / or - Whether there are roads and / or residential areas near the target area, and / or how far the target area is from roads and / or residential areas, and / or - What soil type is adjacent to the target area and / or what properties the adjacent soils have, and / or - Whether animals are kept and / or present near the target area, and / or the distance from the target area, and / or the type of animals present, and / or - Minimum, maximum, and / or preferred thresholds, boundaries, restrictions, and / or constraints required by regulatory agencies to protect humans, animals, and / or non-target organisms in the target area and / or environment, and / or - Whether one or more products are applied to the adjacent area and / or what quantity of one or more products are applied to the adjacent area, and / or the farming practices used in the adjacent area, and / or - The topology, terrain, weather, climate, and / or vegetation of the environment of the target area.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: • Receive crop information, wherein the crop information specifies and / or characterizes crops that have been, are being, and / or will be planted in the target area. The crop information mentioned includes: - Information about the crop species and / or the crop variety, and / or - Information regarding whether and / or how the crop has been genetically modified, and / or - Information regarding the developmental stage of the crop and / or when it was planted or sown and / or whether it was fertilized and / or when it was fertilized and / or whether it was irrigated and / or when it was irrigated, and / or - Information regarding whether the crop has been treated with one or more products and / or what products the crop has been treated with and / or when the crop has been treated with one or more products and / or how the crop has been treated with one or more products, and / or - Information about what crops were previously grown in the target area, and / or - Information regarding the crop biomass present in the target area.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: • Receive application information, wherein the application information specifies and / or characterizes one or more intended applications of the product in the target area. The application information mentioned above: - Indicates what application device is available and / or how the application device is used, and / or - Specify the future time period in which the product is planned to be applied in the target area, and / or - Indicates where the product is intended to be applied.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein generating a destination-specific product label for the application of the product in the target area based on the received information comprises: - Provide models, - Input the received information into the model. - Receive the output from the model. - Derive from the output of the model instructions, recommendations, and / or disabling measures for the application of the product in the target area. - Include the instructions, recommendations, and / or prohibited items in the destination-specific product label; The model described herein is or includes one or more of the following: - A degradation model that describes the rate of degradation of the product and / or one or more components of the product applied to (multiple) of the target areas. - A distribution model that describes the distribution of the product in the target area during and / or after its application. - An environmental fate model that simulates the behavior of the product in the target area, including processes such as degradation, leaching, volatilization, and / or runoff. - An ecological risk assessment model that evaluates the potential impacts of the product on non-target organisms, ecosystems, and / or biodiversity in the target area. - A pest and / or disease model that determines the probability that the target area and / or the crop grown in the target area is infected by one or more harmful organisms. - A plant growth model that describes how plant growth in the target area depends on weather, fertilizer, soil conditions, and / or irrigation. - A toxicological model that predicts the toxicological effects of the product on human health and / or non-target organisms in the target area and / or the surrounding environment of the target area. - An exposure and risk assessment model that estimates human and / or environmental exposure to the product and the associated risks. - Residue and / or metabolic models that predict the formation and behavior of residues of the product in crops and / or soil in the target area and / or environment. - A population model that determines the probability of a non-target organism appearing in the target area and / or the vicinity of the target area.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the destination-specific product label comprises one or more of the following: - Information regarding when the product can be applied to the target area. - Information regarding when the product should preferably be applied to the target area. - Information regarding when the product should preferably not be applied to the target area. - Information regarding when the product should not and / or must not be applied to the target area. - Information regarding the time interval that should or must be observed between two consecutive applications of the product in the target area. - Information regarding the quantity of the product that can be applied in the target area. - Information regarding which quantity can be applied to which sub-regions of the target area. - Information regarding how the product must, must not, can, should, and / or should not be applied. - Information regarding where the product must, must not, can, and / or should be applied. - Information regarding the distance that must be maintained from the boundary of the target area. - Information regarding situations where the product should not or must not be used. - Information regarding the application methods and / or application parameters that will be followed when applying the product to the target area. - Information regarding when the destination-specific product labels were generated. - Information regarding who initiated the generation of the destination-specific product label. - Information about which computer program was used to generate the destination-specific product labels. - Information about which models(s) were used to generate the destination-specific product labels. - Information regarding the validity period of the destination-specific product labels. - The statement indicates that the destination-specific product label includes an officially approved certificate for the use of the product in the target region. - A digital signature capable of verifying the authenticity of the destination-specific product label and / or the validity period of the destination-specific product label. - Machine instructions used to control and / or guide the application equipment. - A digital map of the target area, - A digital map indicating the quantity of the product that should / can be applied in the target area and / or in the various sub-areas of the target area.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising one or more of the following: • Transmit the destination-specific product label to the application device for controlling and / or guiding the application device when applying the product in the target area. • The application of the product in the target area is monitored using an application device. • Check whether the product has been applied to the target area according to the information in the destination-specific label and / or whether it has been applied to the target area according to the information in the destination-specific label. • Receive information from the application device regarding the use of the product in the target area. • Transmit the information regarding the use of the product in the target area to the regulatory authority.

16. A computer system comprising means for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processing unit of a computer system, causes the computer system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A kit comprising crop protection products, plant strengthening agents, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and / or soil additives, and a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processing unit of a computer system, causes the computer system to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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