Method for collecting usage data for an agricultural implement, arrangement with an agricultural implement and agricultural implement

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for collecting operating data for an agricultural implement, comprising: providing a first agricultural implement (1), wherein a first transmitting module (2) is arranged on the first agricultural implement, which is configured to send a module signal by means of wireless data communication (2a), the module signal comprising identity data indicating the module identity of the first transmitting module (2); providing a mobile terminal (3); providing first assignment data in the mobile terminal, wherein the first assignment data defines an assignment between the module identity of the first transmitting module (2) and the first agricultural implement (1); repeatedly transmitting the module signal by the first transmitting module (2) by means of wireless data communication (2a);Receiving the module signal by the mobile device (3) when the mobile device (3) is located within a transmission range of the first transmitting module (2); starting a first process for collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement (1) in the mobile device (3), wherein the first process for collecting the usage data is triggered by the module signal from the first transmitting module (2) in the mobile device (3); and collecting the usage data for the first agricultural implement (1) in the mobile device (3). Furthermore, an arrangement with an agricultural implement and an agricultural implement are provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for collecting usage data for an agricultural implement, an arrangement with an agricultural implement and an agricultural implement. background

[0002] Agricultural implements, also known as implements in English, come in various designs. For example, they may be designed to be coupled to a tractor for operation. Alternatively, they may be self-propelled implements with a driver's cab.

[0003] Agricultural implements are used to perform various agricultural tasks, particularly fieldwork. For example, agricultural implements for soil cultivation include plows, cultivators, and seed drills. Other agricultural implements include sprayers and mowing machines, as well as equipment for cutting or mowing crops, such as mowers and harvesters.

[0004] There is an increasing need to record and collect usage data for agricultural equipment, particularly to optimize its operation and maintenance. For example, GPS modules (Global Positioning System) mounted on agricultural equipment are used to collect position data during field use. This position data allows for the tracking and coordination of equipment deployment locations. Furthermore, for maintenance purposes, information such as the type of soil used by the equipment can be analyzed, which can be determined from the position data. Summary

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a method for collecting usage data for an agricultural implement, an arrangement with an agricultural implement and an agricultural implement with which usage data for the agricultural implement can be recorded efficiently, safely and in an energy-saving manner in various application environments and situations.

[0006] To solve the problem, a method for collecting usage data for an agricultural implement is provided according to independent claim 1. Furthermore, an arrangement comprising an agricultural implement and an agricultural implement are provided according to dependent claims 14 and 15. Embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0007] According to one aspect, a method for collecting usage data for an agricultural implement is established, comprising the following: providing a first agricultural implement, wherein a first transmitting module is arranged on the first agricultural implement, which is configured to send a module signal via wireless data communication, which includes identity data indicating a module identity of the first transmitting module; providing a mobile device; providing first mapping data in the mobile device, wherein the first mapping data defines a mapping between the module identity of the first transmitting module and the first agricultural implement; repeatedly transmitting the module signal by the first transmitting module via wireless data communication;Receiving the module signal by the mobile device when the mobile device is located within a transmission range of the first transmitting module; initiating a first process for collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement in the mobile device, wherein the first process for collecting usage data is triggered by the module signal from the first transmitting module in the mobile device; and collecting the usage data for the first agricultural implement in the mobile device.

[0008] According to another aspect, an arrangement with an agricultural implement is created which has the following features: providing a first agricultural implement for agricultural field work, wherein a first transmitting module is arranged on the first agricultural implement, which is configured to send a module signal by means of wireless data communication, which includes identity data indicating a module identity of the first transmitting module; and providing a mobile terminal.The arrangement is configured to perform the following procedure: repeated transmission of the module signal by the transmitting module via data communication; reception of the module signal by the mobile device when the mobile device is located within a transmission range of the transmitting module; initiation of a process for collecting usage data for the agricultural implement in the mobile device, wherein the process for collecting usage data is triggered by the module signal in the mobile device; and collection of the usage data for the agricultural implement in the mobile device.

[0009] According to another aspect, an agricultural implement is created for agricultural work, which has a transmitting module that is set up to send a module signal by means of data communication, which includes identity data indicating a module identity of the transmitting module, wherein the agricultural implement is set up for use in the procedures specified above.

[0010] The collection of usage data for the agricultural implement is initiated or triggered efficiently and easily using the first transmitter module, which is equipped for wireless data communication and is located on the agricultural implement. This occurs when the module signal repeatedly transmitted by the first transmitter module, bearing the module identity of the first transmitter module, is received by the mobile device. This occurs when the mobile device enters or reaches the transmission area (transmission range) covered by the first transmitter module. The transmission range of the first transmitter module for data communication can, for example, be in a range of approximately 1 m to approximately 100 m, and more specifically in a range of approximately 10 m to approximately 100 m.

[0011] The module signal can also be transmitted by the first transmitter module even if the mobile device is not within the transmission range of the first transmitter module. In this case, however, the module signal is not received by the first transmitter module, so nothing is triggered or activated by the module signals transmitted at that time in the mobile device. When the module signal is then received by the mobile device, this starts the first process for collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement, specifically automatically. This occurs directly upon receipt of the module signal, which itself triggers the start of the first process for collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement.This ensures that usage data collection starts immediately without delay and therefore without data loss, especially automatically when the mobile device enters the transmission range of the first transmitter module. The automatic triggering of the first data collection process also supports reliable initiation of the collection process.

[0012] The mobile device can be, for example, a mobile phone or a tablet computer. If the user of the mobile phone or tablet computer approaches the agricultural implement, for example by operating a tractor that pulls the implement to the farm, the proposed method ensures that the collection of usage data for the agricultural implement is initiated without delay and without loss of usage data.

[0013] It may be provided that a software application is installed on the mobile device, which can be started by the user or whose execution starts automatically when the mobile device is switched on, so that the mobile device is then in a standby mode to receive the module signal. In standby mode, a scanning process to receive the module signal can be performed in the background on the mobile device, which can also be referred to as background scanning. When the mobile device is then within range of the transmitter module at the first agricultural implement, the connection between the transmitter module and the mobile device is established automatically, which may include a so-called pairing process, for example, when using Bluetooth technology for data communication or transmission. Upon receipt of the module signal, the start of the first collection process is then triggered, usually automatically.

[0014] When the mobile device comes within range of the first transmitter module, a wireless connection can be automatically established to perform data communication between the transmitter module and the mobile device. This can be done, for example, using a software application that can be installed on the mobile device and is in standby mode after being started by the user, in order to receive the module signal, in particular by means of a background scanning process to receive the module signal.

[0015] The transmitting module can be configured to repeatedly send the module signal at time intervals, whereby the time intervals between successive module signals can be the same or different.

[0016] The transmitter module can be configured for one-way data communication, which, in one embodiment, allows the module signal to be transmitted via one-way data communication. In another embodiment, the transmitter module's data communication capability can be limited to wireless one-way data communication.

[0017] The first transmitter module can be set up for battery or rechargeable battery operation and may therefore have a battery or accumulator.

[0018] The initial process for collecting usage data can be terminated in various ways, depending on the application. For example, data collection during this initial process can end when the module signal from the first transmitter module is no longer received by the mobile device, perhaps because the mobile device has moved out of the transmitter module's range. Alternatively, the initial data collection process can be terminated in response to a corresponding user input on the mobile device. Another option is to terminate the initial data collection process after a predetermined period of time. This time limit can be set by the user within the software application.

[0019] The identification data contained in the module signal identifies the first transmitting module and thus uniquely distinguishes it from other transmitting modules. In this way, the first transmitting module is provided with a unique module identity. In one embodiment, the identification data includes a so-called "Universal Unique Identifier" (UUID). This is a 128-bit number used to identify information in computer systems or networks. When generated using standard methods, UUIDs can be considered globally unique for practical purposes.

[0020] The collected usage data for the first piece of agricultural equipment can include data on its use in performing agricultural work and / or non-use situations. In usage situations, the agricultural equipment is used, for example, for fieldwork. An example of a non-use situation is transport or road travel, such as moving the agricultural equipment to or from the field. Usage data for such uses can also be of interest, for example, to record potential wear and tear on parts of the agricultural machine that are subject to particular stress during road or transport.

[0021] In one embodiment, the module signal includes, in addition to the module identity, further data, which can be referred to, for example, as major and minor data. Using such major and minor data, the transmitting module can be specifically configured for various applications in one embodiment. In one configuration, the major and / or minor information can indicate the identity of a farm to which the first piece of agricultural equipment is assigned. If a farm has several different locations, the major and / or minor information can alternatively or additionally display a location identity, indicating the location assigned to the piece of agricultural equipment, in addition to the farm's identity.Alternatively or additionally, the main and / or secondary information may display a manufacturer's identity for a manufacturer of the agricultural implement. The module signal may include numerical codes in conjunction with the main and / or secondary information, which can be read and evaluated by the mobile device to determine the information described above, for example, based on data present on the mobile device and / or data stored on a server.

[0022] The first agricultural implement can be any piece of agricultural equipment used for various agricultural tasks, such as a tillage implement like a plow, cultivator, or seed drill; a sprayer or sprayer; a harvester; or an implement for mowing or cutting crops. The agricultural implement can be designed to be attached to a tractor or other agricultural vehicle. It can also be self-propelled.

[0023] The usage data collected by the mobile device, i.e., the usage data arriving or received by the device, can then be stored on the mobile device itself and / or in a central computer system, such as a server. In one implementation, the usage data collected (incoming) by the mobile device can be forwarded to the central computer system without being permanently stored locally on the device. The mobile device then acts, for example, only as a "collection point," i.e., as a so-called gateway, from where the incoming or received usage data is forwarded to the central computer system for analysis and processing.

[0024] The mobile device and / or the central computer system can make usage data available for retrieval by other computers, particularly mobile devices assigned to other users. The central computer system and / or the mobile device can thus be configured as a data center (data master) where usage data collected from multiple mobile devices for various agricultural implements is stored and made available for retrieval. This allows, for example, the configuration of a master-slave system for multiple mobile devices or multiple mobile devices and the central computer system.

[0025] The module signal can be repeatedly transmitted by the first transmitter module using low-energy Bluetooth technology for wireless data communication. This technology is known, for example, as Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for wireless data communication. Low-energy Bluetooth technology supports the most energy-efficient operation possible of the transmitter module.

[0026] The module signal can be proactively and repeatedly transmitted by the first transmitting module as part of wireless data communication. In this context, "proactive" means that no initiation or request from the mobile device is required to send the module signal. Rather, the first transmitting module is configured to actively and continuously transmit the module signal without any trigger.

[0027] Initiating the first process for collecting usage data in the mobile device can further include the following: determining the module identity of the first transmitting module by evaluating the module signal, determining the first agricultural implement from the initial assignment data, and assigning the collected usage data to the first agricultural implement. After the module identity of the first transmitting module has been determined in the mobile device by reading the module signal, the first agricultural implement can be identified using the initial assignment data. The assignment data defines a relationship between the module identity and the first agricultural implement, so that the mobile device contains information about which agricultural implement the first transmitting module, from which the module signal with the module identity was received, belongs to.The collected usage data can then be assigned to the first agricultural implement.

[0028] The collected usage data for the first piece of agricultural equipment can be stored, for example, on the mobile device in a storage device. Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to transmit the collected usage data wirelessly from the mobile device to a remote or central computer system, for example, to analyze the collected usage data using the computer system and / or to make the collected usage data available for retrieval by other computer systems. The remote or central computer system could, for example, be a central computer system in a computer network.

[0029] When the first process for collecting usage data is triggered, a software application implemented on the mobile device for collecting usage data (collection application) can begin to run. The software application installed on the mobile device can then trigger and coordinate the collection of usage data, for example, by initiating the recording of usage data by a sensor and collecting the sensor data as usage data.

[0030] The collection of usage data can include the collection of initial usage data, which displays location data indicating the geographic position of the mobile device during the initial data collection process. This location data is acquired using a positioning device on the mobile device and is associated with the first agricultural implement. In this embodiment, the location data is acquired using the positioning device present in the mobile device, for example, a GPS module, and collected as initial usage data. Since the mobile device is within the transmission range of the first agricultural implement with the first transmitting module when receiving the module signal, the location data acquired by the mobile device indicates the position of the first agricultural implement itself with sufficient accuracy for many purposes.For example, if the operator of a tractor pulling the first piece of agricultural equipment is carrying a mobile device, the location data will show, for instance, the position of the agricultural equipment during fieldwork. The same applies if the tractor is transporting the agricultural equipment between different locations. In this configuration, there is no need for a positioning device, such as a GPS module, on the first piece of agricultural equipment itself. Instead, this is replaced by the positioning device already present in the mobile device, as is common in mobile phones or laptops. This significantly reduces the effort required to equip agricultural equipment to collect such usage data.

[0031] The collection of usage data can include the collection of secondary usage data, which displays sensor data and is acquired by a sensor device, with the secondary usage data being assigned to the first agricultural implement. In this embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to collecting the primary usage data with position data, it is provided that the sensor device collects sensor data for one or more parameters that provide information about aspects of the operation or use of the first agricultural implement. The acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor device can be initiated or triggered by the reception of the module signal in the mobile device. The acquired sensor data is then collected in the mobile device as part of the first process.

[0032] The module signal can be transmitted comprehensively from the first transmitting module, including initial sensor data acquired by a first sensor integrated into the first transmitting module. In this configuration, the first transmitting module itself is equipped with one or more sensors that acquire sensor data for the operation or use of the first agricultural implement. This data is then transmitted as part of the module signal to the mobile device via wireless data communication during repeated transmissions of the module signal.

[0033] The mobile device can receive secondary sensor data, which is acquired by a second sensor that is separate from the first transmitting module. This second sensor(s) is separate from the first transmitting module and is, for example, located on the first agricultural implement and / or on a tractor pulling the first implement.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, one or more secondary sensors, such as a temperature sensor, can be provided in the mobile device. A software application installed on the mobile device, which initiates and coordinates the collection of usage data, can be configured to trigger one or more sensors of the sensor array to capture sensor data, depending on the application task. The sensor data can be collected as part of the first process for collecting usage data in the mobile device.

[0035] The sensor data for the agricultural implement can display at least one operating or usage parameter from the following group: temperature, driving speed, precipitation, humidity, soil moisture, and vibrations. In this way, various operating parameters relating to the operation or use of the agricultural implement can be recorded, for example, during fieldwork and / or road or transport.

[0036] The collection of usage data can include the collection of third-party usage data, which displays time data for an operating or usage duration and is recorded by a time-tracking device on the mobile device. This third-party usage data is then assigned to the first agricultural implement. For example, a stopwatch function on the mobile device can be used to record the start and end times of use. Time tracking can be initiated, for example, when the module signal is received by the mobile device, thereby starting the initial process for collecting usage data.Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to automatically trigger or initiate the output of user information via a user interface of the mobile device upon receipt of the module signal, prompting the user to begin time recording using the time recording device of the mobile device.

[0037] Providing the initial mapping data can involve receiving a user mapping input via an input device on the mobile device, where the user mapping input defines or indicates the mapping between the module identity of the first transmitting module and the first agricultural implement. After the module signal from the first transmitting module has been received and evaluated in the mobile device, thus determining the module identity, the user, in this embodiment, can be prompted to make a user mapping input that identifies the first agricultural implement, so that the initial mapping data can be generated in the mobile device.The prompt to the user to enter the user assignment information via the input device (a user interface) of the mobile device can be issued, for example, when the module signal from the first transmitting module is received for the first time in the mobile device.

[0038] Alternatively, it could be provided that, for example, a manufacturer of the first agricultural implement makes identification data for its manufactured agricultural implements with a transmitter module available in a cloud or on the internet. In that case, it could be provided that upon initial reception of the module signal from the first transmitter module, the mobile device retrieves the identification data for the module identity of the first transmitter module from the cloud or the internet in order to make the identification data available on the mobile device.

[0039] The method may further comprise the following steps: providing a second agricultural implement for field work, wherein a second transmitter module is arranged on the second agricultural implement, which is configured to transmit a module signal via wireless data communication, which includes identity data indicating the module identity of the second transmitter module; providing second mapping data in the mobile device, wherein the second mapping data defines a mapping between the module identity of the second transmitter module and the second agricultural implement; repeated transmission of the module signal by the second transmitter module via wireless data communication; reception of the module signal by the mobile device when the mobile device is located within a transmission range of the second transmitter module;Starting a second process to collect usage data for the second agricultural implement in the mobile device, wherein the second process to collect usage data is triggered by the module signal from the second transmitting module in the mobile device; and collecting the usage data for the second agricultural implement in the mobile device.

[0040] In this embodiment, it is provided that in a second process, which differs from the first process for collecting usage data, usage data is collected for a second piece of agricultural equipment, which differs from the first piece of agricultural equipment. Regarding the possible configurations of the second process for collecting usage data for the second piece of agricultural equipment, the explanations given above in connection with the first piece of agricultural equipment apply accordingly.

[0041] At the start of the second process for collecting usage data, the first process for collecting usage data may have already ended or may be terminated. Alternatively, it may be possible for the first and second processes for collecting usage data to run in parallel, at least temporarily. Such a configuration might be appropriate, for example, if a tractor is pulling two agricultural implements, each with its own transmitter module, while working in the field, and these implements perform different tasks.

[0042] In connection with the arrangement involving an agricultural implement and the agricultural implement itself, the configurations explained above in connection with the procedure may be provided accordingly.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first process for collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement may involve receiving the module signal in a terminal located in the cab of a tractor or self-propelled agricultural implement. The terminal may be detachably (portably) or permanently mounted in the cab, so that, if detachable, it can be carried by the user as a mobile terminal, similar to a mobile device, at least in close proximity to the agricultural machine. It may also be possible to use the portable terminal in multiple tractors to collect usage data for agricultural implements attached to each tractor. The terminal can be configured for the method of collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement in a manner similar to a mobile device.Using wireless data communication, the usage data collected in the terminal can be transmitted to another computer device or mobile device, for example a mobile phone or a laptop computer.

[0044] The first and / or second transmitting module can each be, for example, a tag or a so-called beacon, such as the "iBeacon" or "Eddystone" versions, which are used for various operating systems or data communication protocols. Such transmitting modules are typically characterized by the fact that the module signal is repeatedly transmitted during wireless data communication, particularly one-way data communication, and indicates the module's identity. These transmitting modules can be adapted for data communication within different operating systems or data protocols. The operating systems and the associated data protocols are designed to actively trigger various types of data processing in the receiving device upon receipt of the module signal, especially automatically upon signal reception.

[0045] It may be possible to display the usage data to a user as part of a visualization. For example, a map showing the location data collected for the agricultural implement could be displayed on the screen of a mobile device and / or other computer that has retrieved the collected usage data. This would allow a user to see, for instance, the route taken with the agricultural implement during fieldwork. In another example, the map could show which field area was worked on and when, provided the usage data includes date and / or time information. Optionally, the specific agricultural implement used could also be displayed. Description of exemplary implementations

[0046] Further embodiments are explained below with reference to figures in a drawing. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an arrangement with an agricultural implement and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an arrangement with several agricultural implements.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement with an agricultural implement 1. This could be, for example, an agricultural implement from the following group: agricultural implement for soil cultivation such as a plow, cultivator or seed drill; sprayer or spraying machine; harvesting machine and agricultural implement for mowing or cutting crops.

[0048] A transmitter module 2 is attached to the agricultural implement 1, either detachably or permanently. The transmitter module 2 is configured to send a module signal via wireless data communication, for example, one-way data communication 2a. This signal includes identity data indicating the module identity of the transmitter module 2. For example, the identity data can include a UUID assigned to the transmitter module 2. The module identity allows the transmitter module 2 to be uniquely distinguished from other transmitter modules.

[0049] The order according to Fig. 1 further includes a mobile device 3, which is, for example, a mobile phone, tablet computer or laptop computer.

[0050] The transmitting module 2 repeatedly and proactively sends the module signal as part of data communication 2a, for example, one-way data communication. The transmitting module 2 can, for example, be implemented with a tag or a so-called beacon, such as the "iBeacon" or "Eddystone" implementations. Such transmitting modules are typically characterized by the fact that the module signal is repeatedly sent as part of one-way data communication 2a, indicating the module's identity. The transmitting modules can be adapted for data communication within the framework of different operating systems or data protocols. The operating systems and the associated data protocols are designed to actively trigger a data processing process of various kinds in the receiving device upon receipt of the module signal.

[0051] The module signal can be repeatedly transmitted by the transmitter module 2 within the framework of wireless data communication 2a using low-energy Bluetooth technology. Such technology is known, for example, as Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for wireless data communication. Low-energy Bluetooth technology supports the most energy-efficient operation possible of the transmitter module.

[0052] The transmitter module 2 has a (limited) transmission range in its immediate vicinity. For data communication, the transmission range of the transmitter module 2 can be, for example, between approximately 1 m and approximately 100 m, and in particular between approximately 10 m and approximately 100 m. The signal transmitted by the transmitter module 2 can only be received by the mobile device 3 if it is located within the transmission range of the transmitter module 2.

[0053] A software application is installed on the mobile device 3, which is started either by the user or automatically when the mobile device 3 is switched on. The mobile device 3 then remains in a standby or waiting state with regard to receiving the module signal from the transmitter 2, such that upon receiving the module signal, a connection to the transmitter module 2 is established for wireless data communication 2a. While in standby mode, a background scanning process can be performed on the mobile device 3 to receive the module signal, which can also be referred to as background scanning. When the mobile device 3 is then within range of the transmitter module 2 on the agricultural implement 1, the connection is established, which may include pairing, for example, when using Bluetooth technology for data communication or transmission.

[0054] When such a connection is established for the first time between the transmitting module 2 and the mobile device 3, the user is prompted via a user interface 4 of the mobile device 3 to enter user assignment information, indicating that the agricultural implement 1 is assigned to the received module identity of the transmitting module 2. Corresponding assignment data can then be provided to the mobile device 3, displaying the assignment between the module identity and the agricultural implement 1.

[0055] If the mobile device 3 later returns to or remains within the transmission range of the transmitter module 2, the receipt of the module signal automatically starts or triggers a process for collecting usage data for the agricultural implement 1. Based on the previously provided assignment data in the mobile device 3, the collected usage data can be assigned to the agricultural implement 1. Various types of usage data can be recorded and collected in the mobile device 3 during this process. The usage data can, for example, include one or more parameters from the following group: time, position, driving speed, precipitation, soil moisture, humidity, inclination of the implement 1, and vibrations of the implement 1 during use.This therefore concerns various aspects that may be important when operating or using the agricultural implement 1, whether in the context of fieldwork and / or during transport or road travel.

[0056] The collected usage data can include sensor data from a first sensor 5, which is part of the transmitter module 2. Alternatively or additionally, the usage data can include sensor data from a second sensor 6, which is part of the mobile device 3, for example, a temperature sensor.

[0057] The usage data may also include sensor data from a third sensor 7 located on the agricultural implement 1 and / or on a tractor or tractor (not shown) pulling the agricultural implement 1.

[0058] The usage data collected, i.e., received, by the mobile device 3 can be stored on the mobile device 3 itself and / or transmitted via wireless data communication 8 to a central computer 9, particularly for data processing and analysis. The collected usage data can thus be analyzed, in particular to optimize the operation and maintenance of the agricultural implement 1.

[0059] The collected usage data can thus be made available for retrieval on the mobile device and / or the central computer 9 by one or more other computer systems 10.1, ..., 10.m (m>1), which may be, for example, other mobile devices and / or non-mobile computer systems. The central computer 9 and / or the mobile device 3 can thus be configured as a data center (data master) in which the usage data collected by means of several mobile devices 3 for one or more agricultural implements is stored and made available for retrieval. This allows, for example, a master-slave system to be configured for the several mobile devices 3; 10.1, ..., 10.m or the several mobile devices 3; 10.1, ..., 10.m and the central computer 9.

[0060] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement with several agricultural implements 20.1, ..., 20.n (n>1), each of which has a transmitter module 21.1, ..., 21.n, which is configured according to transmitter module 2. Furthermore, in Fig. 2. For identical features, use the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1 used.

[0061] The several agricultural implements 20.1, ..., 20.n can, for example, refer to agricultural implements for different work purposes such as mowing, sowing, plowing, spraying, or spreading fertilizer on a farm. Equipping the agricultural implements 20.1, ..., 20.n with the respective transmitter module 21.1, ..., 21.n enables the automated collection of usage data for the respective agricultural implement when the mobile device 3 comes within the transmission range of the respective transmitter module, as described above with reference to Fig. 1 was explained.

[0062] The usage data is collected on the mobile device 3 and can be stored there in a storage device. Alternatively and additionally, it may be possible to transfer the collected usage data to the remote computer device 9, in particular by means of wireless data communication 8.

[0063] It may be possible to record usage data for several of the agricultural implements 20.1, ..., 20.n simultaneously.

[0064] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawing can be important for the realization of the various embodiments, both individually and in any combination.

Claims

[1] Method for collecting operational data for an agricultural implement, comprising: - Providing a first agricultural implement (1; 20.1) wherein a first transmitting module (2; 21.1) is arranged on the first agricultural implement which is configured to send a module signal by means of wireless data communication (2a) which includes identity data indicating a module identity of the first transmitting module (2; 21.1); - Provision of a mobile device (3); - Providing initial mapping data in the mobile device, wherein the initial mapping data defines a mapping between the module identity of the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) and the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1); - repeated transmission of the module signal by the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) via wireless data communication (2a); - Receiving the module signal by the mobile device (3) when the mobile device (3) is located within a transmission range of the first transmitting module (2; 21.1); - Starting an initial process for collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1) in the mobile device (3), wherein the initial process for collecting usage data is triggered by the module signal from the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) in the mobile device (3); and - Collecting usage data for the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1) in the mobile device (3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the module signal is repeatedly transmitted by the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) as part of wireless data communication (2a) using low-energy Bluetooth technology. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the module signal is proactively repeated by the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) as part of wireless data communication (2a). [4] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the initiation of the first process for collecting usage data in the mobile device (3) continues to include the following: - Determining the module identity of the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) by evaluating the module signal; - Determining the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1) from the first allocation data and - Assigning the collected usage data to the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1). [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when the first process for collecting usage data is triggered, a software application for collecting usage data implemented on the mobile device (3) is executed. [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the collection of usage data includes the collection of initial usage data, which indicates location data, which indicates a geographic location of the mobile device (3) during the initial process of collecting usage data and is captured by means of a location determination device of the mobile device (3), the initial usage data being assigned to the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1). [7] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the collection of usage data includes the collection of second usage data, which display sensor data and are recorded by means of a sensor device (5; 6; 7), the second usage data being assigned to the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by, that the module signal from the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) comprehensively transmits first sensor data, which are acquired by means of a first sensor (5) which the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) has. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the mobile device (3) receives second sensor data, which are recorded by means of a second sensor (6; 7) which is separate from the first transmitting module (2; 21.1). [10] Method according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the sensor data for the agricultural implement (1; 20.1) shall include at least one operating parameter from the following group: temperature, driving speed, precipitation, humidity, soil moisture and vibrations. [11] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the collection of usage data includes the collection of third-party usage data, which indicates time data for a period of use and which is recorded by means of a time recording device of the mobile device (3), wherein the third-party usage data is assigned to the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1). [12] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that providing the first mapping data includes receiving a user mapping input via an input device of the mobile terminal (3), wherein the user mapping input defines the mapping between the module identity of the first transmitting module (2; 21.1) and the first agricultural implement (1; 20.1). [13] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, furthermore characterized by the following steps: - Providing a second agricultural implement (20.2) for agricultural field work, wherein a second transmitting module (21.2) is arranged on the second agricultural implement (20.2), which is configured to send a module signal by means of wireless data communication (2a) which includes identity data indicating a module identity of the second transmitting module (21.2); - Providing second mapping data in the mobile device, wherein the second mapping data defines a mapping between the module identity of the second transmitting module (21.2) and the second agricultural implement (20.2); - repeated transmission of the module signal by the second transmitting module (21.2) via wireless data communication (2a); - Receiving the module signal by the mobile device when the mobile device (3) is located within a transmission range of the second transmitting module (21.2); - Starting a second process for collecting usage data for the second agricultural implement (20.2) in the mobile device (3), wherein the second process for collecting usage data is triggered by the module signal from the second transmitting module (21.2) in the mobile device (3); and - Collecting usage data for the second agricultural implement (20.2) in the mobile device (3). [14] Arrangement with an agricultural implement, comprising: - an agricultural implement (1; 20.1) comprising a transmitting module (2; 21.1) configured to transmit a module signal via wireless data communication (2a), which includes identity data indicating the module identity of the transmitting module (2; 21.1); and - a mobile terminal (3) in which mapping data is provided that defines a mapping between the module identity and the agricultural implement (1; 20.1); wherein the arrangement is set up for the following procedure: - repeated sending of the module signal by the transmitting module (2; 21.1) via data communication (2a); - Receiving the module signal by the mobile device (3) when the mobile device (3) is located within a transmission range of the transmitting module (2; 21.1); - Starting a process for collecting usage data for the agricultural implement (1; 20.1) in the mobile device (3), wherein the process for collecting usage data is triggered by the module signal in the mobile device (3); and - Collecting usage data for the agricultural implement (1; 20.1) in the mobile device (3). [15] Agricultural implement (1; 20.1) comprising a transmitter module (2; 21.1) configured to transmit a module signal by means of wireless data communication (2a) which includes identity data indicating a module identity of the transmitter module (2; 21.1) and which is configured for use in the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 13.

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