Smart Fixtures

Abstract

An exemplary smart implement includes a power take-off connector, one or more sensors, a controller, and a communication unit. The power take-off connector attaches the smart implement to a tractor. The one or more sensors generate implement data. The controller is configured to determine operating parameters based on the implement data from the one or more sensors. The communication unit is configured to be able to communicate with the tractor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to smart fixtures. [Background technology]

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the material described in this specification is not prior art to the claims in this application, and is not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Farming and agricultural ventures often involve labor-intensive work and long hours. In some situations, the long hours are due to the large areas of land and numerous crops that may be involved in an operation. In some instances, tractors and other large machines are used with attached implements to manage areas of land. Some implements may consume large amounts of energy and / or time.

[0004] The subject matter claimed in this disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any of the disadvantages discussed above or that operate only in environments such as those discussed above. Instead, this background is provided only to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described in this disclosure may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a smart implement may include a combination of a power take-off connector, one or more sensors, a controller, and a communications unit. The power take-off connector attaches the smart implement to a tractor. The one or more sensors generate implement data. The controller is configured to determine operating parameters based on the implement data from the one or more sensors. The communications unit is configured to be able to communicate with the tractor.

[0006] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims. Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates some example smart fixtures. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example smart appliance control system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for controlling an instrument. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system. [Diagram 5] 11 is an exemplary flow chart of an exemplary method of controlling an instrument, all arranged in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Because agricultural enterprises, including farm operations, are often time consuming and large scale, motorized vehicles and equipment provide great benefits in accomplishing the tasks associated therewith. Tractors and other agricultural equipment may be used to help reduce the time required to cultivate land and / or crops. In some situations, various implements may be attached to tractors and other agricultural equipment that may be used to help accomplish the tasks.

[0009] While implements simplify many of the agricultural processes, they also use large amounts of energy to operate. Because the energy is provided by an associated tractor or other vehicle, use of the implement can contribute to increased amounts of pollution and / or energy consumption of the tractor. Additionally, once connected and operating, the implement is often designed to operate at or near 100% capacity until it is disconnected.

[0010] In some embodiments, smart implements may include variable power consumption as determined by the implement or as dictated by an associated tractor. In some situations, smart implements may sense the surrounding environment or information related to a current task that may be used to dictate power consumption by the smart implement.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a smart implement may reduce the amount of power required from an associated tractor so that the tractor may be more energy efficient. Additionally, a smart implement may increase the rate at which a task is completed by increasing power consumption to complete the task as conditions permit or dictate.

[0012] In this disclosure, the term "tractor" may refer to agricultural tractors and / or other powered equipment or vehicles that may be used in an agricultural environment. Alternatively or additionally, the term "tractor" may include a powered vehicle that may be configured to support and operate an implement that may be used in an agricultural environment or any other applicable environment. Furthermore, while primarily discussed in an agricultural environment, some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in other environments, such as mining, construction, and / or other locations where large machinery may be beneficial.

[0013] 1 illustrates some example smart fixtures 100 according to one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. The example smart fixtures 100 may include some or all of the components described in connection with FIGS. 2, 3, and / or 4.

[0014] 2 is a block diagram of an example smart fixture control system 200 for the smart fixture 100 of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. The smart fixture control system 200 may include a fixture control module 205, a fixture controller 210, and one or more sensors 220. The one or more sensors 220 may include an environmental sensor 225 and a digital camera 230.

[0015] The appliance control module 205 may include code and routines configured to enable a computing system to perform one or more operations. Additionally or alternatively, the appliance control module 205 may be implemented using hardware including a processor, a microprocessor (e.g., for performing or controlling the performance of one or more operations), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some other cases, the appliance control module 205 may be implemented using a combination of hardware and software. In this disclosure, the operations described as being performed by the appliance control module 205 may include operations that the appliance control module 205 may instruct a corresponding system to perform. Furthermore, although described separately in this disclosure to facilitate the description of the different operations and roles performed, in some embodiments, one or more portions of the appliance control module 205 may be combined or be part of the same module.

[0016] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to interface with the implement 215, such as via the implement controller 210, where the implement 215 may be attached to and / or powered by the tractor similar to how other implements are attached to and / or powered by the tractor. For example, the implement 215 may be configured to be attached to the tractor via a power take off (PTO). Alternatively or additionally, the interface between the implement 215 and the tractor may include an electrical connection and / or any other process configured to variably transfer power from the tractor to the implement 215. In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to determine variable power demands for the implement 215 and may interface with the tractor such that the tractor may provide a variable power supply. In some embodiments, the implement controller 210 may be configured to provide control to the implement 215. The variable power delivery from the implement controller 210 may be in lieu of and / or in addition to the implement 215 receiving a constant power supply from the tractor. For example, the amount of power output of the implement 215 may vary based on the amount of power that can be supplied by the tractor, as determined by the implement control module 205 and requested by the implement controller 210 .

[0017] In some embodiments, the implement controller 210 may be configured to interface with the implement control module 205 and / or the implement 215. For example, the implement controller 210 may be configured to receive inputs from the implement control module 205 that may be used by the implement controller 210 to move and / or operate the implement 215. In some embodiments, the implement controller 210 may include one or more motors, actuators, and / or other mechanical devices configured to move the implement 215. For example, if the implement control module 205 determines that it may be more effective for the spray implement to spray the crop at a greater distance from the crop, the implement controller 210 may receive a command from the implement control module 205 to retract the spray implement from the crop and continue applying the spray.

[0018] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may provide an output to the implement controller 210 so that the implement 215 may idle and / or be powered down when not in use, including when the implement 215 is connected via a PTO to a currently operating tractor. For example, the implement control module 205 may determine when the implement 215 may not be in use, such as when the tractor is turning at the end of a row or moving from a first position to a second position to continue operation. In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may receive sensor input from one or more sensors 220, which may contribute to determining instances when the implement 215 may be powered down. For example, the digital camera 230 may be configured to detect that the tractor is not adjacent to a crop, and the implement control module 205 may determine that the implement 215 may be powered down. Alternatively or additionally, the environmental sensor 225 may detect that the amount of work the implement 215 is configured to perform (e.g., cutting weeds) has decreased below a threshold for using the implement 215, and the implement control module 205 may determine that the implement 215 may be powered down. Alternatively or additionally, the tractor may provide an input to the implement control module 205 that a current tractor speed is greater than a threshold for using the implement 215, and the implement control module 205 may determine that the implement 215 may be powered down.

[0019] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to receive input from one or more sensors 220 that may be used to determine the power consumption required by the implement controller 210 and / or the implement 215. For example, the one or more sensors 220 may provide an indication to the implement control module 205 of the amount of force being applied by the implement 215. For example, if a lawn mower is the implement 215, the implement control module 205 may determine that the mower could benefit from more supplied power based on the amount of force being applied by the mower, based on input received from the one or more sensors 220, which may indicate that the mower is currently cutting dense and / or wet grass.

[0020] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to vary the speed of the tractor based on the determined power consumption of the implement 205. For example, if a lawn mower is the implement 215 and the mower is currently cutting dense and / or wet grass, the implement control module 205 may provide feedback to the tractor to decrease the tractor speed, thereby improving the mower's mowing results. Alternatively or additionally, if a lawn mower is the implement 215 and the mower is currently cutting light and / or dead grass, the implement control module 205 may provide feedback to the tractor to increase the tractor speed up to a threshold, thereby improving the mower's mowing results.

[0021] In these and other embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to use the requested power consumption of the implement controller 210 and / or the implement 215 to manage the power usage of the tractor and / or the implement 215, the speed of the tractor and / or the implement 215, or both. Alternatively, or in addition, the implement control module 205 may store the requested power consumption over time and use the stored requested power consumption to determine instances when service to the implement 215 and / or the tractor may contribute to extending its life.

[0022] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may determine that the implement 215 may be idled and / or powered down, reducing the power consumption of the tractor, which may contribute to reducing resource consumption of the tractor. For example, if the tractor is an electric vehicle, powering down the implement 215 may reduce battery drain, which may allow the electric tractor to be used for longer periods between charges.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 220 may be configured to provide sensor input to the implement control module 205, which may be used to instruct the tractor to vary the amount of power delivered to the implement 215. In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may request a variation in power from the tractor based on the input and / or data received from the one or more sensors 220. For example, if the one or more sensors 220 detects an increase in the workload, the implement control module 205 may request more power from the tractor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may receive sensor input from one or more sensors 220. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 220 may be disposed on the implement 215 and may be configured to detect the operating environment of the implement 215. For example, the one or more sensors 220 that may be coupled to the implement 215 may include a digital camera 230, an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a moisture sensor, and / or other environmental sensors 225 that may be disposed on an interior and / or exterior surface of the implement 215. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more sensors 220 may be disposed on a tractor and configured to provide sensor input to the implement control module 205. For example, the one or more sensors 220 may be coupled and / or integrated with the tractor and may capture and transmit sensor data to the implement control module 205 that may be used to direct the operation of the implement 215. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors 220 may be located at a location remote from the tractor and / or implement 215 and the remote sensor input may be communicated to the implement control module 205. For example, one or more sensors 220 may be located throughout the area in which the tractor and / or implement 215 is operating and the remote sensor input may capture and transmit sensor data to the implement control module 205 that may be used to direct operation of the implement 215.

[0025] If the one or more sensors 220 are located on a smart mower, the one or more sensors 220 may detect the density of grass (i.e., plants and / or other objects being cut), the amount of bound grass cut within the implement 215, the moisture level of the grass, and / or other mowing factors. If the one or more sensors 220 are located on a smart sprayer, the one or more sensors 220 may detect distance to target, ambient wind speed and direction, humidity, and / or other spraying factors.

[0026] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to communicate with a tractor to which the implement 215 is attached. For example, the implement control module 205 may provide updated instructions to the tractor regarding the current workload and / or the perceived operating environment of the implement 215. In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may include software and / or hardware components capable of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning. Alternatively or in addition, the implement control module 205 may transmit sensor data from one or more sensors 220 to the tractor and / or remote system, which may include software and / or hardware components capable of implementing artificial intelligence and / or machine learning.

[0027] In some embodiments, the AI ​​and / or machine learning system may be integrated with the appliance control module 205 such that the appliance control module 205 may perform some or all of the functions of the AI ​​and / or machine learning system. Alternatively or additionally, the AI ​​and / or machine learning may be separate and / or distinct from the appliance control module 205 and configured to communicate with the appliance control module 205. For example, if the AI ​​and / or machine learning is separate from the appliance control module 205, the operations of the AI ​​and / or machine learning system may be performed by a computing system, such as computing system 402 of FIG.

[0028] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may aggregate data from one or more sensors 220 to improve the response time of the operation of the implement 215 to the detected environment and / or to predict responses based on the detected environment. For example, the implement control module 205 may use location data and / or sensor data from one or more sensors 220 to determine that an area of ​​land has grass growing at a faster rate and may request that the tractor increase the power delivered to the implement 215, such as a lawn mower, when the tractor enters the area. Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module 205 may use time data and / or sensor data to determine that mowing at a particular time of day may result in wetter grass (e.g., mowing in the morning when dew is present) and may send a request to the tractor to increase power to the implement 215 earlier in the day and / or decrease power as the day progresses.

[0029] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to measure and record the uptime and / or operating time of the implement 215. For example, the implement control module 205 may record the amount of time the implement 215 is powered (i.e., uptime) and / or the amount of time the implement 215 is performing a task (i.e., operating time). Alternatively or in addition, the implement control module 205 may be configured to determine an intensity level for the condition the implement 215 is in operation based on data from one or more sensors 220. For example, if a lawn mower is the implement 215, the sensor data obtained by the implement control module 205 may indicate the height, density, moisture level, and / or other characteristics of the grass being cut such that the implement control module 205 may determine an intensity level associated with operation of the implement 215. In some embodiments, the intensity level may include a metric that may be calculated by the implement control module 205, such as a weighted score and / or a combination of various metrics related to the intensity of operation of the implement 215.

[0030] In these and other embodiments, the appliance control module 205 may be configured to use data associated with the uptime, operating time, and / or intensity level of a condition to determine a maintenance schedule for the appliance 215. For example, the appliance control module 205 may determine a usage metric by summing the uptime metric, the operating time metric, and the intensity level metric and compare it to a threshold. When the usage metric exceeds the threshold, the appliance control module 205 may determine that the appliance 215 may benefit from maintenance. In some embodiments, the appliance control module 205 may be configured to provide maintenance data to an operator of the appliance. For example, if the appliance control module 205 determines that the usage metric exceeds the threshold, the appliance control module 205 may be configured to provide a visual indication, an audio indication, a tactile indication, and / or provide an outgoing message to the operator, as described below.

[0031] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices. For example, the implement control module 205 may be configured to communicate over wireless channels including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, cellular communications, and / or other wireless technologies. In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may wirelessly communicate with a mobile device of a tractor and / or an operator. The mobile device may include a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer, and / or other mobile device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication from the implement control module 205 to the mobile device may be via a mobile application that may include a graphical user interface for displaying received data (e.g., sensor data) and transmitted control data (e.g., control instructions in the implement controller 210) associated with the implement control module 205, operational information of the implement 215, or both. In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may wirelessly transmit the sensor data and / or operational data to the mobile device. For example, the implement control module 205 may transmit the current RPM, the recommended implement RPM, a percentage representing the current RPM as a percentage of the maximum RPM, a recommended tractor speed, a recommended time until the next implement service, and / or other operating data for the implement 215.

[0032] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be configured to receive wireless communications from a mobile device that may be used in conjunction with the implement control module 205 to provide control to the implement controller 210, which may control the implement 215. For example, the mobile device may send maximum RPM, recommended tractor speed, and / or other commands to the implement control module 205. Alternatively, or in addition, the mobile device may send wireless communications to a tractor, which may interface with the implement control module 205. In these and other embodiments, an operator may input commands into a mobile application, which may wirelessly transfer data directly to the implement control module 205 and / or indirectly to the implement control module 205, such as via the tractor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the tractor may respond to data received from the implement control module 205 that may improve efficiency and / or operation. For example, in response to receiving data from the implement control module 205 that the implement 215 is under-utilized, the tractor may increase the tractor speed and / or decrease the power delivered to the implement 215.

[0034] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may not include one or more sensors, but may be used in conjunction with an existing implement that may be equipped with one or more sensors 220 as described above. For example, the implement control module 205 may be used with lawnmowers, mowers, sprayers, seeders, and / or other similarly attachable implements for use with tractors. Alternatively, or in addition, the implement control module 205 may be integrated with an implement 215 that includes one or more sensors 220. For example, an implement such as a smart lawnmower may include one or more sensors 220 that may include environmental sensors 225 and / or a digital camera 230 that may provide sensor data to the implement control module 205.

[0035] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may receive a default tractor speed for operation based on the implement 215 in use, which may be transmitted to the tractor. For example, the implement control module 205 may determine that the default speed of a smart mower is slower than the default speed of a smart sprayer. Alternatively, or in addition, the default speed determined by the implement control module 205 may be set and / or adjusted based on data received by the implement control module 205 from previous operations. For example, if one or more sensors 220 associated with the smart mower repeatedly provide data to the implement control module 205 that causes the tractor to slow down, the implement control module 205 may determine that the default speed of the smart mower may be reduced.

[0036] In some embodiments, the implement control module 205 may be implemented with existing agricultural vehicles, such as tractors, which may be equipped with additional sensors and / or hardware for communicating with the implement control module 205. Alternatively, or in addition, the implement control module 205 may be integrated with future agricultural vehicles, such as autonomous ground drones as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 136,197.

[0037] 3 is a block diagram of an example system 300 for controlling an implement according to one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. The system 300 may include an implement 310, a tractor 320, and a remote system 330. The implement 310 may include a first implement control module 312, the tractor 320 may include a second implement control module 322, and the remote system 330 may include a third implement control module 332.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first implement control module 312 may be located on or in the implement 310, the second implement control module 322 may be located on or in the tractor 320, and the third implement control module 332 may be located on or in the remote system 330. The implement 310 may be similar to the implement 215 of FIG.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first implement control module 312 may be configured to direct operation of the implement 310. For example, the first implement control module 312 may receive sensor inputs and / or determine operational controls for the implement 310. Alternatively or additionally, the first implement control module 312, the second implement control module 322, and the third implement control module 332 may be configured to interface with one another to direct operation of the implement 310. For example, receiving sensor inputs, analyzing sensor data and tractor operation, and providing control operations for the implement 310 may be distributed and performed by a combination of the three implement control modules. Alternatively or additionally, one of the first implement control module 312, the second implement control module 322, and the third implement control module 332 may perform some or all of the operations to operate the implement 310. For example, in some embodiments, only the second instrument control module 322 or the third instrument control module 332 may be present to direct operation of the instrument 310. Alternatively, or in addition, various other combinations of three instrument control modules may be used to direct operation of the instrument 310.

[0040] 4 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system 402 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing system 402 may be configured to implement or direct one or more operations associated with an appliance control module (e.g., the appliance control module 205 of FIG. 2). The computing system 402 may include a processor 450, a memory 452, and a data storage 454. The processor 450, the memory 452, and the data storage 454 may be communicatively coupled.

[0041] In general, the processor 450 may include any suitable special purpose or general purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device comprising various computer hardware or software modules and configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage medium. For example, the processor 450 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. Although shown as a single processor in FIG. 4, the processor 450 may include any number of processors configured to individually or collectively perform or direct the performance of any number of operations described in this disclosure. In addition, one or more of the processors may reside on one or more different electronic devices, such as different servers.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processor 450 may be configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions, process data stored in the memory 452, the data storage device 454, or both the memory 452 and the data storage device 454. In some embodiments, the processor 450 may fetch the program instructions from the data storage 454 and load the program instructions into the memory 452. After the program instructions are loaded into the memory 452, the processor 450 may execute the program instructions.

[0043] For example, in some embodiments, an instrument control module may be included as program instructions in the data storage device 454. The processor 450 may fetch the program instructions of the corresponding module from the data storage 454 and may load the program instructions of the corresponding module into the memory 452. After the program instructions of the corresponding module are loaded into the memory 452, the processor 450 may execute the program instructions such that the computing system may implement operations associated with the corresponding module as directed by the instructions.

[0044] The memory 452 and the data storage device 454 may include computer-readable storage media for retaining or storing computer-executable instructions or data structures. Such computer-readable storage media may include any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, such as the processor 450. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid-state memory devices), or any other storage medium that can be used to retain or store specific program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor 450 to perform a certain operation or group of operations.

[0045] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to computing system 402 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, computing system 402 may include any number of other components that may not be explicitly shown or described.

[0046] 5 illustrates an example flow chart of an example method 500 of controlling an appliance, as described in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 500 may be performed by any suitable system, apparatus, or device. For example, one or more of the operations of method 500 may be performed by an appliance control module, an appliance controller, and / or a computing system, as described above. Also, the appliance 215 or appliance 310 described above may be examples of appliances that may be controlled.

[0047] In block 502, sensor data may be acquired. For example, in some embodiments, sensor data such as that described above with respect to sensor 220 of FIG.

[0048] At block 504, the operating environment of the instrument may be determined. In some embodiments, environmental conditions, such as those described above with respect to FIG. 2, may be determined based on sensor data and may be examples of different operating environments that the instrument may encounter.

[0049] At block 506, one or more operating parameters of the implement may be determined. The operating parameters may include any parameter that may affect operation of the implement, such as the amount of power to provide to the implement, when to engage (e.g., power up) the implement, when to disengage (e.g., power down) the implement, adjusting the speed of a tractor or other machine using the implement, etc. In some embodiments, the examples of such parameters provided with respect to FIG. 2 may be exemplary operating parameters.

[0050] At block 508, operation of the implement may be directed based on the determined operating parameters. For example, a tractor or other machine may be directed to provide a certain amount of power to the implement and to operate at a certain speed according to the determined operating parameters.

[0051] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 500 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the order of one or more of the operations described may differ from the order in which they are described or illustrated. Additionally, each operation may include more or fewer operations than those described. For example, any number of the operations and concepts described above with respect to FIG. 2 may be included in or incorporated by method 500. Additionally, the depiction of operations and elements is intended for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be limiting with respect to actual implementations.

[0052] Terms used in this disclosure and the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" is interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having" is interpreted as "having at least," and the term "includes" is interpreted as "including, but not limited to").

[0053] In addition, if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent is expressly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "one or more" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases is not to be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim that includes such an introduced claim recitation to an embodiment that includes only one such recitation. This is so even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "one or more" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" are construed to mean "one or more" or "one or more"). The same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0054] In addition, even when a particular number of claim recitations introduced is explicitly recited, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the mere recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers means at least two recitations, or more than two recitations). Furthermore, in instances where a convention similar to "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such a structure is generally intended to include only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or all of A, B, and C, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B". This interpretation of the phrase "A or B" is still applicable, even though the term "A and / or B" is sometimes used to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B". All examples and conditional language described in this disclosure are intended for instructional purposes to help the reader understand the disclosure and concepts provided by the inventors to advance the art, and are not to be construed as being limited to such specifically described examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An agricultural implement system comprising: a powered agricultural implement configured to perform an agricultural function; a connector configured to removably couple the agricultural implement to a vehicle; one or more computer-readable media configured to store instructions; and one or more computing devices coupled to the computer-readable medium and the agricultural implement and configured to execute the instructions, the instructions including: acquiring first data on the agricultural implement removably coupled to the vehicle; determining a change in power required from the vehicle by the agricultural implement in response to the first data; automatically adjusting the performance of the agricultural function of the agricultural implement based on the change in power; generating second data for managing power usage of the vehicle based on the change in the power required by the agricultural implement; indicating the second data to the vehicle, the vehicle being configured to automatically adjust the power usage of the vehicle based on the second data.

2. The implement system of claim 1 , wherein the first data includes information from one or more sensors regarding an environment surrounding the agricultural implement.

3. The instrument system of claim 1, wherein the one or more computing devices are part of the vehicle.

4. The implement system of claim 1 , wherein the second data is generated by the agricultural implement.

5. The equipment system of claim 1, wherein the one or more computing devices are part of the agricultural equipment.

6. The implement system of claim 1 , further comprising a sensor configured to monitor an environment surrounding the agricultural implement, the first data being generated by the sensor.

7. The implement system of claim 6, wherein the sensor is provided as part of the vehicle or the agricultural implement.

8. One or more computer-readable media configured to store instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to: acquiring first data on an agricultural implement removably coupled to and powered by a vehicle; determining a change in power required from the vehicle by the agricultural implement in response to the first data; automatically adjusting the performance of an agricultural function performed by the agricultural implement based on the change in power; generating second data for managing power usage of the vehicle based on the change in the power required by the agricultural implement; and indicating the second data to the vehicle, the vehicle being configured to automatically adjust the power usage of the vehicle based on the second data.

9. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 8 , wherein the first data includes information from one or more sensors regarding an environment surrounding the agricultural implement.

10. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 8 , wherein the first data is generated by a sensor on the agricultural implement.

11. An agricultural vehicle, a connector system configured to removably couple the vehicle to any of a plurality of different types of powered agricultural implements, each configured to perform a different agricultural function; one or more batteries configured to provide power via the connector system to a plurality of different types of powered agricultural implements; one or more computer-readable media configured to store instructions; and one or more computing devices coupled to the computer-readable medium and configured to execute the instructions, the instructions including: obtaining a request from an agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle to vary an amount of electrical power delivered to the coupled agricultural implement; obtaining data from the coupled agricultural implement configured to manage power usage of the vehicle, the data generated based on the change in the amount of the power delivered to the coupled agricultural implement; and adjusting the power usage of the vehicle based on the data.

12. The agricultural vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the data is generated by the agricultural implement.

13. 12. The agricultural vehicle of claim 11, further comprising one or more sensors configured to generate second data regarding an environment surrounding the vehicle, and the operation further comprises indicating the second data to the agricultural implement to which it is coupled.

14. The agricultural vehicle of claim 13, wherein the agricultural implement is configured to generate the data based on the second data.

15. The agricultural vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the vehicle is an autonomous electric tractor.

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