Add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool, respective cutting tool, monitoring system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system for an agricultural cutting operation, respective method of operation, and an add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool, the cutting tool being a hand-held agricultural tool comprising: a magnet (1) for attaching to a first handle of the cutting tool; an electronic circuit for attaching to a second handle of the cutting tool; wherein the electronic circuit comprises: a magnetic sensor (5) for detecting a magnet field from the magnet; a data processor (2) configured to receive a magnetic sensor signal transduced by the magnetic sensor and determine if the detected magnetic field is at or below a predetermined threshold indicating a distance between sensor and magnet. It is further disclosed a portable weighing device for receiving and weighting the content of a hand-held bucket or a hand-held basket while being used by a user of a cutting tool.

Description

ADD-ON MONITORING APPARATUS FOR A CUTTING TOOL, RESPECTIVE CUTTING TOOL, MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHODTECH NICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool and respective monitoring method, in particular a cutting tool used in pruning or harvesting a crop, respective monitoring system and method.BACKGROUND

[0002] The document CN113635355A discloses foldable safety scissors managed by intelligent APP, comprising a first scissor blade, a first handle, a second scissor blade and a second handle, the scissor blades are connected through screws, the scissor blades and the handles are connected through the screws so that the scissors can be folded, a first upper alarm line is arranged on the first scissor blade, a first lower alarm line and a second lower alarm line are arranged in the first handle, the first upper alarm line is connected with the first lower alarm line when the scissors are in a use state, the first upper alarm line is connected with the second lower alarm line when the scissors are in a folded state, and a main control chip with a signal source module, a wireless communication module and an alarm module is arranged in the first handle so that the scissors are wirelessly connected and matched with a background terminal management device for use. Nonetheless, this monitoring system must be integrated within the scissor itself. Consequently, if the system were to malfunction, it would renderthe entire scissor ineffective for monitoring, necessitating a replacement. Furthermore, the sensory components are fixed and cannot be customized to adapt to the specific needs of various harvesting and pruning tasks.

[0003] The document PT2353366E discloses a shear having a hollow gripping handle that is provided with a distal end of a support end carrying a counter blade. An advanced configuration entails the articulation of a motorized blade in relation to the counterblade, wherein the motorized blade is precision-mounted on a guiding axle. The guiding axle is engaged in a bore in an adjusted manner, where the bore is formed in the head. A threaded bearing is engaged in a crossing threading formed in the counter blade, where the counter blade is immobilized with respect to the head by a pin. The pin is engaged in a piercing of the head and the counter blade. However, this solution involves a motor and electrical cables and depends on the power supply installed in the operator's clothing, thus limiting the versatility of the monitoring system.

[0004] To assess the productivity rate of certain agricultural products, conventional methodologies necessitate manual counting and weighing procedures. This task poses a significant challenge for agricultural workers as it can impede the efficiency of their harvesting or pruning activities, compounded by the lack of available data specific to individual plants or plant sets.

[0005] Terrestrial and aerial multispectral Image-based methods (e.g. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI) do not work because they supply indirect observations with a very low correlation to the yield map estimations. Besides, the resolution of these remote observation systems cannot infer the yield estimation for each plant. These techniques are usually reliable in regional scale yield estimation, while individual plant-level yield estimation remains challenging.

[0006] The use of image-based sensors is a viable option for generating yield maps. Nonetheless, in diverse cropping systems, a substantial number of fruits become obscured, for instance, by leaves or other fruits. This extensive occlusion of fruits by foliage significantly diminishes the accuracy of the system when estimating yield maps.

[0007] Automatic harvesting machinery are equipped, optionally, with expensive sensors for crop productivity monitoring, however these are large in size and not suitable for all types of crops such as grapes. Smaller farms / fields do not have the space for these machines.

[0008] In particular, vineyard yield estimation is based on three main components: number of bunches per vine, berries per bunch, and berry weight, which explain 60%, 30% and 10% of the yield, respectively [1,2], The devices available for estimating productivity do not allow for evaluating these components of productivity.

[0009] These facts are disclosed to illustrate the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0010] A system for obtaining geo-referenced agronomic parameters on a plant scale about the productivity and quality of the harvest, as well as providing essential management indicators for the agronomic process.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool, the cutting tool being a hand-held agricultural tool comprising: a magnet for attaching to a first handle of the cutting tool; an electronic circuit for attaching to a second handle of the cutting tool; wherein the electronic circuit comprises: a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field from the magnet; a data processor configured to: receive a magnetic sensor signal transduced by the magnetic sensor; determine if the detected magnetic field is at or below a predetermined threshold indicating a distance between sensor and magnet.

[0012] In an embodiment, the data processor is further configured to determine that a cutting operation has occurred when determining that the detected magnetic field is at or below the predetermined threshold.

[0013] It also discloses an add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool , the cutting tool being a hand-held agricultural tool comprising: a magnet for attaching to a first handle of the cutting tool; an electronic circuit for attaching to a second handle of the cutting tool; wherein the electronic circuit comprises: a magnetic sensor, e.g., a reedswitch reference or a sensor, for detecting a magnetic field of the magnet at or below a predetermined threshold distance; a force sensor attached to a handle of the hand-held cutting tool for measuring hand force applied during a cutting operation; a data processor configured to receive a force signal transduced by the force sensor and a magnetic sensor signal transduced by the magnetic sensor, determine if the detectedmagnetic field is at or below a predetermined threshold indicating a distance between sensor and magnet.

[0014] In an embodiment, the data processor is further configured to receive a hand force signal transduced by the force sensor and to determine hand force applied during the cutting operation from the received hand force signal.

[0015] In an embodiment, the magnetic sensor is a reed-switch reference and / or a hall sensor. Particularly the reed-switch reference is plastic encased.

[0016] In an embodiment, the add-on monitoring apparatus comprises an enclosure for attaching to the second handle of the cutting tool, wherein said electronic circuit is mounted on said enclosure.

[0017] In an embodiment, the enclosure comprises at least a flexible part for adapting to cutting tool handles having different shapes.

[0018] In an embodiment, the electronic circuit comprises a wireless connection for transmitting the received force signal and magnetic sensor signal.

[0019] In an embodiment, the add-on monitoring apparatus further comprising a geolocation system for georeferencing the received signals. Particularly, the data processor being further configured to generate a geolocated map comprising the determined cutting operation or operations and, if existing, the determined hand force applied during the cutting operation or operations.

[0020] It is also disclosed a cutting tool comprising the add-on monitoring apparatus, in particular the cutting tool being a scissor, a pruning shear or a secateur.

[0021] It is further disclosed a portable weighing device for receiving and weighting the content of a hand-held bucket or a hand-held basket while being used by an user of a cutting tool, for receiving agricultural products, comprising: one or more load cells for measuring the weight of the received bucket or basket; an electronic circuit comprising an electronic data processor configured to receive a load cell signal transduced by the one or more load cells.

[0022] In an embodiment, the portable weighing device can comprise one or more weight sensors for measuring the weight of the received bucket or basket.

[0023] In an embodiment, the electronic circuit comprises a wireless connection for transmitting the received load cell signal.

[0024] In an embodiment, the portable weighing device, comprising: an Inertial Measurement Unit, IMU, for measuring an inclination of the portable weighing device; wherein the electronic data processor is further configured for receiving an IMU signal transduced by the IMU and for compensating the received load cell signal with the received IMU signal.

[0025] In an embodiment, the portable weighing device comprising: a free-weighing plate for receiving the bucket or basket arranged on top of at least one load cell; an outer casing for protecting the at least one load cell and the free-weighing plate; wherein the outer casing comprises draining holes for liquid drainage and the free- weighing plate comprises screw side holes for attaching a bucket.

[0026] In an embodiment, the outer casing comprises a support configured to secure the portable weighing device from a hanging position, preferably the support being a handle.

[0027] In an embodiment, the outer casing comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the casing for calibrating the at least one load cell or at least one weight sensor.

[0028] In an embodiment, the portable weighting device further comprising a geolocation system for geo referencing the received signal. Particularly, the data processor being further configured to generate a geolocated map comprising the measured weight of the received bucket or basket. More particularly the data processor being further configured to generate a geolocated map comprising the measured weight of the received bucket or basket and, if existing, the determined hand force applied during the cutting operation or operations compensated with the received IMU signal.

[0029] It is further disclosed a monitoring system for an agricultural cutting operation, comprising: at least one cutting tool; an add-on monitoring apparatus for attaching to at least one cutting tool; at least one portable weighing device; and a portable electronic device for receiving and processing the received signals, in particular a mobile phone.

[0030] In an embodiment, the portable electronic device comprises a global positioning system for georeferencing received data.

[0031] In an embodiment, the monitoring system further comprising a camera and / or sound recorder, preferably comprised in a portable electronic device.

[0032] It is also disclosed a method of operation for the monitoring system comprising the steps: detecting the magnet at or below a predetermined threshold distance by the magnetic sensor; measuring hand force applied during a cutting operation by the force sensor; measuring the weight of the received bucket or basket by the one or more load cells for measuring; associating the detected magnet, measured hand force and measured weight to a specific user.

[0033] In an embodiment, the method of operation further comprises a step of collecting a geolocation from the add-on monitoring apparatus and / or the portable electronic device; and generating a map from the collected data.

[0034] In an embodiment, the method of operation further comprising a step of capturing at least one image and / or sound sample of a cut agricultural product.

[0035] In an embodiment, the add-on monitoring apparatus, or the cutting tool, or the portable weighing device, wherein agricultural is crop harvesting or plant pruning.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the disclosure and should not be seen as limiting the scope of invention.

[0037] Figures 1A, IB, 1C: Schematic representations of an embodiment of a cutting tool with the monitoring device.

[0038] Figure 2: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a monitoring device for a cutting tool.

[0039] Figure 3: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a portable wireless weighing device.

[0040] Figure 4: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a portable wireless weighing device in a transversal cut view.

[0041] Figure 5: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a portable wireless weighing device with a bucket assembled.

[0042] Figure 6: Photographic representation of the productivity map, presenting the number of cuts.

[0043] Figure 7: Photographic representation of the productivity map, presenting the average harvest.

[0044] Figure 8: Photographic representation of the productivity map, presenting the operation time.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The solution developed makes it possible to obtain georeferenced agronomic parameters at the plant scale on the productivity and quality of the harvest and management indicators for the agronomic process.

[0046] The present disclosure relates to an add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool, the cutting tool being a hand-held agricultural tool comprising: a magnet for attaching to a first handle of the cutting tool; an electronic circuit for attaching to a second handle of the cutting tool; wherein the electronic circuit comprises: a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field from the magnet; a data processor configured to: receive a magnetic sensor signal transduced by the magnetic sensor, determine if the detected magnetic field is at or below a predetermined threshold indicating a distance between sensor and magnet.

[0047] It also relates to a monitoring system for an agricultural cutting operation, respective method of operation, and an add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool, the cutting tool being a hand-held agricultural tool comprising: a magnet for attaching to a first handle of the cutting tool; an electronic circuit for attaching to a second handle of the cutting tool; wherein the electronic circuit comprises: a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnet at or below a predetermined threshold distance; a force sensor attached to a handle of the hand-held cutting tool for measuring hand force appliedduring a cutting operation; a data processor configured to receive a force signal transduced by the force sensor and a magnetic sensor signal transduced by the magnetic sensor. It is further disclosed a portable weighing device for receiving and weighting the content of a hand-held bucket or a hand-held basket while being used by a user of a cutting tool

[0048] In an embodiment, the technology described here is a system that comprehends three interacting parts: a monitoring device for a cutting tool, a portable wireless weighing device, and a portable electronic device, in particular executing a monitoring software, e.g., as a smartphone app.

[0049] This system, as a whole, allows the collection of georeferenced data for inferring an agronomic status at the plant scale. In particular, agronomic status about harvesting and / or pruning operations, making available productivity and crop quality parameters as well as management indicators.

[0050] In an embodiment, the cutting tool comprises a magnet, a data processor, a power supply system, preferably a small battery enclosure, a magnetic sensor, e.g., a plastic enclosed reed switch or a Hall sensor, and a power switch.

[0051] Figures 1A, IB, 1C show schematic representations of an embodiment of a cutting tool, wherein 1 represents a magnet, 2 represents a data processor, 3 represents a load / force sensor, 4 represents a power supply system, preferably a small battery enclosure, 5 represents a magnetic sensor, e.g., a plastic enclosed reed switch or a Hall sensor, and 6 represents a power switch.

[0052] In an embodiment, the cutting tool comprises two separate parts for each handle: a magnet 1 on one side, and on the other side, a set of: data processor, e.g., a microcontroller 2 with wireless communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth), a load / force sensor 3, a power supply system selected from a battery or energy harvesting system or other kind of portable power supply system, preferably a small battery enclosure 4 (e.g., CR2032 coin cell), a magnetic sensor 5 (e.g., plastic enclosed reed switch or Hall sensor) and a power switch 6.

[0053] In an embodiment, the magnetic sensor is arranged on the handle and used to detect when the handles of the cutting tool are brought together, thus indicating that a fruit was harvested or a plant was pruned.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the reed switch is particularly advantageous: being a passive component with virtually no power consumption, it contributes to an increased autonomy of this tightly constrained system, while the enclosure also gives it the necessary robustness for the intended work environment.

[0055] Preferably the enclosure is a plastic enclosure.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a monitoring device for a cutting tool, wherein 1 represents a magnet for attaching to the interior side of a cutting tool handle, and 7 represents an enclosure for attaching a cutting tool handle.

[0057] As an exemplary embodiment, the depictions show the monitoring device comprising the components 1-6 embedded in small-size fittings (see Figure 2), easily adaptable to any geometry of scissors, e.g., via at least one flexible portion of the enclosure 7, preferably made of rubber. These fittings are applied to the cutting tool, e.g., scissors' body and can easily be adapted to any geometry of manual scissors, pruning shears or secateurs. This invention is particularly interesting for very small sized scissors, being almost unnoticeable in terms of volume and weight in its working context.

[0058] Alternatively, the monitoring device's components 1-6 are embedded in a scissors' body, further reducing the volume and weight of the final device. The elements to be integrated into the scissors are very small - the largest is currently a CR2032 battery, which can even be reduced if necessary.

[0059] The size and weight of the cutting tool are relevant indicators for their manoeuvrability and ergonomics, which constitute an important element for operator fatigue and increased work productivity in the harvest and pruning operations.

[0060] In an embodiment, the monitoring device is made up of a wireless module (e.g. Bluetooth) that can be attached to any cutting tool, e.g., a shear, which in turn can be connected to a portable electronic device via its own app and which can record crop / podpoints and to which it can be aggregated with specific geolocation and send this information to a remote server, e.g., a cloud service.

[0061] In an embodiment, there are two parts of elements attached to the cutting tool, e.g., a scissor: one encloses the processing and communications board, a magnetic switch and the battery (and possibly some other sensor, e.g. a force sensor to check the characteristics of the cut); the second is a magnet, installed on the opposite side to the switch.

[0062] This system is completed with a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) weighing module, which may or may not be used in conjunction with the shears and whose function is to monitor the progress of the harvest (e.g. harvested weight).

[0063] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a portable wireless weighing device, wherein 11 represents a load cell or a weight sensor, 14 represents a free-weighting plate, and 15 represents an outer casing.

[0064] The wireless weighting device is intended for usage in agriculture, namely in an open field operation, measuring the weight of a container's content in levelled or tilted ground. This device includes several types of sensors (such as load cells, inertial measurement unit, temperature sensor, spectral sensors) and can communicate with a terminal device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0065] In an embodiment, the container is a pail, a bucket, or a basket.

[0066] In an embodiment, the weighing device comprises a microcontroller with wireless communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth). The weight is measured by weighting sensors (e.g., one or more load cells) connected to the microcontroller through a precise ADC.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a portable wireless weighing device in a transversal cut view, wherein 11 represents a load cell, 12 represents a spacer, 13 represents a protective lid, 14 represents a free-weighting plate, 15 represents an outer casing, 16 represents a screw side hole, and 17 represents a supporting side hole.

[0068] In an embodiment, the weighting device comprises a moving and a fixed part.

[0069] In an embodiment, a free-weighting plate 14 has screw side holes 16 to allow tight attachment to the bucket via screws.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the attachment of a bucket to the free-weighing plate 14 is provided via a non-invasive pressure-based option, namely a clamp fitting, a snap-on fitting, a press fit, a compression fitting, or an interlocking fitting.

[0071] In an embodiment, the plate 14 is enclosed in an outer casing 15 that both protects the load cells 11 and allows the plate to move freely.

[0072] In an embodiment, spacers 12 are included to fill the gaps between the load cells and the bottom of the casing.

[0073] An embodiment, a protective lid 13 is included to fully isolate the power, electronics, and communication systems from the outdoor elements (e.g., water, sap, dust).

[0074] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a portable wireless weighing device with a bucket assembled, wherein 17 represents a supporting side hole, 21 represents a handle, and 22 represents a draining hole.

[0075] In an embodiment, the outer casing 15 has draining holes to allow for liquid drainage. Also, the outer casing 15 has side holes to allow for a hard metal holding structure, such as a handle 21, that both prevents the bucket from tipping and allows for the system to be used in two different types of situations: the bucket can correctly operate both standing on the ground or suspended from a higher place.

[0076] In an embodiment, a temperature sensor is included to allow for temperature measurement and compensation of the weighting process. This is particularly relevant for outdoors since the thermal amplitude of some harvesting regions (e.g. Douro Valley, in Portugal) is big; also, since the bucket is working under the sun, the internal temperature, i.e., under the weighing plate, rises very quickly in those conditions, relevantly impacting the final weighting results.

[0077] In an embodiment, the weighing device, which can be installed, for example, in a bucket, uses 4 load cells and signal conditioning circuitry, an accelerometer, battery, charging circuitry and a Bluetooth module to communicate to the app the progress ofthe weight at each cut. The structure of this portable system allows it to carry out weigh- ins on sloping ground and feed an app with them in real time.

[0078] In an embodiment, an IMU is included to compensate for the tilting of the outer casing 15 during weighting. Furthermore, the IMU can detect motion patterns (e.g., bucket lifting, falling off, tipping, dumping).

[0079] In a further embodiment, the weight device comprises a GNSS receiver for precise bucket geotracking. The weighing device includes a battery and the necessary circuitry. Preferably the battery is a rechargeable battery. Preferably the weighing device includes other power supply and harvesting circuitry. The weighing device may include energy harvesting.

[0080] The present document further discloses a method of monitoring said cutting tool comprising the following steps:The scissor's magnetic sensor detects the position of the blades, and the magnet's position controls its output. In the case of the reed switch, it changes state when the scissors open / close;The magnet is aligned with the magnetic sensor;The load / force sensor informs the system about the force employed to make each cut, thus allowing for an evaluation of the type of cut made (e.g., empty / no cut, light cut, hard cut);The load / force and magnetic sensors are connected to the microcontroller;The scissor's microcontroller connects to a portable electronic device through a pairing process and sends the data gathered by the sensors;The portable wireless weighing device is paired with the portable electronic device through a similar process, and the portable electronic device permanently monitors the weight, temperature, and inclination changes in the bucket;The portable electronic device connects to a remote server and sends information about each cut made (e.g., timestamp, duration, scissors ID, location coordinates and other localisation parameters), weight values and other parameters related to the weighing device, and portable electronic device relevant metadata (e.g., relevant connection parameters, smartphone ID, battery level and temperature),information then used to produce content of relevant agronomical and economic value;That same information is also stored, as a redundancy measure, in the portable electronic device's local memory;The app notifies the user of relevant events (e.g., connection state changes) and shows the user information about the work progress (e.g., cuts stats, weight stats, productivity stats).

[0081] In an embodiment, the app triggers an image and / or sound recording. It's triggered by the smarthpone after an event generated by any element of the system but, as an example, image might be recorded by the smartphone's camera or by an external camera positioned in the hat of the worker to capture a given perspective. In an embodiment it is preferably triggered by a camera that is arranged on the bucket.

[0082] In a particular embodiment, a portable electronic device, e.g., a smartphone, is configured to receive data from the monitoring device of the cutting tool and from the weighing device.

[0083] In an embodiment, the portable electronic device is configured to communicate wirelessly with the monitoring device of the cutting tool and with the weighing device and the portable electronic device, e.g., via a Bluetooth connection or any other available communication technology that fits the purpose.

[0084] In an embodiment, the portable electronic device comprises a global positioning system (GPS or GNSS) module for geo referencing the received data and an internet connection through Wi-Fi and / or mobile data for communicating with a remote server.

[0085] Although this technology can be used in different cropping systems (e.g., horticulture, orchards), this application was tested in precision viticulture operations.

[0086] In the context of precision viticulture, this technology can, advantageously, monitor the vineyard yield components expressed in the number of bunches per vine, berries per bunch, and berry weight; the number of bunches is determined by the number of cuts made by the smart scissors on each plant; followed by an expedited process of acquiring the image of the bunch detached from the vine to determine thenumber of berries; finally, the bunch is placed in a bucket attached to the weighting device to obtain the corresponding weight.

[0087] In an example, the combined use of the three components of this system: the monitoring device for a cutting tool, the weighing device, and the portable electronic device, allows to assess the three components of vineyard yield, as discussed in the background.

[0088] In a further embodiment, these three components of a vineyard yield are mapped as productivity components obtained at the vine level for a given plot / farm. These maps serve to assess both productivity and quality. Analysing this data enables to interpret the spatiotemporal variability detected, such as identifying areas with lower productivity, and facilitates the implementation of productive measures to address it.

[0089] This system also detects a plant absence, important information for determining vineyard yield and planning plant replacements.

[0090] In an embodiment, collecting images of detached grapes provides indicators of potential grape quality (e.g., berry size and colour), assessing factors such as pest and disease infestations, ripeness uniformity, and conducting on-the-spot grape selection.

[0091] The qualitative in situ selection of grapes and raising the quality of the raw material make it possible to reduce the undesirable transport of low-quality grapes to the winery. On the other hand, it also serves as a traceability tool from the vineyard to the winery and supports decisions (e.g., which variety to cut).

[0092] In another embodiment, during pruning, the system provides indicators of vigour (e.g., pruning wood weight) and the health status of the pruned wood.

[0093] The pruning-related indicators previously referred to support operations that can correct the vine vigour (e.g., fertilisation, pruning load) and / or predict the replacement of less vigorous plants.

[0094] In an embodiment, the images collected during a pruning operation detect nonconformities (e.g., badly executed cuts, damaged buds) and labour training needs.

[0095] The information produced makes it possible to compare performance in terms of productivity or labour output and to produce reference indicators for farm management.

[0096] In addition to the above, the app collects sound and images at the time of cutting to later feed a decision support system with useful information for making productivity and / or pruning maps.

[0097] Several advantages, such as real-time information with the possibility of alerts for an image or sound acquisition, for example, collection, at the harvest stage, of biometric data on the bunch / fruit (e.g., size, colour), when pruning, collection of information on the general structure of the tree or the quality of the pruning, as well as enrichment of information on the type of cut made (empty / fruit / wood / ...), detection of pests and diseases on the plant, through image processing techniques (e.g., Deep Learning models); detailed real-time monitoring of the number of units and their weight; tracing of origin at fruit level.

[0098] Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8 represents a productivity maps, showing the number of cuts made, the average harvest (kg / ha) and operation time (minutes), respectively.

[0099] The term "comprising" whenever used in this document, is intended to indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0100] The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof. The above-described embodiments are combinable.

[0101] The following claims further set out particular embodiments of the disclosure.

[0102] References[1] Cunha, M.; Ribeiro, H.; Abreu, I. Pollen-based predictive modelling of wine production: application to an arid region. European Journal of Agronomy 2016, 73, 42- 54, doi: https: / / doi.Org / https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.eja.2015.10.008[2] Ba rrigui nha, A.; de Castro Neto, M.; Gil, A. Vineyard Yield Estimation, Prediction, and Forecasting: A Systematic Literature Review. 2021, 11, 1789, doi: https: / / doi.Org / https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / agronomyll091789

Claims

C L A I M S1. An add-on monitoring apparatus for a cutting tool, the cutting tool being a handheld agricultural tool for agricultural cutting operation, comprising: a magnet for attaching to a first handle of the cutting tool; an electronic circuit for attaching to a second handle of the cutting tool; wherein the electronic circuit comprises: a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field from the magnet; a data processor configured to: receive a magnetic sensor signal transduced by the magnetic sensor, determine if the detected magnetic field is at or below a predetermined threshold indicating a distance between sensor and magnet.

2. The add-on monitoring apparatus according to the previous claim wherein the data processor is further configured to determine that a cutting operation has occurred when determining that the detected magnetic field is at or below the predetermined threshold.

3. The add-on monitoring apparatus according to the previous claim comprising a force sensor attached to a handle of the hand-held cutting tool for measuring hand force applied during the cutting operation, wherein the data processor is further configured to receive a hand force signal transduced by the force sensor and to determine hand force applied during the cutting operation from the received hand force signal.

4. The add-on monitoring apparatus according to any of the previous claims comprising an enclosure for attaching to the second handle of the cutting tool, wherein said electronic circuit is mounted on said enclosure.

5. The add-on monitoring apparatus according to the previous claims wherein the enclosure comprises at least a flexible part for adapting to cutting tool handles having different shapes.

6. The add-on monitoring apparatus according to any of the previous claims wherein the electronic circuit comprises a wireless connection for transmitting the received force signal and magnetic sensor signal.

7. The add-on monitoring apparatus according to any of the previous claims further comprising a geolocation system for georeferencing the received signals, in particular the data processor being further configured to generate a geolocated map comprising the determined cutting operation or operations and, if existing, the determined hand force applied during the cutting operation or operations.

8. A cutting tool comprising the add-on monitoring apparatus according to any of the previous claims, in particular, the cutting tool is a scissor, a pruning shear or a secateur.

9. A portable weighing device for receiving and weighting the content of a hand-held bucket or a hand-held basket while being used by a user of a cutting tool according to the previous claim, for receiving agricultural products, comprising: one or more load cells for measuring weight of the received bucket or basket; an electronic circuit comprising a data processor configured to receive a load cell signal transduced by the one or more load cells.

10. The portable weighing device according to the previous claim wherein the electronic circuit comprises a wireless connection for transmitting the received load cell signal.

11. The portable weighing device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising: an Inertial Measurement Unit, IMU, for measuring an inclination of the portable weighing device; wherein the electronic data processor is further configured for receiving an IMU signal transduced by the IMU and for compensating the received load cell signal with the received IMU signal.

12. The portable weighing device according to any of the claims 9 - 11, comprising: a free-weighing plate for receiving the bucket or basket arranged on top of at least one load cell; an outer casing for protecting the at least one load cell and the free- weighing plate; wherein the outer casing comprises draining holes for liquid drainage and, optionally, the free-weighing plate comprises screw side holes for attaching a bucket.

13. The portable weighing device according to the previous claim wherein the outer casing comprises a support configured to secure the portable weighing device from a hanging position, preferably the support being a handle.

14. The portable weighing device according to any of the claims 9-13 wherein the outer casing comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the casing for calibrating at least one load cell.

15. The portable weighing device according to any of the claims 9-14 further comprising a geolocation system for georeferencing the received signal, in particular the data processor being further configured to generate a geolocated map comprising the measured weight of the received bucket or basket.

16. A monitoring system for an agricultural cutting operation, comprising: at least one cutting tool; an add-on monitoring apparatus of any of the claims 1-7, for attaching to the at least one cutting tool; at least one portable weighing device of any of the claims 9-15; and a portable electronic device for receiving and processing the received signals, in particular a mobile phone.

17. The monitoring system according to the previous claim wherein the portable electronic device comprises a global positioning system for georeferencing received data.

18. The monitoring system according to claim 16 or 17 further comprising a camera and / or sound recorder, preferably comprised in a portable electronic device.

19. A method of operation for the monitoring system of any of the claims 16-18 comprising the steps: detecting the magnet field at or below a predetermined threshold indicating a distance between magnetic sensor and magnet to determine a cutting operation; measuring hand force applied during the cutting operation by the force sensor; measuring the weight of the received bucket or basket by the one or more load cells for measuring; associating determined cutting operation or operations, measured hand force and measured weight to a specific user.

20. The method of operation according to the previous claim further comprising a step of collecting a geolocation from the add-on monitoring apparatus and / or the portable electronic device; and generating a map from the collected data.

21. The method of operation according to claim 19 or 20 further comprising a step of capturing at least one image and / or sound sample of a cut agricultural product.

22. The add-on monitoring apparatus of any of the claims 1-7, or the cutting tool of claim 8, or the portable weighing device of any of the claims 9-16, wherein agricultural cutting operation is crop harvesting or plant pruning.

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