Agricultural Machine Data Transmission Control via Network Coverage Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for data transmission between agricultural working machines and external transceivers often result in delayed or incomplete data updates due to unreliable mobile network coverage, leading to inefficiencies in data exchange and decision-making processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a control device to combine network coverage maps with route plans to predict and manage data transmission, ensuring that data is transmitted only when network coverage is sufficient, and completing transmissions before entering areas with insufficient coverage, thereby maintaining data freshness and optimizing workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data transmission is performed continuously between the agricultural working machine and external transceiver, then data freshness is improved, but data loss increases due to unreliable network coverage in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing data locally in a buffer memory before network coverage becomes unavailable. The control device monitors network availability and proactively saves data packets when coverage is good, preparing for future transmission interruptions. This ensures data is not lost when the machine enters areas with poor or no network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer memory acts as an intermediary between the data generation source and the external transceiver. This intermediary component temporarily holds data packets when network conditions are unfavorable, decoupling the data production process from the data transmission process. The buffer mediates between continuous data generation and intermittent transmission opportunities.
2Reliability
If data is stored locally and transmitted only when network coverage is available, then data transmission reliability is improved, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by continuously monitoring network coverage conditions and continuously attempting data transmission whenever network availability is detected. The control device constantly checks for network coverage and immediately transmits buffered data when coverage becomes available, minimizing idle time and ensuring uninterrupted data flow opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
While data is preliminarily stored in the buffer, the system simultaneously monitors network coverage conditions in real-time. This preliminary monitoring prepares the system for immediate transmission action as soon as network coverage becomes available, reducing the overall time delay between data generation and successful transmission.
3Loss of information
If data transmission rate is increased to improve data freshness, then data update frequency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by adapting the data transmission strategy to local network conditions. In areas with good network coverage, data is transmitted at higher rates to maintain freshness. In areas with poor or no coverage, transmission is paused and data is stored locally. This localized adaptation optimizes energy usage based on the specific transmission environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by transmitting data in periodic bursts when network coverage is available, rather than maintaining continuous high-rate transmission. Data is accumulated in the buffer and then transmitted in periodic batches when network conditions permit, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable data update frequency.
4Productivity
If data transmission is optimized for network coverage availability, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to network coverage map integration
Solution Approach 1:
Network coverage maps are created and stored in advance before the agricultural working machine operates in the field. This preliminary preparation of coverage information allows the control device to make informed transmission decisions without requiring complex real-time analysis. The pre-stored map simplifies the control logic by providing ready-reference coverage data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simplified, lightweight data structures and storage formats for the network coverage map to minimize memory requirements and processing overhead. Rather than maintaining complex real-time network monitoring infrastructure, the system uses simple pre-recorded coverage information that requires minimal processing power and memory resources, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling data transmission between a moving agricultural work machine (3) and at least one external transmit/receive unit, wherein the work machine (3) moves at least temporarily along a route (24) on an agricultural work area (2) following a predetermined route plan, and wherein the data transmission is carried out using at least one mobile network.In order to provide a method by which the data exchanged between an agricultural machine and a respective external transmit/receive unit is kept as up-to-date as possible, it is proposed according to the invention that the data transmission is controlled by means of a control device, wherein the control device combines information from at least one network coverage map (1) assigned to the work area (2), which contains information concerning the coverage of the work area (2) with the mobile network, and the route route, so that at least one data transmission is carried out depending on a position of the machine (3) along its route (24).