Agricultural Management Device with GPS and Camera Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sophisticated agricultural management systems are not suitable for smallholders who lack mechanized machinery, as they struggle with accurate location determination and tailored agricultural advice due to limited resources and potential GPS errors.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a GPS unit, input unit, processing unit, and output unit that uses GPS data, imagery processing, and user input to determine geographical locations and provide tailored agricultural advice, accounting for field size and specific agricultural data, which can be transmitted to a remote server or processed locally for bespoke advice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated agricultural management systems are used, then agricultural management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making them unsuitable for smallholders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential location determination function from complex agricultural management systems, isolating it as a standalone capability using only GPS unit and processing unit. This allows smallholders to access location-based agricultural advice without needing sophisticated machinery or integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available components such as standard GPS units, cameras, and mobile devices that smallholders can afford. These components replace expensive, specialized agricultural management systems while providing sufficient functionality for small-scale farming needs.
2Loss of information
If GPS unit is used for location determination, then location information is obtained, but GPS errors reduce location accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses camera imagery to verify and correct GPS location data. By capturing images of landmarks and comparing them with stored reference images, the system provides feedback to confirm or adjust the GPS-determined location, thereby compensating for GPS errors and improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces camera imagery as an intermediary between GPS data and final location determination. The imagery serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between approximate GPS coordinates and precise location identification by providing visual confirmation through landmark recognition.
3Measurement precision
If device is moved around field boundaries to determine location, then field delineation is achieved, but time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores reference images of landmarks in advance in its database. When determining field boundaries, the system compares captured images against these pre-stored references, eliminating the need for manual measurement or extensive field surveying. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time required for accurate field delineation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for agricultural management. It is described to determine (110) by a processing unit (30) at least one geographical location of an agricultural land area, the determination comprising utilisation of a GPS unit (40). Agricultural data is provided (120) from an input unit (20) to the processing unit. The processing unit determines (130) agricultural management data, the determination comprising utilisation of the at least one geographical location and the agricultural data. An output unit (50) outputs (140) agricultural management information to a user of the device on the basis of the agricultural management data.