Agricultural Machine Data Pool for Cross-Process Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing agricultural working machines are limited in data transfer and integration across process chains, with data being specific to a single application and not usable outside of it, preventing comprehensive machine-related data provision and efficient integration into various processes.

Innovation Solution

A communication system where each agricultural working machine is assigned an individualized data set via a higher-level data configurator, such as the Internet, allowing machine-specific data to be accessed and edited globally, enabling integration into any process chain and self-organization through computer-based data processing systems with object-related ID addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data are collected and provided manually or semi-automatically within a process chain-specific context, then data provision is simple and direct, but data cannot be used across different processes and applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reusability across processesVSAvoiddata management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data pool that stores machine data in a process-independent manner, allowing the same data to be reused across multiple different processes and applications. The data pool serves multiple functions: storing process data, enabling cross-process data retrieval, and supporting various agricultural machines without being tied to a specific process chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a central computer system with a data pool as an intermediary between agricultural machines and process chains. This mediator collects, stores, and manages machine data independently of any specific process, enabling flexible data retrieval and reuse across different processes without direct machine-to-process coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a central computing unit coordinates work processes between machines, then process chain optimization is achieved, but data generation and provision are tied to a specific process chain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow optimizationVSAvoiddata applicability beyond specific process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data management system into two independent components: a process-independent data pool that stores machine data, and process-specific applications that retrieve and use the data. This separation allows the data pool to serve multiple process chains simultaneously, enabling both workflow optimization and broad data applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central computer system's data pool is designed to be universal, storing data from various agricultural machines in a standardized format that can be accessed by any process chain. This universal data repository enables the system to optimize multiple different workflows while maintaining data reusability across applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication systems are established via central computer driven by events, then machines can be integrated into and removed from the system flexibly, but data exchange is limited to the communication system's operational time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine integration flexibilityVSAvoiddata availability time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary data collection and storage in the central data pool before machines are actually integrated into process chains. Data is accumulated and standardized in advance, allowing machines to be quickly integrated or removed from the system without data loss, as all necessary information is already stored and accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1875792B2Method for data configuration and data retrieval for agricultural machines
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP1875792B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1875792B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1875792B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for data configuration and provision, and to a device for implementing the method for objects (1), in particular agricultural machinery (2), wherein an individualized data set (10) relating to the respective object (1) is assigned to the object (1) in a higher-level data configurator (6, 7). This ensures efficient, machine-specific data provision. This has the particular advantage that the information assigned to an object (1) is now available across processes outside of a specific application and can be used for the customer-oriented provision of service concepts.