Agricultural Module Location via GPS and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking and locating agricultural products, such as bales and modules, face challenges including human error in physical marking, mis-tagging due to vandalism or equipment failure, and difficulty in determining the exact location of unloaded units, especially when multiple units are stored in close proximity, leading to inaccurate information and decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a communication network, sensing systems, and location systems to automatically determine the location of unloaded agricultural products and identify desired units among candidates using GPS coordinates and heading information, ensuring accurate tracking and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical marking of modules and bales is used for identification, then ownership and location tracking is possible, but labor intensity increases and human error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical marking with an automated electronic tagging system. RFID tags or GPS transponders are electronically attached to modules and bales, eliminating the need for human handwriting markings. This substitution of mechanical/manual marking with electronic automation resolves the contradiction by improving identification accuracy while reducing labor intensity and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates electronic copies of identification information through RFID tags and GPS transponders. Instead of relying on physical markings that can be obscured or misread, the system uses electronic signals that can be read remotely and accurately. This copying of identification data into electronic form resolves the contradiction by providing more reliable tracking without increasing operational complexity.
2Strength
If covers or tarps are used to protect modules and bales, then product protection is improved, but markings may be covered or obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible physical markings with electronic identification systems (RFID tags, GPS transponders) that do not rely on visual markings. These electronic tags can be embedded in or attached to modules and bales without being obscured by covers or tarps. The electronic signals penetrate through protective coverings, resolving the contradiction by maintaining both product protection and identification visibility.
3Productivity
If multiple modules are unloaded in close proximity, then unloading efficiency is improved, but location differentiation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual location differentiation with electronic positioning systems. GPS transponders on each module provide precise geographic coordinates, allowing even closely stacked modules to be individually identified and tracked. This electronic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling high-density unloading while maintaining accurate location identification through digital rather than visual means.
4Ease of operation
If bales are dragged along the ground during unloading, then unloading process is simplified, but exact stationary location is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical location tracking with electronic sensing systems. Sensors on the unloading vehicle detect when a module has come to rest, and GPS systems continuously track the vehicle's position. This electronic detection system resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simplicity of dragging-based unloading while providing precise location data through electronic rather than mechanical measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a location of an unloaded unit of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product or identifying a candidate unit of agricultural product as a function of sensing system information indicating contact of the unit with the ground or other surface onto which the unit is unloaded, global positioning system or other location system information identifying the contact or related location, and heading information, which information can then be used to discern the unit from others at the location for desired loading.