Agricultural Machine Network Coordination via Virtual Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machine networks face inefficiencies due to rigid hierarchies and the inability to optimize all influencing factors simultaneously, limiting flexibility and overall process optimization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic hierarchies and a fleet process supervisor to distribute optimization tasks, allowing self-optimizing machines to collaborate as virtual work machines, share sensor data, and adjust machine parameters dynamically, with a synchronization routine and quality assurance system to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a master-slave system with a single controlling machine is used, then the network structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot adapt dynamically to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic hierarchies where machines can change their role (master or slave) based on current task requirements and capabilities. The system transitions from static master-slave assignments to dynamic role allocation, allowing the network structure to adapt flexibly to changing operational conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated role negotiation protocols
2Productivity
If individual self-optimizing machines operate independently, then each machine can optimize its own parameters, but comprehensive optimization considering all influencing factors and interrelationships cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual machine optimization capabilities with network-level coordination by having machines share their optimization results and constraints. The system combines local self-optimization with global coordination, allowing comprehensive optimization that considers all influencing factors and interrelationships across the entire network while preserving individual machine efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If similar working units across multiple machines are combined into virtual working units, then optimization tasks can be distributed and hardware resources utilized more efficiently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of working units across the network, allowing optimization results from one machine to be applied to similar working units on other machines. This virtualization approach enables efficient hardware resource utilization through knowledge sharing while managing system complexity through standardized virtual unit representations and automated mapping protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for carrying out an agricultural work process in a field (1) using a network (2) of agricultural machinery (3), wherein the machinery (3) of the network (2) each has working units (4) which can be adjusted with machine parameters to adapt to the respective agricultural conditions, wherein the machinery (3) of the network (2) communicate with each other via a wireless data network, and wherein the machinery (3) of the network (2) are designed as self-optimizing machinery (3), each having a driver assistance system (6) for the automated generation and adjustment of machine parameters optimized with regard to the agricultural conditions. It is proposed that the machinery (3) of the network (2) cooperate together in the manner of a virtual machine (7).