Automated Soil Sampling Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil sampling methods are manual and lack consistency and accurate record-keeping, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and analysis for optimizing crop production.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system for automating soil sampling and tracking, which includes a mobile application that uses field maps, sampling protocols, and data management to streamline the collection and analysis of soil samples, ensuring quality assurance and standardization of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual soil sampling methods are used, then flexibility in field operations is maintained, but sample consistency and record-keeping accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling processes with an automated digital system that uses mobile devices, GPS technology, and centralized databases to manage soil sampling operations. The system automatically generates sampling locations, tracks collected samples, and maintains digital records, eliminating manual record-keeping while improving consistency and reliability of sampling data.
2Loss of information
If automated tracking systems are implemented, then record-keeping accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the software automatically generates sampling location coordinates, creates unique identifiers for each sample, tracks sample collection status, and maintains digital records without requiring manual intervention. The mobile application automatically captures GPS locations and timestamps, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving record-keeping accuracy while minimizing operational complexity through automated workflows.
3Productivity
If manual sampling grid identification is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but sample collection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing optimal sampling location coordinates, generating sampling protocols, and preparing digital manifests before field operations begin. This allows field technicians to simply follow digital instructions on mobile devices rather than manually designing sampling grids, significantly improving collection efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through user-friendly interfaces.
4Manufacturing precision
If digital automation is introduced, then data standardization is improved, but initial implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal multi-functional platform that handles multiple tasks including sampling location generation, sample tracking, data collection, quality control validation, and report generation through a single integrated system. This approach standardizes data collection across diverse operations while managing implementation complexity through a consolidated rather than fragmented system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method of tracking soil sampling in a field is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, by a processor, digitally stored field map data and digitally stored sampling data. The method further comprises displaying, by the processor, a field map depicting the first set of sampling points in a computer-generated graphical user interface. In addition, the method comprises receiving a selection of a first sampling point and displaying first sampling data associated with the first sampling point. The method also comprises receiving an update indicating that a soil sample has been collected at the first sampling point. Finally, the method comprises determining a second sampling point at which a next soil sample is to be collected and displaying the second sampling point in the field map.