Cotton Module Tracking via RFID and GPS Heading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking cotton modules after harvesting are labor-intensive and prone to human error, as they require physical marking or tagging, and GPS location uncertainty can lead to incorrect identification and record errors.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically identifies, locates, and tracks cotton modules using a location system to determine the heading and location of harvesting and transport vehicles, eliminating the need for physical markings, and a communication network to assign identifiers and store tracking records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cotton modules are physically marked or tagged with identifiers, then tracking information can be recorded and correlated, but labor intensity increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual marking system with an automated electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers. The system automatically captures module identifiers during harvesting and transport operations, eliminating the need for manual writing or tagging while improving both accuracy and labor efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking by automatically recording and correlating module information through integrated sensors and communication systems on harvesting and transport equipment. The modules are identified and tracked automatically during normal operations without requiring dedicated marking crews
2Productivity
If GPS coordinates are used to locate cotton modules, then physical marking is reduced, but location uncertainty increases due to error margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary identification mechanism that works in conjunction with GPS. The RFID tags provide precise module identification while GPS provides location data, and the system correlates both data sources to achieve accurate tracking without relying solely on GPS coordinates
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple identification methods (RFID tagging, GPS location, vehicle identification systems) into a unified tracking approach. This combination allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual methods and provide both efficient operation and precise location accuracy
3Loss of information
If manual marking crews are used to identify cotton modules, then tracking information can be recorded, but the system becomes labor intensive and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated identification system that performs multiple functions: module identification, location tracking, vehicle tracking, and data correlation. This single integrated system replaces multiple manual operations and reduces both labor requirements and operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically identifying, locating, and tracking a cotton module that eliminates the necessity of physically marking or tagging the cotton module, such system and method using information such a location of the cotton module and a heading of a harvesting vehicle and a transport vehicle.