Field Crop Remaining Prediction for Harvest Logistics Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the amount of grain or crop remaining in a field are inaccurate and cumbersome, leading to logistical challenges and increased costs due to the complexity of harvest operations, particularly with multiple combines and auger wagons.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing sensors on agricultural machines to collect data, which is communicated to a computing device for analysis, enabling precise predictions of the remaining crop or product in a field, thereby optimizing logistics and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual estimation methods are used to determine grain remaining in the field, then the operator can make quick estimates, but the accuracy and reliability of the estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation (mechanical/human system) with electronic sensors, processors, and communication systems. Sensors mounted on the combine harvesters automatically detect and measure grain remaining in the field, eliminating the need for operators to manually estimate while significantly improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having the estimation system automatically collect data from multiple combines, calculate grain remaining estimates, and communicate results without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously performing measurements and computations that previously required human effort.
2Productivity
If multiple combines and auger wagons are used to increase harvesting productivity, then the harvesting speed increases, but the complexity of tracking and estimating grain remaining deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the estimation functions of multiple combines and auger wagons into a single integrated system. Data from all machines are combined and processed together to provide a unified estimate of grain remaining in the field, simplifying tracking despite the increased number of machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multi-functionality by serving multiple combines and auger wagons simultaneously with a single estimation system. The universal platform handles data collection, processing, and communication for all machines, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems for each vehicle.
3Loss of information
If operators communicate grain estimates via phone or radio to coordinate logistics, then communication is possible, but the timeliness and accuracy of logistics coordination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual phone or radio communication with an automated electronic communication system. The estimation system directly transmits grain remaining data to logistics coordinators through electronic channels, eliminating manual communication steps and improving both accuracy and timeliness of information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring grain remaining estimates and automatically communicating updated information to logistics operations. This real-time feedback loop ensures that logistics coordination receives current, accurate data without relying on periodic manual updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing agricultural operations by predicting amount of crop or product remaining for a field includes performing agricultural operations on at least a portion of a field using an agricultural machine, sensing data associated with the agricultural operations using sensors associated with the agricultural machine, communicating the data associated with the agricultural operations to a computing device, analyzing the data associated with the agricultural operations performed using the computing device to determine an area prediction for a remaining portion of the field upon which the agricultural operations are to be performed, and using the area prediction for the remaining portion of the field by the computing device to determine a time associated with completing the agricultural operations for the field or an amount of material or other resources associated with completing the agricultural operations for the field.