Autonomous Feed Vehicle Navigation With Centralized Farm Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feed systems, such as those described in EP 0739161 and WO 2008/097080, face challenges with data security and reliability, as farm-specific data are stored on each vehicle, risking exposure of confidential information if a vehicle is stolen or needs replacement, and navigation can be disrupted within livestock buildings.
Innovation Solution
A system where farm-specific data are stored in a central operating system, allowing vehicles to operate autonomously using pre-transmitted navigation data, reducing the risk of data exposure and ensuring reliable operation without continuous communication with the central system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If farm-specific data are stored in the memory of each vehicle, then the vehicle can operate autonomously without continuous communication, but the risk of confidential information exposure increases if a vehicle is stolen or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage function by separating farm-specific data from individual vehicles. The central operating system retains master data storage, while vehicles receive only temporary navigation data packets needed for specific routes. This segmentation reduces data security risks on vehicles while maintaining autonomous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the data transmission system between central operating system and vehicle regulating units) that allows vehicles to obtain necessary navigation data temporarily without permanently storing sensitive farm-specific information. This intermediary approach enables autonomous operation while protecting confidential data.
2Ease of operation
If farm-specific data are stored in the memory of each vehicle, then the vehicle can navigate autonomously, but replacement or addition of vehicles requires reprogramming with farm-specific data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing all farm-specific data and navigation information in the central operating system before any vehicle operations. When vehicles need to operate or be replaced, they simply receive pre-prepared data packets, eliminating the need for time-consuming reprogramming and commissioning procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle communicates continuously with the central operating system, then navigation can be updated in real-time, but communication disruptions within livestock buildings can disrupt operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares navigation data in advance by transmitting complete route information and farm-specific data to the vehicle's regulating unit before the vehicle enters communication-disrupted areas. This preliminary action ensures the vehicle can operate autonomously and reliably without real-time communication updates.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system (1) for performing an animal-related action comprises a self-propelled vehicle (3) with a regulating unit (8) comprising a transmitting and receiving device (9). The regulating unit is connected to a drive and control system of the vehicle, comprising an electric drive motor and a battery system. The system comprises a central operating system provided with a transmitting and receiving device designed to communicate with the transmitting and receiving device of the vehicle. The central operating system comprises a memory in which data are stored comprising navigation data, on the basis of which the vehicle is able to travel a predetermined route from a charging station (11), through at least a part of the operating area (2), and then back to the charging station. The central operating system transmits a packet of data comprising these navigation data to the regulating unit of the vehicle.