Field Region Generation Using GPS Pass Data Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for defining field regions in agricultural data analysis are cumbersome, particularly for growers operating in the cab of a machine, as they require manual dexterity and are not efficient for selecting relevant details or recalling pass data accurately.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented process that allows growers to define field regions using pass data collected by agricultural equipment, enabling the creation of new regions based on GPS-tracked movements, with graphical user interfaces for selecting and adjusting pass boundaries, and storing data for later analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual freehand drawing is used to define field regions, then flexibility in region definition is improved, but accuracy and ease of operation deteriorate due to lack of manual dexterity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual freehand drawing (mechanical interaction with touchscreen) with automated boundary generation based on equipment pass data. The system uses GPS-tracked equipment locations to automatically define field region boundaries, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining accuracy. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical drawing action entirely and replacing it with computational geometry based on recorded pass data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating field region boundaries using equipment pass data without requiring manual intervention. The equipment itself (through its GPS tracking) provides the data needed to define boundaries, and the system automatically processes this data to create accurate regions. This self-defining capability resolves the contradiction by making the system self-sufficient rather than relying on operator skill.
2Ease of operation
If manual freehand drawing is used to define field regions, then ease of operation is improved for simple tasks, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase for accurate boundary definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual drawing process with automated boundary generation from equipment pass data. Instead of requiring operators to manually trace boundaries (simple in concept but complex in execution for accuracy), the system automatically calculates boundaries based on GPS-tracked equipment positions. This substitution maintains ease of operation (single-click or automatic generation) while eliminating the complexity of achieving accurate manual boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by collecting and storing equipment pass data during field operations. This data is captured and processed in advance, so when region definition is needed, the boundaries are already calculated and ready. This preliminary data collection and processing resolves the contradiction by preparing the boundary information beforehand, making the actual region definition simple while the underlying complexity is handled in advance.
3Measurement precision
If equipment pass data is used to define field regions, then measurement precision and data accuracy are improved, but loss of time increases due to data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by collecting, storing, and processing equipment pass data during field operations. GPS locations and pass information are captured and organized in advance, so when region definition is needed, the data is already prepared and ready for immediate use. This preliminary processing resolves the contradiction by eliminating the time penalty - the accurate boundary calculation is done beforehand, making the actual region definition instantaneous.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating field region boundaries using equipment pass data without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming processing. The equipment itself provides the data, and the system automatically processes it to create accurate regions. This self-defining capability resolves the contradiction by making the process both accurate and time-efficient, as no manual time investment is required.
4Productivity
If automated boundary generation from pass data is implemented, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to data management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using the same equipment pass data for multiple purposes: it serves as both operational data for field work and boundary definition data for region creation. The GPS tracking system performs the dual function of monitoring equipment location during operations and providing the geometric information needed for automated boundary generation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate data collection systems, maintaining productivity while managing complexity through data reuse.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for generating a plurality of data files, by: displaying a field map corresponding to an agricultural field through a graphical user interface, selecting multiple locations on the field map, identifying, for each selected location, a corresponding data file, generating and displaying a geographic region comprising locations in the identified corresponding data files, and updating the graphical user interface to include a data panel corresponding to the geographic region.