User Interface for Adjusting Component Proportions in Grain Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farmers face challenges in tracking the proportions of grain from different fields stored in a single bin, which is essential for traceability and profitability, as existing methods are either inefficient or lack accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based user interface system that allows users to select and adjust the proportions of components in a mixture by dragging boundaries between components, providing real-time ratio calculations and updates, which can be applied to grain storage and delivery records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tracking methods (duct tape with tick marks) are used to record grain proportions, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods (duct tape with tick marks) with an electronic computing device that uses software interfaces, databases, and automated calculations to track grain proportions, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through digital automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of grain delivery data by capturing information from scale tickets and field identifiers, storing them in a database, and using these digital records to automatically calculate and track proportions, eliminating the need for manual physical tracking while enhancing accuracy
2Productivity
If grain is commingled in the same bin to maximize utilization, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments grain data by field identifier, creating separate digital records for each field's grain even when physically commingled in the same bin. This allows the system to track and calculate proportions for each field independently, maintaining traceability information while enabling physical mixing for efficient bin utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously updating the database with new grain deliveries, automatically recalculating proportions based on accumulated data, and providing real-time or near-real-time tracking information that feeds back to the user interface for monitoring and verification
3Device complexity
If manual entry into software programs is used to record tracking data, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service automation where the computing device automatically captures data from scale tickets, identifies fields, calculates proportions, and updates records without requiring manual data entry. The system serves itself by automating the entire tracking workflow, reducing both complexity and time investment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the database structure, field identifiers, and calculation algorithms before grain deliveries begin. This preliminary setup enables automated processing of subsequent deliveries without requiring manual intervention during the actual tracking process, saving significant time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting the proportions of components in a total is described. The method comprises providing a computer processor configured to present, using a user interface, a plurality of components for selection. Further, the method comprises providing the computer processor to receive a selection of the presented plurality of components. Furthermore, the method comprises providing the computer processor to present, using the user interface, a linear arrangement of the selected plurality of components, each pair of adjacent components being separated by a selectable boundary. Additionally, the method comprises providing the computer processor configured to receive a selection of a selectable boundary. Moreover, the method comprises providing the computer processor to adjust, in response to the selection of the selectable border, the relative proportion of the components.