Grain Variety Tracking Using Phenotypic Markers and Taxonomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traceability initiatives in the grain industry lack comprehensive end-to-end solutions for identifying, monitoring, and tracking grains through the supply chain, often relying on non-durable external materials, requiring destructive testing, and being costly and impractical for bulk commodity grains.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a distinguishable characteristic, such as seed coat color or hilum color, combined with a taxonomy system for hierarchical classification, allows for end-to-end grain tracking using visual and advanced imaging technologies like thermal imaging and LiDAR, enabling on-site identification and segregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external materials are used for grain tracking, then identification capability is improved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating permanent, localized distinguishable characteristics within the grain itself rather than using external materials. Specific regions of the grain (such as seed coat color, hilum color, or internal patterns) are modified to contain unique identification markers that are inherently durable and cannot be lost or damaged during handling and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating visual replicas or patterns within the grain structure that represent identification information. These copied characteristics (such as color patterns, shapes, or internal structures) serve as permanent identifiers that can be detected through imaging technologies without requiring physical external tags or labels.
2Measurement precision
If destructive testing is used for grain identification, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical destructive testing with optical and electromagnetic detection methods. Advanced imaging technologies (such as hyperspectral imaging, thermal imaging, or X-ray) are used to detect the permanent distinguishable characteristics within the grain, allowing identification without physical damage or destruction of the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain itself provides the identification information through its inherent permanent characteristics, eliminating the need for external testing or analysis. The grain's own structure, color, or internal patterns serve as self-identifying features that can be detected non-invasively, making the grain self-sufficient for identification purposes.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive tracking systems are implemented, then supply chain transparency is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes and visual characteristics as the basis for grain identification and tracking. By encoding variety information in permanent, visually distinguishable features (such as seed coat color, hilum color, or internal patterns), the system enables straightforward detection and tracking throughout the supply chain using relatively simple imaging equipment, avoiding complex electronic tagging or RFID systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal identification system that works across multiple stages of the supply chain and for multiple grain varieties using a single approach. The permanent distinguishable characteristics serve multiple functions: variety identification, quality verification, and tracking, eliminating the need for different systems or technologies at different stages and simplifying overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for tracking an agricultural product variety such as a variety of a grain through a supply chain by identifying the agricultural product variety or the variety of the grain based on a distinguishable characteristic of a sample of the agricultural product or grain; wherein the distinguishable characteristic is phenotypic; and the distinguishable characteristic is (i) a seed characteristic of a plurality of seed in the sample; or (ii) a secondary characteristic of plants grown from the seed; or (iii) a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a method of making an agricultural product variety or variety of a grain identifiable by breeding to establish the distinguishable characteristic. Further disclosed is a taxonomy system for identifying an agricultural product variety, such as a grain variety, by defining a set of distinguishable structural features of the agricultural product variety.