Machine Learning Unit for Agricultural Object Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural technologies face challenges in efficiently processing and interpreting vast amounts of geographical and operational data for agricultural operations, leading to a need for automated data collection and interpretation to enhance operational efficiency and maintenance of agricultural working means.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing machine learning techniques, specifically neural networks, to classify geographic objects and agricultural working means, allowing for automated data processing, maintenance planning, and remote monitoring, incorporating image data, sensor data, and positioning information to improve agricultural operations and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical devices record detailed geographical information about agricultural fields, then measurement precision and information quality improve, but the amount of data exceeds operator processing capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeographical information accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A machine learning unit acts as an intermediary between the optical recording devices and the operator. The unit automatically processes image data from cameras and sensors, extracts relevant geographical information about the field (soil characteristics, vegetation status, moisture levels), and presents processed results to the operator without overwhelming them with raw data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual processing and interpretation of optical data by operators is replaced with automated machine learning algorithms. The system uses neural networks and image processing techniques to automatically analyze field conditions, replacing the need for operators to manually process complex visual information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If machine learning techniques are implemented for automated data processing, then productivity and operational efficiency improve, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveagricultural operation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning unit is designed to perform multiple functions: analyzing soil characteristics, monitoring vegetation health, detecting field anomalies, and providing maintenance recommendations for agricultural working means. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically processes and interprets data without requiring external expert intervention. The machine learning algorithms self-adjust and improve through continuous operation, and the system provides its own diagnostic capabilities for maintenance needs, reducing dependency on external specialists

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If detailed monitoring of agricultural working means is implemented, then maintenance quality and reliability improve, but the need for skilled labor and infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking means status monitoringVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Expert diagnostic capabilities are embedded within the machine learning unit. The system automatically analyzes sensor data from the agricultural working means (tractors, harvesters, etc.), identifies potential failures, and recommends maintenance actions without requiring skilled technicians to physically inspect the equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning unit serves as an intermediary between the agricultural working means and maintenance personnel. It translates complex mechanical and sensor data into actionable maintenance recommendations, enabling non-experts to perform basic diagnostic functions that previously required specialized knowledge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3905155B1Machine learning applications in agriculture
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 KVERNELAND GROUP OPERATIONS NORWAY
  • EP3905155B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905155B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3905155B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of providing information relating to an agricultural field (100) and / or an agricultural working means, comprising: receiving and / or collecting image data of an environment of an agricultural working means (10) located on the agricultural field (100); feeding an input, wherein the input comprises at least the image data, into a machine learning unit; receiving an output from the machine learning unit, wherein the output comprises a proposed classification of at least one object (110) located in the environment of the agricultural working means (10) or on the agricultural working means; and storing the classification of the object (110, 120) in an information database.