Mobile Visual Crop Data System for Regulatory Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for agricultural chemical application and genetically modified crop management are inefficient, requiring manual handling of records and extensive field surveys, which are time-consuming and burdensome due to regulatory compliance and the need for real-time data access, especially in areas with vulnerable soils and endangered species habitats.
Innovation Solution
A visual information system that provides real-time data to mobile devices, allowing application monitors to access topographical and regulatory information, such as setback distances and buffer zones, through a server computer communication system, enabling efficient decision-making and data visualization on maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of records and field surveys are used, then regulatory compliance can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual field survey processes with an automated mobile computing system that uses GPS receivers, digital maps, and electronic data processing to automatically determine setback distances and identify restricted areas, eliminating the need for manual measurement and record-keeping while maintaining regulatory compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile computer as an intermediary device between the applicator and regulatory requirements, providing real-time access to soil vulnerability data, well locations, and setback calculations that mediate between field operations and compliance mandates
2Productivity
If real-time data access is provided to mobile devices, then efficiency of application monitors is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional mobile computing system that combines GPS navigation, digital map display, real-time data communication, setback calculation, and regulatory information access into a single device, improving efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of regulatory data, soil vulnerability maps, and well location information stored in portable format on mobile devices, allowing application monitors to access complete regulatory information without carrying physical documents or requiring constant connection to central databases
3Reliability
If extensive field surveys are conducted for compliance monitoring, then regulatory requirements are met, but the burden on applicators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables applicators to perform their own compliance monitoring using mobile computing devices that automatically calculate setback distances, identify restricted areas, and provide real-time guidance during application operations, eliminating the need for separate monitoring personnel while maintaining compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time identification of restricted areas and setback zones before chemical application begins, allowing applicators to plan their routes and avoid prohibited areas proactively rather than conducting separate post-application surveys
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing visual crop data to a mobile device includes at least one server computer in communication with a mobile device. The at least one server computer is configured to receive location data relating to a geographical position of the mobile device; retrieve topographical data associated with at least a portion of the location data; generate shape data based at least partially on the topographical data; and transmit at least a portion of the shape data to the mobile device, such that at least one shape is visually displayed on at least a portion of a map image displayed on the mobile device. Also disclosed is a computer-implemented method and computer program product for providing and/or interacting with visual crop data, including appropriately communicatively connected hardware components.