Manufacturer-Independent Mobile Data Interface for Agricultural Field Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural field computers face challenges in data transfer due to lack of interoperability between different manufacturers and intermittent connectivity, limiting users' ability to access and share data across various equipment and third-party services.
Innovation Solution
A user-friendly, manufacturer-independent data interface system that uses a store-and-forward approach, allowing mobile computers to connect with remote data storage via available communication channels, transmit and receive data lists, and manage files independently of cellular service, enabling compatibility and flexibility across different vendors and services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a field computer connects to cloud storage via cellular network, then data transfer capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to intermittent cellular connectivity in rural areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable storage device as an intermediary between the field computer and cloud storage. The portable device receives data from the field computer via USB connection (independent of cellular network) and then uploads to cloud storage when connectivity is available, thereby decoupling the field computer's data transfer capability from cellular network availability and improving system reliability in rural areas.
2Reliability
If a manufacturer uses proprietary data formats and storage systems, then data security and control are improved, but adaptability deteriorates as users cannot access data from different manufacturers or third-party services
Solution Approach 1:
The portable storage device serves multiple functions: it acts as a universal interface that can read data from field computers of different manufacturers using various proprietary formats, store the data in a standardized manner, and upload to multiple cloud storage providers. This multi-functionality enables users to access and transfer data across different manufacturers and services while maintaining data control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the data transfer process into distinct stages: (1) data extraction from field computer via USB, (2) temporary storage in portable device, and (3) upload to cloud storage. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with its own interface requirements, enabling compatibility across different manufacturers without compromising data control at any stage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data copying via USB drive is used, then adaptability between different systems is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to significant user intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The portable storage device is configured to automatically perform data transfer operations. When connected to the field computer via USB, it autonomously retrieves data files and uploads them to cloud storage without requiring user intervention for each transfer operation. The device manages the entire data transfer process self-service, eliminating the need for manual copying while maintaining adaptability between different systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary mobile communication device for facilitating manufacturer-independent interface between mobile computers and remote data storage comprises a transceiver, a processor, and a memory with executable instructions that configure the device to: connect to the remote data storage via an available communication channel; transmit to remote data storage a first remove list identifying files previously transferred by the device to a first storage device associated with a first mobile computer; receive from remote data storage a second download list identifying files to be transferred to a second storage device associated with a second mobile computer; and delete files identified in the second download list but not in a locally-stored first download list of files to be transferred to the second storage device. Exemplary embodiments also include methods and computer-readable media embodying such operations that the device is configured to perform.