Net Wrap Pattern Identification Beyond RFID and Twine Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bale identification systems, such as those using RFID tags and color-coded twine, are limited in their ability to uniquely identify bales due to narrow width and limited color variations, restricting the number of identifiable bales.

Innovation Solution

A bale identification system that utilizes a computing device to analyze a unique random splotch pattern on the wrap material, which can be two- or three-dimensional, applied during wrap material manufacture or application, allowing for increased variation and identification capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RFID tags are attached to each bale, then bale identification capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebale identification capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from complex RFID systems and implements it through simple visual patterns on wrap material. The unique colored band patterns are applied directly to the wrap material during the baling process, eliminating the need for separate RFID tags and readers while maintaining bale identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive colored bands applied to the wrap material as a disposable identification method. These bands are applied during the baling process and remain on the bale throughout its lifecycle, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive RFID tags without requiring complex reading equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If color bands are applied to twine for bale identification, then identification capability is improved, but the narrow width of twine limits the number of unique identifiable bales

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebale identification capabilityVSAvoidsurface area for pattern variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional twine (narrow width) to two-dimensional wrap material (larger surface area). By applying colored band patterns to the wrap material that surrounds the bale, the system dramatically increases the available surface area for unique pattern variations, enabling identification of far more bales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the identification function with the wrap material application process. The colored bands are applied to the wrap material during the same operational sequence where the wrap material is applied to the bale, combining two functions into one process and eliminating the need for separate identification tagging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250252763A1Bale identification using net wrap characteristic

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A bale identification system includes an initial image sensor that is operable to capture an initial image of an initial bale bound with a wrap material. A computing device analyzes the initial image to identify a unique wrap characteristic on the wrap material of the initial bale in the initial image. The computing device may then associate the unique wrap characteristic with the initial bale and save the initial image and the associated unique wrap characteristic in a memory, such that the identified unique wrap characteristic of the initial bale is used as an identifier of the initial bale. The unique wrap characteristic may include a random two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional splotch pattern formed onto a surface of the wrap material.