Passive Communication Devices for Crop Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current precision farming systems rely on operator intervention, which can lead to errors in tracking crop varieties and field amendments, resulting in potential misapplication of products and damage to crops.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes passive communication devices embedded in agricultural products, allowing readers on agricultural vehicles to identify and verify the type and variety of products applied, ensuring accurate application based on stored data and preventing incompatible amendments from being applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator intervention is used to enter crop and amendment information, then the system is simple to operate, but operator errors occur leading to incorrect product application
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive communication devices embedded in products that automatically provide identification and tracking information. The reader on the agricultural vehicle automatically reads this data without requiring operator input, making the system self-servicing and eliminating human error in data entry while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual data entry process is replaced with an automated reading system. The passive communication devices store product information that is automatically retrieved by the reader, substituting the mechanical/manual process of operator intervention with an automated electronic reading mechanism
2Ease of operation
If residual product remains in the hopper, then the system is easy to reload, but product intermixing occurs causing crop damage
Solution Approach 1:
The reader reads the communication device information before and during product application. The controller compares this information with the intended product type and provides feedback to prevent incompatible products from being applied, even if residual product remains in the hopper. This feedback mechanism eliminates the harmful effect of product intermixing while maintaining easy hopper reloading
3Productivity
If multiple seed varieties are planted in different field zones, then crop performance is optimized, but tracking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field is divided into different zones with different seed varieties, and each seed variety has its own passive communication device with unique identification. The reader reads these devices to identify which zone is being worked and what product has been applied, enabling precise tracking of multiple varieties without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The passive communication devices act as intermediaries between the seed varieties and the tracking system. Each device carries information about its specific variety and zone, allowing the reader to automatically identify and track multiple varieties without requiring complex tracking logic in the main system
4Productivity
If the incorrect herbicide is applied, then application speed is maintained, but crop damage or death occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by reading the communication device information before herbicide application. The controller checks whether the intended herbicide is compatible with the crop variety identified from the communication device, and prevents application if there is a mismatch. This preliminary anti-action stops potential crop damage before it occurs while maintaining application speed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reduces operator errors by ensuring precise tracking and application of crops and field amendments, preventing damage to non-tolerant crops and optimizing resource use.
Implementation Method 1
A passive communication device is included in the product to be supplied to the field. The communication device includes a memory device that stores data about the product in which the communication device is included.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system for tracking the application of crops and field amendments being applied to fields is disclosed. A series of passive communication devices are included in products being applied to the field. As seed and other products are supplied to the field, the passive communication devices are delivered to the field as well. A reader is mounted to the agricultural vehicle and is in communication with the passive devices to read data stored on each device. The data may include the type and variety of product in which the passive devices were supplied. A controller on the vehicle receives data from the reader to identify what product has been applied to the field. The controller may store data on any additional product subsequently applied to the field and/or may verify that subsequent product is acceptable for application to a crop in the field prior to application.