Planter Data Layering for Low-Bandwidth Field Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face challenges in efficiently transmitting and managing data due to high traffic, low bandwidth, compatibility issues, and the need for robust communication systems to support autonomous operations, especially in situations with limited connectivity or high data demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intelligent internet of things (IoT) system with high-speed, high-bandwidth Ethernet connections and universal intelligent planter nodes (IPNs) that facilitate efficient data transmission and control across agricultural implements, using a plug-and-play approach with intelligent router units (IPRs) and positioners (IPPs) for seamless operation and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated and autonomous systems are implemented in agricultural implements, then monitoring and response capabilities are improved, but information overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments agricultural data into multiple layers (e.g., spatial data, temporal data, operational data, environmental data) that can be independently managed and transmitted. This segmentation allows the system to handle large volumes of data from automated components without overwhelming the control system, as only relevant layers are processed and transmitted at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates essential information from the total data set generated by automated systems. By identifying and extracting only the critical data elements needed for monitoring and response, the system avoids information overload while maintaining reliable operation of automated components.
2Extent of automation
If data transmission is increased among agricultural implements, then coordination and autonomy are improved, but bandwidth requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data transmission protocol and common data structure that can be used across different types of agricultural implements. This universal approach allows multiple implements to coordinate efficiently using the same communication framework, reducing overall bandwidth requirements compared to implementing separate communication systems for each implement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transmits data at different levels of detail and frequency based on operational needs. Critical coordination data is transmitted in full, while less critical data is transmitted partially or at lower frequencies, optimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining sufficient coordination capability among autonomous implements.
3Loss of information
If data is transmitted in high bandwidth, then data completeness is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of data transmission by organizing data into hierarchical layers with different priority levels and transmission requirements. This parameter-based organization allows the system to maintain data completeness for critical information while using simpler transmission protocols for less critical data, reducing overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but communication system robustness requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for potential communication failures by implementing data caching and offline operation capabilities. Critical data is stored locally on each implement, and autonomous functions can continue operating with cached information if communication is lost, ensuring robustness while maintaining high productivity during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Sharing planter data is made efficient through an initial separation of agricultural data before transmission of the same. During performance of agricultural tasks, generated data is stored in files representing geographic regions. Several data layers of the files correspond to various agricultural aspects which can then be selectively transmitted with smaller parsed files. The received data can be harmonized into the same format used by the receiving agricultural implement. Sharing planter data in this way obviates performance degradation for rural cellular networks.