Side-by-side planting recommendation system for hybrid seed validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for side-by-side validation of crop hybrids or seeds lack a simple and reliable means to identify optimal pairs for comparison, often relying on manual processes with limited confidence in yield advantages.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system that analyzes agricultural data and geo-location information to generate a dataset of hybrid seed pairings, using machine learning models to predict the probability of success for yield comparisons and display visual maps indicating geographic locations for optimal planting strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual methods are used for side-by-side validation of crop hybrids or seeds, then growers can compare different hybrids or seeds, but the process lacks simplicity and reliable identification of optimal pairs for comparison

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfidence in yield advantageVSAvoidsimplicity of identifying optimal pairs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual identification methods with a computer-implemented system that uses machine learning models and data analysis to automatically identify optimal hybrid pairs for side-by-side validation. The system processes agricultural data, geo-location information, and historical yield data to generate probabilistic predictions about which hybrid combinations are most likely to show yield advantages, eliminating the need for manual pair selection and providing statistically grounded recommendations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If computer-implemented algorithms are used to recommend crop hybrids and seeds, then growers receive reliable recommendations based on complex variables, but growers lack means to validate these recommendations through systematic side-by-side comparisons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of hybrid recommendationsVSAvoidlack of validation data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computer-implemented system not only provides hybrid recommendations but also enables validation through structured side-by-side planting experiments. The system collects actual yield data from these comparisons and uses it to refine and update its machine learning models, creating a closed-loop system where recommendations are continuously improved based on real-world validation results. This feedback cycle addresses the lack of validation data by systematically generating and utilizing empirical evidence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If side-by-side validation is performed without predictive design, then growers can compare hybrids or seeds, but they lack the capability to predictively identify which combinations are most likely to show yield advantages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of validation processVSAvoidprobability of success in yield comparison
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using machine learning models to predict and identify the most promising hybrid pairs for side-by-side validation before the actual planting occurs. The system analyzes historical data, environmental factors, and hybrid characteristics to pre-determine which combinations have the highest probability of showing meaningful yield differences. This predictive design allows growers to focus their validation efforts on the most likely successful comparisons, increasing both the efficiency and reliability of the validation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11864488B1Computer-implemented recommendation of side-by-side planting in agricultural fields
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • US11864488B1 patent drawing
  • US11864488B1 patent drawing
  • US11864488B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for recommending side-by-side plantings of pairs of seeds include a server computer receiving agricultural data records that represent crop seed data describing seed and yield properties of seeds and first data for agricultural fields where the seeds were planted. The server receives second data for available seeds and automatically calculates a dataset of success probability scores that describe the probability of a successful yield on the target fields. Data is organized as pairs to facilitate comparison of actual plantings to optimized plantings that have a probability of success (POS), in terms of yield lift or increased yield season-over-season, for different yield values. Confidence values are generated and stored in association with the POS values and can be used as a basis of visual output to support planting and/or field management decisions as part of an automated intelligent agricultural decision support system.