AU2018204155A1 - A data transfer system for an agricultural vehicle, and a cover for an agricultural vehicle - Google Patents
A data transfer system for an agricultural vehicle, and a cover for an agricultural vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- AU2018204155A1 AU2018204155A1 AU2018204155A AU2018204155A AU2018204155A1 AU 2018204155 A1 AU2018204155 A1 AU 2018204155A1 AU 2018204155 A AU2018204155 A AU 2018204155A AU 2018204155 A AU2018204155 A AU 2018204155A AU 2018204155 A1 AU2018204155 A1 AU 2018204155A1
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- agricultural vehicle
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- transfer station
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Abstract
The data transfer station 140 for an agricultural vehicle 120 includes a first communications device for communicating with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle 120 is in proximity of the data transfer station 140. The 5 agricultural vehicle 120, which is autonomous, includes a storage for storing a consumable, the storage having an inlet for receiving the consumable; and a cover engageable with the inlet for preventing entry of contaminants into the storage or for preventing contents of the storage from escaping the storage through the inlet.
Description
A DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE, AND
A COVER FOR AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE
FIELD
The present invention relates to a data transfer system for an agricultural vehicle.
The disclosure additionally relates to a cover for an agricultural vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a data transfer system and method, and a cover for an autonomous agricultural land vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Autonomous agricultural vehicles assist with managing and maintaining an agricultural land. Typically, large amounts of data are collected by these vehicles.
Some of this data may be processed using the onboard processor of the agricultural vehicle and acted on by the vehicle immediately. For example, the onboard processor of the vehicle is able to process the captured data in relation to a target area and determine if the vehicle needs to perform an action in relation to the target 15 area.
Much of the data collected by the agricultural vehicle needs to be transferred to a remote computing device for further processing or storage. This large amount of data currently cannot be reliably transferred directly from the mobile vehicle wirelessly to the remote computing device. Similarly, the remote computing device 20 cannot reliably transfer data to a vehicle working in the field.
Some of these agricultural vehicles are provided with a tank for storing a consumable. The consumables stored in these tanks are however vulnerable to contamination by dust or vegetation. In addition, consumables stored in the tank may splash out of the tank during refilling or during operation of the vehicle on the field.
It is not admitted that any of the information in this patent specification is common general knowledge, or that the person skilled in the art could be reasonably expected
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 to ascertain or understand it, regard it as relevant or combine it in any way before the priority date.
SUMMARY
According to an aspect, the present invention provides a data transfer station for an agricultural vehicle, the data transfer station including:
a first communications device for communicating with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
In an embodiment, the agricultural vehicle is a land vehicle. The agricultural vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is configured or adapted for short range communication with the agricultural vehicle. The first communication device may be configured or adapted for wireless or wired short range communication.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes a data port for receiving a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the agricultural vehicle for 15 facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the first communications device. The data port may be an ethernet port for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes an antenna for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station when the antenna is substantially aligned with an antenna of the agricultural 20 vehicle. The antenna may be a microwave antenna for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate. The data files may be greater than about 100 MB. The data files may be up to about 5 TB. The first communication device facilitates data transfer at greater than about 100 Mbps. The first communications 25 device facilitates data transfer at up to about 2 Gbps.
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In an embodiment, the first communications device is configured to communicate with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is stationary near the data transfer station.
In an embodiment, the data transfer station includes a store for storing a consumable 5 for the agricultural vehicle. The data transfer station may further include a delivery mechanism for filling the agricultural vehicle with the consumable from the store. The consumable may include at least one of fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide for example. In this embodiment, when the agricultural vehicle is within proximity of the data transfer station, the delivery mechanism fills the agricultural vehicle with the consumable from the store.
In an embodiment, the data transfer station is provided in or adjacent to an area where the agricultural vehicle performs an agricultural operation.
In an embodiment, the data transfer station includes a detector for detecting when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, wherein the first 15 communications device is configured to communicate with the agricultural vehicle when the detector detects that the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station. The detector may include at least one of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or a proximity sensor for example. The detector may be part of the first communications device.
In an embodiment, the data transfer station includes a data storage device configured to store data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle and/or to store the instructions to be provided by the first communications device to the agricultural vehicle.
In an embodiment, the data transfer station includes a processing device that is configured to: receive the data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle; determine an action to be performed by the agricultural vehicle based on the data from the agricultural vehicle; and generate instructions for transmission by the first communications device to the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, wherein the instructions
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 cause the agricultural land vehicle to perform the action. The data transfer station preferably includes a second communications device adapted for long range communication with the processing device. The second communications device is configured or adapted for communication with the processing device over the Internet 5 for example.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of transferring data between an agricultural vehicle and a data transfer station, the method including:
communicating, by a first communications device of a data transfer station, with 10 agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
Embodiments of this aspect of the invention are similar to the embodiments of the previous aspect described above.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is adapted for short range communication.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes a data port, and the method further includes connecting a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the agricultural vehicle to the ethernet port of the first communications device for facilitating data transfer between the agricultural vehicle and the first communications device. The data port may be an ethernet port for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes an antenna, and the method further includes transferring data between the agricultural vehicle when the antenna of the first communications device is substantially aligned with an antenna of the agricultural vehicle. The antenna may be a microwave antenna for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate. The data files may be greater than about 100 MB. The data files may be up to about 5 TB. The first communication device
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 facilitates data transfer at greater than about 100 Mbps. The first communications device facilitates data transfer at up to about 2 Gbps.
In an embodiment, the step of communicating, by the first communications device, with agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of a data transfer 5 station includes communicating with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is stationary near the data transfer station.
In an embodiment, the method includes filling the agricultural vehicle with a consumable when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer The consumable may include at least one of fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, insecticide, 10 and herbicide for example.
In an embodiment, the method further includes: detecting, by a detector, when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, and communicating, by the first communications device, with the agricultural vehicle when the detector detects that the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station. The detector may include at least one of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or a proximity sensor for example. The detector may be part of the first communications device.
In an embodiment, the method further includes: storing, in a data storage device, data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle and/or 20 instructions to be provided by the first communications device to the agricultural vehicle.
In an embodiment, wherein the method further includes: receiving, by a processing device, data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle; determining, by the processing device, an action to be performed by the agricultural 25 vehicle based on the data from the agricultural device; generating, by the processing device, instructions for causing the agricultural vehicle to perform the action; and transmitting, by the first communications device, the instructions to the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station. The method may further include communicating, by a second communications device
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 adapted for long range communication, with the processing device. The second communications device may be adapted for communication with the processing device over the Internet for example.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a data transfer module for an agricultural vehicle, the data transfer module including:
a first communications device for communicating with a data transfer station when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may be similar to the embodiments of the other aspects of the invention described above.
In an embodiment, the agricultural vehicle is a land vehicle. The agricultural vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is configured or adapted for short range communication with the data transfer station. The first communication device may be configured or adapted for wireless or wired short range communication.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes a data port for receiving a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the data transfer station for facilitating communication between the data transfer station and the first communications device. The data port may be an ethernet port for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes an antenna for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station when the antenna is substantially aligned with an antenna of the data transfer station. The antenna may be a microwave antenna for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate. The data files may be greater than about 100 25 MB. The data files may be up to about 5 TB. The first communication device facilitates data transfer at greater than about 100 Mbps. The first communications device facilitates data transfer at up to about 2 Gbps.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
In an embodiment, the first communications device is configured to communicate with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is stationary near the data transfer station.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of transferring data for an agricultural vehicle, the method including:
communicating, by a first communications device of the agricultural vehicle, with a data transfer station when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may be similar to the embodiments of the other aspects of the invention described above.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is adapted for short range communication. The first communication device may be configured or adapted for wireless or wired short range communication.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes a data port, and the method includes connecting a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the data transfer station to the data port of the agricultural vehicle for facilitating communication between the data transfer station and the first communications device. The data port may be an ethernet port for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device includes an antenna, and the method includes transferring data between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station when the antenna is substantially aligned with an antenna of the data transfer station. The antenna may be a microwave antenna for example.
In an embodiment, the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate. The data files may be greater than about 100 25 MB. The data files may be up to about 5 TB. The first communication device facilitates data transfer at greater than about 100 Mbps. The first communications device facilitates data transfer at up to about 2 Gbps.
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In an embodiment, the method further includes: collecting, by a sensor of the agricultural vehicle, data relating to an agricultural area; moving, by the agricultural vehicle, to be in proximity of the data transfer station; and transmitting, by the first communication device, the data collected by the sensor of the agricultural vehicle to 5 the data transfer station.
In an embodiment, the method further includes: moving, by the agricultural vehicle, to be in proximity of the data transfer station; receiving, by the first communication device, instructions from the data transfer station, the instructions relating to an action to be performed by the agricultural vehicle; and executing, by a processor of 10 the agricultural vehicle, the instructions to perform the action.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides an agricultural vehicle including the data transfer module of the aspect of the present invention described above, or configured to perform the method of the aspect of the present invention described above.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system including the data transfer station of the aspect of the present invention described above and the agricultural vehicle.
In an embodiment, the data transfer station is co-operable with the agricultural vehicle to facilitate automatic data transfer between the data transfer station and the 20 agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
In an embodiment, the agricultural vehicle is an autonomous vehicle. The agricultural vehicle may be the agricultural vehicle of the aspect of the present invention described above.
In an embodiment, the agricultural vehicle proceeds to within proximity of the data transfer station based at least one of: detection, by the agricultural vehicle, of one or more crop areas that have been compromised; capacity of a data storage of the agricultural vehicle; and quantity of a consumable of the agricultural vehicle. For
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 example, the agricultural vehicle proceeds to the data transfer station when the data storage of the agricultural vehicle is full or nearly full and the vehicle needs to transfer data to the data transfer station in order to free up memory on the data storage of the agricultural vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the agricultural vehicle proceeds to 5 the data transfer station when the agricultural vehicle has run out or is running out of a consumable and the vehicle needs to proceed to the data transfer station to replenish or fill up on the consumable. The consumable may include at least one of fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide for example.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a cover arrangement 10 adapted for a tank inlet of a tank of an agricultural vehicle, the cover arrangement including:
a lid for covering the tank inlet, the lid being moveable relative to the tank inlet between a closed configuration in which the lid prevents entry into the storage via the tank inlet and an open configuration in which the lid is located away from 15 the tank inlet to allow entry into the tank; and an actuator coupled to the lid and for controlling the movement of the lid relative to the tank inlet between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
In an embodiment, the agricultural vehicle is an autonomous vehicle. The agricultural vehicle may be a land vehicle for example.
In an embodiment, the lid is slidable relative to the inlet between the closed configuration and the open configuration. In another embodiment, the lid is pivotable relative to the inlet between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
In an embodiment, the cover arrangement includes a guide for guiding a consumable into the tank, the guide being engagable with the tank inlet. The guide includes a guide inlet for receiving the consumable to be dispensed into the tank, the lid may operatively engage the guide inlet such that the lid covers the guide inlet in the closed configuration and is located away from the guide inlet in the open
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 configuration. The guide is preferably a funnel. The tank inlet may include the guide. For example, the guide may be integrally formed with the tank inlet.
In an embodiment, the lid includes a first lid portion and a second lid portion, wherein in the open configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved away from each 5 other to allow entry of consumables into the tank, and in the closed configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved towards each other to prevent entry into the tank. The lid may include more than two lid portions. Preferably, each lid portion controlled by a respective actuator.
In an embodiment, the lid is biased to the closed configuration. The cover may alternatively be biased to the open configuration. The autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a biasing means for biasing the cover. The biasing means may include a spring or any other bias for example.
In an embodiment, the actuator includes a linear actuator for example.
In an embodiment, the cover arrangement further includes a controller for controlling 15 the actuator, the controller being in communication with a filling station, wherein when the agricultural vehicle is at the filling station for filling the tank, the controller instructs the actuator to move the lid to the open configuration to allow the filling station to fill the tank of the agricultural vehicle, and move the lid to the closed configuration when the filling station has completed dispensing fluid into the tank. The controller is preferably configured to determine whether a valve of the filling station is open or closed, wherein the controller controls the actuator to move the lid to the open configuration when the valve of the filling station is open, and move the lid to the closed configuration when the valve of the filling station is closed.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides 25 an agricultural vehicle including the cover arrangement of the aspect of the present invention described above.
In an embodiment, the agricultural vehicle is an autonomous vehicle.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may be similar to the embodiments of the previous aspects of the invention described above.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides an autonomous agricultural vehicle including a storage for storing a consumable, the storage having an inlet for receiving the consumable; and a cover engageable with the inlet for preventing entry of contaminants into the storage or for preventing contents of he storage from escaping the storage through the inlet.
In an embodiment, the cover includes the cover arrangement of the aspect of the invention described above.
In an embodiment, the cover is moveable relative to the inlet between a closed configuration in which the cover prevents entry into the storage via the inlet and an open configuration in which the cover is located away from the inlet to allow entry into the storage. In an embodiment, the cover is slidable relative to the inlet between the closed configuration and the open configuration. In another embodiment, the cover is pivotable relative to the inlet between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
In an embodiment, the autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a guide for guiding a consumable into the storage. The inlet may be provided with the guide.
Alternatively, the guide may operatively engage the inlet. The guide includes a guide inlet for receiving the consumable to be dispensed into the tank, the cover may operatively engage the guide inlet such that the cover covers the guide inlet in the closed configuration and is located away from the guide inlet in the open configuration. The guide is preferably a funnel.
In an embodiment, the cover includes a first lid portion and a second lid portion, wherein in the open configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved away from each other to allow entry of consumables into the storage, and in the closed configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved towards each other to prevent entry into the storage. In the closed configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved into substantial abutment with each other. The cover may
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 include more than two lid portions. Preferably, each lid portion controlled by a respective actuator.
In an embodiment, the cover is biased to the closed configuration. The cover may alternatively be biased to the open configuration. The autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a biasing means for biasing the cover. The biasing means may include a spring or any other bias for example.
In an embodiment, the autonomous agricultural vehicle includes an actuator coupled to the cover and for controlling the movement of the cover relative to the inlet. The actuator may be a linear actuator for example.
In an embodiment, the autonomous agricultural vehicle further includes a controller for controlling the actuator, the controller being in communication with a filling station, wherein when the agricultural vehicle is at the filling station for filling the tank, the controller instructs the actuator to move the lid to the open configuration to allow the filling station to fill the tank of the agricultural vehicle, and move the lid to the closed configuration when the filling station has completed dispensing fluid into the tank. The controller is preferably configured to determine whether a valve of the filling station is open or closed, wherein the controller controls the actuator to move the lid to the open configuration when the valve of the filling station is open, and move the lid to the closed configuration when the valve of the filling station is closed.
In an embodiment, the storage of the agricultural vehicle is a tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the apparatus will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a system block diagram for an agricultural vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 3 shows a front view of an agricultural vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention for illustration purposes;
Figures 4A an 4B show a cover arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in different configurations; and
Figure 5A and 5B show a cover arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in different configurations.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following examples are intended to illustrate to enable reproduction and comparison. They are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.
Referring to Figure 1, the system 100 of the present invention includes an agricultural vehicle 120 and a data transfer station 140. The system may include a plurality of agricultural vehicles and a plurality of data transfer stations. The system 100 is implemented at an agricultural land such as a farm or vineyard for example.
Data Transfer Station
The data transfer station 140 is co-operable with the agricultural vehicle 120 to facilitate data transfer between the data transfer station 140 and the agricultural vehicle 120. The data transfer station 140 may be configured to receive one or more agricultural vehicles 120 for facilitating data transfer at any given time. The data transfer station 140 is provided in or adjacent to an area where the agricultural vehicle 120 performs an agricultural operation.
The data transfer station 140 requires the agricultural vehicle 120 to be in proximity of the data transfer station 140, preferably stationary near the data transfer station 140, in order for the data transfer between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station to take place. The data transfer station 140 includes a first communications 25 device for communicating with the agricultural vehicle. The data transfer station 140 is configured or adapted for short range data transfer with the agricultural vehicle
120, which may be wireless or wired short range communication. For example, the
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 data transfer station is configured to communication with the agricultural vehicle via a network cable (such as an ethernet cable for example), via antenna arrangement (such as microwave antennae), or any other short-range communication known in the field that is suitable for enabling transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate.
Data files are transferred from the agricultural vehicle to data transfer station once communication is established via the first communication device. Downloading of data from the data transfer station to the agricultural vehicle occurs in reverse.
The first communications device of the data transfer station is able to facilitate transfer of large data files of greater than about 100 MB. The data files can have a size of between about 100 MB and about 5 TB for example. In addition, the first communications device is able to facilitate transfer of data files at high speeds of greater than 100 Mbps. The data files are transferred between about 100 Mbps and about 2 Gbps for example. The first communications device allows for transfer of raw information collected by the sensors of the vehicle in a compressed binary form. Supported data files include:
• images including images in any one of JPEG format, Portable Network
Graphics (PNG), bitmap (BMP) format, and raw formats for example;
• videos including videos in any one of MPEG format, MP4 format, Window
Media Video (WMV) format, QuickTime (MOV) format, and Matroka (MKV) format for example;
• diagnostic data files in BAG format for example;
• Elevation map data in BAG format for example, and • electromagnetic (EM) data relating to the agricultural area.
By way of example, the first communications device of the data transfer station includes a data port for receiving a network cable connected to a corresponding data
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 port of the agricultural vehicle for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the first communications device. The data port may be an ethernet port for example and the network cable is an ethernet cable.
By way of further example, the first communications device includes an antenna for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station when the antenna is substantially aligned with an antenna of the agricultural vehicle. The antenna may be a microwave antenna for example.
The first communications device may be adapted for Bluetooth, ZigBee, Infrared, or near-field communication (NFC) for example.
The data transfer station 140 is further configured or adapted for communication with one or more remote stations 182, 186 for data processing and/or with one of more remote databases 184, 188 for storing data. The data transfer station 140 may communicate with a remote station 182 and remote database 184 in a local area network, based on wireless or wired connection. The data transfer station 140 may alternatively be configured to communication with a remote station 186 and remote database via a computer network such as the Internet for example. The data may be transferred between the data transfer station 140 and the remote devices 182, 184, 186, 188 using a high-speed internet connection via wireless microwave for example.
The data transfer station 140 includes a detector for detecting when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station. The detector may include at least one of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or a proximity sensor for example. The detector may be part of the first communications device. The first communications device is configured to communicate with the agricultural vehicle when the detector detects that the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
The data transfer station includes a computer processing device that is configured to:
receive the data, received by the first communications device, from the agricultural vehicle;
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 determine an action to be performed by the agricultural vehicle based on the data from the agricultural vehicle; and generate instructions for transmission by the first communications device to the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, wherein the instructions cause the agricultural land vehicle to perform the action.
The data transfer station 140 includes a computer data storage device for storing data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle and/or for storing the instructions to be provided by the first communications device to the 10 agricultural vehicle. The computer data storage device may be removed from the data transfer station, for example, for transportation to a remote facility 182, 184 for further processing of the data stored on the computer data storage device. The data storage device ay be a solid state hard drive for example.
The data transfer station 140 includes a filling station with a store for storing a consumable for the agricultural vehicle. The filling station may further include a delivery mechanism for filling the agricultural vehicle with the consumable from the store. The consumable may include at least one of fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide for example. When the agricultural vehicle is within proximity of the data transfer system, the delivery mechanism fills the agricultural vehicle with the consumable from the store. For example, the data transfer station may transfer data to/from the agricultural vehicle using the first communications device, while filling up the agricultural vehicle with a consumable from the store using the delivery mechanism.
In some embodiments, the data transfer station does not include the filling station.
For example, if the agricultural vehicles only collect data and do not perform any treatment action on the agricultural field, the agricultural vehicle would proceed to the data transfer station without the filling station.
The data transfer station 140 in a stationary location allows for high-speed transfer of data. One data transfer station could service multiple vehicles, which makes more
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 expensive communication equipment options viable. Larger antennae can also be installed on stationary data transfer stations to increase the signal strength and the range within which the agricultural vehicles need to be within in order for data transfer to occur.
Agricultural Vehicle
The agricultural vehicle is autonomous vehicles that include artificial intelligence to monitor and maintain a designated area of an agricultural land such as a farm or vineyard for example. The agricultural vehicles are land vehicles.
Figure 2 shows a system block diagram 200 for the agricultural vehicle 120. The 10 agricultural vehicle system 200 includes one or more sensors 210 for collecting data in relation to the agricultural land. The sensors 210 may include an optical sensor such as a camera for capturing images or video or an electromagnetic sensor for capturing electromagnetic (EM) data for example.
The agricultural vehicle system 200 may further include one or more output means 15 220 for performing an action in relation to an area of agricultural land. The output means 220 may be a sprayer or any other dispenser for example. The action may include treating the area with chemicals (such as herbicide, insecticide or pesticide), fertilizer, or planting seeds at the area. In this embodiment, the agricultural vehicle includes both sensors 210 and output means 220. In other embodiments, the agricultural vehicle includes either one of sensors or output means.
The agricultural vehicle system 200 includes a data transfer module 230. The data transfer module 230 includes a first communications device for communicating with a data transfer station when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station. The first communications device is configured or adapted for short range 25 communication with the data transfer station including wireless or wired short range communication.
By way of example, the first communications device includes a data port for receiving a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the data transfer station
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 for facilitating communication between the data transfer station and the first communications device. The data port may be an ethernet port on the agricultural vehicle for example for receiving an ethernet cable.
By way of further example, the first communications device includes an antenna for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station when the antenna is substantially aligned with an antenna of the data transfer station. The antenna may be a microwave antenna for example.
The first communications device may be adapted for Bluetooth, ZigBee, Infrared, or near-field communication (NFC) for example.
The first communications device of the agricultural vehicle may be configured or adapted for short range communication that is suitable for enabling transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate. Similar to the first communications device of the data transfer station, the first communications device of the agricultural vehicle is able to facilitate transfer of large data files of greater than about 100 MB. The data files can have a size of between about 100 MB and about 5 TB for example. In addition, the first communications device is able to facilitate transfer of data files at high speeds of greater than 100 Mbps. The data files are transferred between about 100 Mbps and about 2 Gbps for example. The first communications device allows for transfer of raw information collected by the sensors of the vehicle in a compressed binary form. Supported data files include:
• images including images in any one of JPEG format, Portable Network
Graphics (PNG), bitmap (BMP) format, and raw formats for example;
• videos including videos in any one of MPEG format, MP4 format, Window
Media Video (WMV) format, QuickTime (MOV) format, and Matroka (MKV) format for example;
• diagnostic data files in BAG formatfor example;
• Elevation map data in BAG format for example, and
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 • electromagnetic (EM) data relating to the agricultural area.
The agricultural vehicle system 200 further includes a processor 240 for assessing the data collected by the sensor(s) 210, determining if an action should be performed based on the data collected by the sensor(s) 210, and controlling the output means 5 220 to carry out the action. The processor 240 is further configured to control the movement of the agricultural vehicle on the agricultural land. The processor is a computer processor and may include a collection of processors. The processor implements the artificial intelligence of the agricultural vehicle. Using its artificial intelligence, the agricultural vehicle is able to determine if a target area is infected, 10 determine the treatment required for the infection, and control the output means to treat the infected area.
In some instances, the processor 240 may not be able to determine the action that is required to be performed by the agricultural vehicle. For example, the processor 240 may be unable to process or interpret the data collected by the sensor(s) 210, or the 15 processor 240 is not able to recognise the infection at a target area on the agricultural land and determine the appropriate treatment for that area. In that case, the processor 240 is configured to instruct the agricultural vehicle to capture the relevant data relating to the target area, move within proximity of the data transfer station; and transmit, using the data transfer module 230, the data collected by the 20 sensor 210 to the data transfer station.
Once the data from the agricultural vehicle is transferred to the data transfer station, the agricultural vehicle may wait at the data transfer station for the results of the analysis, or redeploy itself in the agricultural field. That is, the agricultural vehicle may move away from the data transfer station and perform its normal actions on 25 other areas of the agricultural land. Once the data transfer station has the results of the analysis, the data transfer station may issue a signal requesting the agricultural vehicle to return to the data transfer station to receive instructions for treating the target area. The data transfer station may alternatively request a different agricultural vehicle to receive the instructions for treating the target area. For example, the data
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 transfer station may request an agricultural vehicle that is closest to the data transfer station to receive the instructions for treating the target area.
The processor 240 is configured to: instruct the agricultural vehicle to move within proximity of the data transfer station (if the vehicle is not already within proximity of the data transfer station); receive, using the data transfer module 230, instructions relating to an action to be performed by the agricultural vehicle from the data transfer station; move the agricultural vehicle to the target area, and execute the instructions to cause the agricultural vehicle to perform the action at the target area. The instructions received from the data transfer station are used to update the artificial intelligence implemented by the processor 240 of the agricultural vehicle as well as one or more other agricultural vehicles. Therefore, if the processor 240 identifies other infected areas similar to the previous target area, the processor 240 is able to identify the cause of the infection and determine the treatment required for the infected area.
The agricultural vehicle system 200 further includes a computer data storage device 250 for storing data collected by the sensor(s) 210 and for storing instructions in relation to the actions required to be performed by the output means 220. The storage device 250 may further store instructions that are executable by the processor 240 to perform its functions. The storage device 250 may include a collection of storage devices.
The agricultural vehicle system 200 further includes a geolocation positioning unit, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) unit 260 for example, for location determination. The processor 240 is configured to access the GPS unit 126 and obtain location information from the GPS unit, which may then be stored in the storage device 250. The location information accessed and stored by the processer 240 includes location information relating to locations of any compromised (infected) areas on the agricultural land.
Referring to Figure 3, the agricultural vehicle 120 further includes a storage 122 for storing consumables for dispensing using the output means 124. The storage 122
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 may be a tank for example. The consumables may include at least one of fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide for example.
The storage 122 has an inlet 126 for receiving the consumable. The inlet 126 is a funnel. When the storage 122 requires refilling of consumables, the storage 122 s 5 refilled via the inlet 126. The inlet 126, in the form of a funnel, acts as a guide for guiding the consumables into the storage 122 and prevents consumables from not being dispensed into the storage 122.
The agricultural vehicle 120 further includes a cover 128 that is engageable with the inlet 126 for preventing entry of contaminants (such as dust and debris for example) 10 into the storage 122 and for preventing the consumables from escaping the storage through the inlet 126. The cover 128 is moveable relative to the inlet 126 between a closed configuration in which the cover 128 prevents entry into, or escape of consumables from, the storage 122 via the inlet 126, and an open configuration in which the cover 128 is located away from the inlet 126 to allow entry of consumable 15 into the storage 122.
The cover is a single piece cover. In some embodiments, as will be described with reference to Figure 5A and 5B for example, the cover 128 includes a plurality of lid portions that are separable to allow for access into the storage tank via the inlet 126.
Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the cover 128 is pivotable relative to the inlet 126 between the closed configuration (Figure 4A) and the open configuration (Figure 4B). In other embodiments of the invention, the cover may be slidable relative to the inlet 126.
Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the cover includes two lid portions 128’ that are slidable relative to the inlet 126 between the closed configuration (Figure 5A) and the 25 open configuration (Figure 5B). In the open configuration, the first and second lid portions 128’ are moved away from each other to allow entry of consumables into the storage via the inlet 126. In the closed configuration, the first and second lid portions 128’ are moved towards each other to prevent entry into, and escape of consumables from, the storage via the inlet 126. In the closed configuration, the first
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 and second lid portions are moved into substantial abutment with each other. In other embodiments of the invention, the lid portions may be pivotable relative to the inlet 126.
In some embodiments, the autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a biasing means 5 for biasing the cover to the closed configuration. The cover may alternatively be biased by the biasing means to the open configuration. The biasing means may be a spring for example.
The agricultural vehicle 120 includes an actuator (not shown) coupled to the cover 128. The actuator controls the movement of the cover 128 relative to the inlet. The 10 actuator may be a linear actuator for example.
The processor of the agricultural vehicle (described with reference to Figure 2) is further configured to control the actuator, the controller being in communication with a filling station. The filling station is provided with the data transfer station. When the agricultural vehicle is at the filling station for filling the storage, the processor instructs 15 the actuator to move the cover to the open configuration to allow the filling station to fill the storage of the agricultural vehicle. When the filling station has completed dispending fluid into the storage, the processor instructs the actuator to move the cover to the closed configuration. The processor is configured to determine whether a valve of the filling station is open or closed, wherein the controller controls the 20 actuator to move the cover to the open configuration when the valve of the filling station is open, and move the cover to the closed configuration when the valve of the filling station is closed.
Referring back to Figure 1, the agricultural vehicle 120 will proceed to the data transfer station 140 based on a state of the agricultural vehicle, a state of the 25 agricultural land, or a state of the data transfer station.
By way of example, the agricultural vehicle 120 will proceed to the data transfer station 140 based on detection, by the agricultural vehicle 120, of one or more crop areas that have been compromised. For example, when the agricultural vehicle detects, using its onboard sensor(s), that an area is infected (by weeds, fungi,
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 bacteria, or insects for example) and the onboard processor of the agricultural vehicle
120 is not able to determine the action that is required to treat the infected area, the agricultural vehicle may store the data in relation to the area in the onboard storage device and proceed to the data transfer station 140 to transfer the data for further analysis.
By way of further example, the agricultural vehicle 120 will proceed to the data transfer station 140 based on a capacity of a data storage of the agricultural vehicle 120. For example, the agricultural vehicle proceeds to the data transfer station when the data storage of the agricultural vehicle is full or nearly full and the vehicle 120 needs to transfer data to the data transfer station in order to free up memory on the data storage of the agricultural vehicle 120.
By way of further example, the agricultural vehicle 120 will proceed to the data transfer station 140 based on a quantity of a consumable of the agricultural vehicle 120. For example, the agricultural vehicle 120 proceeds to the data transfer station 15 140 when the agricultural vehicle 120 has run out or is running out of a consumable and the vehicle 120 needs to proceed to the data transfer station to replenish or fill up on the consumable.
By way of further example, the agricultural vehicle 120 will proceed to the data transfer station 140 for obtaining instructions from the data transfer station 140 when 20 the data transfer station 140 has completed analysis of data received from the (or another) agricultural vehicle 120.
While the above description refers to one embodiment of a data transfer station and agricultural vehicle, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be adopted by way of different combinations of features. Such embodiments fall within the spirit and 25 scope of this invention.
Claims (53)
1. A data transfer station for an agricultural vehicle, the data transfer station including:
a first communications device for communicating with the agricultural vehicle
2. The data transfer station of claim 1, wherein the first communications device is adapted for short range communication with the agricultural vehicle, and the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate.
10
3. The data transfer station of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communications device includes a data port for receiving a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the agricultural vehicle for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the first communications device.
4. The data transfer station of claim 3, wherein the data port is an ethernet port.
5 in the closed configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved towards each other to prevent entry into the tank.
5 capacity of a data storage of the agricultural vehicle; and quantity of a consumable of the agricultural vehicle.
5 transmitting, by the first communication device, the data collected by the sensor of the agricultural vehicle to the data transfer station.
5 stationary near the data transfer station.
5 15. The data transfer station of claim 14, wherein the data transfer station further includes a second communications device adapted for long range communication with the processing device.
5 least one of fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide.
5 when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
6. The data transfer station of claim 5, wherein the antenna is a microwave
7. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first communications device is configured to communicate with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is stationary near the data transfer station.
8. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the data transfer
9. The data transfer station of claim 8, wherein the data transfer station includes a delivery mechanism for filling the agricultural vehicle with the consumable from the store.
10 cover arrangement of any one of claims 40 to 48.
10 arrangement further includes a controller for controlling the actuator, the controller being in communication with a filling station, wherein when the agricultural vehicle is at the filling station for filling the tank, the controller instructs the actuator to move the lid to the open configuration to allow the filling station to fill the tank of 15 the agricultural vehicle, and move the lid to the closed configuration when the filling station has completed dispensing fluid into the tank.
10 between a closed configuration in which the lid prevents entry into the storage via the tank inlet and an open configuration in which the lid is located away from the tank inlet to allow entry into the tank; and an actuator coupled to the lid and for controlling the movement of the lid relative to the tank inlet between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
15
10 station, the instructions relating to an action to be performed by the agricultural vehicle; and executing, by a processor of the agricultural vehicle, the instructions to cause the agricultural vehicle to perform the action.
10 for communication with the processing device over the Internet.
10 one of fuel, seed, fertilizer pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide.
10 Internet.
10 station includes a detector for detecting when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, wherein the first communications device is configured to communicate with the agricultural vehicle when the detector detects that the agricultural vehicle is in 15 proximity of the data transfer station.
10. The data transfer station of claim 8 or 9, wherein the consumable includes at
11. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data transfer station is provided in or adjacent to an area where the agricultural vehicle performs an agricultural operation.
12. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the data transfer
13. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the data transfer station includes a data storage device configured to store data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle and/or to store the instructions to be provided by the first communications device to the agricultural
14. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the data transfer station includes a processing device that is configured to:
receive the data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle;
15 configuration in which the cover is located away from the inlet to allow entry into the storage.
15 configured to perform the method of any one of claims 31 to 34.
15 transfer station.
15 5. The data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first communications device includes an antenna for facilitating communication between the agricultural vehicle and the data transfer station when the antenna is substantially aligned with an antenna of the agricultural vehicle.
16. The data transfer station of claim 15, wherein the second communications device is adapted for communication with the processing device over the
17. A method of transferring data between an agricultural vehicle and a data transfer station, the method including:
communicating, by a first communications device of a data transfer station, with agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first communications device is adapted for short range communication, and the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first communications device includes
20 controller controls the actuator to move the lid to the open configuration when the valve of the filling station is open, and move the lid to the closed configuration when the valve of the filling station is closed.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
20 engagable with the tank inlet.
20 transfer station and the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
20 communications device to the agricultural vehicle.
20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first communications
20 a data port, and the method further includes connecting a network cable connected to a corresponding data port of the agricultural vehicle to the ethernet port of the first communications device for facilitating data transfer between the agricultural vehicle and the first communications device.
20 vehicle.
20 antenna.
21. The method of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the step of communicating, by the first communications device, with agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of a data transfer station includes communicating with the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is
22. The method of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the method includes filling the agricultural vehicle with a consumable when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
23. The data transfer station of claim 22, wherein the consumable includes at least
24. The method of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the method further includes:
detecting, by a detector, when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, and communicating, by the first communications device, with the agricultural vehicle 15 when the detector detects that the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
25 agricultural vehicle based on the data from the agricultural device;
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 generating, by the processing device, instructions for causing the agricultural vehicle to perform the action; and transmitting, by the first communications device, the instructions to the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data 5 transfer station.
25. The method of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the method further includes:
storing, in a data storage device, data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle and/or instructions to be provided by the first
25 device includes an antenna, and the method further includes transferring data between the agricultural vehicle when the antenna of the first communications device is substantially aligned with an antenna of the agricultural vehicle.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
25 determine an action to be performed by the agricultural vehicle based on the data from the agricultural vehicle; and
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 generate instructions for transmission by the first communications device to the agricultural vehicle when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station, wherein the instructions cause the agricultural land vehicle to perform the action.
25 station includes a store for storing a consumable for the agricultural vehicle.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
26. The method of any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the method further includes:
receiving, by a processing device, data received by the first communications device from the agricultural vehicle;
determining, by the processing device, an action to be performed by the
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the method further includes communicating, by a second communications device adapted for long range communication, with the processing device.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the second communications device is adapted
29. A data transfer module for an agricultural vehicle, the data transfer module including:
a first communications device for communicating with a data transfer station when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
15
30. The data transfer module of claim 29, wherein the first communications device is adapted for short range communication, and the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate.
31. A method of transferring data for an agricultural vehicle, the method including:
communicating, by a first communications device of the agricultural vehicle, with 20 a data transfer station when the agricultural vehicle is in proximity of the data transfer station.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first communications device is adapted for short range communication, and the first communications device is suitable for transfer of large data files at a high data transfer rate.
25
33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein the method further includes:
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018 collecting, by a sensor of the agricultural vehicle, data relating an agricultural area;
moving, by the agricultural vehicle, to be in proximity of the data transfer station; and
34. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the method further includes: moving, by the agricultural vehicle, to be in proximity of the data transfer station; receiving, by the first communication device, instructions from the data transfer
35. An agricultural vehicle including the data transfer module of claim 29 or 30, or
36. A system including the data transfer station of any one of claims 1 to 19 and the agricultural vehicle.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the data transfer station is co-operable with the agricultural vehicle to facilitate automatic data transfer between the data
38. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the agricultural vehicle is an autonomous vehicle or is the agricultural vehicle of claim 35.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
39. The system of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the agricultural vehicle proceeds to within proximity of the data transfer station based at least one of:
detection, by the agricultural vehicle, of one or more crop areas that have been compromised;
40. A cover arrangement adapted for a tank inlet of a tank of an agricultural vehicle, the cover arrangement including:
a lid for covering the tank inlet, the lid being moveable relative to the tank inlet
41. The cover arrangement of claim 40, wherein the lid is slidable relative to the inlet or pivotable relative to the inlet between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
42. The cover arrangement of claim 40 or 41, wherein the cover arrangement includes a guide for guiding a consumable into the tank, the guide being
43. The cover arrangement of claim 42, wherein the guide includes a guide inlet for receiving the consumable to be dispensed into the tank, the lid operatively engaging the guide inlet such that the lid covers the guide inlet in the closed configuration and is located away from the guide inlet in the open configuration.
25
44. The cover arrangement of claim 42 or 43, wherein the guide is a funnel.
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2018204155 12 Jun 2018
45. The cover arrangement of any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the lid includes a first lid portion and a second lid portion, wherein in the open configuration, the first and second lid portions are moved away from each other to allow entry of consumables into the tank, and
46. The cover arrangement of any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein the lid is biased to the closed configuration.
47. The cover arrangement of any one of claims 40 to 46, wherein the cover
48. The cover arrangement of claim 47, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether a valve of the filling station is open or closed, wherein the
49. An agricultural vehicle including the cover arrangement of any one of claims 40 to 48.
50. An autonomous agricultural vehicle including a storage for storing a consumable, the storage having an inlet for receiving the 5 consumable; and a cover engageable with the inlet for preventing entry of contaminants into the storage or for preventing contents of the storage from escaping the storage through the inlet.
51. The autonomous agricultural vehicle of claim 50, wherein the cover includes the
52. The autonomous agricultural vehicle of claim 50 or 51, wherein the autonomous agricultural vehicle includes an actuator coupled to the cover and for controlling the movement of the cover relative to the inlet between a closed configuration in which the cover prevents entry into the storage via the inlet and an open
53. The autonomous agricultural vehicle of any one of claims 50 or 52, wherein the inlet is a funnel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2017902708 | 2017-07-11 | ||
| AU2017902708A AU2017902708A0 (en) | 2017-07-11 | A data transfer system for an agricultural vehicle, and a cover for an agricultural vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2018204155A1 true AU2018204155A1 (en) | 2019-01-31 |
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ID=65137758
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018204155A Pending AU2018204155A1 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2018-06-12 | A data transfer system for an agricultural vehicle, and a cover for an agricultural vehicle |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2018204155A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220122383A1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-21 | Deere & Company | Method for supplying a mobile usage unit with a consumable |
| WO2022123337A1 (en) | 2020-12-09 | 2022-06-16 | Agco International Gmbh | Data exchange within a robotic system using mobile robots |
| WO2022172077A1 (en) | 2021-02-09 | 2022-08-18 | Agco International Gmbh | Data exchange within a robotic system using mobile robots representing a communication chain |
| US11935289B2 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2024-03-19 | EarthSense, Inc. | Agricultural analysis robotic systems and methods thereof |
| US12001221B2 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2024-06-04 | EarthSense, Inc. | Methods for managing coordinated autonomous teams of under-canopy robotic systems for an agricultural field and devices |
-
2018
- 2018-06-12 AU AU2018204155A patent/AU2018204155A1/en active Pending
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220122383A1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-21 | Deere & Company | Method for supplying a mobile usage unit with a consumable |
| WO2022123337A1 (en) | 2020-12-09 | 2022-06-16 | Agco International Gmbh | Data exchange within a robotic system using mobile robots |
| WO2022172077A1 (en) | 2021-02-09 | 2022-08-18 | Agco International Gmbh | Data exchange within a robotic system using mobile robots representing a communication chain |
| US11935289B2 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2024-03-19 | EarthSense, Inc. | Agricultural analysis robotic systems and methods thereof |
| US12001221B2 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2024-06-04 | EarthSense, Inc. | Methods for managing coordinated autonomous teams of under-canopy robotic systems for an agricultural field and devices |
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| PC1 | Assignment before grant (sect. 113) |
Owner name: SWARMFARM ROBOTICS PTY LTD Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): ADVANCED AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS PTY LTD |