HARVESTED MATERIALS

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of monitoring, tracking, and tracing the origin of harvested agricultural crops.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/437,827 entitled "Systems and Methods for Automated Tracking of Harvested Materials" filed on Dec. 22, 2016, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

[0003] Innovative, accurate, and comprehensive systems and methods of tracking harvested materials may be desirable in the market. Such systems and methods, for example, may help agricultural producers to comply with various governmental traceability regulations which require agricultural producers to maintain sufficient records to enable them to trace agricultural materials from one point in the supply chain to another. Such systems and methods also, for example, help agricultural producers to trace the origin of a particular portion of harvested material to a particular field, or sub-location within a field. Where parties determine that a particular grouping of harvested material received from a producer is of insufficient quality or suffering from disease (as non-limiting examples, Bacterial soft rot, Fusarium dry rot, pink rot, Pythium leak, etc.), said parties often opt to refuse delivery of much or all of the producer's harvested material. This may cause the producer to suffer great financial loss.

[0004] There is a need for systems and methods of reliably, accurately, and automatically tracking harvested materials from particular origin locations in producers' fields to particular locations within storage facilities.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a harvester tracking system for providing a record of material harvested in a field by a harvester, the harvester having at least one drive shaft, and being adapted for transferring the material from the field to a receptacle, the system comprising: at least one drive shaft sensor; a computer having stored in a memory thereof computer program code executable by the computer to: generate a time code; determine a location of the harvester in the field; receive data from the at least one drive shaft sensor; determine an operating status of the harvester as being an active status or a non-active status by processing the received data from the at least one drive shaft sensor; and write the time code, the operating status, and the location of the harvester to the memory upon determination that the operating status of the harvester is the active status. Wherein the operating status is the active status when the data produced by the drive shaft sensor matches a first condition, and the operating status is the non-active status when the data produced by the drive shaft sensor matches a second condition.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, the first condition may be determined where the data produced by the drive shaft sensor indicates that the drive shaft is in motion.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, the at least one drive shaft sensor is at least one rotary encoder.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, there is further provided at least one wireless beacon associated with the receptacle, the at least one wireless beacon operable to wirelessly transmit data, and at least one scanner associated with the harvester, the at least one scanner operable to wirelessly transmit data. [0009] In accordance with another aspect, the at least one scanner is further operable to communicate with the computer, and wherein the computer is further configured to: receive at least one location value from the scanner; receive at least one identifier value from the scanner; determine a location of the at least one wireless beacon by processing the at least one location value; and determine a unique identifier value associated with the at least one wireless beacon by processing the at least one identifier value.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a harvest facility monitoring system for preventing incorrect loads of materials from being unloaded from storage receptacles by a receiving station at a storage facility, the system comprising: one or more wireless beacons coupled to the receptacles, and operable to transmit, receive, and store a plurality of data values; a computer having stored in a memory thereof computer program code executable by the computer to: receive the plurality of data values from the one or more wireless beacons coupled to the at least one currently operating receptacles; and determine a receiving station operating state by comparing the received plurality of data values to a second plurality of data values stored in a database.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect, the receiving station operating state is a receiving state if the comparison between the received plurality of data values to a second plurality of produces a first result, and the receiving station operating state is an alarm state if the comparison between the received plurality of data values to a second plurality of values produces a second result.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect, the computer program code is further executable by the computer to: designate at least one currently operating receptacle by determining which of the one or more receptacles are most proximate to the receiving station.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect, the one or more wireless beacons are one or more radio frequency transponders.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect, the plurality of data values includes a unique load identifier functional to indicate a specific load of harvested materials. [0015] In accordance with another aspect, the second result includes the unique load identifier being identified as a flagged identifier or having no correspondent in the second plurality of values.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect, the plurality of data values includes a unique conveyance identifier functional to indicate a specific conveyance. [0017] In accordance with another aspect, the second result includes the unique conveyance identifier being identified as a flagged identifier or having no correspondent in the second plurality of values. [0018] In accordance with another aspect, the plurality of data values includes a unique originating field identifier functional to indicate a specific field.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect, the second result includes the unique originating field identifier being identified as a flagged identifier or having no correspondent in the second plurality of values.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a harvest monitoring system for tracking harvested materials unloaded from one or more receptacles into a storage facility, the storage facility having at least one transfer means, the system comprising: at least one transfer means sensor operable to monitor at least one operational parameter and a 3-dimensional location of the transfer means in real-time; at least one data storage means containing at least one unique identifier value, the unique identifier value associated with the harvested materials; a computer having stored in a memory thereof computer program code executable by the computer to: generate a time code; receive the at least one operational parameter and the at least one 3-dimensional location of the transfer means from the at least one transfer means sensor, and receive the at least one unique identifier value from the at least one data storage means; determine an operating state and a 3-dimensional location record of the transfer means by processing the data received from the at least one transfer means sensor; determine a load location value by processing: the 3-dimensional location record and the operating state according to a predictive drop model; associate the unique identifier, the time code, and load location value; and write the unique identifier, the time code, and load location value to a data store.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect, the transfer means sensor comprises an array of motion sensors operable to detect movement of one or more components of the transfer means. [0022] In accordance with another aspect, the transfer means is at least one telescoping boom piler.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect, the transfer means includes at least one drive shaft operable to propel at least one conveyor. [0024] In accordance with another aspect, the at least one transfer means sensor includes at least one drive shaft sensor operable to detect at least one parameter of the motion of the at least one drive shaft.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a harvester tracking system for tracking non-sequentially harvested loads transferred from a field to one or more receptacles by one or more harvesters, the system comprising: a wireless beacon coupled to one of the one or more receptacles, the wireless beacon operable to transmit, receive, and store a plurality of data values; a harvester monitor associated with the harvester, the harvester monitor having one or more data transfer means; and a computer made integral to the harvester monitor, and having stored in a memory thereof computer program code executable by the computer to: generate a time code; receive at least one of the plurality of data values from the wireless beacon; designate a harvest batch state as being of a new batch state if the received plurality of data values does not contain a unique batch identifier, or of a continued batch state if the received plurality of data values does contain the unique batch identifier; generate the unique batch identifier and write the unique batch identifier to the wireless beacon if the harvest batch state is the new batch state; and write the time code and the unique batch identifier to a data store.

[0026] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0027] In various further aspects, the disclosure provides corresponding systems and devices, and logic structures such as machine-executable coded instruction sets for implementing such systems, devices, and methods.

[0028] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0029] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding. [0031] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a block diagram depicting components of a system of accurately tracking harvested materials, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram depicting components of a system of accurately tracking the transfer of harvested materials from a harvester, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a block diagram depicting components of a wireless beacon for transmitting and receiving data, according to some embodiments.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a block diagram depicting components of a system for preventing transfer of harvested materials to incorrect storage facilities, according to some embodiments. [0036] Fig. 5 is a block diagram depicting components of a system for preventing transfer of harvested materials to incorrect storage facilities, according to some embodiments.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a block diagram depicting components of a system for tracking the location of harvested materials in a storage facility, according to some embodiments.

[0038] Fig. 7 is an illustration of visual harvested tracking map, according to some embodiments. [0039] Fig. 8 is a block diagram depicting components of a system for tracking non- sequentially harvested loads of harvested materials, according to some embodiments.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a method for tracking non-sequentially harvested loads of harvested materials, according to some embodiments. [0041] Fig. 10 is a block diagram depicting components of a system for preventing transfer of harvested materials to incorrect storage facilities, according to some embodiments.

[0042] Fig. 11 is a method for preventing transfer of harvested materials to incorrect storage facilities, according to some embodiments. [0043] Fig. 12 is a method for tracking the location of harvested materials in a storage facility, according to some embodiments.

[0044] Fig. 13 is a method for accurately tracking harvested materials, according to some embodiments.

[0045] Fig. 14 is an illustration of a Bin/Load map indicating the storage location of harvested materials, according to some embodiments.

[0046] Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a computing device, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are described through reference to the drawings.

[0048] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0049] Agricultural producers record information useful for tracking produce from the field to a storage, processing, or packing facility. Sometimes growers collect this information for their own purposes; often this is done to comply with rules related to traceability. Good traceability data not only provides buyers and processors with the information they may need to track produce back to the field, it also helps growers to trace problems identified with produce back to specific areas within fields. [0050] However, accurate and efficient traceability records are difficult to maintain. Currently, record-keeping methods largely require: manual tracking of the original field location of harvested material transferred to a conveyance (e.g., a truck with trailer or cargo hold); manually correcting or altering records where a truck contains material from separate fields or separate locations on a field; and manual tracking of where in a storage facility each load of harvested material is placed when it is transferred out of a truck.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may: record when and where each truck is filled in the field; record when each truck is unloaded at the storage facility; record where in the storage facility harvested material corresponding to each load is located; track harvested materials transferred to a storage facility in a non- sequential fashion; provide a warning method when loads arrive at incorrect receiving stations, and track and record of harvested material being transported directly to a processing facility without being stored at a storage facility.

[0052] According to some embodiments, there may be provided a wireless identification system incorporating a system of wireless beacons. Components of the wireless identification system may be based on a form of Radio Frequency Identification technology. This location tracking system may be similar to known radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. [0053] According to some embodiments, trucks or trailers are equipped with Wireless Beacons, operable to transmit and receive data wirelessly. These Wreless Beacons may broadcast ID signals and may also receive and store information, including information about the origin of the harvested material in the truck. [0054] According to some embodiments, Harvesters may be equipped with Harvester Monitors. Harvester Monitors may track the geo-location of trucks in the field, for instance, as harvested material is being transferred to or from the trucks. Receiving stations may be equipped with Receiving Station Monitors, which may track trucks as harvested material is being unloaded from them. Harvester Monitors and Receiving Station Monitors may read and write data to/from the Wreless Beacon. For example, a Harvester Monitor may write a unique identifier associated with the Harvester Monitor (i.e., a "Harvester ID") as well as unique identifiers associated with the field (i.e., a "Field ID") and the specific load of harvested material (i.e., a "Load ID") to a Wireless Beacon on the truck.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor may read and store the Harvester ID, Field ID, and Load ID information in a data store. Once the harvested material stored in the truck is unloaded, the Receiving Station Monitor may cause certain data stored in the Wreless Beacon to be erased. Erasing this data may serve to prepare the Wreless Beacon to communicate to the Harvester Monitor that the truck is ready to be filled with another load of harvested material. [0056] According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor may be configured with a list of acceptable Field ID's. In the event that a truck arrives at the Receiving Station with a Wreless Beacon containing a Field ID not included on the Receiving Station Monitor's list of acceptable Field ID's, the Receiving Station Monitor may enter an alert mode. In some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor may transmit an alert message to one or more operators (e.g., receiving station operators, truck operators) informing them that the truck is not authorized for unloading at the Receiving Station.

[0057] Receiving stations may employ various transfer means for transferring harvested material from a truck to one or more storage receptacles at the Receiving Station. As a non- limiting example, agricultural storage facilities arranged for storing potatoes often use telescoping boom pilers to transfer potatoes from trucks to storage facilities.

[0058] According to some embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be arranged in order to track the position of one or more components of the transfer means in 3-dimensions, as the transfer means operates within each storage receptacle. Sensors may also be employed and arranged in order to track the operating status of, as well as other operating data related to, the transfer means. These data may be combined in order to produce a map which may identify, for example by their Load ID, loads of harvested material in storage within the receptacle(s). The produced map may further function to link the loads of harvested material in storage with particular areas within the fields from which they were originally harvested.

[0059] Now turning to the figures, FIGS. 1-2, 5 may depict a system to ensure accurate, efficient, and reliable monitoring of harvested materials as they are harvested from a field. Harvesters 102 may be outfitted with a Harvester Monitor 110, one or more environmental sensors 116, one or more operational status sensors 1 18, and one or more Operating Component(s) 108 (e.g., a drive shaft). The Harvester Monitor 102 may comprise a computing device 290, an example of which may be depicted in FIG. 15 and may include one or more user input devices (e.g., multi-touch screen, keyboard, etc.) and one or more output devices (e.g., display, speaker, etc.). FIG. 13 may depict an exemplary process of ensuring accurate, efficient and reliable monitoring of the transfer of harvest materials in the field.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the Harvester Monitor 1 10 may be connected to one or more operating status sensors 1 18. The operating status sensors may function to collect data related to one or more operating conditions of the Harvester 102. The Harvest Monitor may send and receive data to/from of the operating status sensors 1 18 and may process received data to determine various properties related to the operating status of the Harvester 102. The Harvester Monitor may then process data received from the operating status sensor(s) in combination with other data according to a pre-programmed set of instructions in order to accurately monitor Harvester 102 function. For example, the Harvester Monitor 110 may combine and process data from the operating status sensor(s), the environmental sensor(s) 1 16, and data stored in a memory in order to accurately determine the volume of harvested material being transferred from a field to a receptacle 124 at a given point in time.

[0061] As a non-limiting example, the operating status sensor(s) 118 may include one or more drive shaft rotation sensors, which may employ one or more rotary encoders to detect the operating status of an operating component 108 (e.g., a drive shaft of a loading boom) of the Harvester 102. The operating status sensor(s) 1 18 (e.g., shaft rotation sensor) may detect, for example, the rotation of drive shaft of the truck loading boom, and may communicate detected values to the Harvester Monitor 1 10. In the event that the shaft rotation sensor detects that the shaft is not currently rotating, the Harvester Monitor may determine that the Harvester 102 is not currently harvesting and may, thus, determine that harvested material is not currently being transferred to the receptacle 124.

[0062] As another non-limiting example, the operating status sensor(s) 118 may include one or more drive shaft rotation sensors, which may employ one or more rotary encoders to detect the operating status of an operating component 108 (e.g., a drive shaft of a loading boom) of the Harvester 102. The operating status sensor(s) 1 18 (e.g., shaft rotation sensor) may detect, for example, the rotation of drive shaft of the truck loading boom, and may communicate detected values to the Harvester Monitor 110. The Harvester Monitor 110 may then cause the detected values or a subset or processed output thereof, to be transferred via a data network 199 and stored in one or more databases 150. In the event that the shaft rotation sensor detects that the shaft is currently rotating, the Harvester Monitor may determine that the Harvester 102 is currently harvesting and may, thus, determine that harvested material is currently being transferred to the receptacle 124. In such an example, data including the operating status of the Harvester at particular points in time may be stored in a local data storage and/or transferred via a data network 199 and stored in one or more databases 150.

[0063] According to some embodiments, FIG. 13. may depict steps of a process which may implement the monitoring means in association with one or more of the components depicted in FIGS 1-2, 5. At 1302, a time code may be generated. The time code may be a continuously generated current date and time value. At 1304, the location of the harvester within the field may be determined. At 1304, sensor data generated by at least one drive shaft sensor 118 associated with Harvester 102 may be received. At 1108, an operating status of the Harvester 102 may be determined as being either an active status or a non- active status by processing the received data from the at least one drive shaft sensor 1 18. At 1310, if the status of the Harvester 102 is the active status, the time code, the operating status, and the location of the harvester are written to a memory; the active status being produced when the data produced by the drive shaft sensor matches a first condition (e.g., the drive shaft is in motion), and the non-active status being produced where the data produced by the drive shaft sensor matches a second condition (e.g., the drive shaft is stationary). [0064] According to some embodiments, environmental sensors 116 may function to collect data related to one or more environmental conditions while the Harvester 102 is in operation. As a non-limiting example, the environmental sensors 116 may include one or more spectrometric sensors outfitted with one or more probes for detecting soil moisture and/or soil temperature levels while the Harvester is in operation. As another non-limiting example, the environmental sensor(s) 116 may include one or more weather sensors operable to monitor various weather conditions in a particular geo-location; this may include remote sensors connected to a remote weather monitoring service. The Harvest Monitor may send and receive data to/from of the one or more environmental sensors 116, and one or more operating status sensors 1 18, and may record received data in a memory, data store, or database 150.

[0065] According to some embodiments, there may be provided one or more wireless beacon(s) 126 for storing, receiving, and transferring data related to loads of harvested material. FIG. 3 may illustrate an example wireless beacon 126. Each wireless beacon 126 may comprise a memory 12 functional to store data and to allow data to be retrieved, an integrated circuit 13, and one or more antennas 14 capable of transmitting and/or receiving data wirelessly.

[0066] According to some embodiments, one or more wireless beacon(s) 126 may be associated with one or more conveyances 122. Each conveyance 122 may serve to receive and transfer harvested material from one location in the supply chain to another. In a non- limiting example, a conveyance 122 may be a truck having a non-enclosed cargo space capable of receiving harvested material transferred by a Harvester 102. In some embodiments, the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be coupled to the conveyance 122. In some embodiments, for instance where the receptacle 124 may be de-coupled from one conveyance 122 and coupled with another, the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be coupled to the receptacle 124. In both scenarios, the wireless beacon(s) 126 may function to send and/or receive information to and/or from the Harvester Monitor 110 as well as to and/or from the Receiving Station Monitor 410.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be coupled to the receptacle 124 or conveyance 122 at the rear-left side thereof. In some embodiments, methods of wirelessly transferring data may be hindered by the presence of high concentrations of metal or water in the between the transmission and receiving point of said signals. Placement of the wireless beacon(s) 126 in the locations described above may facilitate reliable transfer of information as, during unloading or loading, the rear-left side of the receptacle 124 or conveyance 122 may enable wireless data signals sent and/or received from the wireless beacon(s) 126 to travel a less obstructed path to/from the Harvester Monitor 110 or Receiving Station Monitor 410.

[0068] According to some embodiments, each of the wireless beacon(s) 126 may have stored within a memory therein a unique identifier. This unique identifier may be a specific unique integer from within a larger set of sequential integers, or may be another unique value. The unique identifier may enable the systems and methods described herein to identify and differentiate each of the wireless beacon(s) 126 forming part of the system, and to highlight any non-registered wireless beacon(s) not forming part of the system.

[0069] According to some embodiments, each of the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be detectable by components of the Harvest Monitor 110, Receiving Station Monitor 410, or other components of the systems and methods described up to, and in some cases beyond, a distance of 100 ft. In some embodiments each of the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be outfitted with non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, Ferroelectric RAM) such that data may not be lost upon loss of power. In some embodiments, each of the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be connectable to 12 V power. [0070] According to some embodiments, each Receiving Station Monitor 410 and each Harvester Monitor 110 may be outfitted with a Scanning Unit (593 and 293 respectively, see FIG. 2 and FIG. 5). Each Scanning Unit (293, 593), may function to detect one or more wireless beacon(s) 126 within a pre-determined range of the Scanning Unit (293, 593). According to some embodiments, where more than one wireless beacon(s) 126 is detected within a pre-determined range of the Scanning Unit (293, 593), the Scanning Unit (293, 593) may function to enable the systems and methods described herein to determine which of the wireless beacon(s) is closest to the Harvester Monitor 110 or Receiving Station Monitor 410.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the Scanning Unit (293, 593) may be a radio- frequency scanner. In such embodiments, the Scanning Unit (293, 593) may send and receive data using radio frequency signals within a pre-determined frequency range or spectrum. For example, the Scanning Unit (293, 593) may enable the Harvester Monitor 1 10 or Receiving Station Monitor 410 to transfer data to and/or from wireless beacon(s) 126 via 2.4 GHz, 868 MHz, or 915 MHz frequencies. In other examples, Scanning Unit (293, 593) may enable the Harvester Monitor 110 or Receiving Station Monitor 410 to transfer data to and/or from wireless beacon(s) 126 via 125 kHz or 134 kHz frequencies.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the Harvester Monitor 110 and/or Receiving Station Monitor 410 may be outfitted with a User Interface Unit (594 and 294 respectively, see FIG. 2, and FIG. 5). User Interface Unit (294, 594) may enable human users of the systems and methods described herein to input information to be incorporated into the system and methods described herein, and/or may function to communicate information to said human users. Each User Interface Unit (294, 594) may comprise one or more input or output devices. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments a User Interface Unit (294, 594) may comprise a keyboard, mouse, trackball, as well as a display and speaker installed in the cab of a harvester or of a tractor pulling a harvester. It will be understood that the User Interface Unit (294, 594) may take many forms and may comprise many combinations of components.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the Harvester Monitor 110 and/or Receiving Station Monitor 410 may be outfitted with a Location Services Unit (295 and 595 respectively). Location Services Unit (295, 595) may function to determine, monitor, and/or store information related to the geographical location of various components of the system and methods described herein over time. For example, the Location Services Unit 295 may monitor the location of a Harvester Monitor 110 within a particular Harvester 102 as that Harvester 102 transfers harvested material from a field to a receptacle 124 over a span of time. Location Services Unit 295 may then cause data to be recorded in a data storage unit (292, 592), to be transferred over a network 199 to one or more database(s) 150, or to be recorded at another location. The recorded data may represent the monitored locations of the Harvester 102 over the particular span of time.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the Location Services Unit (295, 595) may function to cause data to be sent to and/or received from one or more Location Services Provider(s) 160. Location Services Provider(s) 160 may comprise external software and/or hardware solutions operable to provide various geolocation services functionality. As a non- limiting example, Location Services Provider(s) 160 may provide mapping software that may receive data generated by Location Services Unit (295, 595) and process said data in order to produce a visual map depicting locations on a field where material was harvested over a span of time.

[0075] According to some embodiments, FIG. 7 may be an illustrative depiction of a visual harvested tracking map 700 produced according to the systems and methods described herein. The example visual map 700 may depict locations on a field where material was harvested over a span of time. Each shaded area 720a- 720n may represent locations on a field where particular loads of harvested material were transferred, by a Harvester 102, from the field to a conveyance 122 and/or receptacle 124 at a particular time. In some embodiments, unique identifiers defining particular loads, receptacles, conveyances, and/or fields, as well as date and time data may be stored, processed, and/or associated in order to produce visual maps 700.

[0076] As a non-limiting example, each shaded area 720a-720n may be associated with a "key" or "legend". The "key" or "legend" may be presented along with the visual map 700 and may comprise a table of values associated with each of the shaded areas 720a-720n. The "key" or "legend" may serve to effectively and efficiently present additional data pertaining to each of the particular loads of harvested material represented by the shaded areas 720a- 720n. Additional information presented within the "key" or "legend" may include, for example: unique load identifier values; unique receptacle identifier values; a unique field identifier value; the date and time harvested material was transferred; etc. In some embodiments, such additional data may be presented in other fashions. For example, information may be presented within the visual map 700, information may be presented when the systems and methods herein detect that a user has interacted with a user interface element via a user interface device (e.g., 594, 294), etc.

[0077] According to some embodiments, FIG. 8 depicts components of the systems and methods described herein which may provide a means of monitoring and tracking various properties of loads of harvested material where said harvested material is transferred to receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 in a non-sequential fashion. FIG. 9. may depict steps of a process which may implement the monitoring means in association with one or more of the components depicted in FIG. 8.

[0078] Under ideal harvesting conditions, receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 may loaded in sequence. In such ideal scenarios, where a receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 pulls under the harvester to be filled with harvested material, a load of harvested material is continuously transferred from the field to the receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 transferred until the receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 is full. Only once the receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 is full will the Harvester 102 stop transferring harvested material. At such a time as the receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 becomes full, the Harvester 102 stops transferring harvested material, the receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 is moved away from the Harvester 102, and another empty receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 approaches the Harvester 102 to be filled. In such ideal conditions it may be relatively straightforward to monitor and track the location on the field where each load of harvested material transferred to each receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 originated (as well as other data).

[0079] However, under non-ideal conditions, various circumstances may complicate monitoring and tracking of the transfer of harvested material from the field to receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122. For example, trucks may break down, get stuck, be directed to the side in areas where harvested material are harvested for immediate processing. As a result, the receptacle(s) 124 or conveyance(s) 122 may be filled with a load of harvested material that: was transferred by a harvester at non-contiguous locations on a field; has one or more "flags" indicating that said harvested material, or a portion thereof, has properties not possessed by other loads of harvested material; or that is otherwise unique. [0080] According to some embodiments, upon detection of a conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 reading for filling by a harvester 102, a Harvester Monitor 110 associated with the Harvester 102 may receive data from wireless beacon(s) 126 associated with the conveyance 122 and/or receptacle 124. The received data may contain unique identifier(s) associated with the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, at least one geolocation value associated with the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, and may include at least one unique load identifier value. The Harvester Monitor 1 10 may be operational to generate and record a time code to a data storage unit (e.g., 292). The time code may include the current date and/or time.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the Harvester Monitor 110 may further be capable of causing data to be recorded to the wireless beacon(s) (e.g., 126) associated with the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124. Such data may be written to the wireless beacon(s) 126 while harvested material is being transferred to the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124. For example, the Harvester Monitor 110 may cause unique identifiers associated with the Harvester 102 and the field, a unique load identifier number associated with a particular load of harvested material carried in a the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, and one or more geolocation values to be written to a memory of the wireless beacon(s) 126.

[0082] In some embodiments, data caused, by the Harvester Monitor 110, to be written to the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be subsequently read by the Receiving Station Monitor 410. For example, such data may be read from the wireless beacon(s) 126 and stored in one or more data storage means while the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 are unloaded at the receiving station. According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may, upon successfully unloading harvested material from the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, may erase certain data from the wireless beacon(s) 126. [0083] According to some embodiments, the effect of erasing said data may be that when the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 is subsequently detected by a Harvester Monitor 110, the Harvester Monitor 1 10 may determine, upon reading the data stored in the wireless beacon(s) 126 associated with the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, that due to the content of the data stored on the wireless beacon(s) 126 (e.g., no unique load identifier number), the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 is ready to accept a new load of harvested material. In such situations, according to some embodiments, the Harvester Monitor may cause a new unique load identifier to be associated with, and written to, the wireless beacon(s). [0084] According to some embodiments, in the event that the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 is separated from the Harvester 102 prior to its being filled with a complete load of harvested material, upon detection of said conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, the Harvester Monitor 410 may detect a unique load identifier as already having been associated with, and written to, the wireless beacon(s) 126. In such scenarios, according to some embodiments, the Harvester Monitor may not alter the unique load identifier; the Harvester 102 may re-commence transferring harvested material to the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124. Further, the Harvester Monitor 1 10 may continue to cause unique identifiers and/or values associated with the Harvester 102 and the field, and/or one or more geolocation values to be written to a memory of the wireless beacon(s) 126. [0085] According to some embodiments, as long as there is a unique load identifier number stored in a memory of the wireless beacon(s) 126, the Harvester Monitor 1 10 may allow the unique load identifier to remain and may associate any values caused to be written to the wireless beacon(s) 126 to be associated with the unique load identifier. This may, allow for accurate monitoring and tracking, for example, to ensure that any generated field map (e.g., 700) may depict exactly which areas on each field(s) harvested material stored in the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 originated.

[0086] As stated above, FIG. 9 may provide an example process, according to some embodiments, for implementing the systems and methods described herein as depicted in FIG. 8. At 902, a time code may be generated. The time code may be a continuously generated current date and time value. At 904, a plurality of values may be received from wireless beacon(s) 126. At 906 a harvest batch state value may be generated based on the content of the plurality of data values received from wireless beacons 126: if the plurality of data values contains a unique load identifier, the harvest batch state may be designated a "continued batch"; else (if the plurality of data values does not contain a unique load identifier), the harvest batch state may be designated a "new batch". At 908, a new unique batch identifier is generated and written to the wireless beacon(s) if the harvest batch state is a "new batch". At 910, data including at least the time code and the unique batch identifier are written to a data store.

[0087] According to some embodiments, FIGS. 4 and 10 may depict components of systems and methods described herein which may provide a means of preventing the unloading of harvested materials from conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 into one or more storage units 450 incorrectly. Harvested materials can be said to have been unloaded into one or more storage units incorrectly when a particular load of harvested materials was transferred into a storage unit 450 where it was not intended to have been transferred. For example, where a particular load of harvested materials was intended to be harvested and transferred directly to a processing facility, receiving station 402 configured with a storage unit 450 may be an incorrect storage facility. FIG. 11. may depict steps of a process which may implement the monitoring means in association with one or more of the components depicted in FIG. 10. [0088] According to some embodiments, a Receiving Station Monitor 410 (see FIG. 5) may be installed at a receiving station 402. The Receiving Station Monitor 410 may, for example, be installed at or near the location where harvested materials are transferred from the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 into each storage unit 450 of the Receiving Station 402. The Receiving Station Monitor 410 may include a scanning unit 593, operable to detect as well as send and/or receive data to/from one or more wireless beacons(s) 122 associated with the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may receive (e.g., from the wireless beacon(s) 122) and cause to be written to a data storage unit 592, or other memory, a unique identifier associated with of the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 that is detected by the scanning unit 593 as being within a pre-defined range of the Receiving Station Monitor 410 or Receiving Station 402. The Receiving Station Monitor 410 may also cause to be written to a data storage unit 592, or other memory, one or more time code values that may correspond to the time during which the harvested material was transferred to the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, unique identifiers associated with Harvesters 102 which harvested material, a unique identifier associated with the field where the harvested materials originated, and a unique load identifier value. These values may be received or read from a memory in the wireless beacon(s) associated with the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s).

[0090] According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor may access stored values (e.g., from a local data storage unit 592, or a networked data storage unit via a communications unit 591 integral to the Receiving Station Monitor 410). The stored values may include a plurality of acceptable values. For example, the stored values may contain a list of unique "acceptable field identifiers" and "acceptable load identifiers" corresponding, respectively, to fields and loads of harvested materials associated with harvested materials permissible to be stored in one or more storage units 450 at a particular receiving station 402. In some embodiments, in the event that the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) is associated with a wireless beacon 126 containing unique field and load identifiers not corresponding to values in the plurality of acceptable values, the Receiving Station Monitor will enter an alarm state. The alarm state may function to alert individuals of an unauthorized load of harvested material. In some embodiments, the alarm state may prevent transfer of unauthorized materials.

[0091] In an example embodiment, a Receiving Station Monitor 410 may receive a plurality of values from a wireless beacon 126 coupled to a receptacle 124 carrying a load of harvested material. The receptacle 124 may be coupled to a truck via a trailer hitch, and the truck may be approaching the Receiving Station 402 in attempt to cause the receptacle 124 to be unloaded into a storage unit 450 at the Receiving Station 402. The plurality of values received by the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may identify the harvested material forming the load in the receptacle 124 as originating from Field-A. However, a list of acceptable field identifiers associated with the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may only contain unique field identifiers for Field-B and Field-C. As a result, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may enter an alarm mode and may sound an audible alarm via a User Interface Unit 594, which may be a loudspeaker. Such an alarm may alert the truck's driver that they have arrived at an incorrect location. In some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor, upon entering the alarm state, may cause transfer means 430 to deactivate such that harvested materials may not be transferred until the alarm state ceases.

[0092] According to some embodiments, where a Receiving Station Monitor 410 receives a plurality of values from a wireless beacon 126 coupled to a receptacle 124 containing acceptable unique identifier values, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may allow harvested materials to be transferred to the storage unit 450. In some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor may monitor the transfer of harvested materials from the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 to the storage unit 450. Upon detection that the harvested materials have been successfully transferred from the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may cause certain values to be erased from the wireless beacon(s) 126. For example, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may cause unique identifiers associated with a harvester, field and specific load of harvested materials to be removed from the wireless beacon(s) 126, thus preparing the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 to accept a new load of harvested material.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may detect and monitor when harvested materials are being transferred from conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124. Each of the wireless beacon(s) 126 may be outfitted with one or more unloading means sensors 130 operable to determine the operating status of one or more unloading means 128 forming part of the conveyance 122 and/or receptacle 124. Each unloading means 128 may function to transfer harvested material from the conveyance 122 and/or receptacle 124. Thus, by processing, in combination with other data, the data captured by the unloading means sensor(s) 130 associated with the wireless beacon(s) 126, the Receiving Station Monitor may accurately determine the amount of harvested material transferred from conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 over a period of time.

[0094] As a non-limiting example, the unloading means sensor 130 may be one or more shaft rotation sensors configured to monitor operation of one or more drive shafts of one or more unloading belts of the truck. In such an example, where the drive shafts are determined not to be operational for a span of time by the Receiving Station Monitor 410 (e.g., by processing data received from the wireless beacon(s) 126 and determining that the drive shafts are not in motion), the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may determine that no harvested material is being transferred. In some embodiments, loads of harvested material may be transported straight from the field to a processing facility for washing and processing. It will be understood that the Receiving Station Monitor 410, as described herein, may be installed at such facilities and that such facilities are encompassed in the scope of Receiving Station 102.

[0095] According to some embodiments, a load of harvested material may be destroyed, taken to an alternate location, or otherwise disposed of. In such situations, data stored in the wireless beacon(s) 126 may not be overwritten or removed such that the contents of the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 associated therewith 124 are properly recognized (e.g., by a Receiving Station Monitor 410 or a Harvester Monitor 1 10). The systems and methods described herein may provide means for a human operator to manually overwrite or remove such data from the wireless beacon(s) 126 as may be necessary to allow the proper function of the systems and methods described herein.

[0096] As a non-limiting example, data stored in the wireless beacon(s) 126 may not have been overwritten or removed and, thus, the contents of the conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 associated therewith 124 may not be properly recognized. In such situations, a user may manually interact with the system via a user interface unit (e.g., 594, 294) and may cause certain data values to be overwritten or removed from the wireless beacon(s) 126.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may automatically function and record data as long as power is applied with little or no operator interaction required.

[0098] FIG. 11 may depict an example process of implementing the monitoring means of FIG. 10 according to some embodiments. At 1102, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may receive a first plurality of data values including at least one unique field ID, unique load ID and/or unique receptacle ID, from a wireless beacon coupled to a receptacle. At 1104, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may retrieve a second plurality of data values from data storage (e.g., 502). At 1106, The Receiving Station Monitor 410 may determine a receiving station operating state by comparing the received first plurality of data values to the retrieved second plurality of data values. At 1 108, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may set the receiving station operating state to an alarm state if any of the received first plurality of values are not designated "acceptable values" within the retrieved second plurality of data values. At 1110, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may set the receiving station operating state to a receiving state if the operating state was not set to the alarm state at 1108.

[0099] According to some embodiments, in order to correlate the location within a field where harvested materials originated with those harvested materials' position within a storage facility (e.g., storage unit 450) it may be necessary to track where in the storage facility each load of harvested material ends up.

[00100] According to some embodiments, FIGS. 6 and 10 may depict components of the systems and methods described herein which may provide a means of tracking the location of harvested materials in a storage unit 450 FIG. 12 may depict an example process for tracking the location of harvested materials in a storage unit according to the systems and methods described herein. A storage unit 450 for harvested materials may include one or more storage bins. In some embodiments, storage bins may have a rectangular footprint. One or more transfer means 430 (e.g., a telescoping boom piler) may function to transfer harvested materials into the storage bin of the storage unit 450. One or more conveyance(s) 122 and/or receptacle(s) 124 may function to transport harvested material to receiving stations 402. One or more wireless beacons(s) 126 may be associated each conveyance 122 or receptacle 124 and may function to store, send, and/or receive data related to loads of harvested materials. [00101] According to some embodiments, one or more sensor arrays 432 may be provided. Each sensor array 432 may be associated with a transfer means 432 and may function to monitor the location of the transfer means 430, and various components thereof, in 3 dimensions over time. For example, where the transfer means 430 is a telescoping boom piler, sensor array 432 may monitor the location of the boom piler head (from which harvested material falls into storage bin(s) of storage unit 450) and base in 3 dimensions as the transfer means travels within the storage bin. Sensor array(s) 432 may produce 3 dimensional position data of the transfer means 430 as electrical signals which may then be received by Receiving Station Monitor 410. Receiving Station Monitor may process said electrical signals and may cause them to be written to a data storage (e.g., data storage unit 592, database(s) 150) or memory along with a time code as a 3-dimensional location record.

[00102] In some embodiments, the Receiving Station Monitor 410 may comprise multiple modules. For example, a bin piler module may receive 3 dimensional position data of the transfer means 430 as electrical signals and may store said position data in a data store while a communications module may comprise communications unit 591 , which may cause data to be transmitted over a network. A processing unit may process said electrical signals and may cause them to be written to a data storage (e.g., data storage unit 592, database(s) 150) or memory along with a time code as a 3-dimensional location record.

[00103] According to some embodiments, the 3-dimensional location record may be further associated with unique identifiers associated with the particular, active, receiving station 402, storage unit 450, and/or storage bin. the operator enters the name or number of the bin into the Position Monitor.

[00104] According to some embodiments, one or more operating status sensors 418 may be provided. Each operating status sensor 418 may be associated with one or more operating components 408 and may function to monitor one or more properties of the operating component(s) 408 at a given time. For example, where the operating component 408 is the drive shaft of a telescoping boom piler's conveyor, the operating status sensor(s) 418 may function to monitor various properties related to the function of said conveyor (e.g., operating status, conveyor speed, etc.). Operating status sensors 418 may produce operating status data as electrical signals which may then be received by Receiving Station Monitor 410. Receiving Station Monitor may process said electrical signals and may cause them to be written to a data storage (e.g., data storage unit 592, database(s) 150) or memory along with a time code as an operating status record.

[00105] According to some embodiments, Receiving Station Monitor 410 may the cause 3 dimensional location record, the operating status record, and various data pertaining to loads of harvested materials, as well as properties of storage unit 450 and storage bin to be processed according to a pre-programmed instruction set in order to create a Bin/Load map. In some embodiments, the pre-programmed instruction set may include a drop model, which may include various values representative of the behaviour known to be exhibited by particular harvested materials when dropped and piled from various positions. The Bin/Load map may provide an accurate representation of the location of one or more loads of harvested material transferred into a storage unit 450.

[00106] According to some embodiments, Receiving Station Monitor 410 may cause the 3 dimensional location record, the operating status record, and various data pertaining to loads of harvested materials, as well as properties of storage unit 450 and storage bin to be transferred (e.g., by operation of communications unit 591 connected to a communications network 199, and/or by a portable data storage device) to one or more external processing means (e.g., data services unit 198) to be processed according to a pre-programmed instruction set in order to create a Bin/Load map. In some embodiments, the pre- programmed instruction set may include a drop model, which may include various values representative of the behaviour known to be exhibited by particular harvested materials when dropped and piled from various positions. The Bin/Load map may provide an accurate representation of the location of one or more loads of harvested material transferred into a storage unit 450. [00107] As stated above, FIG. 12 may depict an example process for tracking the location of harvested materials in a storage unit 450 according to the systems and methods described herein. At 1202, a time code may be generated. The time code may be a continuously generated current date and time value. At 1204, at least one operational parameter and at least one 3-dimensional location of the transfer means is received from the at least one transfer means sensor 432, 418, and at least one unique identifier value is received from data storage unit (e.g., data storage unit 592 of the Receiving Station Monitor 410). At 1206, an operating state and a 3-dimensional location record of the transfer means are determined by processing the data received from the at least one transfer means sensor 432, 418 according to a pre-programmed instruction set. At 1208, a load location value is determined by processing the 3-dimensional location record and the operating state according to a predictive drop model. At 1210, the unique identifier, the time code, and load location value are associated. And, at 1212, the unique identifier, the time code, and load location value are written to a data store.

[00108] In some embodiments, the sensor array 432 may continuously track and monitor the position of the location on the transfer means 430 from which harvested materials are discharged into the storage bin in 3 dimensions.

[00109] In some embodiments, the sensor array 432 may include one or more tilt sensors functional to measure the tilt angle of various components of the transfer means 430.

[00110] In some embodiments, the sensor array 432 may include one or more angle sensors installed at the pivot point of two or more components of the transfer means in order to monitor the lateral (side-to-side) swing action of said components.

[0011 1] In some embodiments, the operating status sensor(s) 418 may include a shaft rotation sensor mounted on one or more operating components 408 (e.g., a drive shaft) of the transfer means 430. Such a placement of operating status sensor(s) 418 may permit monitoring of the operating status of the transfer means 430.

[00112] In some embodiments, the sensor array 432 may measure the extension and retraction of components of the transfer means 430 (e.g., the telescoping boom of a telescoping boom piler). A "limit switch" may indicate when such components are fully retracted or extended. A combination of measurements from the sensor array 432 may provide an accurate record of the location of the various components of the transfer means 430 within the storage bin over time.

[00113] According to some embodiments, the operating status sensor(s) 418 and sensor array 432 may function to monitor the location and operating status of the transfer means 430 automatically, as long as they remain powered. As such, little or no operator interaction may be required to generate the Bin/Load map.

[00114] According to some embodiments, the Bin/Load map may be visualized by use of a specifically configured computer program. The Bin/Load map may, for example, be presented to a user via a display screen. In some embodiments, the Bin/Load map may be interactive, meaning a user may (e.g., by manipulation of a user interface device) interact with various elements or components of the Bin/Load map in order to access additional information. For example, FIG. 14 may provide an example illustration of a Bin/Load map. The vertical or "y" axis 1402 of the example illustration of FIG. 14 may represent the vertical space within a storage bin in a storage unit 450 from a particular vantage point. The horizontal or "x" axis 1404 of the example illustration of FIG. 14 may represent the horizontal space within the storage bin in the storage unit 450 from the particular vantage point. Shaded portions 1410a-1410e may represent the location of various loads of harvested material within the storage bin. In some embodiments, user interaction with any shaded portion (e.g., 1410a-1410e) may cause additional information (e.g., field of origin, transfer date, soil moisture data from the time of harvest, etc.) related to the particular load of harvested material to be displayed.

[00115] According to some embodiments, the Bin/Load map may be provided by computer software that, when executed, provides a user with a 3 dimensional visualization of each storage bin and/or storage unit 450. For example, the Bin/Load map may display a top-view of a storage bin as well as various graphical user interface elements on the display of a computer. By interaction with various graphical user interface elements (e.g., by "click and dragging" a scroll bar element), users may cause the Bin/Load map to display information related to various loads depicted therein. Other interactions, such as "clicking" a computer mouse while a mouse cursor is positioned above a graphical user interface element associated with a portion of the Bin/Load map, may enable users to select specific areas within the storage bin and may cause the Bin/Load map to display a visualization depicting information about loads stored below that point. Other interactions, such as "right clicking" a computer mouse while a mouse cursor is positioned above a graphical user interface element associated with a portion of the Bin/Load map, may cause a summary of statistics and information related to one or more loads of harvested materials stored in the storage bin to be presented to users. In some embodiments, certain user interactions with the Bin/Load map may cause a field map and/or specific portions of a field map corresponding to properties of loads represented by portions of the Bin/Load map to be presented. [00116] According to some embodiments, data collected by the system and methods described herein may be transferred over a data network 199 to one or more databases 150. These data may be combined, processed, and/or analyzed according to one or more preprogrammed instruction sets. Data may be allowed to accumulate over a prolonged span of time and then combined, processed, and/or analyzed at once, or it may be collected periodically.

[00117] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of computing device 1500, exemplary of an embodiment. As depicted, computing device includes at least one processor 1502, memory 1504, at least one I/O interface 1506, and at least one network interface 1508. [00118] Processor 1502 may be an Intel or AMD x86 or x64, PowerPC, ARM processor, or the like. Memory 1504 may include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), or the like. [00119] Each I/O interface 1506 enables computing device 1500 to interconnect with one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, touch screen and a microphone, or with one or more output devices such as a display screen and a speaker.

[00120] Each network interface 1508 enables computing device 1500 to communicate with other components, to exchange data with other components, to access and connect to network resources, to serve applications, and perform other computing applications by connecting to a network (or multiple networks) capable of carrying data including the Internet, Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) line, public switch telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optics, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network, wide area network, and others, including any combination of these.

[00121] The embodiments of the devices, systems and methods described herein may be implemented in a combination of both hardware and software. These embodiments may be implemented on programmable computers, each computer including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface.

[00122] Program code is applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and to generate output information. The output information is applied to one or more output devices. In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a network communication interface. In embodiments in which elements may be combined, the communication interface may be a software communication interface, such as those for inter-process communication. In still other embodiments, there may be a combination of communication interfaces implemented as hardware, software, and combination thereof.

[00123] Throughout the foregoing discussion, numerous references will be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[00124] The embodiments described herein are implemented by physical computer hardware, including computing devices, servers, receivers, transmitters, processors, memory, displays, and networks. The embodiments described herein provide useful physical machines and particularly configured computer hardware arrangements. The embodiments described herein are directed to electronic machines and methods implemented by electronic machines adapted for processing and transforming electromagnetic signals which represent various types of information.

[00125] The embodiments described herein pervasively and integrally relate to machines, and their uses; and the embodiments described herein have no meaning or practical applicability outside their use with computer hardware, machines, and various hardware components. Substituting the physical hardware particularly configured to implement various acts for non-physical hardware, using mental steps for example, may substantially affect the way the embodiments work. Such computer hardware limitations are clearly essential elements of the embodiments described herein, and they cannot be omitted or substituted for mental means without having a material effect on the operation and structure of the embodiments described herein. The computer hardware is essential to implement the various embodiments described herein and is not merely used to perform steps expeditiously and in an efficient manner.

[00126] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein. [00127] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized.

[00128] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.