WO2020170056A1

WO2020170056A1 - Device and method for monitoring bins

Info

Publication number: WO2020170056A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/050746
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurent Gineste; Julien Coudon; Guillaume Blanc
Original assignee: Exotic Systems
Priority date: 2019-02-21
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2020-08-27
Also published as: FR3093089B1; FR3093089A1

Abstract

Device (1) for monitoring a bin (15) for attachment to the bottom and/or onto a wall of a bin to be monitored, comprising: - a power supply (2), - a microprocessor (3) and a memory (4), further comprising a bin identifier; - at least one remote communication module (5); - a module for detecting (8) loading/unloading of a bin (15) designed to detect the implementation of a loading or unloading phase of a bin (15) on a transporter.

Description

Device and method for monitoring skips

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for monitoring a bucket for attachment to the bottom and / or to a wall of a bucket to be monitored. The invention also relates to a method using a plurality of monitoring devices in order to ensure traceability and optimize the logistics of a fleet of skips, in particular agricultural skips.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Despite the ever-increasing level of complexity of agricultural machinery, operating a farm or agricultural business remains a complex and demanding task. The operator is particularly stressed by a large number of parameters and events to monitor and control so that he can make the right decisions in relation to the daily tasks to be performed. Monitoring requires him to move continuously from plot to plot in order to know the precise situation at each key point of the farm. As farms grow larger, and often grouping together several remote plots, the farmer spends a large part of his time traveling in order to be informed. These information phases, while essential for effective management and organization, are as such unproductive and time-consuming. One aspect of this management concerns monitoring the location of the skips, their level of filling, and the organization of the transport of these skips. To simplify the task of operators and in particular to provide them with more data as quickly as possible, various types of sensors or monitoring systems for various parameters have been developed in recent years.

[0003] For example, document US2015259084 describes a system for remotely indicating the level of grain loaded in a trailer. Detection strips with transducers are disposed vertically along the interior side wall. A centralized system with multiplexer and means of remote communication makes it possible to manage the signals received from the transducers, to calculate the corresponding fill level, to determine the weight loaded in the skip, and to send the relevant data to a central management located remotely.

[0004] Document EP1302413 describes a system for detecting the filling level of a bucket comprising light emitting modules, and light receiving modules arranged at different heights of the bucket. The light is emitted at different height levels. Depending on whether or not this light is received by the reception modules, the loading height is calculated and transmitted to a management unit.

[0005] The various systems previously described use a large amount of energy to operate, in particular to power sensors such as transducers or light emitters. Their use on an insulated skip, without a power supply available on site, therefore presents strong restrictions on use. Any battery will have a limited autonomy, further limiting the autonomy of the system. The systems described use several pieces of equipment that are advantageously integrated into a newly manufactured body, and difficult to retrofit onto a fleet of existing bodies at reasonable costs.

[0006] Document EP3192345 describes a system for monitoring the filling of a skip for an automatic loading system. The monitoring system includes one or more image acquisition cameras and an image processing module designed to identify the fill level by making comparisons against the top edges of the body. Such a system is particularly suitable for installation on a tractor or a harvester or other heavy agricultural equipment. On the other hand, such an architecture cannot operate on an isolated skip that does not have an energy source. The high cost of such a system makes it all the more unsuitable for such a type of use.

[0007] Document WO2017077113 describes a method and a system for defining trajectories to be followed for agricultural equipment during harvesting operations. The method is based on receiving data concerning the harvest and data concerning the agricultural equipment used. This process aims to simplify and optimize the use of machines, without however taking into account the problem of filling the skips or the management of the skips between the operation and a remote processing center.

[0008] Document US Pat. No. 6216071 describes a method making it possible to carry out monitoring and coordination between means of transport on the one hand and harvesting means on the other hand. The method uses mathematical models to estimate when harvesting equipment will reach a given position on the farm site. This process requires the preparation of a digital model of the farm in order to operate. On the other hand, it can only provide estimated calculations. [0009] US8849571 describes a method making it possible to determine trajectories for a set of vehicles. The method takes into account the data of the available vehicles and data concerning the coverage area for these vehicles during a given period. The method further aims to determine the landmarks towards which the vehicles can move during the period considered. This process makes it possible to improve the management of a fleet in general, but without taking into account the specificities of the skips, their filling, and their transport.

To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A first objective of the invention is to provide a device for monitoring a skip which can operate autonomously for an extended period.

[0012] Another object of the invention, objective of the invention, is to provide a device for monitoring a bucket which is inexpensive and usable with previously existing buckets.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a device for monitoring a dumpster which can withstand a particularly hostile environment.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for ensuring the traceability of a fleet of skips in a reliable and inexpensive manner.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for optimizing the logistics of a fleet of skips in a reliable and inexpensive manner.

To do this, the invention provides a device for monitoring a bucket for attachment to the bottom and / or to a wall of a bucket to be monitored, comprising:

- a diet ;

- a microprocessor and a memory further comprising a bucket identifier;

- at least one remote communication module;

a module for detecting the loading / unloading of a bucket designed to detect an implementation of a phase of setting up or removing a bucket on a transporter, said module for detecting loading / unloading being in relation with a detector position (or geolocation module).

[0017] Such a device, in connection with a position detector (or geolocation system) provided for example on the dumpster or on the transporter, makes it possible to determine the moment when a dumpster is unloaded on a plot of an agricultural holding for be fulfilled there. The geolocation system can then determine the precise location of the dumpster and transmit the data to a processing center, which can later send a transporter to search for the dumpster with its exact coordinates. This device is also an important link in the traceability monitoring device described below. Finally, it makes it possible to detect the phase when the skip is reloaded on a transporter, for example to validate or confirm that the planned transport is indeed in progress.

According to a first embodiment, the module for detecting the loading or unloading of a dumpster comprises an inclination detector and a threshold detector connected to the inclination detector and adjusted to detect an inclination threshold corresponding to a phase of setting up or removing a skip on a transporter. It is a simple, reliable, robust and very low consumption way to determine the phases when a skip is being loaded or unloaded on a transporter.

According to a second embodiment, the module for detecting the loading or unloading of a bucket comprises an atmospheric pressure sensor and a threshold detector connected to the pressure sensor and adjusted to detect a variation in ambient pressure corresponding to a phase of installation or removal of a skip on a transporter. The passage of a dumpster from the ground to a transport platform (or vice versa) corresponds to a height variation of a few tens of cm, for example between 1 to 3 m in height. A pressure sensor and a threshold sensor adjusted for such variation detect when a dumpster is loaded or unloaded from a transporter.

[0020] According to a third embodiment, the module for detecting the loading or unloading of a bucket comprises a beacon detection module. One or more beacons are then deployed on the farm and emit a signal indicating the proximity of at least one beacon, indicating that the bucket is in all likelihood on a plot of the farm. This detection mode is simple, reliable and inexpensive to implement. Advantageously, the monitoring device includes at least one bucket filling detector. Such an architecture makes it possible, for example, to generate an alert for a processing center for the dispatch of a transporter in order to retrieve the dumpster being filled or full. The device makes it possible to determine in a simple, reliable manner and at minimal cost, the status of an agricultural bucket awaiting filling. This device is easy to install, whether as original equipment or retro-installation (“retrofit”) on already existing skips. It simplifies the work of farmers who spend a considerable amount of time recording the identifiers of the skips in use and following the progress of the work in relation to each of the skips. As a variant, there are a plurality of monitoring devices capable of each monitoring a specific level of filling. It is then possible to follow the evolution of the filling process dynamically.

According to a first embodiment, the bucket filling detector comprises a luminosity sensor and a threshold detector connected to the luminosity sensor and adjusted so as to be able to detect a variation in luminosity greater than the alert threshold and generate a corresponding alert.

[0023] Such an architecture, with for example a detector positioned at the bottom of the bucket, makes it possible to detect, during a drop in the light level, the initiation of a filling phase of the bucket and a start status level, and during a rapid or substantially instantaneous increase in the level of light, a change to an empty bucket status. Alternatively, with the use of sensors at various heights on the sides of the bucket, the fill level can be detected.

According to a second embodiment, the bucket filling detector comprises a counter designed to calculate a "bucket full" status after detection of a "start of filling" status and after the expiration of a pre-established standard filling time. or learned, and generate a corresponding alert.

[0025] The alert corresponding to the full dumpster status, for example, allows a processing center to send a transporter to the operating site to retrieve the dumpster, or to validate a previously initiated transport.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the remote communication module is short range and low power consumption, or the remote communication module is long range. The monitoring device then includes a position detector (GPS). This embodiment makes it possible to use one or more monitoring devices at very low cost and with very low energy consumption, in connection with at least one complementary device, in which the remote communication module is at long distance. The two complementary devices firstly allow status data to be sent locally to a local management device, the latter then being responsible for transmitting the data to a remote station, listing the statuses of the various skips in the fleet. This central station makes it possible, for example, to trigger transport requests or alerts, to fetch a full bucket or one in the process of being filled while minimizing the waiting time or also avoiding sending a truck prematurely.

The invention also provides a method for monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural skips each equipped with at least one monitoring device as previously described, said method for determining an active status for each of the skips of the park among a plurality of potential statuses and comprising the following steps:

i) detection of a status of setting up a dumpster on a farm for filling, acquisition of corresponding geolocation data and generation of a corresponding alert (for example dumpster alert on the operating site);

ii) detection of a status of placement of the dumpster on a transporter at the operating site and generation of a corresponding alert;

iii) detection of an arrival status at a processing center after transport with a full bucket status and generation of a corresponding alert;

iv) detection of an emptied bucket status and generation of a corresponding alert.

(for example a dumpster alert available for transport to a farm, or a dumpster to be cleaned, or a dumpster to be parked).

[0028] Such a method makes it possible to ensure the traceability of a skip, and preferably of a fleet of skips, in a simple and very inexpensive way compared to existing solutions. The method and the device allowing its implementation are designed for very low energy consumption, ensuring great autonomy. The method and the device allowing its implementation can also be used on new or previously existing skips (“retrofit” system).

[0029] According to a first embodiment, the detection of a status of establishment on a farm or of a status of installation on a transporter is implemented using a detection of tilt of the bucket beyond a certain threshold. The measuring the inclination of a skip beyond a certain threshold makes it possible to detect the moment when it is strongly inclined, in position of installation or removal of a transport platform of a truck or tractor or other, signifying that the tipper is posed or removed from this platform.

[0030] According to a second embodiment, the detection of a status of installation on a farm or of a status of installation on a transporter is implemented using a variation measurement ambient pressure in the immediate vicinity of the bucket beyond a certain threshold. This phase is preferably carried out without moving the bucket beyond a threshold corresponding to a transport.

Measuring a variation in the air pressure in the immediate vicinity of a bucket beyond a certain threshold makes it possible to detect the moment when the latter changes in altitude or in elevation level , corresponding to a phase of installation or removal of a transport platform of a truck or tractor or other, meaning that the tipper is placed or removed from this platform. The bucket loading or unloading detection module includes a pressure detector suitable for measuring a pressure variation corresponding to a variation in altitude or height of a few tens of centimeters, i.e. the height of a transport platform. dumpster.

[0032] According to a third embodiment, the detection of a status of installation on a farm or of a status of installation on a transporter is implemented by reception or interruption of reception by a module of beacon detection of a signal emitted by at least one beacon provided on the farm and indicating the presence of the dumpster near the beacon.

[0033] Advantageously, the method further comprises a step of detecting a status of start of filling, and / or end of filling, and / or of a certain level of filling and / or emptying of the dumpster.

According to an advantageous example, the step of detecting a status of start of filling, and / or end of filling, and / or of a certain level of filling and / or emptying of the bucket is set. implemented by at least one brightness detector, designed to detect a variation in brightness greater than an alert threshold and generate a corresponding alert.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the remote communication module is at short range and low power consumption, or the remote communication module is long range. The monitoring device then comprises a position detector (GPS). This embodiment makes it possible to use one or more monitoring devices at very low cost and with very low energy consumption, in connection with at least one complementary device, in which the remote communication module is at long distance. The two complementary devices firstly allow status data to be sent locally to a local management device, the latter then being responsible for transmitting the data to a remote station, listing the statuses of the various skips in the fleet. This central station makes it possible, for example, to trigger transport requests or alerts, to fetch a full bucket or one in the process of being filled while minimizing the waiting time or also avoiding sending a truck prematurely.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

All the implementation details are given in the following description, supplemented by Figures 1 to 5, presented only for the purposes of non-limiting examples, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a bucket comprising a set of monitoring devices, the bucket being placed on the ground;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example of a bucket comprising a set of monitoring devices, the bucket being placed on a transporter;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an example of application of the tipper surveillance method with a tipper placed on a farm, another tipper during transport, and tippers waiting at a logistics processing center;

FIG. 4 is a functional flowchart illustrating the key steps of an example of a method for monitoring a fleet of skips;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an example of a bucket monitoring device with its main modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BUCKET MONITORING DEVICE

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of a device 1 for monitoring a bucket 15, in particular an agricultural bucket. The device is intended for fixing or integration into the bottom of a skip and / or on the walls of the skip. The fixing is carried out for example by screwing, gluing or riveting.

As illustrated schematically in Figure 5, a device 1 for monitoring a bucket 15 comprises a power supply 2, a microprocessor 3, a memory 4 further comprising a bucket identifier. The memory also makes it possible to store the data provided by a possible position detector (GPS or other). The device also includes a remote communication module 5 (short or long range depending on the case).

As illustrated in Figure 5, the device comprises a module 6 for detecting the loading or unloading of the bucket 15 of a transporter 16. Several types of modules can be used. The example in Figure 5 illustrates all of the possibilities described below. In practice, a single detection mode is advantageously used.

A first mode of implementation uses one or more inclination sensors 7. An inclination sensor 7 associated with a threshold detector makes it possible to determine a "loading / unloading" status of a dumpster 15 on a transporter 16 as a function of the inclination of the dumpster beyond a given threshold. Indeed, the installation and removal of a bucket on a truck or tractor involves lifting one end of the bucket to a relatively high height. The resulting tilt rate is advantageously integrated as a threshold value to be monitored by the tilt detector. Thus, when loading or unloading the bucket, the bucket loading / unloading detection module can generate a loading / unloading signal, as the case may be.

A second mode of implementation uses one or more pressure sensors 8, associated with a threshold detector. These elements make it possible to determine a "loading / unloading" status of a bucket 15 on a transporter 16 according to a variation in the level of atmospheric pressure in the immediate vicinity of the bucket beyond a given threshold. Indeed, the installation and removal of a tipper on a truck or tractor involves a change in height of a few tens or hundreds of cm, a value sufficient for a variation in atmospheric pressure to be detectable. The resulting rate of change in atmospheric pressure is advantageously integrated as a threshold value to be monitored. Thus, when loading or unloading the bucket, the bucket loading / unloading detection module can generate a loading / unloading signal, as the case may be.

A third embodiment uses a tag detection module 9 19. This module operates in connection with one or more tags 19 arranged on the farm 18 and / or at the logistics processing center 17. The or the beacons emit a signal (radio or infrared or other) detectable by the detection module 9 beacon when the dumpster is located near a beacon.

As a variant, the mode of implementation with a beacon uses the module 9 for detecting the beacon 19 in connection with at least one beacon 19 arranged on the transporter. The module 9 detects the signal from the beacon as long as the skip is placed on the transporter. If the dumpster is unloaded, as soon as the transporter begins to move away, beacon 19 is no longer detected, meaning that the dumpster has been deposited either on a plot of the farm or at the logistics processing center.

[0044] Alternatively, one or the other of the previously described modules can be used together for greater precision of the monitoring device.

A skip filling monitoring module 10 is advantageously provided in the monitoring device 1. In the example illustrated, the filling monitoring module 10 operates with the aid of at least one brightness detector 11. To optimize consumption and ensure long-term operating autonomy (for example several weeks or several months), the brightness detector operates intermittently. When one or more detections of a reduced level of brightness below an alert threshold, the device generates a signal with a "start of filling" status.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of monitoring devices 1 each capable of monitoring a specific level of filling are arranged at different heights. A first device is fixed to the bottom of the bucket 15. Two other devices are fixed at different heights, on the walls of the bucket. The complementary signals from the multiple devices then make it possible to monitor the evolution of the filling process dynamically and precisely.

As a variant, or in addition, the monitoring device further comprises a counter 12 for filling. In the event that only one device is used at the bottom of the bucket, the counter 12 is designed to determine a "bucket full" status. To do this, the detection of the "start of filling" status using the light detector 11 activates the counter which allows a predetermined standard filling time to elapse. After this standard time has elapsed, the counter generates a status signal “bucket full. The standard time can be determined by means of experiments, or for example by self-learning of the module, programmed for this purpose.

OPERATION WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example using several monitoring devices 1. As previously described, three devices are integrated into a dumpster 15. As illustrated in FIG. 2, another device is placed in the cabin of a truck 16 used for transporting the dumpster. In such an example, a configuration is advantageously provided in which the remote communication module 5 of the devices mounted on the bucket 15 are at short range and with low energy consumption in order to promote a longer autonomy due to a low energy consumption. To complete the package, the device mounted on the truck preferably includes a long range remote communication module. It also includes a position detector 13 (GPS). Such an architecture, which is particularly advantageous in terms of autonomy costs, allows the dumpster devices to send signals to the truck device, using short distance communication. The device installed on board the truck can easily benefit from a power supply from the vehicle. Its long-distance communication module enables it to transmit signals or data to a centralized logistics device 14, located for example at a processing center 17. This embodiment allows one or more monitoring devices to be used at very low speed. cost and very low power consumption, in connection with at least one complementary device, in which the remote communication module is at long distance. The two complementary devices firstly allow status data to be sent locally to a local management device, the latter then being responsible for transmitting the data to a remote station, listing the statuses of the various skips in the fleet. This central station 14 makes it possible, for example, to trigger transport requests or alerts, to fetch a full bucket or one in the process of being filled, while minimizing the waiting time and also avoiding sending a truck prematurely.

PROCESS FOR MONITORING AND TRACEABILITY OF A DUMP PARK

As previously described, the skip monitoring device 1 is designed to detect the phases in which a skip is loaded onto a truck or tractor as well as the unloading phases. The monitoring device is also designed to detect the start of filling of a bucket, and to monitor or determine by calculation when this bucket is full. The device can transmit a signal announcing that the dumpster must be recovered from the plot of the farm to take charge of its content as quickly as possible in order to guarantee the quality of the content. Alternatively, the transport request signal can be transmitted before the bucket is full, in order to take into account the travel time of the truck or tractor. For example, the signal is transmitted as soon as the start of filling is detected, and can be validated by a second signal subsequently, when the bucket is half full, or full. All these characteristics make it possible to implement a particularly advantageous method of traceability of one or more skips, for example to ensure optimal logistics for a fleet of skips between a logistics processing center and one or more farms. Thus, depending on the needs of farmers, the skips available at the logistics center are transported to farms on demand, and the filled skips are returned to the logistics center without waiting, all with a minimum of intervention by farmers, who can then concentrate on their real profession and the know-how of agricultural producers. The method is based on the status of the skips, as determined by the monitoring devices.

The table below illustrates the plurality of possible statuses in relation to the location, the state of the dumpster, as well as the commands generated by the monitoring device according to the status.

The table above illustrates the different steps of the skip tracking process.

IN A PLOT OF AN AGRICULTURAL HOLDING EMPTY BUCKET

When a dumpster arrives on a farm, in a plot to be filled with agricultural material, the dumpster is removed from the transporter (truck or tractor or trailer or other) which was used to transport it to the site . The corresponding status is then "empty bucket on filling site". The monitoring device then proceeds to store the geolocation data, which will make it possible to trace the dumpster during a subsequent phase of transporting this dumpster to a treatment site.

START OF FILLING MONITORING

The skip is then empty, on the filling site, waiting to be filled. The corresponding status is then "start of filling monitoring".

BEGINNING OF FILLING DETECTION

When the first agricultural materials arrive at the bottom of the bucket, a monitoring device makes it possible to detect the start of filling the bucket. The corresponding status is then "start of filling detection". The monitoring device then controls monitoring of the filling until the bucket is full.

BUCKET FULL DETECTION

Once the bucket is lightly filled, the monitoring device detects or calculates the end of filling, meaning that the bucket is ready to return to the treatment site in order to recover the agricultural material for treatment (cleaning, drying, preparation, weighing, packaging, etc.). The corresponding status is then “full bucket detection”.

DETECTION PLACED ON A CARRIER

When the transporter (truck or tractor or trailer or other) arrives on the parcel to retrieve the dumpster, it is loaded on the transporter. Loading conventionally involves lifting one end of the bucket. The bucket loading / unloading detection module detects the placement of the bucket on the transporter. The corresponding status is then “detection of placement on transporter”. The monitoring device then controls monitoring of the geolocation data, in order to allow the following phases.

ON THE ROAD NETWORK

BUCKET TRANSPORT DETECTION

When the transporter (truck or tractor or trailer or other) is moving, the monitoring device, by comparing the geolocation data with those of the field and those of the treatment station, and the fact that the geolocation data change , can determine that the dumpster is being transported. The corresponding status is then “tipper transport detection”. The monitoring system is waiting to be able to recognize known geolocation data to move on to the next phase.

TO A TREATMENT CENTER

BUCKET ARRIVAL DETECTION ON THE TREATMENT SITE

When the monitoring device recognizes the geolocation data of a processing center, or receives an identification signal from a beacon of this processing center, the corresponding status is then "dumpster arrival detection on the processing site ". The monitoring device then monitors which of the following two cases occurs: either the full bucket is put down and put on hold. Either the bucket is emptied, and then put down. The key step in making a dumpster available again for new loading is to empty the dumpster. The monitoring device therefore controls the monitoring of the emptying of the bucket.

BUCKET EMPTYING

As long as the bucket remains full, the corresponding status is "waiting for bucket emptying". EMPTY BUCKET DETECTION

[0060] When the monitoring device detects that the bucket is emptied (for example with detection of a again positive brightness value beyond a certain threshold), the corresponding status is then "empty bucket detection". The monitoring device then generates an alert informing that the bucket is empty and is available for transport to a farm.

PROCESS

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates the key steps of the method for monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural skips 15 each equipped with at least one monitoring device 1 as previously described. The method makes it possible to determine an active status for each of the skips 15 of the park among a plurality of potential statuses. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first step 30 consists in detecting a status of placing a bucket 15 in a plot of a farm farm 18. Upon detection of the unloading of the bucket, the geolocation data of the precise location of the bucket can be obtained by a position detector 13. These data are either stored in memory 4 of the monitoring device and / or transmitted by a module 5 for remote communication with the logistics processing center 17 where the logistics of the skip park is provided by a centralized monitoring device or module 14 and logistics.

Once the bucket is on the agricultural production site, the bucket monitoring device operates, preferably intermittently, the monitoring of the filling of the bucket, as previously described. In step 31, the device detects a status of start of filling of the bucket. For example, as previously described, the device detects a zero or very low level of brightness below a pre-established detection threshold. The status of the monitoring device then changes to the “start of filling” stage. The device then starts monitoring the filling in order to determine when the bucket is full. As previously described, this phase can be implemented by counting and / or by detection using complementary sensors. The detection of the full bucket status is then carried out in step 32.

Depending on the desired configuration, a dumpster transport request signal can be transmitted to the logistics processing center either at the time of detection of the start of filling, or once the dumpster is full, or almost full. As a variant, when the start of filling is detected, a signal is transmitted to the centralized monitoring and logistics device 14 of the logistics processing center 17 in order to prepare a new dumpster for transport. When the centralized monitoring device 14 receives a signal corresponding to the full or almost full bucket, the previously prepared transport is validated and the new bucket is transported to the concerned plot. Once on site, the new dumpster is unloaded from the truck, and the full dumpster can then be loaded in step 33. If no empty dumpster is transported, loading of the full dumpster (step 33) can be directly loaded. performed. The detection of the loading of the skip corresponds to step 33. The full skip is then transported to the logistics processing center 17. In step 34, the monitoring device makes it possible to detect the arrival of the dumpster at the logistics processing center. This detection can be carried out for example using the position detection module 13, which can recognize the coordinates corresponding to those of a logistics processing center, or by the beacon detection module 9, which captures the signal from 'a tag identifying a processing center.

When empty, the monitoring device changes to the "empty bucket" status (step 35) and generates a corresponding signal. This signal can be used, for example, to indicate the availability of the skip for transport to a farm, for a new operating cycle, or to indicate a request for cleaning of the skip, or alternatively, to allow parking. of the dumpster. Depending on the case, the empty dumpster status can be detected when the dumpster is on a transporter or at another location in the processing center.

For the implementation of the method, as previously described, the detection of a status 30 of establishment on a farm 18 or of a status 33 of implementation place on a transporter 16 is implemented using a module 6 for detecting the loading / unloading of the bucket. The detection of a status 31 of start of filling, bucket filled and bucket emptied is implemented by one or more modules 10 for detecting bucket filling.

Reference numbers used in figures

Claims

1. Device (1) for monitoring a bucket (15) for fixing to the bottom and / or to a wall of a bucket to be monitored, comprising:

- a power supply (2),

- a microprocessor (3) and a memory (4) further comprising a bucket identifier;

- at least one remote communication module (5);

-a detection module (8) of loading / unloading of a bucket (15) designed to detect an implementation of a phase of placing or removing a bucket (15) on a transporter, said module of detection (8) of loading / unloading being in connection with a position detector (13).

2. Device (1) for monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the loading or unloading detection module of a dumpster comprises an inclination detector and a threshold detector connected to the inclination detector and adjusted to detect a threshold. inclination corresponding to a phase of installation or removal of a bucket on a transporter.

3. Device (1) for monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the loading or unloading detection module of a bucket comprises an atmospheric pressure sensor and a threshold detector connected to the pressure sensor and adjusted to detect a variation of ambient pressure corresponding to a phase of installation or removal of a bucket on a transporter.

4. Monitoring device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the loading or unloading detection module of a dumpster comprises a beacon detection module (9).

5. Monitoring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one bucket filling detector (6).

The monitoring device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the bucket filling detector (6) comprises a brightness sensor and a threshold detector connected to the brightness sensor and adjusted so as to detect a variation in brightness. greater than alert threshold and generate a corresponding alert.

7. Device (1) for monitoring according to any one of claims 4 or 5, in wherein the bucket fill detector (6) comprises a counter adapted to calculate a "bucket full" status after detecting a "start to fill" status and after a preset or learned standard fill time has elapsed, and generate a corresponding alert.

8. A method of monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural skips (15) each equipped with at least one monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 7, said method making it possible to determine an active status for each of the skips. (15) of the park among a plurality of potential statuses and comprising the following steps:

i) detection of a status (30) of setting up a dumpster (15) on a farm (1 1) for filling, acquisition of corresponding geolocation data and generation of a corresponding alert;

ii) detection of a status (33) of placement of the bucket on a transporter (16) on the operating site and generation of a corresponding alert;

iii) detection of a status (34) of arrival at a processing center after transport with a full bucket status and generation of a corresponding alert;

iv) detection of an emptied bucket status (35) and generation of a corresponding alert.

9. A method of monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural skips (15) according to claim 8, wherein the detection of a status (30) of establishment on an agricultural holding (1 1) or of a Status (33) of placement on a conveyor (16) is implemented using a tilt detection of the bucket (15) beyond a certain threshold.

10. A method for monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural dumpsters (15), according to claim 8, wherein the detection of a status (30) of establishment on an agricultural holding (1 1) or of a status (33) of placement on a conveyor (16) is implemented using a measurement of the variation in ambient pressure in the immediate vicinity of the bucket beyond a certain threshold.

1 1. A method of monitoring the traceability of a park of agricultural dumpsters (15), according to claim 8, wherein the detection of a status (30) of establishment on an agricultural holding (11) or of a status (33) of installation on a carrier (16) is implemented by receiving or interrupting reception by a beacon detection module (9) of a signal transmitted by at least one beacon (19) provided on farm and indicating the presence of the dumpster near the beacon.

12. A method of monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural skips (15) according to one of the claims 8 to 11, comprising a step of detecting a status (31) of start of filling, and / or end (32) of filling, and / or of a certain level of filling and / or emptying (35 ) of the bucket.

13. A method of monitoring the traceability of a fleet of agricultural skips (15) according to claim 12, wherein the step of detecting a status (31) of start of filling, and / or end (32) filling, and / or a certain level of filling and / or emptying (35) of the bucket is implemented by at least one brightness detector (6), designed to detect a variation in brightness greater than one alert threshold and generate a corresponding alert.