U.S. patent application number 13/735801 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for seed spacing monitoring system for use in an agricultural seeder.
This patent application is currently assigned to DEERE & COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Deere & Company. Invention is credited to Donald K. Landphair, James Z. Liu.
Application Number | 20130125800 13/735801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44644967 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130125800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Landphair; Donald K. ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
SEED SPACING MONITORING SYSTEM FOR USE IN AN AGRICULTURAL
SEEDER
Abstract
A seed spacing monitoring system is used In an agricultural
seeder for planting seeds. The agricultural seeder has a furrow
opener, a seed meter for metering seed to be dispensed in the
furrow, and a furrow closer to cover the seed in the furrow. The
seed spacing monitoring system includes a detector supported to
detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered. The
detector provides a plurality of seed presence signals, with each
seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present
in the furrow. A speed sensor is associated with the seeder and
provides a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder. An
electrical processor receives the plurality of seed presence
signals and the speed signal. The electrical processor determines a
seed spacing, dependent upon the seed presence signals and the
speed signal.
Inventors: |
Landphair; Donald K.;
(Bettendorf, IA) ; Liu; James Z.; (Belvidere,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Deere & Company; |
Moline |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DEERE & COMPANY
Moline
IL
|
Family ID: |
44644967 |
Appl. No.: |
13/735801 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12860290 |
Aug 20, 2010 |
8365679 |
|
|
13735801 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
111/149 ;
701/32.4; 701/34.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 1/00 20130101; A01B
76/00 20130101; A01B 79/005 20130101; A01C 5/06 20130101; A01C
7/105 20130101; G06F 11/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
111/149 ;
701/34.4; 701/32.4 |
International
Class: |
A01B 76/00 20060101
A01B076/00; G06F 11/30 20060101 G06F011/30; A01C 1/00 20060101
A01C001/00; A01C 5/06 20060101 A01C005/06 |
Claims
1. A seed spacing monitoring system for use In an agricultural
seeder for planting seeds, the agricultural seeder having a furrow
opener, a seed meter for metering seeds to be dispensed in the
furrow, and a furrow closer to cover the seeds in the furrow, said
seed spacing monitoring system comprising: a detector supported to
detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered, said
detector providing a plurality of seed presence signals, each said
seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed actually
present in the furrow, said detector providing a signal reflecting
a property of the seed different than the property of the
surrounding furrow; a speed sensor associated with said seeder and
providing a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder;
and an electrical processor receiving said plurality of seed
presence signals and said speed signal, said electrical processor
determining a seed spacing dependent upon said seed presence
signals and said speed signal.
2. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said
detector comprises one of: a video camera; an infra-red (IR)
device; a capacitive sensor; and a microwave sensor.
3. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 2, wherein said IR
device comprises one of an IR sensor, IR camera and IR scanner, and
further including a seed temperature conditioner for varying a
temperature of the seed prior to being deposited in the furrow.
4. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 3, wherein said seed
temperature conditioner is a heater which elevates the temperature
of the seed between 1 to 10.degree. F.
5. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said
processor receives said plurality of seed presence signals and
establishes a plurality of times, each said time representing a
time between detections of adjacent seeds in the furrow.
6. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 5, wherein said
electrical processor determines said seed spacing based upon said
plurality of times.
7. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 5, wherein said
electrical processor determines a statistical measure of
variability of said seed spacing, based upon distances between the
seeds.
8. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 7, wherein said
statistical measure of variability is a standard deviation.
9. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 1, further including
a geo-referencing system, and wherein said electrical processor
geo-references each said seed presence signal using said
geo-reference system.
10. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 9, wherein said
electrical processor determines said seed spacing based upon said
geo-referenced seed presence signals.
11. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 9, wherein said
geo-referencing system is a global positioning system.
12. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 1, further
including a mirror interposed between said detector and the
furrow.
13. The seed spacing monitoring system of claim 1, further
including a fan positioned and configured for blowing air to
inhibit dust from interfering with operation of said detector.
14. An agricultural seeder for planting seeds in soil, said seeder
comprising: a row unit having a furrow opener for opening a furrow
in the soil, a seed meter for metering seeds to be dispensed in the
furrow, a furrow closer to cover the seeds in the furrow with soil,
and a detector configured and arranged to sense seed actually
deposited in the furrow between the furrow opener and the furrow
closer, said detector providing a signal reflecting a property of
the seed different than the property of the surrounding furrow.
15. The agricultural seeder of claim 14, wherein said detector
comprises one of: a video camera; an infra-red (IR) device; a
capacitive sensor; and a microwave sensor.
16. The agricultural seeder of claim 14, wherein said detector
provides a plurality of seed presence signals, each said seed
presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present in
the furrow, and further including an electrical processor which
receives said plurality of seed presence signals and establishes a
plurality of times, each said time representing a time between
detections of adjacent seeds in the furrow.
17. The agricultural seeder of claim 14, further including a
geo-referencing system and an electrical processor, said electrical
processor geo-referencing each said seed presence signal using said
geo-reference system, said electrical processor determining said
seed spacing based upon said geo-referenced seed presence
signals.
18. The agricultural seeder of claim 14, further including a tool
bar and a second row unit, each of said row unit and second row
unit being coupled with said tool bar and being substantially
identically configured.
19. A seed spacing detection method for detecting seed spacing of
seeds placed in a furrow by a seeder, said method comprising the
steps of: opening a furrow in the soil; metering seeds to be
deposited into the furrow; depositing the metered seeds into the
furrow; detecting actual seeds in the furrow before the seeds are
covered with soil by detecting a property of the seed different
from the furrow; measuring a ground speed of the seeder; and
determining a seed spacing, dependent upon a spatial attribute of
the detected seeds and the measured ground speed.
20. The seed spacing detection method of claim 19, further
comprising the step of varying a temperature of the seed prior to
being deposited in the furrow.
21. The seed spacing detection method of claim 19, wherein said
step of detecting seed in the furrow includes detecting at least
three seeds in the furrow, and including the further step of
determining a statistical measure of variability of said seed
spacing, based upon distances between adjacent seeds in the
furrow.
22. The seed spacing detection method of claim 21, wherein said
statistical measure of variability is a standard deviation.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/860,290, entitled "SEED SPACING MONITORING SYSTEM FOR USE IN AN
AGRICULTURAL SEEDER", filed Aug. 20, 2010, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to agricultural seeders, and,
more particularly, to seed spacing monitoring systems for use in
such seeders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An agricultural seeder, such as a row crop planter or grain
drill, places the seed at a desired depth within a plurality of
parallel seed trenches (or furrows) formed in soil. In the case of
a row crop planter, a plurality of row crop units are typically
ground driven using wheels, shafts, sprockets, transfer cases,
chains and the like. Each row crop unit has a frame, which is
movably coupled with a tool bar. The frame may carry a main seed
hopper, herbicide hopper and insecticide hopper. If the granular
herbicide and insecticide are used, the metering mechanisms
associated therewith for the dispensing of the granular product
into the seed trench are relatively simple. On the other hand,
mechanisms necessary to properly meter seeds at a predetermined
rate and to place the seeds at predetermined relative locations and
depth within the seed trench are relatively complicated.
[0004] The mechanisms associated with metering and placing of the
seeds generally can be divided into a seed metering system and a
seed placement system, which are in communication with each other.
The seed metering system receives the seeds in a bulk manner from a
seed hopper carried by the frame. Different types of seed metering
systems can be used such as seed plates, finger plates and seed
disks. In the case of a seed disk metering system, a seed disk is
formed with a plurality of seed cells spaced about the periphery
thereof. Seeds are moved into the seed cells with one or more seeds
in each seed cell depending upon the size and configuration of the
seed cell. A vacuum or positive pressure airflow may be used in
conjunction with the seed disk to assist in movement and retention
of the seeds in the seed cells. The seeds are singulated and
discharged at a predetermined rate to the seed placement
system.
[0005] The seed placement system may be categorized as a gravity
drop system or a power drop system. In the case of a gravity drop
system, a seed tube has an inlet end, which is positioned below the
seed metering system. The singulated seeds from the seed metering
system merely drop into the seed tube and fall by way of
gravitational force from a discharge end thereof into the seed
trench. The seed tube may be curved in a rearward manner to assist
in directing the seed into the seed trench.
[0006] A seed placement system of the power drop variety generally
can be classified as a seed conveyor belt drop, rotary valve drop,
chain drop or air drop. These types of seed placement systems
provide somewhat consistent placement of the seeds along a
predetermined path at a desired spacing.
[0007] It is well known in the agricultural industry to use an
electronic planting monitor on seeders to monitor the seed which is
placed in the furrow. When first employed, monitors were used to
alert the operator of a plugged row unit or a unit without any seed
to avoid continued operation of the planter without actually
planting seed. More recently, studies have quantified the
importance of accurate seed spacing in improving crop yields. As a
result, monitor technology has advanced in efforts to determine
seed spacing. Current monitors determine skips and multiples of
seed. These monitors also predict seed spacing in the furrow based
on the timing of seed passing a sensor (such as a photo-electric
eye) in a seed tube but are not capable of determining actual seed
spacing.
[0008] One example of a seed spacing monitor is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,386,128 B1 (Svoboda et al.). The '128 patent senses the
seed and determines a geospatial location of the seed. From this
information, seed spacing can be determined. However, the sensor is
described as detecting the falling seed and transmitting a
corresponding signal to the computer which then records the seed
drop event. In this system, since the sensor detects "falling"
seed, any bounce or roll of the seed in the furrow is not accounted
for in determining the seed location.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,251 B1 (Peterson et al.), which is
assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses that
it is possible to sense seeds directly in a seed trench. Referring
to FIGS. 7 and 8, a sensor may be used to sense seeds in the seed
trench, and the pulses representing each sensed seed are used to
uniformly stagger seeds relative to each other in a twin row
seeding application.
[0010] What is needed in the art is a way of more accurately
detecting seed spacing of seeds which are placed in a furrow in the
soil.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The seed spacing monitoring system of the present invention
uses a sensor such as a video camera, infra-red (IR) video camera,
IR scanner, IR sensor, capacitive sensor, microwave sensor, etc. to
sense the seed in its final location in the seed furrow immediately
before the furrow is closed, covering the seed with soil. The time
between detecting adjacent seeds and the planter travel speed is
used to calculate the seed spacing.
[0012] Various types of detectors may be used. When the detector is
configured as an IR sensor/scanner/camera, preheating of the seed
before planting may assist in distinguishing between seed and soil
or rocks in the furrow. An IR sensor/scanner/camera with seed
pre-heating may be needed to accurately sense seeds in a dusty
environment typical of seed planting.
[0013] The invention in one form is directed to a seed spacing
monitoring system for use In an agricultural seeder for planting
seeds. The agricultural seeder has a furrow opener, a seed meter
for metering seed to be deposited in the furrow, and a furrow
closer to cover the seed in the furrow. The seed spacing monitoring
system includes a detector supported to detect seeds in the furrow
prior to the seeds being covered. The detector provides a plurality
of seed presence signals, with each seed presence signal being
indicative of a respective seed present in the furrow. A speed
sensor is associated with the seeder and provides a speed signal
indicating a ground speed of the seeder. An electrical processor
receives the plurality of seed presence signals and the speed
signal. The electrical processor determines a seed spacing,
dependent upon the seed presence signals and the speed signal.
[0014] The invention in another form is directed to an agricultural
seeder for planting seeds in soil. The seeder includes a row crop
unit having a furrow opener for opening a furrow in the soil, a
seed meter for dispensing seed into the furrow, a furrow closer to
cover the seed in the furrow with soil, and a detector configured
and arranged to sense seed deposited in the furrow between the
furrow opener and the furrow closer.
[0015] The invention in yet another form is directed to a seed
spacing detection method for detecting seed spacing of seeds placed
in a furrow by a seeder. The method includes the steps of: opening
a furrow in the soil; metering seed to deposit into the furrow;
depositing the metered seed into the furrow; detecting a first seed
in the furrow; detecting a second seed in the furrow; measuring the
time between detecting the first seed and the second seed in the
furrow; measuring a ground speed of the seeder; and determining a
distance between the first seed and the second seed based on the
time between detecting the first seed and the second seed, and the
ground speed of the seeder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural seeder
incorporating an embodiment of a seed spacing monitoring system of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of an agricultural seeder
including a row crop unit with a seed spacing monitoring system of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of another
agricultural seeder including a row crop unit with a seed spacing
monitoring system of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of yet another embodiment of
a seed spacing monitoring system of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating a seeder
using a seed spacing monitoring system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown an embodiment of an agricultural seeder 10 of the
present invention. In the embodiment shown, seeder 10 is in the
form of a row crop planter but may also be in the form of a grain
drill, etc. A prime mover in the form of a tractor 12 is coupled
with and provides motive power to seeder 10 through a suitable
coupling arrangement, such as a draw bar or 3-point hitch
arrangement.
[0022] Seeder 10 includes a number of row crop units 14, with each
row crop unit 14 being substantially identically configured. A seed
spacing monitoring system 16, which may be located onboard each of
seeder 10 and tractor 12 (as shown), is used to monitor the
placement of seeds within respective furrows 18 formed by each row
crop unit 14. Seed spacing monitoring system 16 may include an
electrical processor 16A onboard seeder 10, an electrical processor
16B onboard tractor 12, a ground speed sensor 19 and a number of
detectors (not visible in FIG. 1) for detecting seeds in respective
furrows 18.
[0023] Ground speed sensor 19 may be located on tractor 12 or
seeder 10 and provides an output signal to electrical processor 16A
and/or 16B representative of the speed of seeder 12 across the
ground. For example, the ground speed signal may be determined
based on the engine speed and selected gear of tractor 12, a ground
speed sensor 19 on seeder 12, a ground driven speed sensor
associated with a ground contacting wheel of seeder 12, a Global
Positioning System (GPS), a sonar system directed at the ground, a
radar system directed at the ground, etc.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a single row crop
unit 20 of a multi-row planter, with each row crop unit 20 being
substantially identical and connected to a common tool bar 22. Only
a single row crop unit 20 is shown and described below for
simplicity sake.
[0025] Row crop unit 20 includes a multi-part frame 24 which is
attached to tool bar 22 by parallel linkage 26. Tool bar 22 is
coupled to a traction unit (not shown in FIG. 2), such as tractor
12. For example, tool bar 22 may be coupled to tractor 12 using a
draw bar or 3-point hitch assembly. Tool bar 22 may be coupled with
transport wheel assemblies, marker arms, etc. which may be of
conventional design and not shown for simplicity sake.
[0026] Frame 24 carries a double disc furrow opener 28 for forming
a seed trench in soil. An optional fluted coulter wheel 30,
particularly for use in no till situations, may be placed ahead of
double disc furrow opener 28. A pair of gauge wheels 32 are
respectively associated with the pair of discs of double disc
furrow opener 28. More particularly, each gauge wheel 32 is
positioned generally in line with and immediately adjacent to the
outside of each respective disc of double disc furrow opener 28.
Each gauge wheel 32 may be vertically adjusted to adjust the depth
of the trench which is cut into the soil using double disc furrow
opener 28.
[0027] A furrow closer in the form of a pair of closing wheels 34
is also carried by frame 24. Closing wheels 34 are positioned
generally in line with double disc furrow opener 28. Closing wheels
34 are preferably biased in a downward direction and have a
peripheral edge with a shape which may vary, depending upon the
application.
[0028] A seed metering system 36 and a seed placement system 38 are
also carried by frame 24 (each shown partially in phantom lines).
Seed metering system 36 receives seed from a main seed supply, such
as seed from a distant main seed hopper which is supplied via air
or the like, or a seed hopper 40 carried above frame 24. Seed
metering system 36 singulates the seed and transfers the seed to
seed placement system 38. Seed placement system 38 is in the form
of a gravity drop seed tube, but could be configured differently,
such as a power drop seed placement system with a powered wheel,
etc.
[0029] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detector
42 forming part of the seed spacing monitoring system 16 is
supported to detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being
covered by closing wheels 34. Detector 42 is preferably located
between furrow opener 28 and closing wheels 34, and detects the
presence of seeds within the furrow 18. Detector 42 provides a
plurality of seed presence signals to electrical processor 16A
(FIG. 1), with each seed presence signal being indicative of a
respective seed present in the furrow.
[0030] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, detector 42 is
configured as an IR sensor which detects the presence of individual
seeds in the furrow by sensing a temperature difference between the
individual seeds and the surrounding ground. This may be
accomplished by using a seed temperature conditioner to either heat
or cool the seeds prior to placement within the furrow. For
example, a seed temperature conditioner in the form of a heater 44
can be used to blow hot air across the seeds at a suitable location
within seed metering system 36. Heating of the seed between 1 to
5.degree. F., and even as little as 1.8.degree. F., more than the
ground temperature will enable IR sensing. Also, cooling by that
difference will enable IR sensing. With such an IR sensor, a narrow
sensing window can be used to sense when a seed passes the sensor
within the furrow, and the sensing event can be time stamped or
geo-referenced.
[0031] Other types of heaters may also be used. For example, it is
possible to heat the air used to move the seed from central tanks
to the mini-hoppers on the row unit. Heaters which are powered by
electric, gas or diesel, etc. can be used to heat the air
surrounding the seed. It may also be possible to heat seeds with
the exhaust air from the vacuum fan. Heated air can also be used
through a nozzle to agitate the seeds in the mini-hopper and also
heat the seeds. It may also be possible to divert some of the
engine exhaust to heat the seeds directly or use an air-to-air heat
exchanger.
[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, detector 42 can be
configured as a video camera which is mounted to the row crop unit
and arranged to view the furrow between furrow opener 28 and
closing wheels 34. There, the video camera can see seeds passing
beneath the camera after being placed in the furrow and coming to
rest at the bottom of the furrow. This results in the sensing of an
actual location of the seed in the furrow. The image viewed by the
camera is transmitted to processor 16A which determines when a seed
comes into view. Processor 16A then measures the time until the
next seed is detected. With planter speed information, the distance
between seeds is determined.
[0033] If detector 42 is configured as a video camera, it is
necessary to analyze the video frames to detect when a seed passes
a predetermined point on the image, such as a transverse center
line. If planting at 9 mph (target goal), it may be necessary to
have as many as four frames showing a given seed to determine when
the seed crosses a mid-line. If the seed spacing is 6 inches, this
requires a high speed video of 120-200 frames per second.
[0034] Other types of detectors for detecting individual seeds
within the furrow are also possible. For example, detector 42 can
be configured as a magnetic sensor, a microwave sensor, or other
suitable sensor. If detector 42 is configured as a magnetic sensor,
the seeds are coated with a magnetic coating which can be sensed by
the magnetic sensor prior to placement within the furrow. If
detector 42 is configured as a microwave sensor, the difference in
the dielectric constant of the seed and soil is utilized. With a
microwave sensor, it is likely necessary to adjust for changing
soil moisture throughout the day or moisture differences in the
field.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment
of a single row crop unit 50 of a multi-row planter, with each row
crop unit 50 being substantially identical and connected to a
common tool bar 51. Only a single row crop unit 50 is shown and
described below for simplicity sake.
[0036] Row crop unit 50 carries a double disc furrow opener 52 for
forming a seed trench in the soil. An optional coulter wheel 54,
particularly for use in no-till situations, may be placed ahead of
double disc furrow opener 52. A pair of gauge wheels 56 are
respectively associated with the pair of discs of double disc
furrow opener 52. More particularly, each gauge wheel 56 is
positioned generally in line with and immediately adjacent to the
outside of each respective disc of double disc furrow opener 52.
Each gauge wheel 56 may be vertically adjusted to adjust the depth
of the trench which is cut into the soil using double disc furrow
opener 52. A furrow closer in the form of a pair of closing wheels
58 are positioned generally in line with double disc furrow opener
52. Closing wheels 58 are preferably biased in a downward direction
and have a peripheral edge with a shape which may vary, depending
upon the application.
[0037] A seed placement system 60 is shown in the form of a gravity
drop seed tube 62, but could be configured differently, such as a
power drop seed placement system with a powered wheel, etc.
[0038] A seed metering system 64 receives seed from a main seed
supply, such as seed from a distant main seed hopper which is
supplied via air or the like, or a seed hopper carried by tool bar
51. Within a housing 66 of seed metering system 64 there is a seed
pool area. A seed disk within housing 66 (not visible) has a
plurality of holes with seed cells on the seed side of the disk
intermittently spaced about the periphery thereof. The vacuum
airflow promotes entry of the seeds into the seed cells and
maintains the seeds in place within the seed cells. Seeds are
transported from the seed cells to seed tube 62. Of course, seed
metering system 64 may be configured with a positive pressure to
assist in seed movement rather than a vacuum pressure.
[0039] Similar to row crop unit 20 described above, row crop unit
50 has a detector 68 which is located in an area between furrow
opener 52 and closing wheels 58. Detector 68 may be configured as
described above with reference to detector 42, such as an IR
sensor, video camera, magnetic sensor or microwave sensor. Detector
68 is coupled with electrical processor 16A, either wired or
wirelessly, and provides a plurality of seed presence signals to
electrical processor 16A. Electrical processor 16A receives the
plurality of seed presence signals from detector 68 and a speed
signal from speed sensor 19, and determines a seed spacing which is
dependent upon each of the seed presence signals and speed
signal.
[0040] With each of the detectors 42 and 68 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
the detector 42, 68 is positioned such that the sensor directly
detects the seed within the furrow. However, it is also possible,
depending upon the application and configuration of a particular
row crop unit, to position an intervening minor 70, optical lens or
the like (FIG. 4) between the detector and the furrow, while still
allowing accurate sensing of the seed within the furrow. Moreover,
it may be desirable to utilize a fan 72, which may be connected by
appropriate tubing, etc, to blow air across detector 68 and/or
mirror 70 to inhibit the accumulation of dust or other matter which
could interfere with proper sensing of seed within the furrow.
[0041] In the embodiments of the seed spacing monitoring systems
described above, temperature sensitive sensors 42 and 68 provide
seed presence signals to electrical processors 16A and/or 16B,
which in turn time stamp the seed presence signals and determine a
seed spacing based on the time relationship between seeds. However,
it may be desirable to geo-reference the seed presence signals
using a geo-referencing system. One type of geo-referencing system
is a GPS 74 which may be used to geo-reference the location of each
sensed seed within the furrow. More specifically, the assignee of
the present invention markets a GPS known as a "GreenStar" GPS
which is typically mounted on top of the cab of tractor 12 (not
shown), and could be used with the present invention for
geo-referencing of the seed presence signals. As another option, a
stand-alone GPS could be mounted to seeder 10 for geo-referencing
the seed presence signals. As yet another option, a geo-referencing
system configured as a localized sensor system could be used to
geo-reference the seed presence signals. For example, sensors could
be positioned at predefined locations around the perimeter of a
field which interact with a transceiver mounted on seeder 10 for
geo-referencing the seed presence signals.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, a method of operation 80 of the
seed spacing monitoring system 16 will be described in greater
detail. As described above, a furrow opener 28, 52 is used to open
a furrow in the soil (block 82). A seed metering system 36, 64
receives seed from a seed source, singulates the seed, and passes
the singulated seed to a seed placement system (block 84). The
singulated seed is deposited in the furrow by seed placement system
38, 60 at a predetermined seeding population (block 86). A detector
42, 68 detects a series of seeds and transmits seed presence
signals corresponding to each sensed seed to electrical processor
16A (block 88). Electrical processor 16A measures the time between
the seeds (block 90) and/or alternatively geo-references the seeds
using a GPS 74. The time between seeds is combined with a ground
speed and used to determine a spatial attribute in the form of a
seed spacing between seeds (blocks 92 and 94). The monitoring
method continues while the seeding operation is in effect (line
96).
[0043] More particularly, the ground speed is typically measured in
units of miles per hour (miles/hour) and the time between seeds is
measured in units of seconds/seed. Using appropriate conversion
factors, the seed spacing (inches per seed) can be converted in one
embodiment as follows:
miles hour .times. hour second .times. inches mile .times. second
seed = inches seed ##EQU00001##
[0044] The ground speed and detector output signal can thus be
combined in an appropriate manner to yield a measurement of seed
spacing between seeds. The electrical processor 16B onboard tractor
12 may include a visual display which provides information to the
operator in the form of the percentage of skips, the percentage of
double seeding, the actual or average spacing of the seed, etc.
[0045] Memory within electrical processor 16A and/or 16B can store
the seed spacing information for a predetermined number of seeds
and calculate an average seed spacing together with a statistical
measure of variability, such as the standard deviation in the seed
spacing, and display that information to the operator, such as at a
display of electrical processor 16B. The operator can determine if
the seed spacing is within the desired limits and also if the
variability in seed spacing is within desired limits. If the
average seed spacing and/or the variability are outside the desired
limits, the operator can take corrective action.
[0046] Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become
apparent that various modifications can be made without departing
from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *