ES2543033B2 - Electronic device for measuring the distance between seeds in test bench for precision seeder - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic device for measuring the distance between seeds, to evaluate the accuracy of the dosers of the monograno seeders in laboratory conditions. It is made up of a system of proximity sensors arranged in a detection plane, where the time between seed and seed, their position and their counting are determined. The measuring device is placed under the seed discharge tube. The information collected by the electronic device, together with the speed of advance of the seeder, allow to determine the distances between seeds. The information is stored in a memory, which allows the information to be transmitted to a computer.

Description

ELECTRONIC DISTANCE MEASUREMENT DEVICE BETWEEN SEEDS IN

TEST BANK FOR PRECISION SEEDER.

5 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Electronic device for measuring the distance between seeds, in laboratory conditions, for the evaluation of the precision of the monograno dispensers of the sowing machines.

10 Technical sector

The present invention is included within the sector of the auxiliary industry of agriculture, particularly in the sector of planting machinery.

Background of the Invention

Monograne, or preClslon, sowing is one in which grains or seeds are introduced by a mechanical or pneumatic metering device individually, individually.

20 that a uniform distribution of seeds in the soil is obtained, in order to obtain maximum crop yield. However, during the dosing of the seeds, they are not dosed uniformly, therefore, the seeds have a different trajectory when they fall towards the ground.

25 One of the agrocomponents of a planter is the seed dispenser or distributor. The variability of a seed distribution depends on several sources, such as variations in the caliber of the seeds, irregularities of the ground, the speed of operation of the distributor (the higher the variability increases).

30 The speed of rotation of the doser is related to the feed rate of the seeder, as it increases, the faster the rotation speed of the doser and COn can result in a lack of uniformity in planting.

The laboratory evaluation of the monogram dosers corresponding to 35 precision seeders requires the measurement of the distances between seeds. It can be done:

•

Manually, which requires greater demand for time and labor.

•

Through electronic systems, more complex and expensive.

40 There are systems that use different seed sensors, as explained below, but, in general, none measures the distance between seeds, an aspect that the proposed device does. Next, the systems emerged in the background search are analyzed, indicating the differences and technological improvements of the device proposed with

45 regarding them:

•

AR0 74333A1. SEM ILLAS SENSOR SYSTEM AND IMPROVED METHOD FOR

SEM ILLAS COUNT AND SPACE AMONG SEM ILLAS.

It is a system where a sensor determines the position of the seed with

relation to the seed tube as it passes through the sensor. The position of the

S

seed of the planter and the position of the tube is millero above the groove of

Plantation are used to calculate the trajectory of the seed in the furrow from

of which the spacing between seeds is predicted. This measurement system, to

Optoelectronic sensors are more complex and more expensive than the

proposed since it needs the alignment of the sender and receiver. Also, being the

10

nsor in the upper part, does not contemplate the possibility of variations in the

bounce trajectories inside the discharge tube of se miles. He

proposed device differs from this system in that it uses another principle of

measurement, and the location of the measurement system is not in the tube

unloading of se mile but at the bottom of it, being therefore

fifteen

independent of the length and shape of the tube is millero.

•

AR058 146A1. METHOD AND PROVISION FOR OBSERVATION AND STUDY OF

SEED DOSERS THROUGH THE DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

BETWEEN DOSED SEEDS AND ITS POSITION IN THE SURROUND OBTAINED

twenty

FOR A SEED.

This measurement system consists of a laboratory test bench, where the

measurement of the distance between seeds is manual while the proposal

it consists of an elearonic device for determining the distance between

seeds.

25

•

AROS2910A1. APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COUNTING AND MEASURING FREQUENCY

OF SEEDS.

This system of this patent measures only the frequency of the seed, and the

account, which does not imply that you measure the distance between three seeds. For example, if the

30

discharge tube is clogged and this type of device will continue to measure

frequency, that is, seed passing through the tube, but it will never measure distance.

Instead, the device to be patented measures the distance between seeds in a bank

de laborato rio, once the seed went through the tube and deposited in the band

Endless type of test bench.

35

•

AR228873. MONITOR AND SEED COUNTING DEVICE FOR

SUPERVISE THE PASSAGE THROUGH A PREDETERM INADO TRAJECT

IN A SEEDING MACHINE.

This measurement system uses optical sensors (transmitter-receiver) and does not allow

40

determine distance between se miles, only the count and passage of se miles through the

senso r. In cabio, the device to be patented measures the distance between seeds in a

laboratory bench, once the seed went through the tube and deposited in the

Endless type band of the test bench.

4S • CN101498624. ON-LlNE DETECTION APPARATUS FOR SEED SPAClNG EVENNESS OF ACCURATE PLANTER.

This device is based on a digital graphics processing technique to measure the distance between seeds, both in a test bench and in the field. It also uses a vidicon digital coupled docking device (CCD), a microcontroller (MCU), a LEO light and a micro fan. This system is

5 highly expensive (possibly the cause of abandonment), while our device (optoelectronic) is simple, low cost, and of sufficient precision for the purpose of the patent.

• CNlO1 358905. SYSTEM FOR DETECTING SOWING QUAlITY OF RICE

10 SEEDlING RAISING DISK AND APPlICATION THEREOF FOR DETECTING. This device is for rice planting (rice seedlingl, which does not use planting of

precision. Our device is for precision-seeded large grains (for

example, corn).

15 • CN201069905. TEST BENCH OF SEED SOWING DEVICE OF SEEDER. This device is not designed to directly measure the planting distance between seeds, its function is to evaluate the efficiency in the distribution of the seed, not in the precision with which it is sown. The device "simulates" the sowing situation of "drum" or "duckbill" type dispensers. On the other hand the

20 device to be patented measures the distance between seeds in a laboratory bench, it is not a simulator. It is a device that measures the precision of the distance between seeds, once they crossed the discharge tube and were deposited in the endless band of the test bench.

25 • UA19336. TEST BENCH FOR DETERMINING THEQUALlTY OF SOWING SEEDS. This product is only valid for seeders with single row alveolated disc sowing device, while the proposed one can be used for any precision sowing device (single, double or three row honeycomb disc, finger device, sheave double, etc.)

• US2008 / 0265141. SEED COUNTlNG AND FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD. This device measures only seed count and frequency, using the distance between the sensor and the area of measurement as a means for measurement effectiveness.

35 image where the seed passes, but does not measure the planting distance. Instead, the device to be patented measures the distance between seeds in a laboratory bench, once the seed has passed through the tube.

• UA68031. TEST RIG FOR SAWING MACHINES.

40 This device is for seeders with seeding devices by vacuum or pressure, which are not very frequent because they are not widely accepted by the producer due to the high labor requirement, as a result of the care of the hoses that originate the ford or pressure, while The proposed device is for seeders with mechanical sowing devices, which are majority in the

45 rural world.

• EP0367829. CONTROL AN D EVA lUATION SYSTEM FOR TH E SOWINC OF SEEDS. This device measures the interval (time) between two consecutive seeds, which does not imply measuring the distance, as does the proposed device.

• 5U1344268A1; SU1477279A2. These two measurement systems, A1 and its A2 variant, consist of a test bench where the measurement of the distance between seeds is manual. It has a mechanical system that moves the band to one side, which

10 allows increasing the quantity of dosed seeds. According to the figure, it follows that the SU1477279A2 device (from 1986) is placed in the part

totally superior of the descent device, which was common 30 years ago. He

Patented device consists of an electronic system for determining the distance between seeds. It is placed in the base of the discharge tube, where 15 is proven to have the highest precision. As for the SU1344268A1 device, it is older (1970) than the SU1477279A2, and measures the angular velocity (w) of the planting device. According to the figure, it follows that there is no sowing tube, which does not allow the distance between seeds to be measured automatically (only manually). On the other hand the

The device to be patented measures the distance between seeds in a laboratory bench, once the seed has passed through the tube and was deposited in the endless band of the test bench.

• SU1253448.

25 This measurement system consists of a test bench where the measurement of the distance between seeds is through a camera. The proposal differs from this patent in that it consists of an electronic system for the determination of the distance between seeds.

30 • US7086269. APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTINC SEED SINCUlATION OF A SEED METER. This device serves to guarantee the individual sowing of seeds, detecting the cases in which two seeds are deposited instead of one. The object of this patent has no relation to the proposed device.

• US5938071. TEST STAND FOR CAlIBRATINC SEED METERS. This device is for seeders with seeding devices by means of vacuum or pressure, rare because they are not widely accepted by the producer due to the high requirement of labor, product of the care of the hoses that

40 originate the vacuum or pressure, while our device is for seeders with mechanical sowing devices, which are majority in the rural world.

• The article "Opto-electronic Sensor System for Rapid Evaluation of Planter Seed Spancing Uniformity", published in Transactions of ASAE 41 (1): 237-245, describes the measurement system for determining the distance between seeds, using as variables : the trajectory of the seed, the speed of advance of the

Seeder and time between seeds. The optoelectronic sensor measurement system is more complex and more expensive than the proposed system. In addition, it needs the correct alignment of the light emitters and receivers 5 (photo-diode or photo-transistor or other detectors capable of detecting emitted radiation), which requires skilled labor for both manufacturing,

How to assemble the sensor.

• The article "Laboratory evaluation of seed metering device using image processing

10 method ", published in the Australian Joumal of Agricultural Eogineering 2 (11: 1-4, describes the use of a digital camera and an image processing program written for the MAllAB software. This equipment is more expensive than the optoelectronic sensor , which limits its adoption.

15 It follows that, in general, none of the aforementioned antecedents measures the distance between pairs of seeds under laboratory conditions, in an economical, simple and precise manner.

Description of the invention

The electronic device is designed to be used in laboratory conditions, on a typical test bench for the evaluation of manual monogram dispensers.

25 The basic principle of operation of the electronic device for measuring the distance between seeds consists in determining, through a measuring system, the distance between consecutive seeds in a horizontal plane. For this, the time elapsed between two consecutive seeds and the trajectories of the seeds is determined through a system of capacitive proximity sensors. From this information already

30 through an integration software, the distance between seeds in the horizontal plane is determined.

The data is acquired through a system of capacitive proximity sensors (or electrical proximity sensors), which detects the passage of the seeds. This type of sensors detect the variation in capacity that is produced by the approximation of an object, in this case, seeds. Its advantage is that it can detect almost all materials, from metal to oil. When a sensor detects a seed, it emits a signal to a microcontroller, it recognizes to which sensor the signal corresponds and stores the position data, simultaneously triggers a counter that records the

40 time until a new seed crosses the detection plane. The microcontroller stores two data vectors in the system memory, one corresponding to the positions, and another corresponding to the times.

The device is connected to a computer, via serial port, RS-232 protocol, and

45 generates a data file. The mentioned file will be processed in an Excel data sheet, to calculate the distance between seeds.

Description of the figures

Next, a series of figures (drawings, ...) are described very briefly.

5 that help to better understand the invention and that expressly relate to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

Figure 1 is the scheme of a typical test bench used for the evaluation of 10 monogram dispensers by measuring the distance between seeds so

manual.

Figure 2 is a diagram of the cross section of a sensor, and of the detection of a seed by it.

15 Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the detection plane, with three seeds (1, 11 and 111), in three different times tl <tll <tlll.

Figure 4 is a schematic of how to assign the position of the seed in the detection plane.

Figure 5 is a general 3D view of the measuring device.

Detailed description of the invention

25 The electronic device is designed to be used in laboratory conditions, on a typical test bench for the evaluation of monogram dispensers, replacing the manual measurement (Figure 1).

30 The product to be patented uses a system of capacitive proximity sensors, or electrical proximity sensors, that allow the deletion of conductive and non-conductive lines, for functions with tadoras, and for all kinds of level controls of solid materials. or liquids Their advantage is that they can detect almost all materials, from metal to oil. Sensors

35 capacitors evaluate the variation of the capacity that is produced by the penetration of an object in the electric field. With the corresponding sizing, the capacitive sensor is also able to "see" through certain nonmetallic materials. Thus, this sensor is the classic filling level detector capable of detecting the level of filling of liquids and granules through container walls. In addition, the

40 capacitive sensors offer a technological alternative for applications where the use of inductive detectors is not possible. The connection distance with respect to a given material is greater the higher its dielectric constant. Thus, this device is considered as an "ideal" component of the measurement system to be patented.

The sensor system is located in a detection plane, and consists of at least 10 capacitive proximity sensors, the 'integrated QTl 13' commercial component can be used, to which an electrode is connected. The electrode consists of a copper plate, responsible for producing the electric field for proximity detection.The integrated circuit S to which it is connected, detects the variation of capacity, and emits a signal, according to its regulation; that is, it emits the signal when it detects a

object, for example seeds, at a given distance from the electrode sensor.

Capacitive proximity sensors detect variations in the dielectric constant.

1 O Therefore, when a seed is interposed in one of the sensors, the dielectric constant is modified and, with it, a signal is generated where the sensor detects the presence of a seed (Figure 2).

To illustrate a hypothetical situation of the operation of the system, the

15 following example: A first seed (Figure 3) exits through the seed discharge tube, and when entering the active detection electric field the sensor corresponding to the SS zone of the detection plane, assigning position 9. To it time, the timer (time!) of the measurement system starts to work. After a certain time (t,), a second seed (// J simultaneously activates the corresponding seeds)

20 to zones 57 and 58, assigning position 14, since if a seed activates two consecutive sensors, the intermediate position will be assigned to it. the third seed (l1 / J falls after a time / 111 (being t¡ ,,> t¡) and activates the sensor 52 of the detection plane, corresponding to position 3. The device will also count the time elapsed between the detection of the seed 11 and I know my name 111. This way it goes

25 generating the vector distance between seeds, where it is stored in the memory of the measurement system.

Figure 4 shows the way of assigning the positions for the seeds when they are detected by the seed detection plane. The flow chart represents an example in which, if the seed is detected by the capacitive sensor S 1 Y is not detected by the capacitive sensor $ 2 then 5 means that the seed is in the zone of the sensor 51 therefore it is assigns the position to the seed 1 the location P (seed 1) = 1. In case that the sensors 51 and 52 are activated simultaneously it means that the seed is in the limit of both sensors, with which the position is assigned P (seed 1)

35 = 2. In this way the positions of the seeds are detected according to the passage thereof. The system has at least 10 sensors and can detect 19 seed passage positions. Each position assigned from 1 to 19 (Figure 3) is equally spaced, being able to determine the correction by trajectory of the consecutive seeds (.ó.x).

The microcontroller generates 2 data vectors (that is, two types of data): position P (i) and time Tri) between two consecutive seeds (Figure 4) and the total number of seeds counted, which are stored in memory of the measurement system, in a data file of type .txt For our design, at least 10 sensors were used, as shown

45 Figure 3.

The microcontroller used is a PIC16F84A, where the sensor system is connected (Figure)). The measurement system determines a vector distance between seeds according to which

be the sensor / s is activated, at the same time that the timer is triggered

determine the time until the next semi-Ila detection.

In summary, capacitive sensors detect the variation in capacity that is produced by the approximation of an object, in this case, seeds. Differentiating itself from the sensors that use optical barrier, where the length of the seed (geometry) influences the measurement of time, since they measure its permanence in the infrared barrier of the sensor.

10 When a sensor detects a seed, it emits a signal to a microcontroller, it recognizes it and stores the position data, simultaneously triggers a counter that records the time until a new seed crosses the detection plane. The microcontroller stores two data vectors in the system memory, one corresponding to the positions, and another corresponding to the times.

15 The way to process the data is as follows: connecting the microcontroller to any computer (via the serial port, RS-232 protocol) creates a data file obtained from the planting monitoring. This file can be loaded into a specific software for processing. This one should be able to get the distances between

20 seeds using the vectors position P (i) and time T (i) and the speed of advance of the machine (which must be loaded by the operator).

In mathematical terms, the above can be expressed through the following equation:

25 How to calculate the distance between seeds (Oc). Do = Vu · ~ + Ax (Equation 1) where;

• v ..: speed of the seeder that is associated with the speed of 30 rotation of the dispenser

•

Last time between two consecutive seeds

•

Llx¡: correction by difference of the trajectory of two consecutive seeds

Taking into account the previous equation, it is necessary to determine the variables Llt and Llx; 35 to obtain the data of the distance between seeds.

The calculation of the distance between seeds (expressed in m) is given in equation (1) by the first term, feed rate expressed in m * s · l, multiplied by the time between seeds expressed in s. The second term L1x is a correction in the calculation of

40 the distance between seeds, since the seeds when dosed have different paths. The detection distance can be regulated by modifying the field strength, using the power supply of the electronic device.

45 The design of the electronic device is presented below. The sensors and electronic components are protected with a housing that provides IP 55 protection.

An inclined baffle plate is placed on the detection plane (Figure 5, Ref. 2) so that the seeds do not interfere with the measurement, so that the seeds are

diverted to a small hopper.

5 The back has three covers, one for the batteries (2 x AA), one to access the calibration screws, and one to access the serial port for connection to the computer.

When the seeds leave the discharge tube, they are detected by the detection plane, consisting of at least 10 sensors, and diverted to a side where a container for storage is located (Figure 5, Re !. 3). Through the RS-232 port (Figure S, Ref. 4) it is connected to a computer to observe in real time and / or obtain the information collected by the measurement system. The power supply for the operation of the measurement system can be battery operated or through the mains. The system has the possibility of calibrating the sensor's electric field and the

15 connection to a computer.

The seeds are dosed into the discharge tube to the ground. Below the discharge tube, the device to measure the distance between seeds is placed. The seeds, when they leave the discharge tube, impact on the deflector plate which, being inclined, bounces and is stored in the hopper of the device (Figure 5, reference

3)

The software written in C ++ language allows it to be stored on the computer through the digitized signal through the RS232 port. When the seed falls through the seed discharge tube 25 it passes through the detection zone composed of at least 10 capacitive proximity sensors. This signal that enters the computer is processed and determines the time between consecutive seeds determined with the timer. After it has passed, the voltage level returns to its original value until the next seed passes through the sensor. That time between the end of the passage of a

30 seed and the beginning of the next step is called "time between events". In turn, a vector of data is generated with respect to the trajectories of seeds, determining the position of passage of the seeds.

The test bench represents the most likely scenario in which this device will be used, performing tests in a fixed test bench, which will be supported on its basis on some suitable support.

The embodiment is explained below. Proceed by loading the hopper with seeds, select the operating speed of the distributor, and place the

40 measuring device under the seed discharge tube. Then, you can start with the essay. The duration will depend on the number of measurements you want to have.

After the test, the device is removed by unloading the seeds used by

45 the gate that has one of its ends. Before performing a new test, the information obtained must be downloaded to a computer.

It can be observed with a seeder stopped, as can be the case with a control

of quality / performance during the manufacturing of the planting unit. In this situation

The planter's wheels can be lifted or placed on rollers (using special clamping system 5 or drums) and placed under the seed discharge tubes the

measuring device.

For the test, the transmission system of the machine (for example from the control wheel) must be boosted and the corresponding transmission ratios 10 selected for the sowing density.

In the case of static seeder but moving the drive wheels with the dispensers, the machine will be advanced with the sowing trains to be tested raised and the measuring devices attached to them by means of the system

1 S special.

Claims (2)

one.

Electronic device for measuring the distance between seeds in the test bank

for precision seeder, which includes

a system of capacitive sensors

5

equiespaciauos di spuestos unu a cunLirlUaciún of the other, forming a physical plane of

sensors

with a diagram from detection perpendicular to saying flat; a

my crocontroller, a deflector plate

inclined with respect to the detection plane; Y

a hopper physically disposed at the lower end of the deflector plate, defined

by the intersection of the physical plane of sensors with the deflector plate.

10

2.

Electronic device for measuring planting distance according to claim "

characterized

why the microcontroller receives a signal of the plane physicist of

sensors, when detecting a seed, with 105 data on the position of each seed and the

time elapsed until the next seed that crosses the plane is detected

fifteen

detection. With the data obtained is executed the calculation algorithm from the

distance between seeds when multiplying the speed of

advance of the seeder of

precision for the time elapsed between the detection of two consecutive seeds,

and added the difference of the positions assigned to these two consecutive seeds.

The average distance between seeds of the precision seeder is obtained by

Add

twenty

all values obtained by distance between consecutive miles, divided by

Number of measurements taken.