Planter monitor system and method

[0001] Annually in the United States, about 40,000 growers plant over 70 million acres of corn, which gives over 12 billion bushels of corn harvested every year, which in turn translates into annual revenues exceeding USD 20 billion. Many growers are aware that one of the factors having the greatest impact on the performance of each acre sown, and also the most controllable, is the quality of seed deposition in the soil. If the grower can receive earlier information about the quality of seed placement in the soil during sowing, the grower will be able to make earlier adjustments or adjustments to the seeder and its operation, which could increase productivity by three to nine bushels from acres, which at today's prices translates into an additional 9.00 to 27.00 USD of additional income from an acre at no cost. Net profit for growers and the US economy, resulting from such an increase in production, would reach hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

[0002] Although existing monitors can alert the seeder operator to certain "crop-stealing events", many operators simply ignore these warnings or delay any corrections or adjustments until they are convenient for the operator (such as end of field or when filling) trays, etc.). Lack of motivation to take immediate corrective actions may result from ignorance or failure to fully realize by the operator in the scope of economic losses caused by the event stealing crops. Alternatively, this may be because, because most existing seed drill monitors only provide broad averages for the entire seed drill in terms of seed per acre or split percentage, the operator may not know that there is a crop-stealing event occurring in a particular row if the overall average population or Separation seems to be within target or desirable values.

[0003] 'Crop stealing events' are generally caused by one of two types of errors, namely: metering errors and soil deposition errors. Dosing errors occur when instead of releasing one grain at a time, or if several grains are released from the dispenser simultaneously (which is usually referred to as "clusters" or "doublets"), or when the dispenser does not release any grain, although it should ( usually referred to as "hop"). It should be understood that seed clusters or seed hopping will result in a net loss in yield compared to seeds sown with proper soil deposition, as more densely set seeds will produce smaller cobs due to competition for water and nutrients. Similarly, seed hopping will result in a net loss in crop, even if neighboring plants produce larger flasks due to lack of competition for water and nutrients due to the missing plant.

[0004] Soil deposition errors occur when the pitch time between sequentially released seeds is irregular or unstable compared to the time interval when the seeds were released from the seed dispenser, resulting in irregular spacing between adjacent grains in the furrow. Deposition errors in soil are most often caused by a ricochet of grain in the grain guide pipe, caused by the grain entering the pipe in the wrong place, or by

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An irregularity or obstacle along the grain path in the grain guide tube, or due to excessive acceleration of the vertical seeding sections of the row when the seed drill passes through the field. [0005] In addition to metering errors and soil placement errors, another crop-stealing event can be attributed to improper soil compaction adjacent to the grain, resulting either from insufficient pressure exerted by the support wheels on the surrounding soil, or from excessive pressure exerted by the support wheels. As discussed in detail in the PCT Application No. PCT / US08 / 50427, jointly owned, pending examination, if the pressure exerted by the support wheels or other depth adjusting element is too low, the discs may not cut into the soil to the full desired depth and / or the soil may collapse when seeding, resulting in an uneven depth of seed placement. However, if the pressure is excessive, poor root penetration can result in weaker stems, which can in turn expose the crop to unnecessary stress in dry conditions. Excessive pressure can also re-open the furrow, affecting germination, or causing shoot death.

[0006] While some experienced operators may be able to identify certain types of corrective actions necessary to minimize or reduce particular types of crop-stealing events when they are properly informed about their occurrence and their economic effects, other operators may not be able to identify so easily the type of corrective action required, especially those with generally less experience in sowing or when the operator has changed the make or model of the drill.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a monitoring system and method that is able to provide the operator with real-time data on crop-stealing events and the economic cost associated with such crop-stealing events, so as to motivate the operator to take immediate corrective action.

[0008] The present invention provides an agricultural seed drill monitoring system as defined in claim 1. 1. Additional features are subject to dependent patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0009]

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred implementation of a seed drill monitoring system according to the present invention for monitoring the operation and performance of a drill.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional seed drill.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the seeding section of the row of the conventional seed drill of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the height adjusting mechanism of the support wheel of the conventional seed drill of Fig. 2.

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EP 2 104 413 B1

Fig. 5 is an example of the preferred display of the Level 1 Screen for the monitoring system in accordance with the present invention, showing the preferred format for reporting details of the total output of the seed drill.

Fig. 6 is an example of a preferred implementation of the Level 2 Population Detail Display screen for the monitoring system of Fig. 5, showing the preferred format for reporting population performance by row.

Fig. 7 is an example of the preferred implementation of the Level 2 Separation Detail screen display for the monitoring system of Fig. 5, showing the preferred format for reporting separation efficiency by row.

Fig. 8 is an example of a preferred implementation of the Level 2 Placement Detail screen display for the monitoring system of Fig. 5, showing the preferred format for reporting stacking performance by row.

Fig. 9 is an example of a preferred implementation of the Level 3 Row Details screen display for the monitoring system of Fig. 5, showing the preferred format for reporting performance details of a particular row.

Fig. 10 is an example of the preferred implementation of the Row Selection screen display for the monitoring system of Fig. 5, showing the preferred format for selecting a row of seeder to display additional details of that row, as shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is an example of screen display for the monitoring system of Fig. 5, showing the preferred format of settings and configurations.

Fig. 12 shows an example of screen display for selective input of a type of grain during configuration.

Fig. 13 shows an example of screen display for entering population settings during configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0010] Referring now to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts within several views, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred implementation of the seed drill monitoring system 1000 according to the present invention for monitoring the operation and performance of the seed drill 10. Like a conventional, preferred seed drill monitoring system 1000 includes a display 1002 and user interface 1004, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI) with a touch screen. The preferred GUI with 1004 touch screen is preferably built into a 1006 enclosure that also houses a microprocessor, memory and more

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Relevant devices and software for receiving, collecting, processing, transmitting, displaying and implementing various beneficial features and functions described below (hereinafter collectively referred to as "processing circuit"), as one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand.

[0011] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the preferred seed drill monitoring system 1000 preferably interacts and / or connects to various external devices and sensors described below, including, for example, GPS unit 100, seed sensor group 200, one or more load sensors 300, one or more inclinometer 400, meters vertical acceleration 500, horizontal acceleration meters 600, 700 vacuum sensors (for seed drills with pneumatic metering systems) or any other sensors to monitor the seed drill and the environment that may affect the sowing operation.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a conventional seed drill 10, such as a John Deere MaxEmerge or MaxEmerge Plus seed drill, to which the monitoring system and method of the present invention may be used. It should be understood that while reference is made to row drills throughout this description, and in particular to certain models of John Deere seed drills, such references are only examples intended to provide context and a reference frame for the subject of discussion. In this sense, this system and method of monitoring the drill should not be considered as limited to the particular make or model of the drill. Similarly, this system and method of monitoring the seed drill should not be considered as limited to row drills, because the features and functions of the monitoring system may also apply to seed drills or other types of seed drills.

[0013] The seed drill 10 comprises a group of separated seeding sections of rows 12 supported on a tool beam 14 of the main frame 13 of the seed drill. The main frame 13 of the seed drill connects to the tractor 15 in a conventional manner, e.g. via a drawbar 17 or a three-point linkage system, which are well known in the art. Road wheel assemblies (not shown) hold the main frame 13 above the ground and are movable relative to the main frame 13 due to the hydraulic system of the seeder (not shown) connected to the tractor's hydraulic system to raise and lower the main frame 13 of the seeder, respectively, between positions transport position and sowing position.

[0014] As best illustrated in Fig. 3, each row 12 sowing section is supported on the tool bar by means of a parallel connector 16 which allows the vertical movement of each row 12 sowing section independently of the tool bar 14 and other separated row seeding sections, to compensate for changes in the terrain or when the seeding row row hits a stone or other obstacle while the drill is being dragged across the field. Deflecting means 18, such as springs, airbags, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or the like, act on the parallel joint 16 to exert a downward force on the row sowing section for purposes which are discussed in detail in the following. Each sowing section, row 12, further includes a front mounting bracket 20, to which the boom carrier bar 22 and subframe 24 are mounted. The carrier beam 22 supports the seed hopper 26 and fertilizer hopper 28, and also operatively supports the seed metering hopper 30 and seed guide tube 32. The subframe operatively supports the furrow opening assembly 34 and the furrow closing assembly 36.

[0015] In operation, the furrow opening assembly cuts out furrow 38 (Figures 3 and 4) in the soil surface 40 when the drill is pulled across the field. The seed hopper 26, which contains the seed to be sown, transfers the constant seed 42 to the seed metering unit 30. Grain metering unit

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In each sowing section, row 12 is usually connected to the road wheels by means of rollers, chains, gears, transmission boxes etc., which is well known in the art, whereby individual seed 42 is dosed and released into grain guide tube 32 at regular intervals based on the desired grain population and the speed at which the drill is pulled through the field. Seed 42 falls from the end of the pipe leading the grain 32 to the furrow 38 and the grain 42 is covered with soil by the closing wheel assembly 36.

[0016] The furrow opening assembly 34 most often comprises a pair of flat discs with blades 44, 46 for opening the furrow and a depth adjustment assembly 47. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the depth adjustment assembly 47 includes a pair of support wheels 48, 50 selectively adjustable in vertical to the blade discs 44, 46 through the height adjustment mechanism 49. It should be noted, however, that instead of the double opening discs and the double support wheels, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, another more suitable furrow opening device and depth adjustment unit suitable for cutting furrow in the seed drill 10 can be used soil and adjust or control the depth of this furrow.

[0017] In the embodiment of the seeder of Figs. 2 and 3, the blades with blades 44, 46 are mounted so that they rotate on a shaft 52 mounted on the shaft 54 ​​depending on the subframe 24. The blades with blades 44, 46 are inclined in in such a way that the outer edges of the disc come into close contact at the point of entry 56 into the soil and deviate outwards and upwards from the direction of movement of the seed drill, as indicated by arrow 58. Thus, when the seeder 10 is pulled across the field, the furrow opening discs 44, 46 cut the V-shaped furrow 38 in soil surface 40 as described above.

[0018] As best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, the support wheel arms 60, 62 support the support wheels 48, 50 axially from the subframe 24 on the first axle 61. The support wheels 48, 50 are mounted so that they rotate to protrude into front of support wheel arms 60, 62 on the second axle 63. Support wheels 48, 50 have a diameter slightly larger than discs with blades 44, 46, so that the outer edges of the discs rotate at a slightly higher speed than the edges of the support wheels. Each of the support wheels 48, 50 has on its inner surface a flexible ring 64 (Fig. 4) which contacts the outer surface of the respective blade with blades 44, 46 in the area 66 (Fig. 3), where the discs come out of soil. It should be understood that when the opening discs 44, 46 come out of the soil after cutting the V-shaped furrow 38, the soil, especially in wet conditions, will tend to stick to the disc, which, if not prevented, would cause the walls to be pulled out furrows to the outside when the disc leaves the soil, resulting in poor furrow formation and / or collapse of the furrow walls, resulting in an irregular seeding depth. Accordingly, as best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, to prevent the furrow walls from tearing when the disc leaves the soil, the support wheels 48, 50 are positioned to knead the soil strip adjacent to the furrow, while also serving to scrape the outer surface discs 44, 46 to remove any soil buildup when the discs leave the soil. Accordingly, furrow opening discs 44, 46 and support wheels 48, 50 work together to strengthen and form uniform furrow walls at the desired depth.

[0019] In the embodiment of the seeder of Figs. 2 and 3, the depth adjustment mechanism 67, which is used to change the seed furrow depth 38, is obtained by vertical adjustment of the support wheels 48, 50 relative to the discs with furrow-opening blades 44, 46 by means of selective

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The height adjustment arm 68 is adjusted. In this embodiment, the height adjustment arm 68 is axially suspended on the subframe 24 by means of a mandrel 70 (Figures 3 and 5). The upper end 72 of the height adjustment arm 68 can be selectively positioned along the subframe 24. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, the swingarm 76 is loosely attached to the lower end 74 of the height adjustment arm 68 by means of a pin or screw 78. The rocker 76 rests against the upper surfaces of the swinging arms of the support wheels 60, 62, thus serving as a stop to prevent the support wheels of the support wheels 60, 62 from swinging counterclockwise around the first axis of rotation 61 as indicated by arrows 82. Thus, it should be appreciated that when the upper end 72 of the height adjustment arm 68 is selectively adjusted, the position of the swingarm / stopper 76 will move relative to the support wheel arms 60, 62. For example, referring to Fig. 5, when the upper end 72 of the height adjustment arm 68 is moved in the direction of arrow 84, the position of the swingarm / stopper 76 moves upward from the support wheel arms 60, 62, allowing the support wheels 48, 50 to move upward relative to the discs with the opening blades furrow 44, 46, due to which the majority of the blade with blades will protrude below the lower edges of the support wheels 48, 50, thus enabling the blades with blades to open the furrow 44, 46 deeper penetration into the soil. Similarly, when the upper end 72 of the height adjustment arm 68 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 86, the position of the swingarm / stopper 76 moves down toward the arms of the support wheels 60, 62, causing the support wheels 48, 50 to vertically downward relative to the discs with the furrow-opening blades 44, 46, thereby reducing the depth of penetration of the blade discs into the soil. When sowing row crops such as maize and soy, the position of the swingarm / stop 76 is usually adjusted so that the blade discs opening the furrow 44, 46 protrude beyond the lower edges of the support wheels 48, 50 to create a furrow with a depth of one to three inches.

[0020] In addition to acting as a stop, as described above, the loosely mounted swingarm 76 has the dual function of "leveling" or distributing the load carried by the two support wheels 48, 50, resulting in a more even furrow depth. It should be understood that during sowing operations, the substantially total dynamic and static load of the sowing section, row 12, along with the additional pressure force exerted by the biasing means 18, will be transmitted by the support wheels 48, 50 after the furrow opening discs 44, 46 penetrate the soil to the depth at which the support wheel arms 60, 62 meet the predetermined limit position of the swingarm 76. This load is transferred through the pivot 78 through the swingarm 76 to the support wheel arms 60, 62. Since the swingarm 76 is loosely attached to the height adjustment arm 68, the load of the seeding row row is distributed substantially evenly between the two support wheel arms 60, 62 in this way, that each arm 60, 62 carries one half of the load. In this regard, for example, if the support wheel 48 encounters an obstacle such as stone or hard soil clod, the support wheel arm 60 will forcibly be pushed up as the support wheel 48 travels over the obstacle. Because the swingarm 76 is connected to the height adjustment arm 68 by means of the stem 78, the swingarm 76 will swing around the stem 78, exerting an equal but opposing force on the other arm 62. In this sense, the swingarm 76 equalizes or distributes the load between the two support wheels. If there was no swingarm, whereby the lower end 74 of the height adjustment arm 68 would simply be a supporting surface, when the support wheels encounter obstacles or uneven terrain, the total load on the sowing section row 12

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The single support wheel would then be carried by it, when traveling uphill and over an obstacle, or until the terrain became flat again. Again, as stated above, the specific reference to the above elements describing the type of furrow opening assembly, depth adjustment element, grain dispenser, etc. may vary depending on the type of seed drill.

[0021] Many types of seed dispensers 30 are commercially available, which can generally be divided into two categories based on the grain selection mechanism used, namely mechanical or pneumatic. The most common commercially available mechanical dispensers include finger dispensers, such as those disclosed in US Patent No. 3552601 to Hansen ("Hansen '601"), cavity disk dispensers, such as those disclosed in US Patent No. 5720233 to Lodico et al. ("Lodico '233") and belt dispensers, such as disclosed in US Patent No. 5,992,338 to Romans ("Romance' 338").

[0022] The most commonly available pneumatic dispensers include vacuum disc dispensers, such as disclosed in US Patent No. 3,990,606 to Gugenhana ("Gugenhan '606") and US Patent No. 5170909 to Lundie et al. ("Lundie '909") and hypertension dispensers, such as those disclosed in US Patent No. 4,450979 to Deckler ("Deckler' 979").

[0023] The seed drill system and method of the present invention should not be considered as limited to use in connection with any particular type of seed dispenser. [0024] A GPS 100 unit, such as Deluo PMB-288 available from Deluo, LLC, 10084 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise, FL 33351, or other suitable device, is used to monitor the speed and distance covered by the seed drill 10. As will be discussed in more detail later in the description, preferably the output of the GPS 100 unit, including the speed of the seeder and the distances covered by the seeder, is connected to the monitor 1000 to display them to the operator and / or use them in various algorithms to obtain relevant data used in connection with the preferred system and method of the present invention.

[0025] As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, the preferred seed drill monitoring system 1000 preferably uses existing seed sensors 200 and the associated wiring harness 202 typically found in virtually all conventional seed drills 10. The most common or dominant type of seed sensors there are photoelectric sensors, e.g. from Dickey-John Corporation, 5200 Dickey-John Road, Auburn, IL 62615. A typical photoelectric sensor typically includes a light source element and a light receiving element disposed above the openings in the front and rear walls of the grain guide tube. During operation, each time the seed passes between the light source and the light receiver, the passing grain interrupts the light beam causing the sensor 200 to generate an electrical signal indicating the detection of passing grain. The generated electrical signals are transmitted to the monitor 1000 by means of a wire harness 202 or by appropriate means of wireless communication. It will be appreciated that with the system and method of the present invention, any other type of seed sensor capable of producing an electrical signal to determine grain transition may be equally suitable or even better in use. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered as limited to any particular type of seed sensor.

As previously stated, the preferred seed drill monitoring system 1000 also uses a load sensor 300 used to generate load signals corresponding to

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The load received or exerted on the depth control element 47. The load sensor 300 and the associated processing circuit may include any suitable means for detecting such load conditions, including, for example, sensors and circuit as disclosed in PCT / US08 / 5 0427. [0027] As described in more detail below, the received load by or on the support wheel 48, 50 or any other depth adjustment element used, it is preferably one of the values ​​displayed to the operator on the display screen 1002 and can also be used in connection with a favorable arrangement and method of reporting crop stealing events (e.g. loss of furrow depth or excessive soil compaction) and / or for automatic adjustment of additional pressure force, if it is it operated by the seeder.

[0028] The inclinometer 400 is preferably attached to the mounting fixture 20 of at least one seeding section row 12 of the drill 10 to detect the angle of the seeding section row 12 with respect to the vertical. Since the sowing section row 12 is connected by a parallel connector 16 to a crossbeam for tools 14 including part of the seeder frame 13, the angle of the front support 20 relative to the vertical will essentially correspond to the angle of the frame and the tool beam 13, 14. It will be appreciated that if the seeder drawbar is positioned substantially horizontally, the front support 20 will be positioned substantially vertically. Therefore, if the drawbar is not level, the front bracket will not be positioned substantially vertically, thereby causing the row sowing sections to tilt. If the row sowing section is tilted, the furrow opening assembly 36 will cut out either a deeper or shallower furrow than set by the depth adjustment mechanism 67, and consequently leading to poor germination and seedling growth. In this sense, data from the inclinometer 400 can be used in conjunction with an advantageous system and method to detect and / or report possible crop-stealing events and / or to automatically adjust the seed drill, if equipped, to make the necessary corrections to level the seeding section row . For example, if the inclinometer 400 detects that the front support is not essentially vertical, it may initiate an alarm to inform the operator that the drawbar is not level, about possible effects on seed placement in the soil, and will also favorably display on the screen 1002, appropriate corrective action to be taken.

[0029] As previously stated, the preferred seed drill monitoring system 1000 preferably also includes a vertical acceleration meter 500 and a horizontal acceleration meter 600. Preferably, the vertical acceleration meter 600 and the horizontal acceleration meters 600 are part of a single device together with the inclinometer 400.

[0030] The vertical acceleration meter 500 measures the vertical speed of the seeding row row 12 when the seed drill travels through the field, thus providing data on the smoothness of the movement of the seeding unit row over the soil, which is important because the smoothness of the movement of the seeding section row can affect the seed spacing . For example, if the seed is released from the seed dispenser just when the row sowing section encounters an obstacle, such as stone, the row sowing section will be pushed up, causing the grain to have a low vertical speed upwards. When the row sowing section passes an obstacle and is pushed back downwards by means of biasing means 18 or if the row sowing section enters the recess, the next grain released from the seed dispenser 30 will have a low vertical speed directed downwards. So, with all the other factors equivalent,

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The second grain with the initially given down velocity will reach the ground surface in less time than the first grain having the initially given up velocity, thus affecting the seed spacing. In this sense, data from the vertical acceleration sensor 500 can also be used in connection with a favorable arrangement and method for identifying and / or reporting crop-stealing events related to seed spacing due to field unevenness, excessive seed drill speed and / or insufficient pressure exerted by deflecting means 18. This information can be used to diagnose seed drill performance for automatic adjustment and / or to provide the operator with recommendations for corrective action in accordance with the preferred system and method of the present invention, including, for example, increasing pressure to reduce vertical speeds or reducing tractor speed / drill.

[0031] The horizontal acceleration meter 600, like the inclinometer 400, provides data that can be used in connection with a preferred method to diagnose tractor performance and / or provide the operator with recommendations for corrective action in accordance with the preferred system and method of the present invention. For example, horizontal acceleration is known to increase with wear on the parallel connector sleeve 16. Therefore, if the ratio of the standard deviation of the horizontal acceleration to the standard deviation of the vertical acceleration increases, this is probably because the sleeves or other load transfer elements of the parallel joint are worn and need to be replaced.

[0032] Referring in turn to Figs. 5-13, Fig. 5 is an example of a preferred Level 1 Screen for the seed drill monitoring system 1000; Figures 6-8 show examples of preferred Level 2 Screens; Figures 9-10 show examples of preferred Level 3 Screens; Fig. 11 shows an example of a preferred Configuration screen; and Figures 12-13 show examples of preferred Level 4 screens. Each of the screens is discussed below.

Level 1 Screen (Fig. 5) [0033] The Level 1 screen, 1010, has been so named because it is preferably the default screen that will be displayed on the display of the monitor 1012, unless the operator chooses to display a different level screen, as discussed in the following part. The preferred Level 1 Screen, 1010, contains a number of windows corresponding to various details of seed drill performance, including Seed Population Window 1012, Separation Window 1014, Jump / Cluster Window 1016, Proper Distance Window 1018, Smooth Motion Window 1020, Speed ​​Window 1022, Vacuum Window 1024 (if applicable), Force 1028 Window and 1028 Economic Loss Window. Each of these windows and how to determine the values ​​it displays are described below. Furthermore, the Level 1 Screen, 1010, preferably includes various function buttons, including the Configuration 1030 button, the Row 1032 Details button, the Snapshot 1034 button, and the Back 1036 button, each of which will be discussed below.

[0034] Population Window 1012: Population Window 1012 preferably contains a numerical value of seed population 1100, preferably updated every second (i.e. 1 Hz cycles), reflecting the moving average of the number of seeds (in thousands) sown per acre with a pre-set sampling frequency, preferably 1 h. The value of 1100 seed population is based on the following formula:

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EP 2 104 413 B1

Seed population 1030 =

0.001 x

Number of Seeds

Rows and Distance (ft) and Distance (ft) i43500ft²/acre

Where: Number of Seeds = Total number of seeds detected by 200 sensors in all rows during the sampling cycle.

Rows = the number of rows of the seed drill indicated during Configuration (discussed later)

Distance = seed row spacing indicated during Configuration

Dist. = distance (ft) traveled by the drill based on the signal from the GPS unit 100 during the sampling cycle [0035] Therefore, for example, assuming that the seed sensors 200 will detect a total of 240 seeds in a favorable 1 Hz cycle and assuming that the drill is a sixteen-row seeder with thirty-inch (i.e. 2.5 ft) rows, and the average speed of the seeder is six miles per hour (i.e. 8.8 ft / s) during the 1 Hz cycle, the seed population would be:

Seed population = 0.001 x

Number of Seeds

Rows and Distance (ft) and Distance (ft) i43500ft²/ acre = 29.6 [0036] In a preferred embodiment, however, although the value of seed population 1100 is updated or announced again every second, the actual seed population is not based on a single count of seeds per second. Instead, in a preferred embodiment, the seeds detected during the previous one second are added to a larger pool of cumulative one-second counts for the previous ten seconds. Each time a new one-second count is added, the oldest one-second count is removed from the pool, and the average seed population is recalculated based on the latest data, and then the newly calculated average is announced every second in the 1012 Seed Population Window.

[0037] In addition to specifying the value of the seed population 1100 as just defined, the preferred Seed Population Window 1012 preferably also displays graph 1102 to graphically display the calculated average seed population 1100 relative to the target population 1338 (Fig. 11) (determined during Configuration as discussed below) marked with the marker 1104. The corresponding markers 1106, 1108 show population deviation limits 1342 (Fig. 11) (also specified during Configuration as discussed below). Indicator 1110, such as a large diamond, is used to represent the calculated average population. Other distinguishable indicators 1112, such as small diamonds, show the corresponding population density of individual rows relative to the target value marker 1104. In addition, the 1012 Seed Population window also preferably indicates, by means of a row number, the row with the lowest population 1114 (i.e. row of seeder, which is sown with the lowest population density, which in the example in Fig. 5 is row 23) and row with the highest population 1116 (i.e. row of seeder, which is sown with the highest population density, which in the example in Figure 5 is government 19) with an appropriate population size for them 1118, 1120.

[0038] In a preferred arrangement and method, the monitor preferably transmits some type of visual or audible alarm to warn the operator of any occurrences of stealing crops in the

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Relative to the population. Preferably, if the crop-stealing event is for populations, only Population Window 1012 will indicate an alarm condition. An alert related to the population may include, for example, exceeding the calculated population value of 1100 population deviation limits 1342 determined during configuration. A different alarm condition may occur if the population of any order is less than 80% of the target population 1338. Another population-related alert may include exceeding one or more rows of population deviation within a given period or sampling frequency, for example, five consecutive 1Hz cycles, even if the average population of those rows exceeds 80% of the target population 1338. Yet another alarm condition can occur if there is a "row failure" that can be considered if the sensor 200 does not detect any seed flow within a certain period of time, such as four times the T value assumed (discussed below).

[0039] As previously specified, at the time of the occurrence of any of the above alarm conditions or any other alarm condition as determined and programmed in the monitoring system 1000, the Population window 1012 preferably provides a visual or audible alarm to warn the operator of an alarm condition. For example, in a preferred embodiment, if the calculated value of the seed population 1100 is within a specified population deviation of 1342 (e.g. 1000 seeds) of the target population 1338 (e.g. 3112 seeds), the background of the Population Window 1012 is preferably green. If, however, the calculated value of the seed population 1100 drops below the target population 1338 by more than the specified population deviation, Population Window 1012 will favorably turn yellow. Alternatively, Population Window 1012 may flash or send some other visual or audible alarm in the event of other alarm conditions. Of course, a variety of different alarm conditions can be defined in the 1000 monitoring system, and many visual and / or audible alarm indicators can be programmed, which will be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0040] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the GUI of the touch screen 1004 of the monitoring system 1000 allows the operator to select different areas of the Population Window 1012 that will cause the monitor to display additional relevant details related to the selected feature. For example, if the operator touches the calculated 1100 seed population value, the screen will change to display the Level 2 Population Details screen (Figure 6). If the operator touches an area of ​​the screen in the Population Window 1012 that displays a low population row 1114, the screen changes to the Row Details screen (Fig. 9), which displays the details of that particular row. Similarly, if the operator touches the screen area in the Population Window 1012, which displays a row with a high population of 1116, the screen will change to the Row Details screen (Figure 9), which displays the details of that particular row.

[0041] The Separation Window 1014: The Separation Window 1014 preferably contains a numerical value of the separation percentage 1122, preferably announced at 1 Hz cycles, showing a moving average of the separation percentage at a given sample rate, preferably 2 kHz (0.5 ms). In order to determine the value of the separation percentage 1122, it is first necessary to identify hops and aggregates occurring during the sampling period. Once the number of hops and clusters during the sampling period is known in relation to the number of "good" seeds (ie properly separated seeds), then the value of the separation percentage 1100 can be calculated, as defined later.

[0042] The preferred system and method includes criteria for distinguishing whether hopping or clumping occurs. In a preferred arrangement and method, each signal generated by the sensor 200 is classified into

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One of six classifications, i.e. "good", "hop", "cluster", "shifted 2", "shifted 4" and "unsaturated". A "good" seed is recorded when a signal is generated in a predetermined time window in which a signal is expected to occur based on the speed of the seeder and a given target population, which together determine the assumed time interval (Estimated). "Hop" is recorded when the time between the preceding signal and the next signal is greater than or equal to 1.65T assumed. "Cluster" is recorded when the time between the preceding signal and the next signal is less than or equal to 0.35T Established. To accurately distinguish between dispensing errors due to actual hopping and actual clusters as opposed to the usual incorrect placement of seeds due to placement errors after dispenser release (i.e. ricochet, vertical acceleration differences, etc.), preliminary classifications are preferably confirmed before they are recorded as skips or clusters. To confirm the initial classifications, the monitor has been programmed to compare changes in the average value over the last five time intervals versus the average over the last twenty time intervals (T20 Wed). In a favorable arrangement, if the average for the time interval of 5 seeds (T5Śr.) Is greater than 1.15T20Śr. for more than three consecutive calculations, then the initial hop classification is confirmed and recorded as the actual hop. If T5 Wed is less than 0.85T20 Wed. for more than three consecutive calculations, then the initial cluster classification is confirmed and recorded as the actual cluster. If the above limits are not exceeded, then the initially classified hop is reclassified as "good" and the initially classified cluster is reclassified as "shifted" seed. Therefore, by confirming the initial classifications, metering errors are distinguished from soil deposition errors, thus providing the operator with more accurate information regarding the operation of the seed drill and the occurrence of crop-stealing events.

[0043] The "shifted 2" classification refers to a seed that is within two inches of an adjacent seed. Before the seed is recorded as "shifted2", the average spacing is calculated based on population and row spacing. The time threshold (T2 threshold) is calculated to classify the seeds as "shifted2" according to the following equation:

T2 threshold = T2 assumed x (2 + average spacing (inches)) [0044] The "shifted4" classification refers to a seed that is within four inches of the adjacent seed. The time threshold (T4 threshold) is calculated to classify the seeds as "shifted4" according to the following equation:

T4 threshold = T4 assumed x (4 + average distance (inches)) [0045] Thus, the seed is classified as shifted seed4 when the time interval between the preceding signal and the next signal is greater than the T2 threshold but smaller than the T4 threshold.

[0046] To take account of sporadic cases where a dust cloud or other impurities fall through a grain guide tube, resulting in the rapid generation of signal pulses, the system

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The monitoring preferably classifies the entire series of fast signal pulses as "non-seed" cases (even if the seeds still pass through the pipe along a cloud of dust or contaminants) instead of recording the fast pulses as a series of clusters or shifted seeds. However, in order to maintain a relatively accurate seed count and a relatively accurate separation percentage, the monitoring system is preferably programmed to fill the number of seeds that have passed (or should pass) through the seed pipe along with a cascade of dust or dirt. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, when two or more pulses occur in a series with an interval of less than 0.85T assumed, all detected signal pulses after this event are classified as non-seeds until a time interval is detected that is greater than 0.85T Established. Any signal pulse classified as non-seed is not included in any calculation for determining the value of the separation percentage 1122. In a preferred embodiment, in order to maintain correct population values ​​of 1100 when the time interval is less than 0.85T Established, the time interval is measured from the last occurrence of a "good" grain before a rapid series of signal event that resulted in "non-grain" classification up to first classification of "good" seeds. The accumulated value of seeds is corrected or regulated by adding to the number of "good" seeds the number of occurrences corresponding to the number of times the T-Established can be divided into a non-seed classification period, leaving a remainder not greater than 1.85 T Established.

[0047] It will be appreciated that because the Tzas will change with the speed of the seed drill, which constantly changes during sowing operation, because the seed drill slows down or accelerates depending on the conditions in the field (i.e. hilly terrain, turning or approaching the end of the field etc.), Tzas is a dynamic or constantly changing number. One way to get Tzasiel is as follows:

a) Determine the average for all rows of the previous 1 seed (T1 Wed) as follows:

1) Record the time interval from the last seed for each row. Sort from minimum to maximum

2) Calculate the average time interval for all orders

3) If the ratio of the smallest time interval divided by the average time interval of step 2 is <0.75, remove the lowest number and repeat step 2.

4) If the ratio of the maximum period divided by the average period of time from step 2 is> 1.25, delete the maximum period and repeat step 2.

5) T1 Wed is the average time interval for all orders, where the ratio of the smallest time interval divided by the average time interval is> 0.75 and the ratio of the maximum time interval divided by the average time interval is <1.25.

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EP 2 104 413 B1

b) Determine the average time interval for all rows of the previous 5 seeds (T5 Wed) as follows:

1) For each row, record the time intervals for the last five seeds in a circular buffer; exclude time intervals, where the time interval to the next grain is less than 0.5T1Śr. or more than 1.5T1 Wed

2) Calculate the order average (i.e. the average time interval for each row) by dividing the sum of the time intervals recorded in step 1 by the number of seeds from step 1.

3) Determine the order factor.

- if the time interval since the last grain is <1.5 x order average, then the order factor = 1

- if the time interval since the last grain is> 1.5 x order average, then the order factor = (1 - (last time interval) | (order average x 5)))

4) For each row, multiply the factor of the order by the average of the row and add up the products.

5) Calculate T5Śr. dividing the value from step 4 by the sum of the row coefficients.

c) Determine the average time interval for all rows of the previous 20 seeds (T20 Wed)

1) For each row, record the time intervals for the last 20 seeds in a circular buffer; exclude time intervals, where the time interval to the next seed is less than 0.5T1Śr. or more than 1.5TŚ ..

2) Calculate the order average (i.e. the average time interval for each row) by dividing the sum of the time intervals recorded in step 1 by the number of seeds from step 1.

4) Determine the order factor.

- if the time interval since the last grain is <1.5 x order average, then the order factor = 1

- if the time interval since the last grain is> 1.5 x order average, then the order factor = (1 - (last time interval) | (order average x 20)))

5) Calculate the T20 dividing the value from step 4 by the sum of the row coefficients.

d) Determine Established:

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EP 2 104 413 B1

1) If all values ​​have been filtered, then T Estimated = T1 Wed.

2) Otherwise, if T20ś_r. 1.1 x T5ś_r. and T20ś_r. T1s_r. then T_founded = T5_r..

3) Otherwise, if T20Ś_r. 0.9 x T5_r. and T20ś_r. T1s_r. then T_founded = T5_r..

4) Otherwise, T founded = T20 Wed.

[0048] Of course, other methods for determining Tzubsis may be equally suitable and therefore the present invention should not be considered as limited to the above method of calculation ^Tfounded^. [0049] The hopping percentage (% of Hopping) 1124 can be determined by adding the total hop count detected for all rows at a predetermined number of seeds (preferably the Average Seed 1302 value specified during Configuration (default value is 300 seeds)), then dividing the total hop count by this number of seeds. Similarly, the percentage of clusters (% Focus) 1126 can be determined by adding the total number of clusters detected for all rows for the same predetermined number of seeds, and then dividing the total number of clusters by the predetermined number of seeds. The split percentage value 1122 can be calculated by adding% Hops 1124 and% Purchase. 1126 and deducting the sum from 100%.

[0050] In addition to displaying the separation percentage 1122 value, the Separation Window 1014 preferably also displays a graph 1128 to graphically display the numerical separation percentage 1122 relative to the 100% separation target value. Chart 1128 preferably also displays markers 1130, incrementally distributed over the entire chart 1128, corresponding to the Separation Deviation 1350 limits (Figure 11) determined during configuration. An indicator 1132, such as a large diamond, for example, preferably indicates the value of the separation percentage 1122 relative to the 100% separation target. Other distinguishable indicators 1134, such as small diamonds, preferably indicate the respective separation percentages for individual rows relative to a 100% separation target. In addition, the Separation Window 1014 preferably numerically also identifies the row of the drill that performs seeding with the lowest separation percentage 1136 (which in the example in Fig. 5 there is a row of 23) together with the separation percentage of 1138 for this row.

[0051] Similar to the Population Window 1012 discussed earlier, the Separation Window 1014 preferably transmits some type of visual or audible alarm to alert the operator of any crop-stealing events associated with separation. The split-related alarm condition may include, for example, the occurrence of a split percentage value 1122 that exceeds the 1350 split deviation limits determined during configuration. Other alarm conditions may, for example, include events when, for example, the average separation percentage of two or more rows exceeds the 1350 separation deviation limits for five consecutive 1 Hz calculations. Another alarm condition may include an event when, for example, one row exceeds the 1350 separation bias by more than twice five consecutive 1 Hz calculations. As before, many different alarm conditions can be defined in the 1000 monitoring system, and many visual and / or audible alarm indicators can be programmed to

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Cause the Separation Window 1014 to provide the operator with visual or audible signals, indicating the occurrence of an event that steals the separation associated with the crop. All such variants of alarm conditions and alarm indicators are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the preferred GUI of the touch screen 1004 of the monitoring system 1000 allows the operator to select different areas of the Separation Window 1014, which will cause the monitor to display additional important details related to the selected function. For example, if the operator touches the calculated value of the separation percentage 1122, the screen will change to display the Level 2 Separation Detail screen (Figure 7). If the operator touches an area of ​​the Separation Window 1014, which displays a row with a low separation 1136, the screen will change to the Row Details screen (Fig. 9), which displays the details of that particular row.

[0053] The Hops / Clusters 1016 Window: The Hops / Clusters 1016 window preferably displays the calculated value for% Hops 1124 and% Humps 1126 as defined above. As with other Windows described earlier, Window Jumps / Clusters 1016 may give some kind of visual or audible alarm to alert the operator if% Jumps or% Clusters are outside the set limits.

[0054] The Right Distance 1018 Window: The Right Distance 1018 window preferably contains a numerical value of the percentage of the correct interval 1140, representing the moving percentage of the interval for "good" seeds with respect to "shifted" seeds, i.e. the number of seeds categorized as "shifted2" or " 4 "(as previously specified) at a predetermined sampling frequency (preferably 0.1 Hz). When the number of seeds shifted 2 and shifted 4 is known in relation to the number of seeds in the sampling period, it is easy to determine the percentage of seeds shifted 2 (% MP2) and the percentage of seeds shifted 4 (% MP4) for seeds with the correct spacing. Similarly, the percentage of the correct interval 1140 can easily be determined by subtracting the sum of% MP2 and% MP4 from 100%.

[0055] In addition to displaying the calculated value of the percentage of correct interval 1140, the Valid Distance 1018 window also preferably includes a graph 1142 for graphically representing the percentage of correct interval 1140 relative to the target 100% correct interval. Preferably, markers 1144 are provided to determine the scale from 80% to 100% in 5% increments. An indicator 1146, such as a large diamond, preferably identifies the calculated value of the correct spacing 1140 relative to the target 100% of the correct spacing. Other distinguishable indicators 1148, such as small diamonds, preferably identify the appropriate percentages of the correct spacing for individual rows relative to the target 100% of the correct spacing. In addition, the Right Distance Window 1018 also preferably identifies, by number, the row of seeder that sows with the smallest percentage of the correct interval 1150 (which in the example in Figure 5 is row 9) along with the value of the percentage of the correct interval 1152 for this row.

[0056] Like other windows 1012, 1014, the Right Distance Window 1018 preferably transmits some type of visual or audible alarm to alert the operator of occurrence of stolen-related yield events. An alert condition associated with a gap may include, for example, a situation where the percentage value of the correct interval 1140 or the gap value for a specific row falls below a predetermined deviation limit, such as 90%. In the 1000 monitoring system, many different alarm states can be defined and can be programmed

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Many visual and / or audible alarm indicators to cause the Right Interval Window 1018 to provide the operator with visual or audible signals similar to those described in other Windows 1012, 1014, indicating the occurrence of a space-stealing crop event . All such variants of alarm conditions and alarm indicators are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the GUI of the touch screen 1004 of the monitoring system 1000 allows the operator to select different areas of the Right Distance Window 1018 that will cause the monitor to display additional relevant details related to the selected function. For example, if the operator touches the calculated percentage of the correct interval 1140, the screen will change to display the Level 2 Distance Details screen (Figure 8). If the operator touches the area of ​​the Right Interval Window 1018, which displays a row with a low value of 1150, the screen changes to the Row Details screen (Figure 9), which displays the details of that particular row.

[0058] The Smooth Driving Window 1020: The Smooth Driving Window 1020 preferably displays a value of the percentage of smooth driving 1154. The smoothness of movement is determined based on the percentage of time in which the vertical speed of the row sowing section is less than the predefined vertical speed limit (VVL). In a preferred embodiment, the VVL is 4 inches per second (4 in / s). This VVL was selected based on empirical data that indicated that subjecting the row of seeding sections to vertical speeds above 4 in / s in a measurable way affected seed spacing.

[0059] The number of times the vertical speed of the seeding section of the row 12 on which the sensor 500 is mounted exceeds VVL is counted over a predetermined period (preferably 30 seconds). Then, for each sensor 500, the percentage of the predetermined period during which VVL was exceeded is calculated, and then the average (Ave% T> VVL) is calculated. The percentage of smooth running 1154 can then be calculated by subtracting Ave% T> VVL from 100%.

[0060] In addition to displaying the calculated value of the smooth running percentage 1154, the Smooth Driving Window 1020 also preferably displays a graph 1156 to graphically display the value of the smooth running percentage 1154 relative to the 100% smooth running target. Incremental markers 1158 preferably identify the scale, e.g., in 85%, 90% and 95% of the entire predetermined range, preferably from a low value of 80% smooth running to 100% smooth running. An indicator 1160, such as a large diamond, for example, preferably identifies the calculated value of the smooth running percentage 1154 relative to the 100% smooth running target. Other distinguishable indicators 1162, such as small diamonds, preferably identify the appropriate percentage of smooth running for individual rows relative to the 100% smooth running target. In addition, the Smooth Driving Window 1020 also preferably identifies by number the seed drill that sows with the smallest percentage of smooth driving 1164 (which in row 5 in the example in Figure 5) along with the value of the smooth driving percentage 1166 for that row.

[0061] As with other Windows 1012, 1014, 1018, the Smooth Driving Window 1020 preferably transmits some kind of visual or audible alarm to alert the operator about stealing crops related to smooth running. An alert condition related to smooth running may include, for example, a situation where the overall percentage of smooth running 1154 or the percentage of smooth running of a specific order falls below a predetermined deviation limit, such as 90%. Also, as in the case of other Windows, in the 1000 monitoring system you can define many different alarm states and program many visual and / or sound state indicators

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In order to cause the Smooth Driving Window 1020 to provide the operator with visual or audible signals, indicating the occurrence of an event stealing a crop related to the smooth running. All such variants of alarm conditions and alarm indicators are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] Speed ​​Window 1022: Speed ​​Window 1022 preferably displays the speed of 1168 seeder in miles per hour (mph). In a preferred embodiment, speed 1168 is preferably averaged over the last 5 seconds of data collected by the GPS 100 unit, as long as the seed drill acceleration (Δν / Δ ^ is not greater than 1 mph / s, in which case speed 1168 is preferably displayed as current speed accumulated by the GPS 100 unit.

[0063] As with other Windows previously described, Speed ​​Window 1022 may provide some kind of visual or audible alarm to warn the operator if the speed falls below or exceeds predetermined limits. In addition, if the processing circuit is programmed to diagnose seed drill performance and logically determine whether speed is a factor contributing to the percentage of smooth running 1154 or the low value of the correct interval 1140, for example, an alarm condition may be emitted that emits a visual or audible indication such as described above in connection with other Windows.

[0064] Vacuum Window 1024: Vacuum Window 1024 preferably displays a vacuum value of 1170 in inches of water column (in H2O). If the type of dispenser selected during configuration was other than "vacuum", the Vacuum Window 1024 is preferably empty or not displayed. If "vacuum" was selected during configuration but no vacuum sensor 700 was connected to monitor 1000 or data from the vacuum sensor was not otherwise transferred to monitor 1000, the 1024 Vacuum Window may display zero vacuum or the window may be blank or not displayed.

[0065] As with other Windows previously described, the Vacuum Window 1024 may provide some kind of visual or audible alarm to warn the operator if the speed falls below or exceeds predetermined limits. In addition, if the processing circuit is programmed to diagnose seed drill performance and logically determine whether underpressure is a factor contributing to a low separation percentage 1122 or a percentage of incorrect spacing 1140, or an excessive% Hopping 1126 or% Clustering 1124, for example, an alarm condition may be triggered emitting a visual or sound indication as described above in connection with other Windows.

[0066] The Pressure Force 1026 Window: The Pressure Force 1026 window preferably displays the ground contact parameter 1172 (preferably as a percentage of contact with the ground during a predetermined sampling period). The Force 1026 Window may also include an area for displaying the average force value 1174 and / or alternatively, or in addition, the Force 1026 Window may display a "load margin" 1175 (not shown). The ground contact percentage parameter 1172 is preferably obtained as described in more detail in PCT / US08 / 5 0427. The average pressure force 1174 can be obtained by averaging the detected load values ​​over a predetermined period over all load sensors 300 on the seed drill. The load margin 1175 is preferably calculated and / or obtained by one of the methods disclosed in document PCT / US08 / 50427. Pressure value 1174 and / or load margin 1175 can also be displayed graphically as disclosed in document PCT / US08 / 50427.

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[0067] As with other Windows previously described, the Pressure Force Window 1026 may give some kind of visual or audible alarm to warn the operator if the pressure force, load margin or ground contact parameter goes beyond or falls below predefined boundaries. In addition, if the processing circuit is programmed to diagnose seed drill performance and to logically determine whether a low soil contact parameter value and / or low or excessive pressure or a load margin is a factor contributing to the low smooth running rate 1154, for example, it can run become an alarm condition, emitting a visual or audible indication, as described above in connection with other Windows.

[0068] The Economic Loss 1028 window: The Economic Loss 1028 window preferably displays the value of economic losses 1176 in dollars lost per acre ($ Loss / acre) caused by various crop-stealing events. The calculated value of economic losses 1176 can be displayed continuously or the value can only be displayed during an alarm condition, for example when the value exceeds some predetermined value, for example, $ 3.00 / acre. If the alarm condition does not occur, the Economic Loss 1028 window may simply display the word "Good" or any other desired sign.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, each occurrence of an event that steals a crop is associated with an economic loss factor. In a preferred embodiment, the economic loss factor is Loss of Kolb (UK) 1310. For example, empirical data showed that compared to a plant ripening from grain with an incorrect spacing from adjacent grains (usually six to seven inches for rows with 30 inches spacing at a plant population of about 32,000 seeds / acre), if the grain is shifted so that it is only two inches from the adjacent grain (i.e. shifted2), the net loss will be about 0.2 flasks (i.e. UK = 0.2). Grains shifted so that they are only four inches from the adjacent grain (i.e. shifted4) will show a net loss of about 0.1 flask (i.e. UK = 0.1). It was found that the hop resulted in a net loss of 0.8 flasks (UK = 0.8). The doublet was found to result in a net loss of 0.4 flasks (UK = 0.4).

[0070] The above UK coefficients assume that the planter sows "flexible" hybrids as opposed to "solid" hybrids. In simple words, a flexible hybrid is one whose plant will produce larger cobs depending on the spacing between the seeds due to less competition in sunlight and nutrients. Therefore, for example, if the spacing between adjacent plants in a row is greater than four inches, the flexible hybrid plant is likely to receive additional sunlight and more nutrients than seeds spaced four inches or less apart, allowing it to produce more flasks with more grains. In contrast, the solid hybrid will have flasks of the same size regardless of the increase in gaps.

[0071] From the above, based on empirical data, the UK hop factor was calculated taking into account that although one flask was lost due to hop, each of the two adjacent plants on both sides of the hop will increase its flask size by 10%. Thus, the net loss of flask due to hopping is only 0.8 flasks, not the entire flask (i.e. -1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = -0.8). To give another example, if future hybrids will have the ability to increase flask size by 50% on both sides of the hopper, then the loss of the net flask would approach zero because each of the adjacent plants added 50%, which adds up to the entire lost flask (i.e. -1 + 0.5 + 0.5 = 0.0). Therefore, it should be understood that these UK factors can change over time with the evolution and improvement of hybrid characteristics

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Maize. In this sense, in a preferred embodiment, the default EL factors may vary from operator to operator. By associating the UK factor with each occurrence of hop, aggregate, shifted grain 2 and shifted grain 4, the economic loss attributable to each of these events that steal crops during the sampling period can be determined.

[0072] In addition to hopping, agglomerations and shifted grains, loss of ground contact and excessive pressure are also crop-stealing events. Accordingly, in a preferred monitoring system, UK factors are also associated with each of these stealing events.

[0073] Economic losses due to excessive pressure force are preferably based on a load margin of 1175, as discussed above in connection with the Pressure Force Window 1026 and as disclosed in document PCT / US08 / 50427. In a preferred arrangement, the following UK factors were used based on the load margin row:

1) If load margin <50 lbs, UK = 0

2) If 50 Ibs <load margin <100 Ibs, UK = 0.05

3) If 100 Ibs <load margin <200 Ibs, UK = 0.1

4) If the load margin> 200 lbs = 0.15 [0074] As disclosed in PCT / US08 / 50427, the sampling period or frequency of the load margin detection may vary. However, in the preferred monitoring system of the present invention, the sampling period is preferably the same as the seed sowing standard, whereby a load margin is calculated for each grain. Accordingly, a UK factor based on a load margin can be applied to any seed sown. For the UK factor assigned to the load margin for each seed sown, the average UK factor (i.e. UK AVR - Overload) can be calculated for a given sampling period. UKŚr.-Excessive load multiplied by the number of seeds per sampling period can be used to determine the percentage of crop loss caused by the loading margin during the sampling period, as discussed above.

[0075] In the event of economic losses caused by loss of contact with the ground, it should be understood that the longer the time during which the row depth adjustment element of the seeding section does not come into contact with the soil, the greater the loss of the furrow depth. In a preferred arrangement, the UK factor of 0.5 is multiplied by the percentage of time during the sampling period in which the loss of contact with the soil occurred (% Loss of Contact) to determine the percentage of crop loss caused by loss of contact with the soil during the sampling period. The sampling period can be any desired period, however, in a preferred embodiment, the sampling period for this UK factor is preferably the time required to sow 300 grains at the seed population determined during Configuration.

[0076] To provide economic loss information in a format useful for the operator, the preferred embodiment displays the economic loss in dollars lost per acre (ie, Strata $ / Acre). However, you should be aware that economic losses can be represented in any

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Desired units. Based on the favorable Strata $ / Acre units, you can calculate the economic loss by multiplying the percentage of crop loss due to the event stealing the crop by the predicted crop and multiplying this product by the price of the grain. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the Strata $ / Acre value can be calculated according to the following formula:

Loss $ / Acre =% Yield Loss and Population i (Bushels / Flask) and (Price / Bushel)

Where:% of Yield = Total of all calculated yield losses caused by all occurrences of hops, clusters, shifts2, shifts4, loss of ground contact and load margin during the sampling period (e.g. 300 seeds); i.e. 0.8 (% Hopping) + 0.4 (% Clusters) + 0.2 (% MP2) + 0.1 (% MP4) + 0.5 (% Loss of Contact) + UK Middle-Excessive Load (300 seed). Note that the above UK factors may change depending on the settings made by the operator during Configuration, as described above.

Population = Target seed population determined during configuration

Bushels / Cob = Estimated number of cobs required to harvest one bushel of husked corn (default = 1bu / 140 cobs); preferably configured during Configuration

Price / Bushel = Estimated corn price per bushel (default $ 2.50 / bu); preferably configured during Configuration [0077] As with the other Windows previously described, Economic Loss Window 1028 may give some kind of visual or audible alarm to warn the operator if the economic loss goes beyond predetermined limits. In addition, the 1028, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026 windows can be associated with or linked to other Economic Loss windows, so that if any of these windows have an alarm condition and that alarm condition will be considered a contributing factor to the alarm state in the Economic Loss Window, then both Windows will emit a visual or audible alarm signal, as described above in connection with other Windows.

[0078] Configuration button 1030: After pressing the Configuration 1030 button, the monitor 1000 is preferably programmed to display the Configuration 1300 screen (Figure 11), with which the operator can make selections or enter data using the preferred GUI of the 1004 touch screen.

[0079] The Row 1032 Details button: After pressing the Row 1032 Details button, the monitor is preferably programmed to display the Row 1220 Selection screen (Figure 10) by which an operator can select a Level 3 Screen (discussed later) for this specific row .

[0080] Snapshot button 1034: After pressing the Shutter button 1034, the monitor 1000 is preferably programmed to write any input from various sensors on the read / write storage medium for a specified period, preferably ninety seconds, for all sections sowing rows. The read / write storage medium may be a tape or magnetic disk for data storage or a solid state semiconductor storage device, such as

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The flash memory or memory card or read / write storage medium may be any type of remote computer or storage device to which data can be transferred via a wired or wireless connection. The purpose of the Snapshot 1034 button will be described later.

[0081] Back button 1036: The Back button 1036 changes the screen to the previously displayed screen.

Level 2 Screens (Figs. 6-8) [0082] Population Details Screen (Fig. 6): Fig. 6 is an example of a preferred implementation of population details display in bar chart format for all rows of seeder. In the example in Fig. 6, a bar chart of 1200 population details for a 32-row seeder is shown. The number of rows displayed in the 1200 bar chart can be dynamic based on the number of rows entered during Configuration. Alternatively, the number of rows can remain constant on the screen, and data can only be displayed for the number of rows entered during Configuration. [0083] The horizontal line 1202 on bar graph 1200 corresponds to the target population 1338 (Figure 11) entered during Configuration, and the vertical scale of bar graph 1200 preferably corresponds to the deviation limit 1342 (e.g., ± 1000 seeds) determined during Configuration. The numerical population value 1112 for each row is graphically displayed as data bar 1204 above or below the horizontal line 1202 depending on whether the numerical population value is greater or less than the target population value 1338, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, if a particular row reaches or exceeds the deviation limit 1342, an alarm condition is triggered, and the data bar 1204 for that row preferably includes a visual indicator that it is in an alarm state. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the data bar 1204 for an alert row is yellow colored (filled bars) while the data bars 1204 rows that are not alert are green (blank bars). Alternatively, data bars 1204 may flash in an alarm state or change color to another, e.g. red, in different alarm states, depending on the severity of the crop-stealing event. As with different Level 1 Screens, there are different ways to represent an alarm condition using other colors, audible alarms etc. Accordingly, all means of visual or audible alarm signaling should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the GUI of the touch screen 1004 preferably allows the operator to touch the bar 1204 for a specific row to change the screen to display a Level 3 Screen for that selected row. The up arrow 1206 and down arrow 1206 preferably allow the operator to navigate between the different Level 2 Screens (Figures 6-8) as described below. The 1036 back button returns you to the previously displayed screen. The 1209 Start button returns you to the Level 1 Screen (Figure 5). The Row 1032 Details button preferably displays the Row Selection screen (Figure 10).

[0085] The Separation Details screen (fig. 7): Fig. 7 shows an example of the preferred embodiment of displaying the separation details in bar chart format for all rows of seeder. In the example of Fig. 7, a bar graph 1210 of separation details for a 32-row seed drill is shown. The number of rows displayed in the 1210 bar chart can be dynamic based on the number of rows entered during Configuration. Alternatively, the number of rows can remain constant on the screen, and data can only be displayed for the number of rows entered during Configuration.

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[0086] The horizontal line 1212 on bar chart 1210 corresponds to a 100% separation (i.e., zero clusters and zero hops), and the vertical scale of bar chart 1210 preferably corresponds to a 1350 separation deviation limit (e.g., 1% in Fig. 11 ) determined during Configuration. % Clusters 1126 for a specific row is displayed as data bar 1184 above the horizontal reference line 1212. The% Hopping 1124 for a specific row is displayed as a data bar 1214 below the horizontal reference line 1212. In a preferred embodiment, if a particular row reaches or exceeds the separation deviation limit 1350, an alarm condition is triggered and the data bar 1214 for that row preferably includes a visual indicator that it is in an alarm condition. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the data bar 1214 for a row in an alarm state is colored yellow (filled bars) while the data bars 1214 for rows that are not in an alarm state are green (blank bars). Alternatively, data bars 1214 may flash in an alarm condition or change color to another, e.g. red, in different alarm conditions, depending on the severity of the crop-stealing event. As with different Level 1 Screens, there are different ways to represent an alarm condition using other colors, audible alarms, etc. Therefore, any means of visual or audible alarm signaling should be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferably allows the operator to touch the bar 1214 for a specific row to change the screen to display a Level 3 Screen for that selected row. All other buttons indicated in Fig. 7 perform the same functions as described in FIG. 6.

[0088] The Deposition Details screen (fig. 8): Fig. 8 shows an example of the preferred embodiment of displaying the deposition details in bar chart format for all rows of seeder. In the example of Fig. 8, a bar graph 1216 of separation details for a 32-row seed drill is shown. The number of rows displayed in the 1216 bar chart can be dynamic based on the number of rows entered during Configuration. Alternatively, the number of rows can remain constant on the screen, and data can only be displayed for the number of rows entered during Configuration. [0089] The horizontal line 1220 on bar chart 1216 corresponds to 100% of the correct spacing (i.e., zero shifted seeds), and the vertical scale of bar chart 1216 preferably corresponds to the soil deposition deviation limit (e.g., 10%) that can be determined during Configuration. The numerical value of the percentage of correct interval 1144 for each row is displayed graphically as data bar 1218 above horizontal line 1220. In a preferred embodiment, if a particular row reaches or exceeds the soil deposition deviation limit, an alarm condition is triggered and the data bar 1218 for that row preferably it has a visual indicator that it is in an alarm condition. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the data bar 1218 for a row in an alarm state is yellow colored (filled bars) while the data bars 1218 rows that are not in an alarm state are green (empty bars). Alternatively, data bars 1218 may flash in an alarm state or change color to another, e.g. red, in different alarm states, depending on the severity of the crop-stealing event. As with Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to represent an alarm condition using other colors, audible alarms, etc. Therefore, any means of visual or audible alarm signaling should be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the GUI of the touch screen 1004 preferably allows the operator to touch the data bar 1218 for a specific row to change the screen to display

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Level 3 screen for this selected row. All other buttons indicated in Fig. 8 perform the same functions as described in FIG. 6.

Level 3 screens (Figures 9-12):

[0091] Row Details (Fig. 9): Fig. 9 is an example of a preferred embodiment of displaying Row Details. The example in fig. 9 shows the row details for row "16" of the seed drill. Preferably, the information displayed on this Level 3 Screen is similar to that displayed on a Level 1 Screen, except that on the Level 3 Screen the information relates to specific rows, as opposed to the average data for all rows on Level 1 Screens. In this regard, the Level 3 Row Display Screen preferably includes a Row Population 1220 window, Row Separation 1222 window, Row Jump / Cluster 1224 window, Row Pressure Force 1226 window, Row Vacuum 1228 window (if applicable), and Row 1230 Economic Losses window. The Level 3 Row Details screen also preferably includes the Correct Row Distance 1232 window and, preferably, the graphical Seed Laying Window 1234. The 1209 Start Button, Row 1032 Details Button, Up Arrow 1206 Button, Down Arrow Button 1206, and Back Button 1036 perform the same functions as described in FIG. 6.

[0092] Population Window 1220: Population Window 1220 preferably displays a population value of 1240, calculated as specified in the description of the Level 1 Screen, except that the population value of 1240 is appropriate for the selected row and is not averaged as on the Level 1 Screen .

[0093] The Separation Window 1302: The Separation Window 1302 preferably displays the split percentage 1242 for the row, calculated as specified in the description of the Level 1 Screen, except that the split percentage 1242 is correct for the selected row and is not averaged as on the Level Screen 1.

[0094] Window Jumps / Row Clusters 1224: Window Jumps / Row Clusters 1224 preferably displays the value of% Jumps 1244 and% Clusters 1246, calculated as specified in the description of the Level 1 Screen, except that these values ​​are appropriate for the selected row and are not averaged as on the Level 1 Screen.

[0095] Row Pressure Force Window 1226: Row Pressure Force Window 1226 is preferably only displayed for rows equipped with a load sensor 300. When the row of interest is not equipped with a load sensor, the Row Pressure Force window is preferably empty. When the row of interest is equipped with a load sensor 300, the Row Pressure Force 1226 window preferably changes, displaying alternately the pressure force value 1248 (lbs) and / or load margin, and / or soil contact parameter 1250. As disclosed in the PCT document / US08 / 50427, the contact force may be a load value (i.e., total load) during a predetermined sampling period (e.g., 1-second periods). The load margin is preferably a calculated and / or obtained value as disclosed in document PCT / US08 / 50427. Similarly, the soil contact parameter 1250 is preferably determined by the methods disclosed in document PCT / US08 / 50427.

[0096] Row Vacuum Window 1228: Row Vacuum Window 1228 is preferably only displayed for rows with a vacuum sensor 700. When the row of interest is not equipped with a vacuum sensor, the Row Vacuum window is preferably empty. When the government

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Of interest is equipped with a vacuum sensor, the Vacuum Window of Row 1228 preferably displays the vacuum (in inches of water column) for this row.

[0097] Row 1230's Economic Losses Window: Row 1230's Economic Losses Window preferably displays the value of row 1232 economic losses as calculated in the description of the Level 1 Screen, except that the split percentage of row 1254 is appropriate for the selected row, and is not added up for all rows as per Level 1 Screen.

[0098] Correct Row Clearance Window 1230: Correct Row Clearance Window 1230 preferably displays the percentage of good spacing in row 1256 calculated as specified in the description of Level 1 Screen, except that the correct spacing percentage in row 1256 is correct for the selected row and is not averaged as on the Level 1 screen.

[0099] Row seed placement window 1234: Row seed placement window 1234 preferably displays a graphic illustration of each of the classified grains detected in this row (i.e. good, hop, cluster, shifted 2, shifted 4) along the section behind the seeder, moving from the right side of the screen to the left of the screen. In a preferred embodiment, good seeds are represented as green plants 1258, hops are represented by an X in red circle 1260, doublets and seeds shifted 2 are represented as red plants 1262, and seeds 4 shifted are represented as yellow plants 1264. Of course, it should be understood that another graphic representation of the seed may be equally suitable, and therefore any graphic deposition of seed deposition in soil should be considered within the scope of the present invention. The Row Placement Window 1234 preferably includes a distance scale 1266 representative of the distance behind the drill for which the seeds / plants are displayed. Preferably, the Row Placement window 1234 includes a "backward" or rewind button 1268, a "forward" button 1270, and a play / pause button 1272. The back-up button 1268 preferably causes the distance scale 1266 to increase incrementally in the distance behind the drill (e.g., 25 feet) and scrolls the plants to the right (as opposed to the left) to allow the operator to review seed placement further behind the drill. Alternatively, instead of scrolling through graphic representations of seeds / plants, the undo button may cause a "reduction" of scale, for example, the scale may increase in increments of five feet to a scale of 0 to 25 feet instead of 0 to 10 feet. Similarly, the 1270 fast-forward button allows the operator to either scroll right to zero feet behind the drill or "enlarge" the distance scale. The play / pause button 1272 preferably allows the operator to freeze or freeze the screen to stop scrolling plants / seeds and, when pressing button 1272 again, resume rewinding the seeds.

[0100] Row Selection (Fig. 10): A preferred embodiment of the Row Selection Screen 1274 is shown in Fig. 10, which displays a group of buttons 1276 corresponding to the row numbers of the seed drill. By touching the button 1276 corresponding to the row of interest, the preferred GUI of the 1004 touch screen displays the Level 3 Row Detail Screen (Fig. 9) for the selected seed drill row. The number of 1276 buttons displayed may vary depending on the seed drill size given during Configuration. Alternatively, the Row Selection Screen 1274 may contain a fixed number of buttons 1276 corresponding to the largest seed drill available, but if the operator indicates a smaller number of rows during Configuration, only rows corresponding to the entered seed drill size will provide the above functionality. All other buttons indicated in fig.

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EP 2 104 413 B1 perform the same functions as described in FIG. 6. The Row 1032 Details button is preferably not displayed on this screen.

[0101] Configuration Screen (Figure 11): A preferred embodiment of the Configuration Screen 1300 is shown in Figure 11. The Configuration Screen 1300 preferably includes a number of predefined windows, each of which preferably displays the appropriate configuration information and opens the Level 4 Screen for entering these configuration information. The preferred window includes a Field 1302 window, a Grain 1304 window, a Population 1306 window, a Population Borders window 1308, a Dispenser 1310 window, a Seeder 1312 window, a Separation Limits window 1314, an Averaged Seeds 1316 window, a 1318 Flask Loss window, and a 1320 Data and File Transmission window. The other buttons indicated in Fig. 11 perform the same functions as described in FIG. 6. The Row 1032 Details button is preferably not displayed on this screen. [0102] The Field 1302 window: The Field 1302 window preferably opens a Level 4 Screen with an Alphanumeric Keypad, similar to the alphanumeric keypad 1322 illustrated in Figure 12, with which the operator can enter alphanumeric characters to enter the field identifier 1324. Preferably, after pressing "Enter" 1326, the operator returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the field ID 1324 is displayed in the Field 1302 window.

[0103] The Grain Window 1304: The Grain Window preferably opens the 4th Level Grain Selection Screen 1328, the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 12. The Grain Selection Screen 1328 preferably includes a group of predefined buttons with grain types 1330, each having a grain type designation 1332 corresponding to the name of the most typical cereals sown by row cereal producers, namely: maize, legumes and cotton. After selecting one of these buttons, the operator preferably returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the appropriate grain type 1332 is displayed in the Grain 1304 window. The Grain 1328 Selection Screen also preferably includes a button labeled "Other" 1334, which allows the operator to manually enter the name of the mark type of grain 1332 (e.g. sorghum or some other type of grain) in window 1336 using the alphanumeric keypad 1322. After pressing the "Enter" button 1326, the operator returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the grain designation 1322 entered manually by the operator is displayed in the Grain 1304 window. The other buttons indicated in Fig. 11 perform the same functions as described in FIG. 6.

[0104] Population Window 1306: Population Window 1306 preferably displays the target seed population 1338. The target seed population 1338 may be a homogeneous target population, variable population, or exceptional population and is preferably configured using Level 4 Screen Setup 1340, a preferred embodiment that is illustrated in Fig. 13 (discussed later). The 1340 Population Settings screen preferably opens when the Population 1306 window is selected using the preferred 1004 GUI of the touch screen.

[0105] Population Limits Window 1308: Population Borders Window 1308 preferably opens the Level 4 Screen with Alphanumeric Keypad (Fig. 12), as previously discussed, with which the operator can enter the desired population deviation limit 1342 if the operator does not want to use the default 1000 seed limit. Preferably, after pressing the "Enter" button 1326, the operator returns to the Configuration 1300 Screen, and the population deviation limit 1342 is displayed in the Population Limits 1308 window. The 1342 population deviation limit is the number of seeds by which the actual number of seeds may vary before an alert condition is triggered, and this is the value used on the 1200 bar scale on the Level 2 Population Details Screen in Figure 6.

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[0106] The Dispenser Window 1310: The Dispenser Window 1310 preferably opens the Level 4 Dispenser Selection Screen (not shown), with which the operator can choose from a number of predefined keys corresponding to the type of dispenser 1344 of the metering device used in the seeder. The types of dispensers preferably include finger dispensers and vacuum dispensers. After selecting the dispenser type 1344, the operator preferably returns to the Configuration 1300 Screen, and the dispenser type 1344 is preferably displayed in the Dispenser 1310 Window.

[0107] Window Seeder 1312: Window Seeder 1312 preferably opens a Level 4 Screen with an Alphanumeric Keyboard (Fig. 12) as discussed earlier, with which the operator can enter the number of rows 1346 of the seed drill and the distance in rows 1348 of the seed drill. Preferably, after pressing the "Enter" 1326 button, the operator returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the rows of seed drill 1246 and the spacing in rows 1348 are displayed in the Seeder 1312 window.

[0108] The Separation Limits 1314 window: The Separation Limits 1314 window preferably opens the Level 4 Screen with an Alphanumeric Keypad (Fig. 12), as discussed earlier, with which the operator can enter the desired separation deviation limit 1350 if the operator does not want to use the default a separation deviation limit of 1%. Preferably, after pressing the "Enter" button 1326, the operator returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the 1350 separation deviation limit is displayed in the Separation Limits 1314 window. The 1352 separation deviation limit is the percentage by which the separation can change before the alarm condition is triggered and is is the percentage used on the bar chart scale 1210 on Level 2 Screen of Separation Details in Fig. 7.

[0109] The Averaged Seeds 1316 window: The Averaged Seeds 1316 window preferably opens the Level 4 Screen with an Alphanumeric Keypad (Fig. 12), as discussed earlier, with which the operator can enter the desired averaged seed 1352 value if the operator does not want to use default averaged value of 300 seeds. Preferably, after pressing the "Enter" button 1326, the operator returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the average value of the number of seeds 1352 is displayed in the Separation Limits 1314 window.

[0110] The Loss of the Flask 1318 window: The Loss of the Flask 1318 window preferably opens the Level 4 Screen (Fig. 12), as discussed earlier, with which the operator can enter the desired loss values ​​1354 if the operator does not want to use the default values ​​discussed above. Preferably, after pressing the "Enter" button 1326, the operator returns to the 1300 Configuration Screen, and the flask loss values ​​1354 entered by the operator are displayed in the Flask Loss 1318 window. As discussed above, flask loss values ​​1354 are used in calculating the value of economic losses of 1254 displayed in the Economic Losses Row 1230 window (Figure 9) and the total value of economic losses 1176 displayed in the Economic Losses 1028 window (Figure 5).

Level 4 screen (fig. 13):

[0111] Population Settings Screen (Fig. 13): Population Settings Screen 1340 preferably includes a common population 1370 window, preferably at least two variable population windows 1372, 1374 and an Exceptional Population window 1376. Each of the different population windows preferably includes data windows 1378, in which you can enter the population value 1338 for a particular selected type of population. For example, if an operator intends to sow a field with a uniform population, the operator would choose the normal window

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EP 2 104 413 B1 of the population 1370 and enter the desired population using the numeric keys 1380 in the window with the 1382 keyboard. Alternatively, if the operator wishes to change the population on the field surface based on the field mapping data, for example, then the operator can select the first window population of variable 1372 and enter the first variable population of 1338 using the 1380 keys as before. The operator can then select the window of the second population of the variable 1374 and enter the second value of the population of the variable 1338 using the 1380 keys. If the operator wishes to sow different rows with different populations, for example when sowing corn seed, the operator can select the window of the special population 1376 and enter the value 1338 seed populations for exception rows, using the 1380 keys. In a preferred embodiment, the operator may then advantageously select the exception rows by touching the indicator corresponding to row 1384 in the exception row 1386 window to which the 1386 exceptional population will apply. In the example in Figure 13, the operator has selected every fifth row of seed drill an exceptional population of 21,000 grains, while non-illuminated rows will sow with a specific population of 3,1200 grains.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, if the first variable population window 1372 is selected, the normal population window 1370 and the exceptional population window 1376 preferably change into variable population windows, thus allowing the operator to set four variable populations. [0113] The above description is provided so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can make and use the invention and it is presented in the context of the patent application and its requirements. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications of the preferred embodiment of the device and the general principles and features of the system and methods described herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the device, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawings, but the widest scope thereof within the scope of the appended claims must be assumed.

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