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    • 专利摘要:
    1/1 summary “seed spreading machine, and method for calibrating the seed meter” to a seeding machine, such as a row seeder (20), It is described which is adapted to switch between two or more varieties of seed while the machine crosses a field. the control system uses a programmed amount of seed representing a number of seeds in the seed meter that needs to be substantially consumed since the flow of a first seed variety is stopped before introducing a second seed variety to minimize mixing of seed. the amount of seed can be determined by a calibration process or published from the manufacturer or third parties. the amount of seed can also be part of a sowing prescription that includes designating where each seed variety should be planted in a field. the amount of seed and the distance traveled to empty the meter can be used to optimize the planting operation including the direction of the machine which can also be part of the prescription O.
    公开号:BR112015011284B1
    申请号:R112015011284
    申请日:2013-12-12
    公开日:2020-04-22
    发明作者:T Graham Charles
    申请人:Deere & Co；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    (54) Title: SEED DISTRIBUTION MACHINE, AND, METHOD FOR CALIBRATING THE SEED METER (51) Int.CI .: A01C 7/06.
    (30) Unionist Priority: 12/14/2012 US 13 / 714,980.
    (73) Holder (s): DEERE & COMPANY.
    (72) Inventor (s): CHARLES T. GRAHAM.
    (86) PCT Application: PCT US2013074563 of 12/12/2013 (87) PCT Publication: WO 2014/093575 of 6/19/2014 (85) Date of the Start of the National Phase: 15/05/2015 (57) Summary: 1/1 SUMMARY â SEED DISTRIBUTION MACHINE, AND, METHOD FOR CALIBRATING THE SEED METERâ A seeding machine, such as a row seeder (20), is described which is adapted to switch between two or more varieties of seed as the machine crosses a field. The control system uses a programmed amount of seed representing a number of seeds in the seed meter that needs to be substantially consumed since the flow of a first seed variety is stopped before introducing a second seed variety to minimize the seed mixture. The amount of seed can be determined by a calibration process or published from the manufacturer or third parties. The amount of seed can also be part of a sowing prescription that includes designating where each variety of seed is to be planted in a field. The amount of seed and the distance traveled to empty the meter can be used to optimize the planting operation including the direction of the machine which can also be part of the prescription (...).
    / 20 “SEED DISTRIBUTION MACHINE, AND, METHOD FOR CALIBRATING THE SEED METER”
    Field [001] This disclosure refers to seeding machines such as crop row seeders adapted to plant two or more varieties of seed in a field and in particular to control such a machine.
    Brief Description of the Drawings [002] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a planter illustrating a row unit and two seed supply tanks for a seed distribution system.
    [003] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a vacuum seed meter.
    [004] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a controller.
    [005] Fig. 4 is a top view of a field map.
    [006] Fig. 5 is a top view of the Fig. 4 field illustrating pixels for a seeding prescription.
    [007] Fig. 6 is a flow chart of the control process.
    [008] Fig. 7 is a three-dimensional graph illustrating variation in the programmed amount of seed in the seed meter based on the planter's attitude.
    [009] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a field illustrating optimization of the variety prescription.
    [0010] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a field illustrating a Planter's Common Variety Area.
    [0011] Fig. 10 is a plan view like Figure 9 illustrating an alternative Common Variety Area for a planter.
    [0012] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a field illustrating another optimization of the variety prescription including a flat path for the / 20 planter.
    [0013] Fig. 12 is a plan view of a field illustrating another optimization of the variety prescription including a flat path for the planter to minimize switching of the variety.
    [0014] Fig. 13 is a plan view of a field illustrating areas of a field where seed varieties are mixed when a seed variety switching is done with a single portal switching mechanism.
    Description [0015] Most crop production is carried out by sowing an entire field with a variety of seed. However, sufficient agronomic data is currently available to use site-specific planting prescriptions that use two or more seed varieties in a given field to increase yields. Several factors are used to determine the best variety for a given location. An area of a field may be lower and typically more humid than other areas. The increased humidity itself may suggest a different seed variety at that location. In addition, moisture can result in an increase in the pressure of weeds or pests at that location requiring other varieties with resistance to these pressures. To plant the field more efficiently with parallel back and forth passes, and to plant with multiple site-specific varieties, it is necessary to switch back and forth between the varieties several times based on the machine's location in the field.
    [0016] With reference to Fig. 1, a seeding machine, in the form of a 20-row seeder, is shown which is capable of switching between seed varieties without interrupting the machine. Planter 20 is equipped with multiple row planting units 22, only one of which is shown. Row unit 22 is just one example of many different / 20 types of row units that can be used to plant seed. The row unit 22, as shown, includes an opener 24 that forms a shallow ditch in the ground while the machine traverses a field. Regulating wheels 26 control the depth of the ditch. A seed meter 28 measures the seed to distribute individual seeds in sequence to a seed tube 30 that directs the seed to the ditch below the meter. A closing wheel or other device 32 comes behind and covers the seed deposited with soil. Each row unit 22 is mounted to a machine frame 34. Multiple row units 22 are mounted to frame 34 such that multiple parallel rows are planted with each passage of the machine through a field.
    [0017] Each seed meter is equipped with a small seed deposit 40 commonly referred to as a mini deposit. Seeds from two or more tanks 42, 44 are pneumatically distributed to the mini-deposit through tubes 46, 48. Alternatively, the mini-deposit can be eliminated and tubes 46, 48 directly connected to the meter housing. A tube 46 extends from tank 42 to mini deposit 40 and a tube 48 extends from tank 44 to mini deposit 40. Each tank 42, 44 carries a different variety of seed such that each variety is distributed to each mini deposit . The tanks and tubes are part of a pneumatic seed delivery system 50 such as those shown in U.S. Patents 6,609,468; 6,688,244; and 7,025,010, incorporated herein by reference. The seed delivery system 50 also includes a fan 52 to provide the air flow to transport the seed through tubes 46, 48. In place of the seed distribution system 50, the planter can be equipped with larger deposits in each unit row to provide seed for each meter.
    [0018] The seed meter 28 is shown in more detail in Fig.
    / 20
    2. Gauge 28 is a vacuum seed gauge that operates with a pressure differential to select individual seeds to distribute to seed tube 30. While gauge 28 is a vacuum gauge, other gauge pressure differentials use a positive pressure instead of vacuum. While a gauge pressure differential provides some of the advantages described below, a mechanical gauge, such as a finger collection gauge, can also be used. Meter 28 includes housing 56. A seed disk 58 divides the interior of the housing into two chambers, a seed chamber 60 and a vacuum chamber 62. Seed disk 58 is mounted in the housing for rotation about one axis 64. The meter is a vacuum seed meter like the meter shown in U.S. Patent 5,170,909 incorporated herein by reference.
    [0019] Tubes 46, 48 pass through the mini-tank and end near the bottom of the tank, in a switching mechanism 68. The switching mechanism 68 can be of the type shown in U.S. Patent 6,193,175, incorporated herein by reference. The switching mechanism 68 has two rotating portals 69, 70 each having an opening 71 through it for the passage of seed. Portal 69 is rotated by an actuator 72 while portal 70 is rotated by an actuator 73. As shown in Fig. 2, the openings 71 of both portals are aligned with the tube 46 allowing the seed variety A of the tube 46 enter the meter housing. The portals can be rotated to align the openings 71 with the tube 48 allowing the seed variety B from the tube 48 to flow into the meter housing. As each portal is controlled separately, one portal can close tube 46 while the other portal closes tube 48 to prevent both varieties of seed from entering the meter housing. This allows the seed variety in the meter to be depleted before introducing the other variety as described below. The illustrated switching mechanism 68 is just one example of a / 20 switching mechanism, other mechanisms can be used. When switching mechanism 68 opens any of tubes 46 or 48, the seed from the respective tank is allowed to flow into the seed chamber of the meter housing and accumulate in a seed cluster 76 in the housing. [0020] The meter housing 56 includes a hose fitting and opening 80 for the vacuum chamber 62 on the side of the seed disk opposite the seed cluster 76. The fitting is connected with a hose, not shown, which is coupled with the inlet side of a vacuum fan to produce a vacuum in chamber 62. The seed disk 58 has a circular arrangement of openings 82 extending through the disk close to its periphery. The openings 82 extend through the disc from the seed side to the vacuum side. As the seed disk rotates, the vacuum on one side of the disk causes the individual seeds to adhere to the disk on the seed side, in the openings 82 as shown by the seeds 84 on the top of the disk in Fig. 2. After the seed is rotated to the release location, the vacuum is cut, allowing the seed to fall in sequence to the seed tube 30 into the ditch in the soil. Other types of seed meter can also be used including, but not limited to, positive pressure meters or mechanical meters such as finger collection meters, etc.
    [0021] A controller 86 to control the planter function 20 is shown in Fig. 3.
    [0022] Controller 86 is just one example of a controller architecture to illustrate control functions. The hardware architecture may vary. Controller 86 includes a central processing unit, CPU, 88 and a variable rate / variety controller, VRVC, 90. VRVC 90 controls the operation of actuators 71, 72 to rotate portals 69, 70 to determine which seed variety seeps into the meter housing. VRVC 90 also controls the rotation speed of the seed disk 58/20 to determine and vary the seed application rate, that is, the number of seeds per unit area, for example, seeds per acre. Both CPU 88 and VRVC 90 receive vehicle speed input from actual ground speed sensor 92. Additional inputs for the CPU include input data from machine location 94 as well as GPS data that provides georeferenced location of the machine. A memory card 96 with prescription data from a home office computer 98 or other computer provides data to the CPU which seed variety should be planted at each location in the field and at what rate of application. A wireless input device 100 can also be provided to transmit a wireless prescription to a memory device 102. A visual display 104 is provided to distribute information to the operator. The display can be a touch screen to allow user inputs and / or other user input devices 106 to be provided such as buttons, switches, keyboard, voice commands, etc.
    [0023] A field map is shown in Fig. 4 where locations in a field 110 to plant each of two varieties of seed A and B are indicated. Most of the field should be planted with variety A while the areas within the irregularly shaped polygons 112, 114 should be planted with variety B. Polygon 112 is contained within field 110 while polygon 114 is partly defined by field boundaries 110. Controller 86 can control the variety based on where the planter 20 is located with respect to the boundaries of the two polygons 112, 114. If the planter is outside the polygons, plant variety A and whether the planter is within of the polygons, plant variety B. Alternatively, with reference to Fig. 5, the field can be divided into a number of small, small rectangular areas or pixels. Each pixel is georeferenced and has a variety of seed A or B assigned to it and a seed rate in a seed prescription. When the / 20 planter is at a given pixel, it plants the variety assigned to that pixel. With any type of field designation, controller 86 must be programmed to look ahead of the current path to anticipate changes in the seed variety as described below. While two varieties of seed are described, it will be apparent that more than two varieties can be planted in a given field with equipment so equipped. [0024] When switching from one variety to another, it is desirable to minimize the mixing of the two seed varieties so that when switching from variety A to variety B there is only a small region in the field where the two varieties are mixed before planting only variety B. To minimize mixing of the varieties, portals 69 and 70 are rotated to positions by closing both tubes 46 and 48. This allows the seed in the seed cluster 76 to be substantially depleted before opening the tube 48 to allow variety B to flow into the meter. While brittle switching may be preferred in varieties, some seed mix is better than allowing the meter to run completely empty and leave an area in the field unplanted. When tractor 116, Fig. 4, approaches the limit of polygon 112, controller 86 must stop variety A that goes to the meter a sufficient distance before reaching the polygon to allow seed A to be exhausted and then introduce the seed B to the meter in time to start planting seed B at the limit of the polygon. To do this, the controller needs to know the number of seeds in the seed cluster 76 at the time it stops the seed of variety A to go to the meter. Using the number of seeds, also referred to as the size of the seed cluster, along with the sowing rate or rates between the current location and the X point at the limit of the polygon where the planter needs to start planting seed B (Fig. 4 ), the controller determines a Y point at which it stops supplying seed A to the meter.
    / 20 [0025] To determine the Y location, the size of the seed cluster 76 must be known. The controller is adapted to use a programmed amount of seed in the seed cluster 76 to make this calculation. The programmed amount of seed is based on the size of the seed and the geometry of the seed meter housing. Seeds of variety A can be of a different size than seeds of variety B. Additionally, due to the physical geometry of the meter, for example, the different locations of the lower ends of tubes 46 and 48 providing the seed to the meter, the quantity programmed seed in the seed cluster may be different for each seed variety. One way to know the size of the seed cluster is to perform a calibration process as part of a planter setup. The calibration process includes the steps of filling the meter housing with seed A, operating the seed meter at least until all openings in the seed disk are filled with the seed and the seed begins to fall through the seed tube as detected by the seed sensor 118 in the seed tube 30. The switching mechanism 68 is then moved to a position by closing both tubes 46 and 48, interrupting the supply of additional seed A to the meter. The meter continues to operate until the seed cluster on the meter is exhausted while the seed sensor 118 counts the number of seeds distributed by the seed meter. The number of seeds counted is the Seed Count to Empty for variety A.
    [0026] To avoid running the seed meter completely empty of seed when switching, some minimum number of seeds, for example, twenty seeds, must be present in the meter at all times. The Seed Count to Empty, minus the minimum number of seeds, is the programmed amount of seed provided to the controller to calculate when to stop seed supply / 20
    A during switching. Once the programmed amount of seed is determined for variety A, the meter is then filled with seeds of variety B and the calibration process repeated. The supply of B seeds to the meter is interrupted and the meter is run until empty while counting the number of seeds. The Seed Count to Empty for variety B less the minimum number of seeds, becomes the programmed amount of seed for variety B.
    [0027] If the planter's seed meter is driven by motors, such as electric or hydraulic motors, the calibration process described above can be performed when the planter is static before operating in a field. Alternatively, and for all planters having gauges driven by soil wheels, the planter can be operated in the field for the calibration process. In doing so, a row is used for calibration where seed supply A is interrupted to allow the size of the seed cluster to be counted. As the meter is run empty during the calibration process, there may at one time be a row gap in the planting of several feet for each variety.
    [0028] The programmed amount of seed can also be determined without running the meter to empty through the detection of operational parameters of the meter that indicate that it is almost empty. While the seed cluster is almost empty, the disc will travel through a small number of seeds. Before the meter empties completely, the skipped seed frequency, as detected by the seed sensor 118, will increase. The seed count until the time the skip frequency increases can be used as the programmed amount of seed for that variety. Likewise, when the seed cluster becomes smaller, more openings in the seed disk will open between the release point and the seed cluster, due to the smaller size of the seed cluster. The additional open / 20 openings will result in a drop in the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber. When a decrease in vacuum pressure is detected by pressure sensor 120, the seed count reached up to that point becomes the programmed seed quantity. The pressure on a positive pressure gauge is also likely to decrease as the size of the seed cluster decays to almost empty. When any of these operating parameters show a change that indicates that the seed cluster is almost empty, the seed count up to that point can then be used as the programmed seed quantity. It is possible that other operating parameters can be used to detect an almost empty condition of the meter. The minimum number of seeds mentioned above is ideally the number of seeds needed in the meter to avoid any operational parameters from indicating a decline in the meter function. [0029] The programmed amount of seed can also be published data by the operator then entered to controller 86 via one of the input devices 104 or 106. The data can be published following tests by the planter manufacturer, from a seed company, a third-party testing service, etc. The seed company can test and publish, for each seed variety, a table of programmed seed quantity values for common planter models. Seed companies or outsourced agronomists are expected to prepare and supply a product with a prescription for seed varieties and sowing rates for a given field. The prescription may include the programmed amount of seed to be used in the planter's operation.
    [0030] The planter is operated using the programmed amount of seed to determine when to stop supplying a seed variety to the planter before introducing the next seed variety to the meter when switching between varieties. The controller uses the programmed seed quantity and the / 20 application rate to determine the Distance to Empty. The controller is also looking ahead along a current path and determines a Distance to Switch representing the planter's distance from point X on the boundary of polygon 112, Fig. 4. Since the distance to switch is greater than the Distance to empty, more seed than the programmed amount of seed in the meter is needed to plant to the switching point. When the distance to switch equals the Distance to Empty, the planter is at point Y. The supply of seed variety A to the meter is interrupted and the programmed amount of seed in the meter is the amount of seed needed to plant from point Y to the point X where the switching needs to take place. When the planter reaches point X, the number of seeds on the meter must equal the minimum number of seeds. At this point, seed of variety B is supplied to the meter.
    [0031] To ensure the minimum mixing of the varieties and to ensure the proper operation of the seed meter, it is recommended to monitor the planter's performance during switching operations and make adjustments to the programmed amount of seed as necessary. This is done by counting the seeds distributed by the meter once the seed supply to the meter is interrupted to verify that the programmed seed quantity is accurate. If not, the programmed seed quantity is adjusted to a new value. For example, if during operation, there is a decrease in planter performance as detected by the operating parameters mentioned above before the programmed seed quantity is distributed by the meter, this indicates that the programmed seed quantity is greater than the actual amount of seed. seed in the meter. When the controller detects a decrease in the planter's performance, the seed count at the time of the change in the operational parameter becomes the new programmed seed quantity.
    / 20
    However, if there is no change in operational parameters at the time the meter is almost empty, it can indicate that the programmed amount of seed is less than the actual number of seeds in the meter. This can result in more seed mix then desired at switching. If this occurs, the controller can increase the programmed amount of seed slightly before the next switch to arrive at a more accurate number of the current seeds in the meter. For example, the programmed seed quantity can be increased by one percent for the next switchover and then monitored operating parameters to determine whether the new programmed seed quantity is correct. In this way, the controller gradually reaches a more precise programmed seed quantity.
    [0032] The process for determining when to operate the switching mechanism is shown in Fig. 6. Starting with box 200 the controller calculates the distance to empty based on the programmed amount of seed and the application rate or rates between the location current and the switching point X. In box 202 the controller calculates the Distance to Switch, which is the distance between the current location and the boundary of one of the polygons 112 or 114 along the current path. On diamond 204 the controller determines whether the distance to empty is less than the Distance to Switch. If not, the current amount of seed in the meter is not enough to reach the switching point, more seed is needed. The planter operation continues and the controller returns to box 200 and repeats the process. If so, the amount of seed in the meter is sufficient to reach the switching point without any additional seed. The controller moves to canister 206 and switching mechanism 68 acts to close both tubes and stop the flow of seed to the meter. The meter then begins to empty and the dispensed seeds are counted, box 208.
    / 20 [0033] The controller then determines whether the current seed count is less than the programmed seed amount in diamond 210. If so, there should still be seed in the meter. However, it is possible that the programmed amount of seed is too high. To verify this, the controller, in box 212 checks to see if any operational parameters of the meter indicate that it is almost empty. If not, the controller returns to diamond 210. If so, this indicates that the programmed amount of seed was greater than the actual number of seeds in the meter and the meter is almost empty even if the seed count is less than the programmed amount of seed. If this occurs, the controller moves to box 214. In this case, switching mechanism 68 is actuated to open the other variety for the meter and the programmed quantity of seed for the previous variety is changed to the current seed count. The controller then returns to the beginning in box 200.
    [0034] If on diamond 210 the seed count is not less than the programmed amount of seed, than the planter used the entire programmed amount of seed and the planter must be at switch point X. The controller moves to the diamond 216 to determine if the operating parameters are indicating that the meter is almost empty. If so, this confirms that the programmed seed quantity is an accurate number. The controller moves to box 218 and switching mechanism 68 acts to open the supply of the next seed variety to the meter. The controller then returns to box 200 to look for the next switch. If there is no decrease in any operational parameter in box 216, the controller moves to box 220. In this the controller also operates switching mechanism 68 to open the supply of the next seed variety to the meter, but as the operating parameters do not indicate that the meter is almost empty, the controller slightly increases the programmed amount of seed to the / 20 next switch, for example, increases the programmed amount of seed by 1%. The controller then returns to box 200 for the next switch. The controller thus finely adjusts the programmed seed quantity to achieve an accurate number of seeds in the meter for each variety.
    [0035] The size of the seed cluster may also change based on the planter's attitude. Using machine attitude data from an accelerometer 122 mounted to planter 20, the programmed amount of seed can be adjusted. Adjustment can be done based on known test data showing a percentage increase or decrease in the size of the seed cluster based on the planter's angle of inclination on both the left and right roll and step forward or backward . An example of variations in the programmed seed quantity due to the machine's attitude is shown in Fig. 7. In the absence of test data to adjust the programmed seed quantity, the operating parameters as mentioned above can be used to detect variations in the number of seeds. seed in the seed meter for variations in the machine's attitude and make adjustments to the programmed amount of seed based on the machine's attitude. While the attitude of the machine changes, the controller determines a new Distance to empty based on the change in the programmed amount of seed.
    [0036] For planters having a common seed meter used for all seed varieties and where switching between varieties is achieved the seed variety that is provided for the meter, the programmed amount of seed is a necessary parameter to develop a seed variety prescription. The programmed seed quantity determines a minimum distance that must be covered with a given seed variety before switching to another variety. For example, once a switch was made from variety A to / 20 variety B and the seed meter is filled with seed B, the planter will need to travel an Empty Distance to consume seed B in the meter before he can there is a switching back to the seed variety A. The prescription must take into account the programmed amount of seed and the calculated emptying distance when determining the prescription. The effect of the distance to empty can be used in one of two ways. If the distance to be covered with the second seed variety is less than the Empty Distance, the prescription may simply not switch over to the second seed variety. Or, the second seed variety can be used for a large area then desired for prescription by overlapping a portion of the second variety in an area where the first variety can be desired. Preferably, the prescription can center the second variety on the desired area so that switching points can be the same on both sides of the area for variety B. See Fig. 8. In this, a field 130 mostly planted with a variety A. The field has a narrow band 132 to be planted in variety B. The width of band 132 is narrower than the minimum switching distance from the planter shown by rectangular blocks 134. If each switching is achieved when the planter reaches the band 132, blocks planted with variety B can be staggered as shown at the top of Fig. 8 where the arrows show the planter's travel direction. However, if the prescription takes into account the size of the minimum switching distance, blocks 134 can be centered on band 132 as shown by the three blocks near the bottom of Fig. 8.
    [0037] The Distance to Empty, which is measured in the planter's travel distance, is probably a different number than the width of the machine that is capable of separate control. Thus, for any given location of planter 20 and tractor 116 in a field, there is a field area in front of the planter known as a Variety Area / 20
    Common 150, which must be planted with the current seed variety in the meter. The length of the Common Variety Area is the distance to empty and the width is the narrowest area of the planter capable of separating the control. In the example in Fig. 9, the width of the Common Variety Area is the width of the planter. If smaller planter sections can be separated in a controlled manner, for example, three sections, there are three Areas of Common Variety, 150A, 150B and 150C extending in front of the planter as shown in Fig. 9. If each row unit is controlled separately for the seed variety, then there may be a separate Common Variety Area for each row unit. The Common Variety Area moves forward with the planter while the planter moves across the field.
    [0038] To optimize a variety prescription for a given field, the prescription must consider the size of the Common Variety Area. This was done as shown in Fig. 8 by centralizing the Common Variety Area, shown by blocks 134 on band 132. In addition, an optimized prescription may include a flat path for the planter taking the Common Variety Area into account. For example, with reference to Fig. 10, field 160 has a valley 162 running in the field which is generally more humid and can benefit from a different variety from the rest of the field. But the width 164 of the valley area is less than the length of the Common Variety Area 150 of the planter in the usual direction of travel for planting, side by side as noted in Fig. 11. The prescription can be optimized, however, by planting from top to bottom so that the length of the Common Variety Area 150 'can be better aligned with the area of valley 162. The efficiency of the collection machine can also be considered in planning the planter's path. Changing the planting direction may be more practical when the harvest must be collected with a harvesting machine insensitive to the row.
    / 20 [0039] Prescription optimization occurs when the area of the field that is not planted with the optimal variety is minimized. Since the Common Variety Area is not always in the same dimension in both directions, an optimized prescription needs to include a planter path plan. The path plan can be executed automatically if the tractor is equipped to automate the steering of the tractor or the path plan can be shown to the operator for manual steering of the tractor. For automated control, CPU 88 can be adapted to communicate with the tractor guide controller 128 adapted to receive detailed path plan instructions to automatically guide the tractor 116. The path plan can be as simple as any direction to plant the field as shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the controller displays on the display 104 the desired direction to plant the field.
    [0040] An optimized prescription with a flat path can be achieved by planting all or substantially all the area that needs one variety before switching to the other variety and planting the rest of the field. This prescription can be optimized to minimize the number of switches. For example, with reference to Fig. 12 a field 170 is shown, most of which is planted with variety A. a corner area 172 is planted with variety B. Area 172 is planted first along the path shown by arrows 174 with the planter turning at head 176 at the end of the field and turning at the other end outside area 172. Head 176 can be planted before or after back and forth passes in area 172. After area 172 is planted, a variety switch is made and the rest of the field is planted with variety A. this can be achieved with an internal headland area 178 surrounding area 172. In this headland area, the planter is turned over when making the backward and forward passes. forward as shown by arrows 180. With such a planting pattern, headboard 178 may need to be harvested first before harvesting backwards and / 20 in front of the rest of the field.
    [0041] The programmed amount of seed has been described as the seed in the meter of a first variety that needs to be consumed before the introduction of a second seed variety when switching over seed varieties to minimize mixing of seed varieties. The use of two portals 69, 70 on the switching mechanism 68 allows both varieties of seed to be stopped allowing the programmed amount of seed in the meter to be consumed. If the switching mechanism only has a portal that has two positions, a first position that allows the first seed variety to flow into the meter and blocks the flow if the second seed variety and a second position that allows the second variety to flow while blocking the flow of the first variety there may not be an opportunity to block the flow of both varieties for a while to substantially empty the meter. The programmed amount of seed, however, can still be used with such a switching mechanism to control at least where in the field the mixed seed is to be planted. With a single gate switching mechanism, when the gate switches from variety A to variety B, there will be a programmed amount of seed of variety A in the meter. On switching, A is interrupted and B is introduced to the meter along with seed A. The seeds will mix and there will be a region in the field planted with the seed mixture.
    [0042] Eventually, seed A in the meter will be completely consumed and the planter will be planting only seed B. The mixed seed area is shown as the hatched area 240 in Fig. 12 where the planter, when approaching the switching point X switches the portal in front of point X such that when point X is reached, the planter is planting seed B at a specified purity level, for example, at least 95% of planted seeds are seed B. Using a / 20 programmed amount of seed and with knowledge tests from the seed meter, the length of the mixed seed area 240 can be determined. Mixed seed area 240 in Fig. 12 is located in seed area A such that the area in polygon 112 will be planted with the desired seed purity B. Alternatively, mixed seed area 240 'can be located within polygon 112 if desired. In yet another alternative, the mixed seed area 240 may straddle the boundary of polygon 112. In some prescriptions, it may not matter where the mixed seed area is planted. But in some prescription, it may be important that within polygon 112, the seed must be the B seed. In such a case, the prescription may include the location of the mixed seed area and the controller is operated accordingly to make the switching such that the mixed seed area is on the appropriate side of polygon 112.
    [0043] Control of switching of seed varieties has been described in the context of the programmed amount of seed which is the amount of kept in a seed puddle or the seed in a seed puddle minus a minimum amount of seed that must be in the meter for proper operation. The programmed amount of seed can be used to derive a time or distance traveled from when the first seed variety is turned off until the next variety is supplied to the meter. The time and distance can be determined from the programmed amount of seed and the sowing rate and travel speed of the machine.
    [0044] While the planter has been described in the context of applying the seed, the above aspects may also apply to the application of chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Different chemicals can be applied at different locations in the field and at different rates. The words seed and seed variety must be interpreted openly in the claims that follow to include / 20 not only seeds, but different types of fertilizer and other types of chemicals applied to a field.
    [0045] Having described the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
    / 5
    权利要求:
    Claims (4)
    [1]
    1/8

    [2]
    2/8

    [3]
    3/8

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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2014093575A1|2014-06-19|
    BR112015011284A2|2017-07-11|
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    EP2931018A4|2016-08-03|
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    法律状态:
    2018-03-06| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2018-03-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2018-03-20| B06I| Technical and formal requirements: publication cancelled|Free format text: ANULADA A PUBLICACAO CODIGO 6.6.1 NA RPI NO 2462 DE 13/03/2018 POR TER SIDO INDEVIDA. |
    2019-06-04| B06T| Formal requirements before examination|
    2019-11-12| B07A| Technical examination (opinion): publication of technical examination (opinion)|
    2020-03-10| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-04-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 12/12/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/714,980|US9179594B2|2012-12-14|2012-12-14|Seeding machine controller for automatically switching between multiple seed varieties|
    PCT/US2013/074563|WO2014093575A1|2012-12-14|2013-12-12|Seeding machine for planting multiple seed varieties and method of calibrating same|
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