• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING AGRICULTURAL INPUT. The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for the application of variant agricultural inputs according to a prescription map. The system includes a plurality of input sources, each containing different agricultural inputs. A variety of selectors selectively place different inputs from the plurality of input sources in communication with a meter, to dispense inputs according to the prescription map to minimize prescription errors.
    公开号:BR112015014955B1
    申请号:R112015014955-3
    申请日:2013-12-21
    公开日:2020-11-10
    发明作者:Timothy Sauder；Phil Baurer；Troy Plattner
    申请人:Precision Planting Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND
    [001] In recent years, the availability of global positioning systems for commercial applications has enabled varying application rates for agricultural inputs across an entire field. While effective systems have been developed for varying application rates for agricultural inputs, systems for varying the types or variety of agricultural inputs during agricultural operations have proven to be costly or ineffective. Thus, there is a need for systems capable of effectively varying types or varieties of agricultural inputs during agricultural operations. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [002] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an implementation of an agricultural input selection system.
    [003] FIG. 2 A illustrates the implementation of a process for selecting agricultural inputs.
    [004] FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a process for selecting a variety of switch positions.
    [005] FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment of a process for selecting a variety of switch positions.
    [006] FIG 3 illustrates an embodiment of an application rate and input variety map.
    [007] FIG. 4A schematically illustrates an embodiment of an agricultural input selection system.
    [008] FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of an agricultural input selection system.
    [009] FIG. 4C illustrates yet another embodiment of an agricultural input selection system.
    [0010] FIG. 5 illustrates the number of seeds in four seed meetings plotted against time.
    [0011] FIG 6 illustrates an input variety map as applied.
    [0012] FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of an agricultural input selection system including a series of closing devices.
    [0013] FIG. 7B is a partial front elevation view of an embodiment of a series of closing devices.
    [0014] FIG. 7C is a partial front elevation view of another embodiment of a series of closing devices.
    [0015] FIG. 7D is a top view of a strip from the series of closure devices of FIG. 7C.
    [0016] FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a process for selecting agricultural inputs using a series of closing devices.
    [0017] FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a process for selecting a series of closing device states.
    [0018] FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of a process for selecting a variety of switch positions.
    [0019] FIG 9A illustrates an embodiment of an agricultural input selection system including positioning banks.
    [0020] FIG 9B is a partial front elevation view of an embodiment of a positioning bench.
    [0021] FIG 9C is a top view of an embodiment of a strip of the positioning bench of FIG. 9B.
    [0022] FIG. 10A illustrates a process for selecting a selection of agricultural inputs using positioning banks.
    [0023] FIG. 10B illustrates a process for selecting a positioning bank state.
    [0024] FIG. 10C illustrates a process for selecting a variety of switch positions.
    [0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a method of generating mapping data representing agricultural input selection as applied. DESCRIPTION
    [0026] Referring to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts through the various views, FIG 1 schematically illustrates an agricultural input selection system 100. It should be appreciated that agricultural inputs can be types of different seed, different seed varieties, or any other desired materials that are measured and applied to a field during an agricultural operation.
    [0027] In one embodiment, selection system 100 is a seed variety selection system that is preferably assembled to a pneumatic seed distribution planter, as disclosed in United States Patent No. 7,779,770, the description of which being incorporated by reference, whose planter is preferably pulled through the field by a tractor (not shown). In this embodiment, the input selection system 100 preferably includes a plurality of segregated input sources 110, such as bulk seed hoppers 110a, 110b, 110c (each containing a different input or seed variety) supported by a planter tool bar, or a pull cart behind the planter.
    [0028] Bulk seed hoppers are in seed communication with a variety of switch 120. Switch variety 120 is preferably configured to selectively place one of the bulk seed hoppers in seed communication with a 115 restrictor, and is preferably configured to selectively remove, interrupt or close seed communication between the bulk seed hoppers and the restrictor 115.
    [0029] The restrictor 115 is preferably in fluid communication with a blower, or other pressure source P, and is configured to distribute incoming seeds pneumatically from the bulk seed hoppers to a plurality of series 190 units, via a plurality of pneumatic lines 160. The restrictor 115 and lines 160 are preferably configured to distribute seeds evenly among the series of units 190. Each series of units 190 includes a seed meter, or seed aligner 140, as disclosed in Applicant's copending International Patent Application No. PCT / US2012 / 030,192, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference, or any other suitable seed meter. As the seeds are communicated through the lines 160 towards the seed meter 140, they preferably pass a first sensor 130 (that is, a pre-meter sensor 130), which can comprise, or an optical sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor, such as that disclosed in co-pending United States Patent Application No. 12 / 984,263 ("application '263"), the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.
    [0030] Each seed meter 140 preferably includes a seed bank 145 where the seeds meet after being distributed to meter 140. A seed disk 142 captures seeds near the bottom of the seed bank 145 and deposits them in a seed tube or seed conveyor. After entering the seed tube or conveyor, the seeds then pass through a second seed sensor 150 (that is, the post-meter sensor 150), which is preferably mounted on a seed tube of the seed series. unit, and which may comprise either an optical sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor, as disclosed in order '263. After passing the post-meter sensor 150, the seeds are deposited in an open trench by the series of units.
    [0031] Returning to FIG. 4A, an electrical system 400, for controlling the input switch or switch variety 120, is illustrated schematically. The electrical system 400 preferably includes a monitor 410 having a graphical user interface 412, a memory 414, and a CPU 416. Monitor 410 is preferably in electrical communication with the switch variety 120, the pre- meter 130, and post-meter sensors 150 of the input selection system 100. Monitor 410 is preferably also in electrical communication with a 466 global positioning receiver ("GPS"), preferably mounted to the tractor, and one or more 468 speed sensors, preferably mounted on the tractor or planter. Monitor 410 is preferably also in electrical communication with a series of clutches 470 and seed meter drivers 472 configured to individually control each seed meter 140, or a group of seed meters. Monitor 410 is also preferably in electrical communication with a series of downforce 462 sensors (for example, strain gauges) configured to measure the downforce applied to a series of individual planter units, and to a series of downstream sensors. quality 462 (for example, acceleration meters) configured to generate a signal related to the quality of operation of the series of individual units of the planter. Switch Variety - Device
    [0032] Switch variety 120 preferably comprises a selection, such as the embodiments disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,915,313 ("the '313 patent"), the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the embodiments may comprise a switch assembly, a single valve, or multiple valves, as disclosed in the '313 patent. It should be appreciated that unlike the '313 patent, the switch variety is preferably configured to selectively place three or more bulk hoppers in seed communication with the 115 restrictor. In addition, the switch variety preferably includes a "state off when none of the bulk seed hoppers are in seed communication with the restrictor 115. Switch Variety - Methods
    [0033] Returning to FIG. 2A, a process 200 is illustrated for selecting a state or position of switch variety 120. In step 205, monitor 410 preferably selects a position of switch variety 120 to allow seed communication from the bulk hopper containing the desired seed variety to be planted corresponding to the planter's location (for example, reported by the GPS 466 receiver) in reference to a variety of prescription maps stored in the monitor's memory 414. For illustrative purposes, a variety of prescription maps 310 is illustrated having a first region 312a corresponding to a first variety, and a second region 312b corresponding to a second variety. The first region 312a and second region 312b are preferably separated by a delimitation 315. The graphical representation of planter 10 and series of units 1, 2, 3, 4 represents the position of the planter and series of units relative to the prescription map. In step 205, the monitor preferably commands the switch variety to select the bulk seed hopper 110 (e.g., hopper 110a) containing the seed variety corresponding to region 312a because the series of units are located in region 312a.
    [0034] In step 210, monitor 410 preferably counts the number of seeds that pass through pre-meter sensor 130 in each 190 series. In step 215, monitor 410 preferably counts the number of seeds that passes through post-meter sensor 150 in each 190 series. In step 220, the system determines a series-by-series seed bank count by subtracting the cumulative number of seeds that passed the post-meter sensor 150 from the number of Cumulative seed that passed the pre-meter sensor 130. Referring to FIG. 5, an illustrative set of seed bank counting for four series is illustrated. It should be appreciated that in normal system 100 operation, each series reaches a constant state value after a period of time. In other embodiments, the seed bank count can be established using an estimated value stored in memory 414, such that a pre-meter sensor 130 is not required. It should be appreciated that the estimated constant state seed bank count depends on the type of seed in the seed bank. Thus, in such embodiments, the monitor is preferably configured to allow a user to select a seed type or variety corresponding to each bulk hopper 110, and memory 414 preferably includes a state seed bank count. estimated constant for each type of seed. In embodiments without a pre-meter sensor 130, the monitor can determine whether the estimated constant state value has been found by determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since a state of switch variety 120 was selected. Alternatively, an optical fill level sensor (not shown) mounted on top of the seed bank 145, can be in electrical communication with the monitor 410, and configured to send a signal that indicates whether the seed bank 145 is full of seed .
    [0035] The number of "seeds-for-event" is determined in step 225; in step 230, monitor 410 preferably compares the seed bank count to the number of seeds-for-event. The term "seeds-for-event", as used here, refers to the number of seeds that need to be dispensed before crossing a boundary 315 (ie, the "event") that defines the 312 regions corresponding to seed varieties many different. The number of seeds-for-event with time for each series is illustrated in FIG. 5. As the planter approaches a 315 boundary, the number of seeds-for-event decreases over time.
    [0036] Referring to FIG. 3, the prescription variety 310 is shown in layers on an application rate prescription map 320 comprising two regions 322-1 and 322-2 (defining different application rates) separated by a boundary 325. In the illustrated position, the series of units 1-4 passes through varying distances D before crossing the boundary 315 which defines a different seed variety to be planted at application rates 322-1 and 322-2. In this way, the series of units 1-2 are planted at a different rate of application than the series of units 3-4. Monitor 410 preferably estimates D distances based on the position and GPS designation of the planter, and the position of the 1-4 series of units. Monitor 410 then preferably calculates the number of seeds-for-event for each unit series by multiplying the application rate corresponding to the location of the unit series by distance D, and multiplying the result by a constant conversion factor .
    [0037] In step 240, monitor 410 preferably modifies the position of the switch variety to minimize prescription error. A first process 240 'for carrying out step 240 is illustrated in FIG. 2B. In step 242 ', monitor 410 preferably determines whether the seed bank count is greater than or equal to the number of seeds-for-event for any series. If so, in step 244 ', monitor 410 preferably commands switch variety 120 to switch to the hopper that carries the variety associated with the region on the other side of boundary 315 (the post-event variety). A second process 240 "to perform step 240 is illustrated in FIG. 2C. In step 242", monitor 410 preferably determines whether the seed bank count is greater than or equal to the number of seeds-for-event for any of the series. Referring to FIG. 5, step 242 "is satisfied in time tl. Once step 242" is satisfied in step 244 ", monitor 410 preferably commands switch variety 120 to disconnect or interrupt communication of all hoppers. bulk 110 from restrictor 115.
    [0038] Referring to FIG 5, when step 244 "is performed, the seed bank count starts to decrease. The seed bank decrease level can be measured by subtracting the number of seeds counted by the seed sensor 150 from the constant state seed bank value. In step 246 ", monitor 410 preferably determines whether the seed bank count is less than a minimum threshold (illustrated as Smín in FIG 5). In some embodiments, step 246 "is performed by comparing the seed bank count to Smín. In other embodiments, an optical sensor located near the bottom of the seed bank 145 is in electrical communication with the monitor 410, such that the monitor 410 determines whether the seed bank is in Smín, based on the signal generated by the optical sensor. Referring to FIG. 5, step 246 "is satisfied in time t2. Once step 246 "is satisfied, step 248", monitor 410 preferably commands switch variety 120 to switch to the hopper that carries the range on the other side of the event (e.g., boundary 315). Referring to FIG. 5, when step 248 is performed, the seed bank count starts to increase.
    [0039] In step 250, monitor 410 preferably generates spatial data as applied, and reveals a variety map as planted, as described here with reference to FIG 11. Switch Variety and Switch Series - Systems
    [0040] Returning to FIG 7A, a switch variety system 700 is illustrated. The switch variety system 700 is similar to one of the embodiments described with reference to FIG 1, except that a series of switches 710 in each series of unit 190 is preferably in seed communication with the restrictor 115, and arranged such that the seeds flow through the series of switches 710 after passing the pre-meter sensor 130 (in embodiments having the sensor 130), and before entering meter 140. Each series of switches 710 is preferably configured to selectively prevent and allow the seed to flow into its associated unit series 190.
    [0041] An electronic system 400 ', for controlling the switch variety system 700, is illustrated in FIG 4B. The 400 'system is similar to the 400 system, except that the monitor is additionally in electrical communication with each series of 710 switches. Switch Variety and Switch Series - Device
    [0042] An embodiment of a series of switches 710 is illustrated in FIG. 7B. The switch series 710 preferably includes an actuator 712 mounted to meter 140, and operably coupled to a sleeve 714. As actuator 712 lowers the position of the sleeve, the sleeve reduces the opening area for effective ventilation 162 line 160 and the interior of meter 140 to the atmosphere. Thus, as the glove 714 is lowered, the seed delivery to the seed bank 145 is lowered or stopped.
    [0043] An alternative embodiment of a series of switches 710 'is illustrated in FIG. 7C. The switch series 710 'includes an actuator 712' mounted to meter 140, and operably coupled to a strip 715 '. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, strip 715 'preferably includes an orifice 716' sized to allow air and seed to flow through line 160. Actuator 712 'is preferably arranged to selectively move strip 715' to open or close the line 160. Actuator 712 'preferably comprises a pneumatic actuator; the actuator is also preferably spring-loaded, such that the strip 712 'is tilted in its most correct position (in the perspective of FIG 7C), and the series of switches 710' is normally open. Meter 140 preferably includes a small cylindrical vent opening 164 arranged upstream of strip 715 ', such that a small air flow is allowed through line 160 when switch series 710' is closed.
    [0044] In other embodiments, the series of switches can include a butterfly valve arranged to selectively open or close line 160. Switch Variety and Switch Series - Methods
    [0045] Returning to FIG 8A, a process 800 is illustrated for selecting a state of the switch variety 120 and the series of switches 710 in each series in the system 700. Process 800 is similar to process 200 of FIG. 2A, except that step 240 is replaced with step 840, and an added step 850 is performed before step 250.
    [0046] In step 840, monitor 410 preferably modifies the states of the series of individual switches 710 to minimize the prescription error. A preferred process 840 'for carrying out step 840 is illustrated in FIG. 8B. It should be appreciated that process 840 'is performed individually for each series of unit 190. In step 842', monitor 410 determines whether the seed bank count is greater than or equal to the seeds-for-event for the series of unity. Once step 842 'is satisfied, in step 843', monitor 410 preferably closes the series of switches 710, such that the seed stops flowing to meter 140. In step 844 ', monitor 410 preferably determines whether the seed bank count is less than a limit number for the unit series. If step 844 'is satisfied, then in step 846, monitor 410 preferably commands the series of switches 710 to open, such that the seed flows into meter 140.
    [0047] In step 850, monitor 410 preferably modifies the variety of switch positions to minimize prescription error. A preferred process 850 'for carrying out step 850 is illustrated in FIG. 8C. In step 851 ', monitor 410 determines whether the seed bank count is less than the limit for any series. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, monitor 410 can alternatively determine whether the series of switches has closed and reopened in step 851 '. Once step 851 'is satisfied, monitor 410 preferably commands switch variety 120 to select the post-event variety (that is, the variety associated with the region on the other side of the nearest position-based boundary and designator's GPS designation). Switch Variety, Switch Series, and Positioning Bank - Systems
    [0048] Returning to FIG. 9A, a switch variety system 900 is illustrated. The switch variety system 700 is similar to one of the embodiments described with reference to FIG 7, except that a positioning bank 910 in each unit series 190 is preferably in seed communication with the restrictor 115, and arranged such that the seeds flow through the positioning bank 710 after passing the pre-meter sensor 130 (in embodiments having the sensor 130), and before passing through the series of switches 710. Each positioning bank 910 is preferably configured to store selectively seed upstream of seed meter 140.
    [0049] An electronic 400 "system for controlling the 900 switch variety system is illustrated in FIG 4C. The 400" system is similar to the 400 'system, except that the monitor is additionally in electrical communication with each 910 positioning bank. Switch Variety, Switch Series and Positioning Bank - Appliance
    [0050] A preferred embodiment of the positioning bench 910 is illustrated in FIG 9B. Positioning bench 910 includes an actuator 920 mounted to meter 140 and operably coupled to a strip 932. As shown in FIG 9C, strip 932 preferably includes an orifice 934 sized to allow air and seed to flow through line 160 , as well as a series of holes 936 configured to allow air to flow through line 160, but to prevent the seed from flowing through strip 932. Actuator 920 is preferably arranged to selectively move strip 932 to open and close line 160 for seed flow. Actuator 920 preferably comprises a pneumatic actuator. The actuator is also preferably spring-tilted such that the strip 932 is tilted in its most correct position (in the perspective of FIG. 9B), and the series of switches 910 is normally open. A cylindrical vent opening 966 is preferably arranged between switch 710 and positioning bench 910, such that the seeds will fill ventilation vent 966 when strip 932 is in its closed (leftmost) position. It should be appreciated that as the ventilation opening 966 fills with seeds, the holes in the ventilation opening in the cylindrical wall of the ventilation opening, as well as the series of holes 936, become increasingly blocked for air flow. , such that the seed flow through line 160 decreases. In some embodiments, the air flow is substantially blocked when the vent 966 is filled with seed, such that the seed stream substantially ceases when the vent 966 is filled or substantially filled with seed. Switch Variety, Switch Series and Positioning Bank - Methods
    [0051] Returning to FIG. 10A, a process 1000 is illustrated for selecting a state of the switch variety 120 and the series of switch 710 and positioning banks 910 in each series in the 900 system. Process 1000 is similar to process 800 of FIG. 8A, except that step 840 is replaced with step 1040, and step 850 is replaced with step 1050.
    [0052] In step 1040, monitor 410 preferably modifies the states of the series of individual switches 710 and positioning banks 910 to minimize prescription error. A preferred process 1040 'for carrying out step 1040 is illustrated in FIG. 10B. It should be appreciated that process 1040 'is performed individually for each series of unit 190. In step 1041', monitor 410 preferably determines whether switch variety 120 is adjusted to the pre-event variety (that is, the variety associated with the region on the same side of the boundary where the planter is currently located based on the planter's GPS position and designation), or the post-event variety (that is, the variety associated with the region on the other side of the nearest boundary based on the planter's GPS position and designation).
    [0053] If the switch variety 120 is adjusted to the post-event variety, then in step 1046 'the monitor 410 closes the strip of the positioning bank 932. Due to the seeds passing through the seed sensor 130 after the positioning be closed to be retained in positioning bank 910, monitor 410 stops adding seeds that pass the pre-meter sensor 130 for counting the seed bank, and begins adding those seeds to a separate positioning bank count stored in memory 414. Alternatively, an empirically known constant state can be transferred to the positioning bank count after a predetermined time.
    [0054] If the switch variety 120 is adjusted to the pre-event variety, then in step 1042 'the monitor 410 preferably opens the positioning bank, ceases adding to the positioning bank count, adds any count of existing positioning bank for the seed bank count and then add subsequent seeds that pass the pre-meter sensor 130 for the seed bank count. In step 1043 ', monitor 410 determines whether the seed bank count is greater than the number of seeds-for-event. If step 1043 'is satisfied, then in step 1044' monitor 410 closes the switch series 710. If step 1043 'is not satisfied, then in step 1045' monitor 410 opens the switch series 710, and in step 1046 ', determines whether the seed bank count is less than a threshold. Once step 1046 'is satisfied, in step 1047', monitor 410 preferably closes the series of switches 710.
    [0055] In step 1050, monitor 410 preferably modifies the variety of switch positions to minimize prescription error. A preferred process 1050 'for carrying out step 1050 is illustrated in FIG. 10C. In step 1052 ', monitor 410 determines whether the seed bank count is less than a limit for any series. Once step 1052 'is satisfied, monitor 410 preferably commands switch variety 120 to select the post-event variety on the prescription map. Mapping Methods
    [0056] A 1100 process for generating and describing mapping data is illustrated in FIG. 11. An embodiment of a variety of map as planted 340 revealed using the 1100 process is illustrated in FIG 6 superimposed on a variety of prescription map 310.
    [0057] Referring to process 1100 of FIG 11, in step 1105, monitor 410 records the planter's GPS position. In step 1110, monitor 410 determines a first variety of switch positions being applied to switch variety 120. In step 1115, monitor 410 transfers registered positions to the first variety corresponding to the first variety of switch positions. For example, region 344 in FIG 6 is associated with the first variety. In step 1120, monitor 410 determines whether switch variety 120 has changed its setting to a second variety of switch positions associated with a second variety. Once step 1120 is satisfied (for example, at position 341 in FIG. 6), at step 1125 monitor 410 continues to determine positions for the first variety until a first predetermined number of seeds (for example, 20 seeds) pass sensor 150. In step 1130, monitor 410 begins assigning positions to a mixture of the first and second varieties (for example, region 342 is designated for a mixture of the first and second varieties). In step 1135, once a second predetermined number of seeds (for example, 50 seeds) has passed the seed sensor 150 after the first predetermined number, monitor 410 begins to assign positions to the second variety (for example , region 346 is designated for the second variety).
    [0058] The preceding description is presented to enable a technician in the subject to produce and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principles and characteristics of the system and methods described herein, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be in accordance with the broader scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (19)
    [0001]
    1. System (100, 700, 900) for selecting agricultural inputs for application in a field, comprising: a first input source (110a) containing a first agricultural input for application in a first region (312a) of a field; a second input source (110b) containing a second agricultural input for application in a second region (312b) of the field; a first meter (140-1) configured to measure said first and second agricultural inputs; a variety of selectors (120) configured to selectively place said first and second agricultural inputs from said first and second input sources (110a, 110b) in fluid communication with said first meter (140-1); the system characterized by the fact that it also includes: a first pre-meter sensor (130-1) disposed along a first seed supply line (160-1) to detect the passage of said agricultural inputs through said first line of seed seed supply (160-1), said first seed supply line (160-1) extending between said variety of selectors (120) and said first meter (140-1); whereby, said first pre-meter sensor (130-1) detects passage of said agricultural inputs from said first and second input sources (110a, 110b) to said first meter (140-1); a first post-meter sensor (150-1) arranged to detect said first and second agricultural inputs measured by said first meter (140-1) after said first and second agricultural inputs are measured by said first meter (140-1).
    [0002]
    2. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a second meter (140-2) configured to measure said first and second agricultural inputs, said second meter (140- 2) in fluid communication with said variety of selectors (120), in which said variety of selectors (120) is configured to selectively place said first input source (110a) and said second input source (110b) in fluid communication with said first meter (140-1) and said second meter (140-2).
    [0003]
    3. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a second pre-meter sensor (130-2) disposed along a second seed supply line (160 -2) to detect the passage of said first and second agricultural inputs through said second seed supply line (160-2), said second seed supply line (160-2) extending between said variety of selectors (120 ) and said second meter (140-2).
    [0004]
    4. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a second post-meter sensor (150-2) arranged to detect said first and second agricultural inputs measured by said second meter (140-2) after said first and second agricultural inputs are measured by said second meter (140-2).
    [0005]
    5. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a monitor (410) capable of controlling said variety of selectors (120), and capable of receiving signals from said sensor pre-meter (130-1, 130-2), said monitor (410) capable of estimating a quantity of said first and second agricultural inputs communicated to said first meter (140-1, 140-2).
    [0006]
    6. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said monitor (410) has a prescription map (310, 320, 340) stored in memory (414), and is in communication with a global positioning receiver (466), said prescription map (310, 320, 340) associating said first agricultural input with a first region (312a) of the field, said prescription map (310, 320, 340) associating said second agricultural input with a second region (312b) of the field, a delimitation (315) between said first region (312a) and said second region (312b) that define an event occurrence, so that monitor (410) selectively positions said variety selectors (120) to apply said first agricultural input to said first region (312a), and said second agricultural input to said second region (312b), in response to an input switching command corresponding to said event occurrence.
    [0007]
    7. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said monitor (410) is able to regulate said input switching command based on said estimate.
    [0008]
    8. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said monitor (410) is capable of determining a number of seeds to a variety of switching events, in which said monitor (410 ) is configured to compare said number of seeds to said estimate, and in which said monitor (410) is configured to send said input switching command when said number of seeds is approximately equal to said estimate.
    [0009]
    9. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a series of switches in fluid communication with said first meter (140-1) and said variety of selectors (120 ), said series of switches arranged to prevent said first or second agricultural inputs from communicating between said variety of selectors (120) to said first meter (140-1).
    [0010]
    10. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that said monitor (410) is capable of sending a series of closing signals to said series of switches to prevent agricultural communication input between said variety of selectors (120) to said first meter (140-1) in response to said series of closing signals.
    [0011]
    11. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said monitor (410) is capable of estimating an amount of agricultural input contained in said first meter (140-1), and capable to regulate that series of closing signals to minimize a prescription error.
    [0012]
    12. System (100, 700, 900), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a positioning bank arranged downstream of said series of switches, said positioning bank configured to prevent the seed from entering in a seed bank (145) of agricultural input of said first meter (140-1).
    [0013]
    13. Method of variation of agricultural inputs in a field during planting operations, which comprises: determining a distance from a series of units (190) to an event occurrence on a prescription map (310, 320, 340); the method characterized by the fact that it also comprises: counting a first number of seeds transmitted to a seed meter (140); count a second number of seeds deposited by said seed meter (140); estimating a seed bank count (145) based on said first seed numbers and referred to second seed numbers; estimate a number of seeds-for-event; and selecting a variety of switch positions based on said number of seeds-for-event in relation to said estimated seed bank count (145), in order to minimize a prescription error.
    [0014]
    14. Method, according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said event occurrence is a series of closing states.
    [0015]
    15. Method, according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said event occurrence is a change in the seed variety.
    [0016]
    16. Method, according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: modifying said variety of switch positions when said seed bank count (145) is greater than or equal to said number of seeds-for- event.
    [0017]
    17. Method, according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: modifying a series of closing states in order to minimize a prescription error.
    [0018]
    18. Method, according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said stage of modification of said series of closing states includes comparing said count of the estimated seed bank (145) to a limit.
    [0019]
    19. Multivariety seed planter, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a plurality of series of units (190), each series of units (190) supporting a seed meter (140); a plurality of seed hoppers, each containing a different seed variety corresponding to regions of seed variety from a prescription map (310, 320, 340) of a field to be planted; a variety of selectors (120) arranged to allow communication of said seed variety different from each of said plurality of seed hoppers to said seed meter (140) of each of said plurality of series of units (190); a pre-meter sensor (130-1, 130-2) associated with each seed meter (140), said pre-meter sensor (130-1, 130-2) arranged along a seed supply line said pre-meter sensor (130-1, 130-2) configured to detect said seeds communicated to said seed meter (140); a post-meter sensor associated with each seed meter (140) for detecting said seeds dispensed by said seed meter (140); and a monitor (410) in communication with a GPS receiver to detect the designation and position of each unit series (190) in relation to the boundaries on the said prescription map (310, 320, 340) that define varieties of post-seed event and pre-event seed varieties as the series of units (190) passes over said boundaries, said monitor (410) capable of determining a quantity of seeds communicated to said seed meter (140) detected by said sensor of pre-meter (130-1, 130-2), and able to determine a quantity of seeds dispensed by said seed meter (140) detected by said post-meter sensor in order to determine each event's seeds-for-event of said plurality of series of units (190), said monitor (410) controlling said variety of selectors (120) based on said seeds-for-event determined in order to change the communication of said varieties of pre-event seed to said the post-event seed varieties to minimize prescription errors as that series of units (190) passes over said boundaries.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BR112015014955A2|2017-07-11|
    US9615504B2|2017-04-11|
    ZA201504489B|2016-04-28|
    WO2014100796A1|2014-06-26|
    CA2895853A1|2014-06-26|
    AU2013364003A1|2015-07-09|
    UA118839C2|2019-03-25|
    EP2934080A4|2016-07-20|
    EP2934080A1|2015-10-28|
    US20150334912A1|2015-11-26|
    CA2895853C|2021-01-05|
    AU2013364003B2|2017-11-09|
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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|
    2020-02-11| B07A| Technical examination (opinion): publication of technical examination (opinion)|
    2020-06-23| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-11-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 21/12/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201261745315P| true| 2012-12-21|2012-12-21|
    US61/745,315|2012-12-21|
    PCT/US2013/077357|WO2014100796A1|2012-12-21|2013-12-21|Agricultural input selection systems, methods and apparatus|
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