DE102021103677B4 - Analysis arrangement and method for analyzing crop flows in harvesting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

Analysis arrangement (1) for analyzing a fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow made up of air and various solid crop components (4, 5), comprising a crop conveying unit (17, 18, 19), a light source (13), a projection surface (4) arranged at a distance from the light source (12) and having a two-dimensional extent of at least 10 cm × 10 cm, at least one electronic camera (11) for image capture and a data processing unit connected to the electronic camera (11) for data processing, whereina) the light source (12) emits a planar light flow (2) which strikes the two-dimensional projection surface (4) in an illumination direction (7) and an illuminated, three-dimensional analysis area (3) is spanned by the light source (12) and the projection surface (4), wherein within the analysis area (3) the dimensions of the planar light flow (2) formed perpendicular to the illumination direction (7) along the illumination direction (7) are constant,b) the crop conveying unit (17, 18, 19) is designed and arranged such that the crop flow can be moved perpendicular to the direction of illumination (7) through the analysis area (3),c) the light flux (2) generates two-dimensional shadow images (8) of the solid crop components (5, 6) on the projection surface (4),d) the projection surface (4) is designed to be translucent such that the shadow images (8, 9, 10) generated can be detected by the electronic camera (11) on the side of the projection surface (4) facing away from the crop flow and are forwarded to the data processing unit per unit of time,e) wherein the data processing unit analyzes the images and determines the proportions of the individual crop components (5, 6) therefrom and makes them available for further data processing

Description

The invention relates to an analysis arrangement for analyzing a fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow consisting of air and various solid crop components and for determining the proportions of the individual crop components. The invention further relates to a method for analyzing material flows in harvesting machines and a harvesting machine with such an analysis arrangement.

Harvesting machines such as combine harvesters are used in agriculture and have varying degrees of automation for harvesting agricultural products. Highly technical harvesting machines enable the efficient harvesting of the crop. Development is aimed at permanent optimization in order to increase productivity in terms of the harvested quantity per time and the area harvested per time. A key figure that is particularly economically relevant is the proportion of grain losses, i.e. the grains that are incorrectly sorted with the non-grain components and are eliminated from the harvesting machine.

The products harvested by the harvesting machine are initially heterogeneous mixtures made up of different plant parts and foreign bodies. Where in the harvesting machine and how many of which particles are located is of great interest to the machine operator and the machine operators. An economically optimal mode can only be set if the effect of the respective settings on the proportion of grain losses is well known. Knowledge of grain losses under different conditions is also essential for the further development of the harvesting machines.

In order to determine the proportion of grain loss, impact plate sensors are used which record the momentum of the grains hitting the impact plate, from which the quantity of grains can be determined. However, this method is highly error-prone, as the grains have to fall onto the plates and this is an uncontrollable process, which leads to unacceptably large measurement errors.

Other analysis variants are based on radiometric measurements or methods using and analyzing X-rays. However, such methods are neither financially lucrative nor technically viable and can they be safely implemented on a harvesting machine.

In the EP 3 135 101 A1 It is proposed to measure the amount of non-grain components using ultrasonic sensors. However, these systems are complex and inaccurate, which is why they are rarely used in practice.

The EN 10 2016 203 079 A1 proposes a sensor unit for use in the multiphase flow of a harvesting machine, wherein the sensor unit has sensors for sending and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the sensor unit has at least one device for detecting flow parameters of the multiphase flow. The device for detecting flow parameters is arranged in a housing and introduced into the multiphase flow in such a way that a leading edge of the housing is directed against the air flow, wherein the sensor unit is designed in such a way that no areas of slower flow speeds occur in the area of the sensors.

Devices and methods are also known in the state of the art which work by means of light, i.e. electromagnetic radiation in the visible range, to enable the analysis of crop flows. DD2 60 764 A1 a method for determining the grain ratio of a grain mixture, in particular for bulk materials such as sand, seeds or fertilizers, is disclosed. A parallel light band and a CCD line sensor are used for this. The chord length of the vertically falling grains is determined for the evaluation, which is why it is disadvantageous that the particles must be spaced apart in order to be correctly detected. To ensure this and to avoid agglomeration of the grains, mechanical components are proposed which enable the particles to be separated from one another before the detection area. Furthermore, this method requires that the material has a uniform, predetermined speed. In a harvesting machine, however, the individual components are often not separated from one another, in particular the individual elements of the non-grain components, such as the poultry, usually overlap. In addition, different conveying speeds are used depending on the circumstances, so that different amounts of material to be analyzed per unit of time arise. An analysis of such material flows is not possible with the proposed method.

The EN 10 2007 053 662 A1 discloses a method for estimating the proportion of unwanted particles in the crop, comprising the steps of: a) taking an image of the crop; b) identifying images of at least one type of unwanted particles in the captured image; c) measuring the area occupied by the image of each detected particle in the image; d) determining the proportion of the unwanted particles proportional to the area of the captured images.

In the EN 10 2011 082 908 A1 discloses a method and an arrangement for the optical assessment of crops in a harvesting machine. This takes advantage of the fact that different types of crops have different color, contour and texture properties; for example, the color of straw and chaff is different from that of grains. This allows the individual objects to be identified and classified. The arrangement has a separating disc that is intended to separate the crop stream from the arrangement. Several light sources arranged to the side of a camera illuminate the crop stream, with the light sources hitting the crop at an angle to avoid total reflection. This method is very complex both in terms of mechanical implementation and image analysis.

A device for the analysis of grain properties, especially for laboratory investigation, is described in US 2004 / 0 151 360 A1 described. Different grains are guided in a single layer on a moving, transparent plate under a camera. Two lighting directions are used, i.e. incident light from above or transmitted light from below. Digital images are also created and analyzed. The disadvantage here is that in order to create a monolayer, the grains have to be separated from one another, which requires a special device. Many of the components used here are suitable for enabling precise analysis in the laboratory, but their use in a harvesting machine is difficult. For example, a transparent transport disc is not suitable for use in a harvesting machine.

The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement and a method which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. An arrangement is to be provided which provides a simple and reliable analysis of the proportion of grains in a straw or chaff mixture for use in a harvesting machine. Furthermore, a harvesting machine is to be provided which enables a determination of the proportion of lost grains and which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by an analysis arrangement, a harvesting machine and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

1. a) Die Lichtquelle sendet einen flächig ausgedehnten Lichtstrom aus, der in einer Beleuchtungsrichtung auf die zweidimensionale Projektionsfläche mit einer zweidimensionalen Ausdehnung von wenigstens 10 cm x 10 cm trifft. Durch die Lichtquelle und die Projektionsfläche wird dabei ein beleuchteter, dreidimensionaler Analysebereich aufgespannt, wobei innerhalb des Analysebereiches die senkrecht zur Beleuchtungsrichtung ausgebildeten Abmessungen des flächigen Lichtstromes entlang der Beleuchtungsrichtung konstant sind.
2. b) Die Erntegutbeförderungseinheit ist derart ausgebildet und angeordnet, dass der Erntegutstrom senkrecht zur Beleuchtungsrichtung durch den Analysebereich bewegbar ist.
3. c) Der Lichtstrom erzeugt zweidimensionale Schattenbilder der festen Bestandteile des Erntegutstromes auf der Projektionsfläche.
4. d) Die Projektionsfläche ist derart transluzent ausgebildet, dass die erzeugten Schattenbilder von der elektronischen Kamera auf der dem Erntegutstrom abgewandten Seite der Projektionsfläche detektierbar sind und je Zeiteinheit an die Datenverarbeitungseinheit weitergeleitet werden.
5. e) Dabei analysiert die Datenverarbeitungseinheit die Aufnahmen und ermittelt daraus die Mengenanteile der einzelnen Erntegutbestandteile und stellt diese zur weiteren datentechnischen Verarbeitung zur Verfügung.

The object is achieved in particular by an analysis arrangement for analyzing a fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow made up of air and various solid crop components. The analysis arrangement has a crop conveying unit, a light source, a projection surface arranged at a distance from the light source, at least one electronic camera for image capture and a data processing unit connected to the electronic camera. The elements of the arrangement interact as follows:

1. a) The light source emits a planar luminous flux which strikes the two-dimensional projection surface with a two-dimensional dimension of at least 10 cm x 10 cm in one direction of illumination. An illuminated, three-dimensional analysis area is spanned by the light source and the projection surface, whereby within the analysis area the dimensions of the planar luminous flux perpendicular to the direction of illumination are constant along the direction of illumination.
2. b) The crop conveying unit is designed and arranged such that the crop flow can be moved through the analysis area perpendicular to the direction of illumination.
3. c) The luminous flux creates two-dimensional shadow images of the solid components of the crop stream on the projection surface.
4. d) The projection surface is designed to be translucent in such a way that the shadow images generated can be detected by the electronic camera on the side of the projection surface facing away from the crop flow and are forwarded to the data processing unit per unit of time.
5. e) The data processing unit analyses the images and uses them to determine the proportions of the individual crop components and makes them available for further data processing.

In the sense of the invention, a fluidized crop flow is understood to mean a flowing air-crop mixture which consists of a gaseous and a solid phase. The crop is therefore not tightly packed, but rather it is loosened, so that when illuminated on the projection surface, shadow images of individual, even overlapping plant components are present. Tightly packed crops would not be suitable for evaluation according to the invention via shadow images due to the lack of light passing through. With a loosened crop flow, more light can pass through the crop flow for the same amount of material. A large number of reflections occur. between the individual crop components of the crop stream. However, with a high density of crop components, the resulting image loses sharpness, so that the process reaches its limits when there is a large amount of material. Another advantage of the fluidized material is that the heavy particles with higher density and lower air resistance are more likely to be found on the underside and thus are more likely to form a recognizable shadow from the residual light.

In the sense of the invention, a heterogeneous crop flow consists of several different components, in particular grain and non-grain components. Thus, the crop components generally refer to the solid components of the crop flow, i.e. both the grains and the non-grain components.

The crop stream is moved through the analysis area perpendicular to the direction of illumination. However, this does not have to be an angle of exactly 90°. What is relevant for the invention is that the movement does not occur parallel to the direction of illumination. Preferably, the angle of the direction of movement to the direction of illumination is known and can be used to evaluate the resulting images. Preferably, the direction of movement forms an acute or right angle with the direction of illumination in a range between 50° and 90°, and particularly preferably between 70° and 90°. The material can therefore also fall or be conveyed at an angle through the analysis area. In one possible application, the crop stream, for example the poop, is conveyed and blown horizontally, but begins to fall downwards at the end of the conveyor line. Depending on the precise placement of the analysis arrangement, the crop stream runs at different angles to the direction of illumination.

The camera is positioned behind the projection surface, i.e. facing away from the light source when viewed from the projection surface. This means that the camera and in particular its pixel-like detection surface are advantageously protected from mechanical influences by the projection surface.

The shadow images created on the projection surface represent complete shadow images of the individual crop components. The projection surface is therefore larger in two dimensions than the dimensions of the crop components. The projection surface has a two-dimensional extension of at least 10 cm x 10 cm or 20 cm x 10 cm.

The active channel width of harvesting machines is in the range of 1,300 mm to 1,700 mm. It is possible to use a projection surface with this width, which means that the crop flow can be analyzed across the entire width. Alternatively, several smaller projection surfaces are arranged at different positions. Several cameras can be used. By using several cameras or even several analysis arrangements, it is possible to determine the proportions at different positions. This allows different lateral distributions to be determined. Complete coverage of the channel width of the harvesting machine is not absolutely necessary.

The light source emits a flat, extended luminous flux that hits the projection surface. This results in a light bar that extends in three dimensions and essentially determines the analysis area, whereby the analysis area is further limited by the light source and the projection surface. Within the analysis area, the dimensions of the flat luminous flux that are perpendicular to the direction of illumination are constant along the direction of illumination. It is particularly important that the light is emitted in parallel so that particles that are positioned closer to the light source do not have larger shadows and are therefore more difficult to detect. An existing divergence of the light can be tolerated, but the divergence should preferably be less than 100 mrad, particularly preferably less than 50 mrad.

1. a. Linsen, Prismen und andere strahlbrechende, optische Bauelemente vor der/den Lichtquelle(n) und/oder
2. b. Spiegel oder Reflektoren hinter der Lichtquelle oder den Lichtquellen und/ oder
3. c. mehrere flächig verteilte Lichtquellen, besonders bevorzugt in Form von Leuchtdioden (LEDs), und/ oder
4. d. Leuchtgitter.

In an advantageous variant, the light source is designed as a flat light source with dimensions corresponding to the projection surface. This makes it possible to obtain almost identical shadows regardless of the distance of the particles from the projection surface. A point-shaped light source would have to be positioned very far away for this. Parallelized light can be achieved by various measures. The analysis arrangement preferably has one or more of the following elements:

1. a. Lenses, prisms and other refractive optical components in front of the light source(s) and/or
2. b. Mirrors or reflectors behind the light source or sources and/or
3. c. several light sources distributed over a large area, particularly preferably in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or
4. d. Illuminated grid.

The light can be either monochrome or cover a wide range of the light spectrum. It is also possible to use a certain limited wavelength range.

While a crop component passes through the analysis area, in an advantageous variant a plurality of shadow images are recorded, preferably at least 5 shadow images per second. Moving images are thus evaluated. This allows the particles, i.e. the crop components, to be tracked reliably and more information to be extracted than from a single shadow image. While the heterogeneous crop flow passes through the analysis area, several shadow images are recorded by the camera and forwarded to the data processing unit. The crop components are thus detected at different points or positions by means of shadow images appearing on the projection surface. In particular, overlaps between the components of the crop can be resolved or newly created while the heterogeneous crop flow passes through the analysis area. By evaluating the moving crop components, overlapping crop components can also be better distinguished from one another. This advantageously allows a higher recognition rate to be achieved. The analysis of the moving shadow images therefore leads to great advantages, since in a preferred variant it is possible to dispense with isolating the components of the crop flow before entering the analysis area.

The analysis of the images is carried out using state-of-the-art data processing units. Known image processing methods are used.

The analysis arrangement preferably has at least two electronic cameras. The electronic cameras take pictures of partial areas of the projected shadow images. The data processing unit creates an overall image from the individual pictures.

The electronic cameras are preferably synchronized with each other in such a way that the parts of the shadow images are recorded simultaneously. In an alternative variant, the electronic cameras are not synchronized with each other. This makes it possible to monitor a large area using smaller and simpler systems. Coupling is not absolutely necessary for this.

In an advantageous variant, the analysis arrangement has at least two projection surfaces and at least two electronic cameras. Each electronic camera is connected to a data processing unit. Preferably, all electronic cameras are connected to the same data processing unit. Alternatively, each camera is connected to a different data processing unit.

The projection surfaces are preferably arranged next to each other transversely to the direction of the material flow. A connecting line connecting the projection surfaces then runs perpendicular to the direction of the material flow. One advantage of such an arrangement is that the transverse distribution of the material can be determined. It is therefore possible to achieve a large coverage of loss detection.

In the sense of the invention, the electronic camera is designed as a unit for detecting the amount of light with a pixel-like detection surface. The pixel-like detection surface preferably has several pixels in two dimensions. In this variant, the various pixels are not arranged in rows, but in an area. A shadow can thus be recorded in two dimensions. This makes it possible for the crop components to be detected in several positions. Furthermore, the correct particle geometry of the individual crop components can easily be determined, even if they move at different speeds in the crop flow.

The crop illuminated by the light source creates shadow images of the crop components on the projection surface, which can be detected by the pixel-like detection surface of the electronic camera. The varying shadow images thus result in a variation in the amount of light detected by the individual pixels of the electronic camera. The amount of light detected is transmitted to the data processing unit for each pixel per unit of time.

The analysis arrangement preferably enables the speed of the crop components and the density of the crop flow to be determined using image processing. The total current amount of light, i.e. integrated across all pixels, in relation to the maximum amount of light, which can be measured for example when the channel is empty during turning processes, can be a measure of the density of the crop flow. In conjunction with the speed, conclusions can be drawn about the throughput.

The material speed is determined by tracking individual particles in the image sequences. Using the known image frequency and the calculated path that the particle has traveled from image to image, the product of the distance and the image frequency gives the speed. The path of the crop components from image to image can be determined because the distance to the project The area of the analysis area is fixed and known. The lost grains can be counted after they have been identified. Knowing the exact dimensions of the arrangement makes it possible to deduce the speed of the crop by determining the time it takes for the crop to pass through the analysis area. In this way, in addition to determining the proportions, the throughput of chaff and straw can also be deduced.

The concept of the analysis arrangement is based on the fact that shadow images of the crop components, which are present in a loosened, i.e. fluidized crop flow, are projected onto a projection surface, with these shadow images being detected by one or more electronic cameras. To evaluate the shadow images, the electronic cameras are connected to one or more data processing units. To determine the proportion of grains in the crop flow, the crop components are divided into grains and other components. The very different dimensions of the different crop components enable the quantitative proportions of the crop components to be determined, taking into account the equally very different dimensions of the shadow images. The crop components differ not only in their dimensions, but also in their shape.

It is advantageously not necessary to separate the components, i.e. to avoid overlapping. The method according to the invention can also be used advantageously to analyze overlapping components of the fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow. The limit here is an optical density that is too high, which leads to overlaps that are so large that the shapes cannot be recognized. The aim is in particular to enable analysis of the crop flow with overlaps of preferably up to 20%, particularly preferably up to 30% or even up to 50% of the particle size.

When analyzing shadow images, color information is lost, but this is not required for the analysis. This means that cheaper camera technology systems can be used. The use of parallel light has the advantage that there is no change in the size of the particles in the image depending on the distance. A possible, rapid sequence of image recordings makes it possible to track particles and thus better identify and assign them to the particle class. Higher material speeds, i.e. higher speeds of the crop flow, reduce the optical density of the crop flow and thus allow better separation of the particles. This is achieved in particular when, in a particularly preferred variant, the analysis arrangement is positioned within the harvesting machine after the straw chopper.

In addition, image processing enables the measurement of the speed of the material particles and the density of the material flow, so that the throughput of chaff and straw can be determined.

Thus, a preferred embodiment of the analysis arrangement does not provide a device for complete singulation or separation of the components.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a harvesting machine which has an analysis arrangement according to the invention. In this case, a display is preferably arranged on the harvesting machine, which is connected to the analysis arrangement in such a way that the determined proportions of the crop components can be read using the display. The information is therefore output via the display so that, for example, the harvesting machine operator can read this data. This advantageously enables better control of the harvesting machine.

According to an advantageous embodiment, one or more parameters of the harvesting machine are automatically controlled using the data on the proportions of the crop components. According to the corresponding specifications, an automatic control is carried out to optimize the grain-cow ratio

The performance of the harvester can be optimized by setting various parameters. One of the parameters that has a strong influence on the size of the losses is the throughput of non-grain components harvested by the harvester. This parameter can be controlled by the driving speed. The cleaning device works more efficiently when there is less chaff. A balance must therefore be struck between the efficiency of the individual processes and the speed. Knowledge of the proportions of the components at different speeds can therefore be used to improve the respective settings and increase productivity.

The harvesting machine is preferably a combine harvester. A precise knowledge of the losses, i.e. the amount of unwanted grains between the non-grain components, can be used to advantage to permanently automatically adjust the combine harvester and thus optimally adjust it. Furthermore, the volume or mass Flows of other components of the material flow can be recorded, such as the amount of straw, especially after grain separation in the combine harvester, or chaff, especially after the cleaning systems in the combine harvester. With these values it is possible to further optimize the combine harvester settings.

The use of an analysis arrangement according to the invention is also possible in other harvesting machines. In one possible variant, the harvesting machine is a potato harvester or a beet harvester or a special harvesting machine for vegetables.

By using the analysis device according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to increase the productivity of the harvesting machines. The harvested area per time or the harvested quantity per time is increased by minimizing losses, i.e. by generating as little broken grain and as little admixture as possible in the harvested crop.

In order to achieve such optimization, it is crucial to determine the losses and to regulate the harvesting machine parameters accordingly. The decisive parameters here are the driving speed, the speed of the rotors as well as the threshing drum(s) and the blower, the sieve openings (top, bottom, front), the threshing gaps, the guide plate angles in the rotors, the flaps on the rotors and the elements for equalizing the material across the machine. The properties of the harvested material are strongly dependent on the ambient conditions, such as the humidity of the air or the harvested material or the temperature of the air. This makes it necessary to find and select the optimal settings depending on the environmental influences and conditions. A harvesting machine according to the invention is suitable for this. The analysis device according to the invention enables the losses to be detected and thus the harvest productivity to be optimized.

The harvesting machine preferably has a straw chopper. In an advantageous variant, the analysis arrangement for analyzing a fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow consisting of air and various solid crop components is arranged after the straw chopper.

In the sense of the invention, this means that the poop first passes through the threshing or separating elements, is then chopped by the straw chopper and then passes through the analysis area of the arrangement according to the invention. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the optical density due to the high speed of the crop at this point within the analysis area. This makes it possible to achieve a high level of analysis accuracy without additional devices for separating the crop components.

In further possible embodiments, the harvesting machine has an analysis arrangement after cleaning and/or after the shaker, i.e. after separation.

A particularly advantageous variant provides that the harvesting machine has several analysis arrangements. The analysis arrangements can be arranged at different positions within the harvesting machine, for example after the straw chopper and after the shaker. Alternatively or additionally, a lateral resolution of the quantity components of the individual crop components can be achieved by means of analysis arrangements positioned next to one another. These are then positioned next to one another transversely to the direction of crop flow, which advantageously allows a large coverage for loss detection to be achieved.

Advantageously, the proportion of grains can be analyzed not only at the lower edge, but also in other areas of the harvester.

Using an analysis arrangement according to the invention, a better recording of the operating state of the harvesting machine can be made possible for a more precise control of the machine parameters. Furthermore, the quality of work can be documented at any time. The analysis arrangement allows the measurement of grain losses from a combine harvester cleaning system, grain losses from a combine harvester separation device (shaker or rotor), the crap throughput, the straw throughput or even the particle speed.

1. a) Transport des fluiden, heterogenen Erntegutstromes zu einem Anfangspunkt am Rand des Analysebereiches,
2. b) Transport des fluiden, heterogenen Erntegutstromes durch den in der Beleuchtungsrichtung beleuchteten Analysebereich, die Projektionsfläche passierend,
3. c) Detektion der auf die Projektionsfläche treffenden Lichtmenge pro Zeiteinheit mittels der elektronischen Kamera,
4. d) Aufnahme einer Vielzahl von Schattenbildern während ein Erntegutbestandteil den Analysebereich durchquert, wobei die Aufnahme eines Schattenbildes durch zyklische pixelweise Abtastung der Detektionsoberfläche erfolgt und wobei eine instantane Weiterleitung an die Bildverarbeitungseinheit stattfindet,
5. e) Analyse der Schattenbilder durch die Datenverarbeitungseinheit, wobei
   1. i. Die Formen und Abmessungen der bewegten Partikel des fluiden, heterogenen Erntegutstromes ermittelt werden
   2. ii. Eine Klassifizierung der bewegten Partikel anhand der Abmessungen erfolgt
   3. iii. Die Ermittlung des Verhältnisses der verschiedenen Bestandteile des Erntegutes erfolgt, also eine Zählung der identifizierten Verlustkörner und daraus eine Berechnung der Masseverluste anhand von Kennlinien für die verschiedenen Fruchtarten vorgenommen wird,
   4. iv. Bereitstellung der Ergebnisse zur weiteren Verarbeitung dieser Daten.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for analyzing material flows in harvesting machines using an analysis arrangement according to the invention. The method has the following steps:

1. a) Transport of the fluid, heterogeneous crop stream to a starting point at the edge of the analysis area,
2. b) Transport of the fluid, heterogeneous crop flow through the analysis area illuminated in the direction of illumination, passing the projection surface,
3. c) Detection of the amount of light hitting the projection surface per unit of time by means of the electronic camera,
4. d) Taking a large number of shadow images while a crop component undergoes analysis area, whereby the recording of a shadow image is carried out by cyclic pixel-by-pixel scanning of the detection surface and whereby an instantaneous forwarding to the image processing unit takes place,
5. e) analysis of the shadow images by the data processing unit, whereby
   1. i. The shapes and dimensions of the moving particles of the fluid, heterogeneous crop flow are determined
   2. ii. A classification of the moving particles based on their dimensions is carried out
   3. iii. The ratio of the various components of the harvested product is determined, i.e. the identified lost grains are counted and the mass losses are calculated using characteristic curves for the various types of crop,
   4. iv. Providing the results for further processing of this data.

The method according to the invention allows a differentiation of the silhouettes of the crop components based on their shape and subsequently a classification and a determination of the quantitative components.

In step c), the light is not necessarily detected directly in the sense of the invention, but a detection of the light diffusely scattered by the projection surface is particularly relevant.

Preferably, no process step for complete particle separation is carried out.

For the realization of the invention, it is also expedient to combine the above-described inventive embodiments, embodiments and features of the claims in a suitable arrangement.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are intended to describe the invention without limiting it.

• 1 eine Analyseanordnung zur Analyse eines heterogenen Erntegutstromes,
• 2 ein reales Schattenbild eines Erntegutstromes,
• 3 ein weiteres Schattenbild eines heterogenen Erntegutstromes,
• 4 eine Analyseanordnung mit einem Linsensystem vor der Kamera,
• 5a eine Lichtquelle mit Linsen zur Erzeugung eines Bandes parallelen Lichtes,
• 5b eine zweidimensionale Anordnung von Lichtquellen,
• 6 eine Lichtquelle mit einer Fresnel-Linse,
• 7 eine Erntemaschine und

The invention is explained in more detail with the aid of drawings.

• 1 an analysis arrangement for the analysis of a heterogeneous crop flow,
• 2 a real silhouette of a crop flow,
• 3 another shadow picture of a heterogeneous crop flow,
• 4 an analysis arrangement with a lens system in front of the camera,
• 5a a light source with lenses to produce a band of parallel light,
• 5b a two-dimensional arrangement of light sources,
• 6 a light source with a Fresnel lens,
• 7 a harvester and

1 shows a section of an analysis arrangement 1 for analyzing a heterogeneous crop flow. A parallel light beam 2 illuminates a three-dimensional analysis area 3 and then hits a projection surface 4. The stream of parallel light 2 thus creates an analysis area 3 between the light source (not shown here) and the projection surface 4. The individual components of the heterogeneous crop flow, i.e. both the grains 5 and non-grain components 6, are illuminated in the direction of illumination 7. A shadow image of the crop components 8, i.e. shadow images of the grains 9 and shadow images of the non-grain components 10, is therefore created on the projection surface 4. The image created on the projection surface 4 is recorded by a camera 11 and forwarded to a data processing unit (not shown here).

The 2 and 3 show two different, real shadow images 8 of a crop flow. Shadows of different shapes and sizes can be seen. Larger, elongated shadows are shadow images of a non-grain component 10, while small, shorter, point-shaped shadows are shadow images of a grain 9. The individual components of the crop flow overlap particularly in the 3 shown illustration, so they are not separated from each other.

4 shows a possible variant of an analysis arrangement 1. A band of parallel light 2 strikes a projection surface 4, on which the grains 5 located between a light source 12 and a projection surface 4 produce shadow images of the grains 9. The shadow images are recorded by a camera 11. A lens system 13 made up of individual lenses 14 is arranged between the camera 11 and the projection surface 4.

In the 5A and 5b Possible embodiments for generating a parallel light band 2 are shown. In this case, several light sources 12, such as a large number of light-emitting diodes, are arranged next to one another. At least one lens 14 is arranged on each of the light sources 12 in such a way that a band of parallel light is generated. Preferably, the individual light sources 12 are not only arranged next to one another in rows, but in a matrix-like manner. In 5B the principle of such an LED matrix 15 consisting of a plurality of light-emitting diodes is shown.

Another possibility for generating a band of parallel light 2 is to use a single light source 12 in conjunction with a Fresnel lens 14, as shown in 6 is shown.

In 7 a harvesting machine 16 is shown. In this, the harvested material 20 is conveyed through the harvesting machine 16 by means of various harvested material conveying units 17, 18, 19, which also perform other functions. The harvested material 20 is transported through the harvesting machine 16, for example, by a separation device 17, a cleaning device 18 and by a chopper 19, whereby the grains are also separated from the other components.

The harvesting machine has a separation device 17, such as a horde shaker. The separation device 17 is suitable for further processing the crop 20 that has already passed through the threshing unit. The remaining grains that are still attached to the ears that have not been completely threshed are now separated from the straw. Information about the proportions of straw and grains present after the separation device 17 can be used advantageously to optimize the settings of the harvesting machine 16.

The harvesting machine 16 also has a cleaning device 18 into which the harvested material 20, which has already been threshed from the straw and consists of grains and threshed non-grain components, is fed. This harvested material 20 passes from the threshing unit via further separating elements to the cleaning device 18. This mixture is usually cleaned using several sieves arranged one above the other. The sieves are ventilated from below by an air stream so that the lighter non-grain components, such as short straw and chaff in particular, "float" to the top and the grains are arranged further down. The spatial separation allows further separation. The non-grain components are blown out. In order to check the quality of the settings, it is a suitable option to examine the separated non-grain components for any remaining grains. An arrangement of an analysis arrangement after the cleaning device 18 is therefore an advantageous variant.

The harvesting machine 16 also has a chopper 19, which chops the straw and spreads it widely. In another variant, the straw is deposited uncut in the swath. The straw 21 separated from the harvesting machine 16 should also no longer contain any grains. Consequently, another possible position is the arrangement of the analysis arrangement 1 for determining the proportions of the remaining grains after the chopper 19. Three possible positions for an analysis arrangement 1 are shown schematically. The arrows indicate a possible, suitable course of the direction of illumination 7.

Reference symbols

1

Analysis arrangement

2

Parallel light beam, band of parallel light, luminous flux

3

Analysis area

4

Projection surface

5

Grain, particle, crop component

6

Non-grain component, particle, crop component

7

Lighting direction

8th

Silhouette of the crop components

9

Silhouette of a grain

10

Shadow image of a non-grain component

11

camera, electronic camera

12

light source, point light source, light-emitting diode

13

Lens system

14

lens, Fresnel lens

15

LED matrix, two-dimensionally arranged light sources

16

Harvester

17

Separation device

18

Cleaning device

19

Shredders, straw shredders

20

Harvest

21

Excreted straw

Claims (13)

Analysis arrangement (1) for analyzing a fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow consisting of air and various solid crop components (4, 5), comprising a crop conveying unit (17, 18, 19), a light source (13), a projection surface (4) arranged at a distance from the light source (12) and having a two-dimensional extension of at least 10 cm × 10 cm, at least one electronic camera (11) for image capture and a data processing unit connected to the electronic camera (11). mechanically connected data processing unit, wherein a) the light source (12) emits a planar light flux (2) which strikes the two-dimensional projection surface (4) in an illumination direction (7) and an illuminated, three-dimensional analysis area (3) is spanned by the light source (12) and the projection surface (4), wherein within the analysis area (3) the dimensions of the planar light flux (2) formed perpendicular to the illumination direction (7) are constant along the illumination direction (7), b) the crop conveying unit (17, 18, 19) is designed and arranged such that the crop flow can be moved perpendicular to the illumination direction (7) through the analysis area (3), c) the light flux (2) generates two-dimensional shadow images (8) of the solid crop components (5, 6) on the projection surface (4), d) the projection surface (4) is designed to be translucent such that the shadow images (8, 9, 10) can be detected by the electronic camera (11) on the side of the projection surface (4) facing away from the crop flow and are forwarded to the data processing unit per unit of time, e) wherein the data processing unit analyses the images and determines the proportions of the individual crop components (5, 6) therefrom and makes them available for further data processing Analysis arrangement (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a plurality of recordings of shadow images (8) are made while a crop component (5, 6) passes through the analysis area (3). Analysis arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the analysis arrangement (1) has at least two electronic cameras (11) which are designed and arranged such that images of partial areas of the projected shadow images (8) are taken. Analysis arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the dimensions of the planar luminous flux (2) formed perpendicular to the illumination direction (7) within the analysis region (3) are constant along the illumination direction (7). Analysis arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the light source (12) is designed as a planar light source (12) with dimensions corresponding to the projection surface (4). Analysis order (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the analysis arrangement (1) has at least two projection surfaces (4) and two electronic cameras (11), wherein each electronic camera (11) is connected to a data processing unit. Harvesting machine (16) comprising an analysis arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 . Harvester (16), after Claim 7 , characterized in that a display is arranged on the harvesting machine, which is connected in data technology to the analysis arrangement (1) in such a way that the determined quantitative proportions of the crop components (5, 6) can be read by means of the display. Harvester (16), after one of the Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that one or more parameters of the harvesting machine (16) are automatically controlled using the data of the quantitative proportions of the crop components (5, 6). Harvester (16) according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that the harvesting machine (16) has a straw chopper (19) and the analysis arrangement (1) for analyzing a fluidized, heterogeneous crop flow consisting of air and various solid crop components is arranged after the straw chopper (19). Harvester (16) according to one of the Claims 7 until 10 , characterized in that the harvesting machine (16) has several analysis arrangements (1). Harvester (16) to Claim 11 , characterized in that the analysis arrangements (1) are positioned next to one another in such a way that a lateral resolution of the quantitative proportions of the individual crop components (5, 6) is made possible. Method for analyzing material flows in harvesting machines (16) by means of an analysis arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , comprising the following steps: a) transport of the fluid, heterogeneous crop flow to a starting point at the edge of the analysis area (3), b) transport of the fluid, heterogeneous crop flow through the analysis area (3) illuminated in the direction of illumination (7), passing the projection surface (4), c) detection of the light striking the projection surface (4) per unit of time by means of an electronic camera (11), d) recording a plurality of shadow images (8) while a crop component (5, 6) passes through the analysis area (3), a shadow image (8) is recorded by cyclical pixel-by-pixel scanning of the detection surface and is instantly forwarded to the data processing unit, e) analysis of the shadow images by the data processing unit, wherein i. the shapes and dimensions of the moving crop components (5, 6) of the fluid, heterogeneous crop stream are determined, ii. the moving crop components (5, 6) are classified based on the dimensions, iii. the ratio of the various crop components (5, 6) is determined and iv. the data is made available for further processing.

Images