JPS61212205A - Planter monitor apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A seed sowing machine has a plurality of seed feeding devices, one feeding device being attached to each row. Planter monitors using different sensors in the seed path are known. One type of seed sensor incorporates a mechanical switch. This switch is activated by physical contact with the seed. An example thereof is disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,632,918. Photoelectric or optical seed sensors are also known that operate by blocking a light beam from a light source to a photodetector by a seed. An example of this is US Pat. No. 4,166,948. To obtain sufficient sensitivity for particle detection, mechanical seed sensors are designed to be easily bent with small force. Therefore, this sensor is sensitive to planter vibrations and is therefore particularly sensitive to small seeds such as grains or vegetables. Furthermore, this mechanical sensor is designed with elements placed in the actual seed path. Therefore, if it breaks or is damaged, the flow of seeds can be interrupted in whole or in part.

A photoelectric or optical seed sensor narrows the seed passage,
In other words, it acts to restrict. This is to allow individual seeds to block the light path. This restriction to converging seed flow is obstructed by large seeds or foreign objects. This is especially important for planters planting small seeds such as grains or vegetables. Photoelectric sensors are sensitive in part to sunlight and must be designed to minimize light leakage from the surroundings to the photodetector.

Photoelectric sensors are susceptible to desensitization due to build-up of dirt, debris, or deposits such as various seed coatings, pesticides, and fertilizers on the light source and photodetector.

Also, heretofore it has been difficult or impossible to create a single sensor device capable of detecting seeds of different types or sizes. When converting planters to pond seed rather than seed seed plants, at least three problems are encountered. If the size of the seeds is different, then I′! ! 'IMi occurs. For a given detection configuration with fixed sensitivity for detection of large seeds, the response to very small seeds is uncertain. Secondly,
Relatively slow planting means that a sensor with sensitivity set for speed cannot respond fast enough to count all of the seeds that are planted at a very fast rate. The speed can vary greatly for each type of seed. Third, when planting different types of seeds, or when different types of planting speeds are used, the orientation of the seeds varies greatly. This is especially true for asymmetric seeds such as corn, wheat, and lettuce.

In the planter monitors described above, a plurality of indicators are usually provided corresponding to each seed sensor and in the form of lamps. This light flashes each time a seed is detected.

Therefore, the operator must continuously monitor whether the seeds are being planted. Such a configuration requires the operator to continuously monitor all the lamps, especially to check for lamp flashing, which is particularly inconvenient for monitoring when multiple rows of seeds are being planted simultaneously. Additionally, if a single row fails, the operator will shut down the planter. All rows planted will stop working and all lamps will stop indicating which row is causing the initial failure. The operator must check the planting equipment for all rows or remember which row was the cause of the failure. For example, this task becomes more difficult as the rows become larger, such as using a machine when planting wheat.

The present invention monitors the presence or flow of small particles of high dielectric constant, particularly seeds that are being planted in a seeding machine. The present invention provides a pair of separated animals/rIM e, :ni; irises r1. The presence of seeds is indicated by using the high dielectric constant of the N layer and the N book number. Changes in capacitance are detected and processed by instrument panel displays, alarm operators, and/or counting circuits.

A planter monitoring device, which is an aspect of the present invention, includes a plurality of sensors that detect the presence or flow of respective seeds through a plurality of seed passageways and a planter monitor that is mounted on a tractor or vehicle in full view of the operator. It includes a positioned instrument panel and electrical cables interconnecting a plurality of sensors to the instrument spear.

Each sensor means includes a transmitting electrode means electrically exposed to the seed passage, a receiving electrode means electrically exposed to the seed passage for receiving electrical energy from the transmitting electrode means, and a transmitting electrode means from the outer ring tomb. and shielding means for electrically isolating the receiving electrode means; transmitting circuit means for driving the transmitting electrode means with a suitable electrical signal to generate electrical energy; The transmitter 4N'IM can be changed in response to an instantaneous change in the capacitance between the electrode means, and the receiving circuit means extracts an electrical signal from the receiving electrode in response to the electrical energy from the electrode means.

The instrument panel is connected directly to it by means of an electrical circuit responsive to electrical signals and a sensor, which detects when any of the sensors fails to detect seed flow within a specified period of time. failure indicator lamp means for indicating and continuing the indication of the first detection failure detected by said failing sensor when there is more than one detection failure by the sensor; When detecting the flow of seeds, the planting will indicate to the operator the normal planting of the machine, the planting will give an indication of the normal operation of the machine, and one or more of the malfunction indicator lamp means will be lit. When the operator is not looking at the instrument panel, when one or more of the fault indicator lamp means and the normal lamp means are energized, the planting will be performed when the operator is not looking at the instrument panel. It includes audible alarm means to notify the operator that the machine is malfunctioning and adjustment means to set the value for a specified period of time.

According to another aspect of the invention, a planter monitoring device includes a plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of seeds or flow of seeds through a plurality of seed passageways and one for monitoring electrical signals from the one or more sensors. an instrument panel on the tractor or vehicle that is fully visible to the operator; a plurality of sensors and one or more detection circuit means; and electrical cable means connecting to the instrument panel. There is.

The plurality of sensor means includes a transmitting electrode means electrically exposed to each seed passageway, a receiving electrode means electrically exposed to each seed passageway for receiving electrical energy from the transmitting electrode means, and a receiving electrode means electrically exposed to each seed passageway for receiving electrical energy from the external environment. shielding means for electrically isolating the electrode means and the receiving electrode means; and a response capable of changing in response to instantaneous changes in capacitance between the transmitting electrode means and the receiving electrode means due to passage of the seed passageway in close proximity to the electrode means. and receiving circuit means for extracting a buffered electrical signal from the receiving electrode according to the electrical energy from the transmitting electrode means.

In a variation of the invention, the instrument panel comprises fault indicator lamp means and electrical circuit means responsive to output electrical signals from one or more detection circuit means, normal lamp means, and audible alarm means. .

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to accurately and reliably detect the passage of individual particles along a given path of travel.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved sensor device.

A further particular object of the invention is to provide a seed planting monitoring device with a new and improved sensor specifically adapted to detect the passage of seeds through a mechanical planting shoot. Another object of the present invention is to provide a seed planting monitoring device with a new and improved sensor that is insensitive to machine vibrations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a monitoring device with a new and improved sensor that is insensitive to the effects of sunlight.

The purpose of the decoy immortal: ? - To provide a monitoring device with a new and improved sensor that is insensitive to contaminating dirt, dust, or deposits.

The purpose of the pond of the invention is to limit the actual flow path of the seeds,
Has a new and improved seed sensor that can detect the seed path through a relatively large cross-section frontage without focusing or obstructing it, and can also be configured to fit the actual shape of the seed path. An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device.

The purpose of the pond of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device with a new and improved seed sensor that is capable of detecting seed type and size over a wide range of seed planting rates.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device with a new and improved seed sensor that can monitor multiple planting rows.

Another object of the invention is to provide a seed planting monitoring device with a new and improved seed sensor for accurately and reliably detecting the passage of fertilizer or herbicide pellets through the chute of the machine. That's true.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device with an improved indicating device that is easy to read so that the operator can easily and clearly ascertain its status.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system that continues to provide an indication of the cause of the initial failure even after the seeding machine has stopped operating and the entire planting machine has ceased operation.

In FIG. 1 a sensor is shown for use in a seed channel with a rectangular cross section. The sensor configuration, generally indicated by 1o, consists of four sides 11, 12, 13, and 14. Each is made of an insulating material, such as plastic or epoxy glass, and is arranged to form part of a seed passageway, generally designated 15, defined on four sides. The outer surfaces of the four sides are covered with conductive shields I6 made of a material such as copper or brass. It is attached with adhesive or deposited directly on the surface. This conductive shield 1
6 insulates this configuration from interference from external electrical signals and seals the internal electric field.

A transmitting electrode means 17 having a width slightly shorter than the width of the surface 11 and a vertical width considerably shorter than the vertical width of the surface 11 is mounted on the inner surface of the surface 11. The transmitting electrode means 17 is made of copper or *ai
It is made of a conductive material such as, and is attached by adhesive or sprinkling. On the inner surface of face 13 directly facing 1, receiving electrode means 18 similar to transmitting electrode means 17 are mounted. The transmitting electrode means 17 and the receiving electrode means 18 are oriented approximately midway between the upper and lower ends of the sensor arrangement. Electrodes 17 and 18 are covered with another insulating layer 19, which may be made of a material such as plastic or mylar with adhesive, or may be directly coated. Although this is not particularly necessary for normal operation of the sensor, the insulating layer 19 prevents corrosion of the electrodes 17 and 18 and eliminates the potential negative effects of moisture in the seed passageway 15.

The transmitting electrode means 17 are electrically connected via lines 21 to receiving circuit means located within the enclosure 20 and mounted on one side of the sensor arrangement.

Similarly, the receiving electrode means 1 is connected via wire 22 to enclosure 2.
0 and is electrically connected to receiving circuit means mounted on one side of the sensor arrangement. other line 23
is attached to the current collecting shield 16 and connects the circuit within the enclosure 20 to the ground. The circuits within enclosure 20 are electrically connected via lines 23 to other circuits described below.

Although FIGS. 1 and 1A have rectangular cross-sections, other shapes, such as trapezoids or hexagons, can be formed in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 2 shows a sensor for a seed channel with a circular cross section. The sensor structure, indicated at 30, consists of a cylinder 31 made of an insulating material, such as plastic. A region within this structure defines a seed passageway 32. The outer surface of the cylinder 31 is covered with a conductive shield 33 made of a material such as copper or brass. This can be glued or deposited directly onto the surface.

This conductive shield 33 insulates this configuration from external electrical signal interference and seals the cylinder 31 from internal electric fields.
The inner surface of the cylinder 31 has a length of approximately one quarter of the inner circumference of the cylinder 31 and is mounted on transmitter circuit means 34 which is considerably lower than the height of the cylinder 31. The electrodes are made of a conductive material such as copper or brass and are attached by adhesive or vapor deposition. Further, a receiving electrode means 35 similar in shape to the transmitting electrode means 34 is attached to the inner surface of the cylinder 31 so as to face the transmitting electrode means 34 ( ). The transmitting electrode means 34 and the receiving electrode means 35 are mounted in the middle between the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 31. The electrode means 34 and 35 are covered with another insulating layer 36, which may be made of a material such as plastic or adhesive-backed mylar, or may be directly coated. Although not particularly necessary for normal operation of the sensor,
The t-layer 36 prevents corrosion of the electrode means 34 and 35 and eliminates the potential negative effects of moisture in the seed passageway 32.

The transmitting electrode means 34 are electrically connected by a line 38 to a transmitting circuit within an enclosure 37 mounted on the cylinder 31. Similarly, the receiving electrode means 35 are electrically connected to the receiving circuitry within the enclosure 37 by a line 39. Another wire 40 is attached to the shield 33 and connects the circuitry of the enclosure 37 to ground. The circuit in enclosure 37 is connected to a second circuit which is electrically connected via line 41 to another circuit to be described below.
The cylinder electrode means 34 and 35 have a diameter of about 2.5 cm and a length of about 2.5 cm, as shown in the figure. 7.5 cm and approximately 0.75 cm in height, these electrodes extend toward the inner wall of the cylinder at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The electrode means 17 and 18 of the rectangular sensor of FIG. 1 are approximately 0.38 cm high and approximately 5 cm long.
m, and there is an electrode space of about 1@25 cm. The electrode capacitance ranges from 1x10 to 1xl-+10 farads; the capacitance-paleochange due to 0 seed passage ranges from 1xlO to 1x10-17 farads.

FIG. 3 shows a sensor electronics arrangement according to one aspect of the invention using radio frequencies applied to the transmitting electrode means. The sensor electronics consists of transmitting circuit means 50 and receiving circuit means 70, indicated collectively. The transmit circuit means 50 and the receive circuit means 70 are versatile in that they can operate with multiple sensors such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The transmitting circuit means 50 includes an oscillator 51 and a driver circuit 52.
It is made up of. The output of the driver circuit 52 is sent through a line (21 in FIG. 1 or 38 in FIG. 2) for a particular sensor! given to extreme means.

Digital gates 53 and 54, resistors 55 and 57 capacitor 5
6. The oscillator 51 composed of the crystal element 58 is connected to the gate 5
9 generates a constant frequency signal that is supplied to the human power of the driver circuit. The driver circuit includes a buffer gate 59, a capacitor 60, resistors 61 and 62, and a transistor 6.
3. It is composed of a transformer 64.

The output of the transformer 64 is a sinusoidal signal of a frequency equal to the frequency of the crystal element 58, for example 5 MHz, and is of the order of 50 V with an amplitude sufficient to drive the transmitting electrode means for seed detection.

The receiving circuit means 70 includes a rectifier 71, an amplifier 72 and an integrator 73.
, a differentiator 74, and a comparator 75. The human power to the receiving circuit means 70 of the rectifier 71 is (18 in FIG.
or 35 in FIG. 2) to the receiving electrode means of a particular sensor.

A rectifier consisting of diodes 76 and 77 half-wave rectifies the current passing through the sensor due to the electrical impedance between the receiving electrode means and the transmitter. In the particular embodiment shown, the sensor current is primarily a capacitive displacement current, thus two ! It depends on the dielectric constant of the region between the poles. Since the area between the two electrodes is part of the seed path, any change in dielectric constant due to movement or presence of the seed between the electrodes will result in a change in the amplitude of the rectified current in diode 77. The dielectric constant of each seed is in the range of 30 to 80 times the dielectric constant of air, making the sensor particularly sensitive to the presence of seeds.

However, because the dielectric constant of plastics and other materials from which the sensor structure is made is only in the range of 2-3 times that of air, very little shunt of the electric field between the electrodes occurs. As a result, if even one seed passes between the transmitting electrode and the receiving circuit, the current in the diode 77 changes relatively greatly.

Amplifier 72, consisting of an operational amplifier 78 and a resistor 79, converts the half-wave rectified current in diode 77 into a voltage whose amplitude depends on the dielectric constant between the sensor electrode means. Amplifier 80, resistance 81.82.83, capacity 84.8
The integrator 73 constituted by 5 returns current to the amplifier 72 through the resistor 86 so as to keep the voltage output of the amplifier 72 at a nominal value that depends on the values of the resistors 81 and 82. It acts as a dc restoring circuit.

The use of integrator 73 extends the dynamic range of the receiver circuit and allows the sensor to operate over a wide range of capacitance changes between the sensor electrode means. Roughly, the integrator 73 is in a state where the amplifier 72 becomes saturated,
In other words, the sensor can operate even when the space between the electrodes is actually clogged with dust and debris.

A divider 74 consisting of a capacity of 8711t and a resistance of 88
generates a signal and inputs it to the positive input of the comparator 7!5 which depends on the time rate of change of the impedance between the sensor electrode means. This, in turn, depends on the passage of the seeds between the electrodes. Comparator 75 compares the human power signal with a fixed value, selectable by setting potentiometer 89, and each time the seed passes between the sensor electrode means, when the human power exceeds the fixed value set in 89. , corresponds to a logic 1 and emits a digital output. By setting the potentiometer 89, therefore, the sensitivity of the receiver circuit can be set and the receiver adapted to a particular range of seed sizes. The output of the comparator for each sensor of the multi-sensor system is electrically coupled to the instrument panel (described below) by a cable (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the electronic configuration of the instrument panel for a multi-row planter monitor system. In the illustrated example, a planter with eight rows is assumed, but the number of rows can be easily increased or decreased.

In the particular example, eight sensors generate outputs, as described above, which are provided as human power to the instrument panel electronics and are generally indicated at 101. Corresponding to each of the instrument panel electronic component inputs is a fault indicator (FAI).
(lure 1ndicator) and driver, generally indicated as 102. In addition to the fault indicator, there is a bozitep indicator with a screwdriver that directs the boziteb to the proper planter function. This indicator is indicated by 103. Further, an audible alarm 104 with a screwdriver is provided to alert the operator when a line failure occurs while the operator is not looking at the instrument panel.

In the particular example of FIG. 4, microprocessor 100 performs the function of monitoring various human forces from sensor 101. In the particular example of FIG. If an indicator lights up within a certain time and seeds are detected in all rows, the Bozitev indicator lights up, and if a malfunction occurs in one or more cases, a warning is activated for a certain time. The faulty row is visually displayed (by flashing a light or a fault indicator, for example). The planter monitor system includes a user timer (US) to detect faulty rows.
er-adjustable time period
), and the flashing mechanism is useful for monitoring purposes. This is because the operator can shut down the planter without remembering whether the column has detected a failure. After all plantings have stopped working (
In that case, you can see the instrument panel (all fault indicators are illuminated) and detect the row in which the fault occurred.

This feature is particularly useful in planter monitors that have multiple rows, such as wheat planting machines.

The fault indicator can be any kind of visual device, such as a lamp or LED, indicated by reference numerals 129 to 136. In the latter case, 27) is the respective LE
Connected to D. Similarly, the normal indicator is a lamp or L.
ED 137 is considered, and an associated resistor 128 can also be connected. 104 is an arbitrary power sensor such as a piezoelectric buzzer. Any device is fine.

Indicator and alarm current drain request (thecu
If the rret-drain requirements exceed the output capabilities of the microprocessor, these outputs are each associated with a driver circuit (11O-119).

For normal operation, all microprocessors require a timing crystal element 108 and a power reset circuit, shown at 107 and 108, to ensure that the internal program operates correctly when power is first applied. do. In Figure 4, this particular microprocessor is a single-chip product that includes a central control unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), an internal timer, an input/output (Ilo) section, and a type of lead-on memory ( ROM
), including operating programs stored in the computer. Examples of such single-chip microprocessors include the Intel 8048 and the Motorola 6805. If the microprocessor's power is not sufficient to handle the required number of sensors and indicators, additional microprocessor peripheral chips may be required.

Seed counts, comparison of seed counts in a row to determine if there are rows with counts that are significantly different from other rows, seed population (s
Other monitoring functions, such as determining the eed population, can be performed by the microprocessor-100. In addition, other sensor-requiring monitoring functions such as bin level sensing, temperature sensing, air pressure sensing, and planter speed sensing useful for determining seed population in a kneeker can also be performed by microprocessor 100. In this manner, the monitoring system can be easily expanded by simply adding appropriate sensor output indicators and connecting each to the human power or output board of the microprocessor-100.

FIG. 5 shows the front of an eight-row planter monitor console as described above. On the front panel, there are 105 time selection switches and 140.8 red LE power switches.
D failure indicators 102 (one is monitored for each column) and one green LED normality indicator 103 are arranged. The upper part of the console extends forward from the front panel surface and forms a shield against sunlight, making it easy to see even when operating in very bright surroundings.

2 shows sensor electronics and detection circuitry for a second embodiment of the invention using a circuit technique in which multiple sensors are monitored by a set of electronics (plexing); FIG. The detector includes a transmitter 150 and a plurality of drivers 1
51. It is composed of a multiplexer 154, an amplifier 155, an integrator 156, a differentiator 157, a comparator 158, and a microprocessor 159. A driver 151 is a sensor array 15 corresponding to a reception buffer circuit 152.
3 are connected to each other. The buffer output is connected to multiplexer 154.

The sensor array is in the form of a matrix, with drivers 151 connected to the rows of the matrix and multiplexers 154 connected to its columns. By using a matrix pattern in a matrix array, 810 sensor arrays can be monitored with R drivers and 0 multiplexers, minimizing the number of components or network cost required. Suppress 14q14*#Mml-p=+a6mML Naeyuno+
I/II-2) and four multiplexers (C=4) can monitor eight individual sensors (RxC=2M4). The transmitting circuit is composed of an oscillator 150 and a driver 151. The oscillator 150 is composed of two logic gates 165 and 168, resistors 18B and 169, a capacitor 167, and a crystal element 170, and generates a constant frequency signal that is applied to one of the drivers 151. Driver is logic gate buffer 171 or 1
77. Two resistors 173 and 174 or 179 and 1
80.172 or 17B capacity, 175 or 1
Each device is composed of 81 transistors and 176 or 182 transformers.

The inputs of logic gates 171 and 177 of driver 151 are connected to the output ports of microprocessor-159. By selectively using the control lines, the microprocessor can drive one driver at a time. Therefore, only one row of the sensor array will work at - times. The driven driver is 17
It is located on the secondary side of the transformer 6 or 182, and has a sine wave with a frequency equal to that of the crystal element 170 and has sufficient amplitude for the sensor to detect seeds.

Each sensor 183 through 190 has an associated receiver or buffer circuit, in this particular example 191
These are diode pairs from 206 to 206. Although it is possible to use complex buffer circuits for each sensor, using diode pairs offers a number of advantages. First, diodes appear to be the simplest and cheapest of the various possible combinations. Second, all sensor outputs in the − column can be OR-combined. That is, the outputs can be connected without any adverse effects. Third, diodes have a rectifying function that reduces stray capacitance and electrical interference.

The shapes of the sensors 183 to 190 are as shown in FIG.
Approximately equivalent to the diagram or other similar configuration. The main difference between the sensor of this embodiment of the invention and the sensors of the previous embodiments is that in the invention each sensor in the receiver circuit is highly simplified. The output of the receiving circuit is a half-wave rectified current by diodes 191 to 206.

The current in any column is the current in the sensor at the intersection of that column and the particular row where the driver is energized. 207 and 2
A multiplexer 154 consisting of pairs of FET switches 08 to 213 and 214 and inverters 215 to 218 is connected to the output port of the microprocessor 159 through a multiplexer control line 239. In normal operation, only one multiplexer portion is active at a time, and the rectified current from the sensors in the disabled string is 207.209.211.2
Only selected currents from the particular instance discharged into the ground by the 130 FETs are provided to the amplifier 155. With appropriate scanning processing, the amplifier 155 can be influenced by each sensor in turn. Operational amplifier 219
The output of amplifier 155, which consists of resistor 220 and resistor 220, depends on the rectified current of the selected sensor, which sensor is present. Branching of the electric field inside the sensor (s h u n t
) rarely occurs, and as a result, if even one seed passes between the electrode means of the selected sensor, the intensifier 15
A relatively large change occurs in the current supplied to 5.

221, 222, 223 and a capacitance of 224, 225, the integrator 156 is formed by the amplifier 15 at a nominal value that depends on the resistance of the resistors 221 and 222.
D-C recovery is performed by returning current to the amplifier 155 through the resistor 226 to maintain the voltage output of 5.
ring) functions as a circuit. The use of integrator 156 extends the range of the receiver circuit and allows each sensor to operate over a wide range of capacitance changes between the sensor electrode means. Furthermore, the integrator 156 allows the sensor to operate even in conditions where the amplifier 155 is saturated, ie, the space between the electrodes is effectively clogged with dust.

Differentiator consisting of capacitor 238 and resistor 229 +cl)
ノfj；Lf-11A←I4ツ）ノ+Talk!厖YOi〔
Time variation of the amount of puE of mouth aS+ (comparator 1 depending on your request)
Let 58's human power handle that signal manually. That's it! Between the poles f′! A comparator 148 compares the output of the differentiator with a fixed value determined by controlling the potentiometer 230, and each time the seed passes between the electrode means of the interpreted sensor. The logic lζ generates an output correspondingly.

Microprocessor 159 receives the output of comparator 15 and, after a short delay for the various signals to stabilize, determines whether they have been detected. As soon as the microprocessor determines that a seed has been detected, processing proceeds to the next sensor in sequence. The microprocessor can also count the number of seeds over a period of time and determine whether the various flow velocities are within specified values or within acceptable ranges relative to the seed flow velocities of all other sensors. to judge. Based on the particular program within the microprocessor, various test conditions can be performed to determine whether a particular instance has a fault. The simplest type of seeding is when a row fails and no seeds are detected during a specific period. In this case, the time value can be adjusted by the user via switch 231 as shown. Therefore, a microprocessor performs three major functions. The first array of sensors is caused to scan through a predetermined pattern. Second, based on a specific set of criteria, it is determined whether each row of planters is successfully planting. Third, the microprocessor is 23
Output signals are provided to an instrument panel that controls various indicators and alarms illustrated at 5-237. To simplify the wiring requirements of the monitor function, the outputs of 235-237 are shown in a serial data format.

Other monitoring functions such as seed counts, comparison of seed counts 111I in the rows to determine if there are rows with counts that differ significantly from the number rows, and determination of seed population are performed by the microprocessor-159. It is possible. In addition, monitoring functions that require other sensors such as bin level detection, temperature detection, air pressure detection, and planter speed detection useful for determining seed population in a kneeker can also be performed by the microprocessor-159. . In this way, add appropriate sensors,
The structure of the monitor device can be easily expanded by simply connecting each of the input ports of the microprocessor-159.

The above detection circuit passes through a comparator 158 to an amplifier 155.
It is not limited to just one combination that leads to . The use of such two combinations is possible, each connected to one half of the row of sensor plays. If you change the detection circuit like that, the entire circuit will become 19i, and the cost will be reduced by 50%.
At the same time, the speed of the scanning process is guaranteed to be less than 50%.
% can be given. This is because the outputs of the two comparators occur simultaneously. This process of increasing the speed of the device at the cost of increased circuit complexity and cost is similar to that of the above-described embodiments of the invention. j(
It can be done up to almost 9t.

2. All classes of planter monitors that can trade in circuit complexity and circuit speed.
may exist. If the planter monitor device monitors a sensor for a certain period of time and does not need to monitor the same sensor until all other sensors have been monitored, the second type of the invention is the most cost-effective monitor. It is.

On the other hand, if all sensors need to be continuously monitored, the first embodiment of the present invention is required. A combination of these extremes is possible using the second embodiment of the invention by increasing the number of sections from amplifier 155 to comparator 158.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram for an eight column monitor instrument panel compatible with the circuit of FIG. The instrument panel includes a row fault indicator 250, a normal indicator 251, an alarm 252, a latch circuit 253, and a shift register 254. Shift register 254 receives a signal 255 from a detection circuit indicating the status of the planting machine. As shown, the signals are in a serial data format to simplify wiring from the detection circuit to the instrument panel. Shift register-254
converts the serial data into parallel format and responds to the load signal from the data detection circuit, and the latch circuit 25
It is latched by 3. Fault indicators include light bulbs and LEDs
Any visual device can be used. In the latter case a resistor is included to limit the LED current as shown.

Similarly, the normality indicator 252 can be any visual device, such as a voltage buzzer. If the output drive capability of latch circuit 253 is not sufficient to drive all the indicators, a buffer (not shown) may need to be placed between the latch output and the indicators.

One of the characteristics of the second embodiment instrument panel circuit of the present invention, shown in FIG. 147, is that the circuitry is relatively simple. Therefore, the instrument panel circuitry can be housed in a relatively small box, even in the form of a small instrument on the dash board of a tractor pulling a planter or its pond car.

The passage of conductive particles on the path between the transmitting and receiving circuit means is also sensed and monitored by the aforementioned circuitry. During their passage, such particles change the equivalent gigang between the electrode means.

The present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention. For example, it is possible to apply a d-C charge (q) to the electrode means rather than the a-C described above.

In this case, particles! In order to monitor the volume as it passes between the poles, appropriate modifications are made to the transmitting and receiving circuits. In the a-C devices, changes in the apparent frequency rather than the capacitance are detected by appropriate receiving circuitry. Also, the device can use a single electrode and ground (as the other electrode).

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a perspective view of a sensor for a seed passage with a rectangular cross section, 1A, [J are vertical sectional views of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor for a seed passage with a circular cross section. FIG. 2A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG.
3 is an electrical circuit diagram of the sensor electronics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the instrument panel electronics used in conjunction with the circuit of FIG. 3; and FIG. FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the front panel of the instrument panel of an eight-row planter monitor; FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the instrument panel electronics for an eight row planter monitor system used in conjunction with the circuit of FIG. Explanation of symbols 10 , , sensor structure , 17.34 , . Transmitting electrode, 18.35, , receiving electrode, 5°, ≠(
Lightning r6I% Oguchi 70 Mysterious Buds Dark Defeat Ri〇3
1. Arithmetic amplifier, 74, Differentiator, 750. . Comparator 100, Microprocessor Manabu Shiga, Commissioner of the Patent Office1. Indication of the case Japanese Patent Application No. 60-50240 No. 3, Person making the amendment Relationship with the case Name of the patent applicant Name of the applicant Uniin Ka Ha7se5, Date of the amendment order Showa date (self-motivated) 7.1 Attachment of correct contents street

Claims (13)

[Claims] (1) An apparatus for monitoring individual particles having a high dielectric constant passing along a path, the sensor having at least one transmitting electrode means and one receiving electrode means, and a sensor having at least one transmitting electrode means and one receiving electrode means, and transmitting a constant electrical signal to said transmitting electrode means. and receiving circuit means for detecting a change in electrical energy received at said receiving electrode means from said transmitting electrode means in response to a particular passage in said passageway proximate said electrode means. A planter monitor device featuring: (2) The monitor device according to claim (1), wherein the electrical signal is an alternating current electrical signal with a constant frequency. (3) Claim (1) further comprising a conductive shield that isolates the electrode means from the outside.
Monitoring equipment as described in Section. (4) The monitor device according to claim (3), further comprising an electrically insulating layer covering the electrode means. 5. A monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein said receiving electrode means comprises a rectifier having an output responsive to the dielectric constant of that portion of the particle path between said electrode means. . (6) an operational amplifier for converting the rectifier output into voltage; and a D for expanding the dynamic range of the receiving circuit means.
5. The monitor device according to claim 5, wherein the receiving circuit means further comprises an integrator for supplying a C restoring current. (7) a differentiator for converting the rectifier output into a signal dependent on the rate of change of impedance between the electrode means, and a selectable differentiator for generating a digital signal when the converted signal and the converted signal exceed a reference value; 5. The monitor device according to claim 5, wherein the receiving circuit means further includes a comparator for a reference value. (8) further comprising microprocessor means responsive to the digital output of said receiver circuit means for operating means on the instrument panel for indicating the status of said digital output; monitoring equipment. (9) An apparatus for monitoring particles having a high dielectric constant passing along a plurality of individual paths, the apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors, transmitting circuit means, and an individual sensor connected to the receiving electrode for each sensor. A receiving circuit, a multiplexer,
microprocessor means, each of said plurality of sensors being provided in each path, said sensors being arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, each sensor being connected to at least one transmitter and an electronic device in said path; one receiving electrode means exposed to the transmitting electrode means, the transmitting circuit means having a source of a constant electrical signal and a separate drive for selectively connecting the electrical signal source to the transmitting electrode means for one sensor array. means, said multiplexer interconnecting the outputs of said separate receiving circuit means for the sensors of each column of said matrix, said microprocessor means sequentially gating the drive means for the sensor columns; An apparatus for monitoring particles, characterized in that the output of a receiving output circuit of a gated row of sensors is scanned. (10) a latch circuit for receiving a shift register output for serially receiving a signal from said microprocessor indicating the status of each sensor and simultaneously operating said instrument panel means for indicating the status of each sensor; The device according to claim (9), characterized in that: (11) An apparatus for electrically monitoring conductive discrete particles passing along a path, the sensor having at least one transmitter and one receiving electrode means exposed in the path; transmitting circuit means for providing a signal to said transmitting electrode means; and receiving circuit means for detecting changes in electrical energy received by said receiving electrode means from said transmitting electrode means in response to particles passing through said passageway proximate said electrode. A monitor device comprising: (12) The monitor device according to claim (11), wherein the electrical signal is an alternating current electrical signal with a constant frequency. 13. The monitor of claim 12, wherein said receiving circuit means includes a rectifier, the output of said rectifier being responsive to the dielectric constant of that portion of the particle path between the electrodes. Device.