WO2020057767A1

WO2020057767A1 - Method for determining the distribution of distribution-material particles dispensed by means of a distributing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2020057767A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/000234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norbert Rauch; Volker Stöcklin
Original assignee: Rauch Landmaschinenfabrik Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-09-17
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2020-03-26
Also published as: DE102018007303A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the distribution of distribution-material particles dispensed by means of a distributing machine (4), comprising the following steps: a) setting up a plurality of collecting containers (12, 6, 9) for collecting the distribution-material particles on a ground region in accordance with a specified arrangement relative to one another; b) dispensing the distribution-material particles by means of the distributing machine (4) by driving the distribution machine (4) over the ground region provided with the collecting containers (12, 6, 9); c) determining the amount of distribution-material particles collected in each collecting container (12, 6, 7, 8) and calculating an actual distribution of the distribution-material particles therefrom. According to the invention, method step (c) mentioned above comprises the following steps: capturing the distribution-material particles (9) collected in each collecting container (12, 6, 7, 8) in a digital camera image; locating the distribution-material particles in the camera image; determining a parameter representative of the amount of distribution-material particles collected in the collecting containers (12, 6, 9); and - calculating the actual distribution of the distribution-material particles from the distribution-material particles collected in the collecting containers (12, 6, 9) using the parameters representative of the respective amounts of distribution-material particles.

Description

Method for determining the distribution of particles distributed by means of a distribution machine

The invention relates to a method for determining the distribution, in particular the transverse distribution, of distribution material particles which have been applied by means of a distribution machine, comprising the following steps:

(a) disposing a plurality of collecting trays to catch on ^¬ the Verteilgutpartikel on a floor area according to a predetermined arrangement relative to each other;

(b) ^¬ engine by the drip trays provided with the bottom portion is passed to the distributor discharging the Verteilgutpartikel means of dispensing; and

(c) determining the placed in a respective collecting tray ^¬ trapped amount of Verteilgutpartikeln and calculating an actual distribution of the Verteilgutpartikel · therefrom.

Distributing machines for dispensing particulate Verteilgut are primarily on the one hand in the form of agricultural Scheibenstreuern for distributing fertilizers and / or seeds processing on a field in a variety of Ausgestal ^¬ known, for example, in solid, or by a three-point of a tractor, such as a tractor, aufgenom ^¬ mener type. Such distributing machines comprise conventional ^¬ as a which Verteilgut receiving container, one or two outlet openings are arranged at the bottom, where a metering is zugeord net at the respective outlet opening to the Verteilgut in the desired amount - or, more precisely with the desired mass flow - the Remove the container. As a rule, the metering element can be opened and closed by means of a suitable actuator in the form of a hydraulic or electric cylinder or else an electric motor, so that, depending on the desired distribution width of the supply, Partial goods on the ground, depending on the driving speed and the physical properties of the material to be distributed, such as its flowability, to be able to set the desired mass flow. Below the dosing is a usually designed in the form of a spreader equipped with spreader manifold distributor gate, by means of which the material is distributed over the desired working width. Modern distribution machines are also equipped with a device for adjusting the task point of the goods to be distributed on the distributor disc, the point of application in relation to the distributor disc radially (in particular for enlarging / reducing the spread fan) and / or in the circumferential direction (in particular for rotating the spread fan can be adjustable about the axis of rotation of the distributor disc). Such an agricultural distribution machine is known, for example, from DE 10 2005 015 228 Al.

In the case of similarly structured winter service spreading machines, the container serves primarily to hold usually particle or granular chippings, sand and / or road salt, the function of such a winter service spreading machine largely corresponding to that of the agricultural spreading machine described above.

In addition to the disc spreaders described above, pneumatic distribution machines are also known for agricultural purposes, such as are known, for example, in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader from DE 10 2004 030 240 Al. Pneumatic distributing machines generally have a plurality of metering elements, each of which comprise a rotationally driven metering roller, to the do sier housing of which, in turn, a plurality of transfer chambers pressurized by blowers are connected on the outlet side of which, individually or in groups, lead off several delivery lines, which each lead to a distribution element. The latter are usually formed of baffles or -tellern which distribute the incident thereon Verteilgut about fächerför ^¬ mig on the floor. A section control is ensured that each metering element is assigned its own, independently speed-controlled motor to drive its respective metering roller, so that side-by-side distribution elements, which are supplied by the respective groups of delivery lines with distribution material, which emanate from a respective metering element , can be switched on or off in groups.

The function of the distribution machines mentioned in the context of the present disclosure is determined on the one hand by the accuracy of the metering of the mass flow metered to the distributor or the distribution material, and on the other hand by the distribution of the fertilizer by the distributing members, in particular essentially transverse to the direction of travel, with the mass distribution of goods distributed on the floor usually decreases from the central area of the distribution organ to the outside. While this is compensated for in pneumatic fertilizer spreaders by the fact that the individual distribution elements formed by baffle plates or plates are arranged at such a lateral distance from one another that their spreading fans partially overlap one another, this is the case with disc spreaders with distribution elements in the form of with spreading vanes provided distribution discs ben compensated for by connecting driving along the field created tramlines, the distance between the tramlines sen corresponds to the working width which results in a uniform distribution due to the partial overlap of the spreading fans deposited during the return trip. While for metering sensor systems for measurement and control of the mass flow of material to be distributed, which are primarily based on the determination of the mass flow of material to be distributed as a result of the mass flow acting on the distributor disc (s) (see, for example, EP 0 963 690 B1), are other sensor systems for checking or measuring the distribution of the material to be distributed Me known, which are based primarily on the determination of the direction of flight of the abraded from a respective distributor disc distribution material particles by means of electromagnetic radiation, in particular in the radar spectrum (see, for example, EP 2 777 376 B1).

Since the flight characteristics of different particles can differ considerably and depend in particular on their particle shape and size or size distribution and density, it is nevertheless necessary both on the part of the manufacturers of fertilizers and distributor machine manufacturers and often on the part of the farmer himself, to determine the (cross) distribution of each type of distribution material to be spread and to adapt it to an even distribution using a suitable working width. For example, the manufacturer, for example in special test halls, checks the distribution accuracy of distribution machines with the type of distribution material to be applied to the desired working width and then the settings of the distribution machine with regard to the relevant distribution parameters, such as mass flow to the distribution material, speed of the distributor disc ( n), On the point of distribution of the material to be distributed on the distributor disc (s), working width, spreading width, driving speed, distributor disc type, spreader vane type etc., worked out for a good distribution result.

However, the physical properties, such as in particular the flight properties of distribution goods, can change due to fluctuating conditions in the production process the transport route, through the storage and the weather conditions during the application process change, with many types of fertilizer in particular tend to absorb rainwater due to their hygroscopicity. This results in the requirement or the recommendation to carry out a check of the transverse distribution immediately before the application process in the field. This enables the distribution to be optimized by changing the set distribution parameters of the distribution machine accordingly. The check also reveals, for example, whether, in the case of a two-disc spreader, the right and left metering systems deliver the same spreading quantities, whether the spreading vanes on both spreading discs are in order and the like.

In practice, test devices are known for this purpose, which comprise a plurality of collecting trays for collecting the particles to be distributed and are equipped with anti-reflection honeycombs and measuring tubes to be inserted into the collecting trays for comparing the amount of fertilizer collected in the collecting trays (prospectus of the applicant "RAUCH -AXIS-11.2006 ", page 10 and operating and installation instructions" RAUCH / KUHN for the practice test set PPS1 ", print comment 5900494-a-DE-0105). To check the distribution accuracy, however, at least 3, but often up to 5 or, in the case of more complex tests, up to 25 and more measuring points are required, which, according to a predefined relative arrangement, are set up transversely to the direction of travel of the distribution machine, by those thrown off at the appropriate intervals Collect the particles. To increase the measuring accuracy, at least 2 collecting trays should be installed one behind the other in the direction of travel, the content of which is evaluated individually or together after the spreading and testing process in the direction of travel. The DE 10 2008 052 269 Al, which is hereby explicitly made the subject matter of the present disclosure, be ^¬ writes a device for checking the transverse distribution of discharged material by means of a Scheibenstreuers dispensing well, such as fertilizers and the like, with a plurality of the direction of travel of the distributing machine collecting trays to be set up at a predetermined distance from one another with reflection-reducing walls that can be inserted loosely into them, dividing the opening cross section of the collecting trays into compartments, and a measuring device consisting of side by side the arranged glass tubes with an upper filling funnel and a scale, whereby the goods to be collected are traversed by each of the collecting trays filled into one of the glass tubes and the distribution accuracy over the distribution width can be checked optically or gravimetrically by comparing the level of the spreading material in the glass tubes. The inserts each have four adjoining, reflection-reducing walls, which taper from top to bottom in the shape of a truncated pyramid to a compartment, so that it effectively prevents impinging particles of distribution material from being reflected away from the collecting tray provided with such a compartment. Both the drip trays and the compartments connected to form an insert can be stacked for space-saving transport. The handling of the drip trays is therefore simple and convenient, but the determination of the amount of distribution material collected in each collection tray to calculate its actual distribution proves to be relatively tedious and also prone to errors, since the quantity of distribution material collected in each case , after the material to be distributed has been transferred into the measuring tubes, individually optically or gravimetrically must be agreed, after which the distribution can be determined.

In addition, DE 103 27 129 A1 describes a method and a device for determining the transverse distribution of the fertilizer particles distributed by the distributor discs of a disc spreader by means of a digital image processing device, such as a digital camera. The image processing device is arranged on a device that can be moved over the field surface and also has a location determination system, such as a GPS receiver, so that the images recorded by the image processing device can be recorded in a location-specific manner on a storage medium. However, it turns out to be very difficult in practice, which on the

Fertilizer particles lying on arable soil can be optically detected, since they can hardly be distinguished from soil and plant particles and, in addition, different lighting conditions including the (core) shade of plants (remnants), stones and lumps of earth etc. as well as wind can significantly distort the optical measurement result.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a method for determining the distribution, in particular the transverse distribution, of particles distributed by means of a distribution machine, such as fertilizer, seeds etc., of the type mentioned in a simple and inexpensive manner to further develop that it is under Reduction of the susceptibility to errors enables a simplified determination of the quantity of particulate matter collected in a respective collecting tray as well as a simplified calculation of the actual distribution therefrom, in which case it should be feasible, in particular, in an essentially automated manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the outset in that the determinations the distribution of particles and the calculation of the actual distribution according to step (c) of the method comprises the following steps:

- Detection of the particles to be distributed in a respective drip tray in a digital camera image;

- Localization of the distribution particles in the digital

Camera image;

- Determining a parameter representative of the amount of distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting tray; and

- Calculate the actual distribution of the particles from the distribution particles collected in a plurality of, in particular in all, collecting trays on the basis of the parameters representative of a respective amount of distribution particles collected in a respective collecting tray.

According to the invention, consequently, the amount of distribution particles collected in a respective collection bowl and possibly transferred into a measuring vessel, such as a measuring tube, no longer has to be determined gravimetrically or calculated on the basis of the measured filling level in the measuring vessel, but rather the distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting bowl optically, for example by means of a digital camera, a scanner or the like, captured in a digital camera image and the distribution material particles are localized in the digital camera image, which is possible in a simple manner due to a suitably uniform or monochrome background. A parameter which is representative of the amount of distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting tray, as will be explained in more detail below, is then determined and is represented on the basis of this for a respective amount of distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting tray. The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed is calculated from the sentative parameters from the particles of the distribution caught in the drip trays.

According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be seen that

a respective drip tray with the particles of distribution material captured therein is recorded in the digital camera image,

- The Ver. caught in the respective drip tray

Particle particles located in the digital camera image,

- Determines the amount of particles in a collecting pan collected on the basis of the representative parameter, this parameter being determined by the proportion of the floor area of a respective collecting bowl which is covered with particles, based on the total floor area or on those not with particles covered floor area of a respective collecting tray is defined, and

- The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed is calculated on the basis of these for a respective quantity of representative parameters collected in a respective collecting tray.

Accordingly, the drip trays with the particles contained therein are captured directly in the digital camera image, so that it is not necessary to transfer the particles into separate measuring vessels. The localization of the distribution particles in the respective drip tray in the digital camera image occurs in such a way that the distribution particles contrasting from the expediently monochrome surface of the drip tray are identified, as is done by means of image acquisition or image recognition programs known from the prior art is possible in a simple manner. In order to determine the amount of distribution To determine good particles on the basis of the parameter representative of this, such an image acquisition or image recognition program is used to determine which portion of the bottom surface of a respective drip tray is covered with particles, or in which remaining portion of the bottom surface there are no particles. If one calculates the ratio of the proportion of the floor area of a respective drip tray, which is covered with particles to be distributed, with respect to the entire floor area or with respect to the portion of the bottom surface of a respective drip tray that is not covered with particles of distribution, this results in the amount of in a Representative parameters of the respective collecting pan collected on the collecting pan, which parameter can also be quantified in a simple manner, taking into account the opening cross section of a respective collecting pan (corresponding to the surface section of the distribution width in which in each case the distributing particles have been collected). The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed is then calculated on the basis of these representative parameters collected for a respective quantity of particles of distribution in a respective collecting tray.

In order to avoid measuring errors in the case of distribution particles which are only slightly contrasting with respect to the bottom of the collecting trays when localizing the latter in the digital camera image, the distribution machine can, for example, before the distribution of the distribution particles take place

Step (b), a respective collecting tray is provided with a base plate which contrasts with the respective distribution material particles and which is selected from a plurality of base plates of different colors. Before the particles to be distributed are collected by means of the collecting trays, the latter are consequently number, for example two or more, of available floor plates, which are selected depending on the greatest contrast to the respective type of goods to be distributed (e.g. black, dark blue, violet, magenta etc. in the case of very light particles, or white, yellow, magenta etc. in the case of very dark particles). The bottom plates can, for example, simply be placed in a respective collecting tray, or the collecting trays can, for example, be equipped with a double bottom, of which the upper part facing the inside is transparent, so that a respective bottom plate is inserted into a drawer formed between the double bottom - and can be extended.

According to an alternative embodiment variant, it can be provided that the particles of distribution material caught in a respective collecting tray are placed in a respective transparent measuring vessel, e.g. in the form of a measuring tube, with a small cross-section compared to the cross section of the drip tray, where

a respective measuring vessel with the particulate matter filled therein is recorded in the digital camera image,

the localized particles in the respective measuring vessel are localized in the digital camera image,

- Determines the amount of distribution material particles accommodated in a respective measuring vessel on the basis of the parameter representative of this, this parameter being defined by the filling height of the distribution material particles in a respective measuring vessel, and

- The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed is calculated on the basis of these parameters, which are representative of a respective amount of particles of distribution goods received in a respective measuring vessel

becomes. Accordingly, the drip trays with the disposable particles contained therein, as such known from the prior art, poured into the transparent measuring vessels, for example in the form of measuring tubes with a small cross section compared to the collecting trays, whereupon the particles of the distribution material located in the measuring vessels are recorded in the digital camera image. The localization of the material to be distributed in the respective measuring vessel in the digital camera image takes place in such a way that the particles to be contrasted by the transparent measuring vessel are identified, as is possible in a simple manner by means of image acquisition or image recognition programs known from the prior art. In order to determine the amount of particles to be distributed in a respective measuring vessel on the basis of the parameter representative of this, such an image acquisition or image recognition program is used to determine the filling level of particles of the distribution material, possibly based on the total height of the measuring vessel, in a respective one Measuring vessel is present. In this way, the parameter representative of the quantity of Ver particulate matter collected in a respective drip tray results, which, taking into account the opening cross-section of a respective drip tray (corresponding to the surface section of the distribution width in which each of the dispersible goods particles were caught), from which the Particle particles have been transferred into a respective measuring vessel, and can also be quantified in a simple manner, taking into account the cross section of a respective measuring vessel.

For this purpose, the measuring vessels should expediently have a substantially constant cross section in order to determine the volume of distribution material particles from the filling height in a simple manner, which in turn can be converted into the mass of distribution material particles taking into account their density. Then the actual distribution of the Distribution material particles are calculated on the basis of these parameters, which are representative for a respective quantity of distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting tray.

As already indicated, it can be provided in an advantageous embodiment in both of the above-explained embodiment variants of the method according to the invention that before the distribution of the particles of the distribution material by means of the distributor machine according to step (b), a respective collecting tray with a loose insert into the collecting tray, its opening cross section divide into a plurality of compartments, both upwards and downwards open insert is provided, the walls delimiting the compartments tapering from top to bottom in the direction of the bottom of the collecting pan, in particular substantially truncated pyramid, so that under Ensuring easy handling and space-saving transport of both the collecting trays and their inserts is ensured that all the particles thrown onto the surface cross-section of a respective collecting tray are caught and do not reflect from the collecting tray become T. The drip trays and / or their inserts can preferably be designed in accordance with those of DE 10 2008 052 269 A1 cited at the beginning.

While

- The detection of the particles of distribution material caught in a respective drip tray in the digital camera image;

- The localization of the particles to be distributed in the digital camera image; and

- The determination of the representative parameter for the amount of particles to be collected in a respective collecting tray

in principle, for example, can also be carried out with a digital camera or a scanner, which can be carried out with an on-board computer of the distribution machine is connected via cable or wirelessly, it can be provided in an advantageous embodiment that the above method steps are carried out in a mobile data processing device, in particular in the form of a cell phone or smartphone or a tablet computer, after which the Pa ^¬ parameters to an on-board computer of the distributing machine, and in particular sondere wirelessly, for example via WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared, wireless and the like, but is transmitted, for example by means of suitable data transmission cable, in order from this the actual distribution of the Verteilgutpartikel means of the on-board computer. While the latter thus calculates the actual distribution by means of complex computing methods known as such, the detection and localization of the particles to be distributed and the determination of the quantity thereof are carried out in the mobile data processing device, which is regularly equipped with at least one Digi talkamera. The corresponding image acquisition or image recognition programs can be made available in the usual way by means of application programs which can be downloaded from a publicly accessible data server, so-called applications ("apps").

Instead, it can also be provided, for example, that

- The localization of the particles to be distributed in the digital camera image;

- The determination of the representative parameter for the amount of particles to be collected in a respective collecting tray; and

- the calculation of the actual distribution of the distribution particles from this in a mobile data processing device, in particular in the form of a cell phone or smartphone or a tablet computer, is carried out, after which the actual distribution is transmitted to an on-board computer of the distribution machine. The latter can in turn be done by means of cables suitable for data transmission or preferably wirelessly, for example by means of WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared, mobile radio and the like. In this case, the actual distribution of the particles to be distributed is also calculated in the mobile data processing device, the corresponding complex calculation methods known as such being made available in the corresponding application programs which can be stored there.

Optionally, in the mobile data processing device and / or in the on-board computer of the distribution machine, the coefficient of variation of the transverse distribution can also be calculated, which, as a dimensionless number, represents the average percentage deviation of the spreading quantity from its target value.

According to an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, provision can be made for the calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed and, if appropriate, the variation coefficient to be stored in the mobile data processing device and / or in the on-board computer of the distributor, the actual distribution in particular is saved in a data record, which is furthermore

- at least one of the distribution particles set during the delivery of the distribution good particles by means of the distribution machine according to step (b); and or

- At least one distribution goods parameter representative of the distribution goods type

includes. Such data sets can then, for example, in a with the on-board computer of the distribution machine and / or database connected to the mobile data processing device are stored in order to be able to archive the actual distributions of the distribution machine used for different distribution parameters and / or for different types of distribution goods and to be able to call them up again at a later time.

If the distribution machine used is a disc spreader, such as a single or double disc spreader or also a multiple disc spreader, it can further be provided in this connection that the calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed in the on-board computer of the disc spreader in particular is stored in a data record, which is furthermore

- At least one of the distribution parameters from the group mass flow of distribution material, target spread rate per area (for example in the form of the so-called hectare), speed of the distributor disc, set the distribution parameters from the group mass flow of distribution material during the spreading of the distribution particles by means of the disc spreader according to step (b) Distributed goods on the distributor disc legs), working width, spreading width, driving speed, distributor disc type and spreader vane type; and or

includes.

The calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed can moreover preferably be compared in the on-board computer of the disc spreader with a target distribution in order to determine any deviations therefrom which, when a certain, e.g. presettable dimension may require a change in one or more distribution parameters.

In the event of such a, in particular predeterminable, deviation of the calculated actual distribution from the target distribution Division can then advantageously

- By means of a display device of the on-board computer, a change from at least one of the distribution parameters set during the delivery of the distribution material particles by means of the disk spreader according to step (b)

Group mass flow of material to be distributed, target spread rate per area (e.g. in the form of hectare), speed of the distributor plate), point of application of the material to the distributor disc (s), working width, spreading width, driving speed, distributor disc type and spreader vane type (suggested to the farmer consequently free to follow the suggestion and to change the corresponding distribution parameter (s); or

- Automatically at least one distribution parameter from the group mass flow of distribution material, target spread rate per area (e.g. in the form of hectare), speed of the distributor disc, set during distribution of the distribution material particles by means of the disc spreader according to step (b), distribution point on the disc,) application point of the distribution material on the Distribution disc leg), working width, spreading width and driving speed changed (the on-board computer changes the corresponding distribution parameter (s) accordingly in accordance with predetermined algorithms)

become. In both cases, the distribution parameters of the experimentally determined actual distribution can be adjusted easily and flexibly, be it manually or automatically, to the target distribution which is considered to be optimal.

Finally, in view of a high level of user friendliness, it can be advantageous if the calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed and, if appropriate, the coefficient of variation and / or the target distribution in a display device of the mobile data processing device and / or the on-board computer of the distribution machine, in front- is preferably displayed in the form of a graph, for example by displaying the measuring points represented by a respective collecting pan on the x-axis and the parameters representative of the quantity of distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting pan on the y-axis, with such measuring points the actual distribution can be linked to form a measurement curve of the actual distribution and, if desired, the target distribution can also be displayed as a comparison curve and additionally also the variation coefficient can be displayed.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of Ausführungsbeispie len with reference to the drawings. Show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an arrangement for performing a method for determining the transverse distribution of distributed by means of a two-disc benstreuers distribution material particles during the connection of the saddled on a tractor tor two-disc spreader, which runs over a plurality of collecting trays placed on a floor area;

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment

form of an insert with which the collecting trays have been provided;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the insert

according to Fig. 2;

4 shows a schematic sectional view of the insert according to FIGS. 2 and 3 along the section plane IV-IV of FIG. 2;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic, partially broken open side view of a collecting tray with insert used according to FIGS. 2 to 4;

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view each

a stack of drip trays and inserts;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the detection and localization of the distribution material particles caught in a collecting tray in a digital camera image according to an embodiment variant of the method according to the invention; and

8 is a schematic view of the detection and localization of the distribution material particles decanted from a collecting tray into a measuring vessel in a digital camera image according to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, in order to determine the transverse distribution of particles of distribution material brought out by means of a distribution machine, such as one that is currently to be scattered, the fertilizer type or the like, a plurality of - in this case, for example, a total of 5 - at intervals of two tramlines 1, 2 created for test purposes - Collection trays for collecting the particles to be distributed on a flat area as possible according to a predetermined relative arrangement to each other. The bottom area provided with the drip trays is from a tractor 3 with an attached distribution machine, which in the present case is formed by a double-disc spreader 4, for example on an outward journey (tramline 1) and on a return trip (tramline 2), the Two-disc spreaders 4 each produce an approximately croissant-shaped spreading fan 5 corresponding to a distribution typical for disc spreaders, which is shown in simplified form with an isosceles triangle. The spreading fans 5, which partially overlap one another during the return trip, are intended to rich between the tramlines 1, 2 generate a fertilizer distribution that is as uniform or linear as possible, this transverse distribution being determined by means of the test method shown, by determining the quantity of distribution material collected in a respective collecting pan and from this an actual distribution of the distribution material particles is calculated.

As already mentioned, a total of five collecting trays are provided in the present embodiment, of which e.g. the drip tray 6 in the middle of the tramline 1, the drip tray 7 in the overlap zone (approximately accordingly half the working width "x"), a further drip tray 8 in the middle in between (approximately corresponding to a quarter of the working width) and two further drip trays 9 in each case in the middle between the drip tray 6 set up in tramline 1 or the drip tray 7 set up in the overlap zone and the drip tray 8 in the middle. When traveling back and forth, the spread fertilizer particles in the drip trays 6, 7, 8, and 9, the amount of fertilizer collected in each drip tray should ideally be the same size. If this is not the case, appropriate readjustments should be made to the disc spreader 4 in order to take one or more distribution parameters, for example from the group mass flow of material to be distributed, target spread rate per area, such as in the form of hectare, speed of the distributor discs, and the point of application of the material to be distributed on the distributor disks, working width, spreading width, driving speed, distributor disk type and spreading vane type.

Essentially honeycomb-shaped inserts 10 according to FIGS. 2 to 4 are inserted into the collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9. Four adjacent, reflection-reducing walls 11 each form an approximately truncated pyramid compartment tapering downwards, all compartments opening openly into the collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9. 5 shows a single collecting tray 12, which has a flat bottom 13 and sloping walls 14. Point between the upper edge 16 and the bottom 13. the walls 14 have an outwardly shaped step 15 on which the insert 10 is placed in the catch position. For transport and storage purposes, the insert 10 is removed from the collecting tray 12 and the collecting trays 12, as shown in FIG. 6, can be stacked one inside the other. Likewise, the inserts 10 can be stacked one inside the other, which is possible due to the pyramid-shaped walls 11, so that the stack 16 of inserts 10 can finally be used on the upper collecting tray 12 of the stack 17 of collecting trays 12. Each individual stack of inserts and also the entire stack of inserts 10 and collecting trays 12 thus require little space. In addition, the collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12 can be assigned two or more differently colored and preferably monochrome floor plates (not shown in the drawing), which, depending on the greatest contrast to the type of material used in each case, are placed in a respective collecting tray 6, 7 , 8, 9 and 12 can be inserted in order to facilitate the determination of the amount collected in a respective drip tray, which is explained below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

7 and 8 are each a schematic view of the determination of the amount of distribution material particles collected in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 and the calculation of an actual distribution therefrom, each of which shows the following Steps include: - Detection of the distribution material particles P collected in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12 in a digital tal camera image B;

- localizing the material particles P in the digital camera image B;

- Determining a parameter representative of the amount of particles P which are collected in a respective collecting pan 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12; and

- Calculate the actual distribution of the particles to be distributed from the particles P distributed in all collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12, respectively, on the basis of the particles of particles distributed in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12, respectively P representative parameters.

As can be seen from the embodiment variant according to FIG. 7, in this case the respective collecting trays 12 with the distribution particles P located therein, after the inserts 10 have been removed from the collecting trays 12, are captured directly in a digital camera image B, which in the present case from the digital camera K by means of suitable application programs, so-called applications ("apps"), according to the program, a mobile phone M or smartphones or any other mobile data processing device, such as a tablet computer, a laptop etc. risch reproduced), is generated. The localization of the distribution particles P collected in the respective collecting tray 12 in the digital camera image B is such that the contrasting distribution particles P from the bottom of the collecting trays 12 are identified by means of image acquisition or image recognition programs known from the prior art. In order to determine the amount of particles P to be distributed in a respective collecting tray 12 based on the parameter representative of this, the image acquisition or image recognition Program determines what portion of the bottom surface of each ^¬ weiligen collecting tray 12 is covered with Verteilgutpartikeln P and in which the remaining portion of the bottom surface not Verteilgutpartikel P are located. From this, the ratio of the proportion of the bottom surface of a respective drip tray 12, which is covered with distribution material particles P, to the entire floor surface or to the portion of the bottom surface of a respective drip tray 12 not covered with distribution material particles P is calculated by the amount for the amount of in one to determine the respective collecting tray 12 of the distributed product particles P representative parameters taking into account the opening cross section of a respective collecting tray 12 (corresponding to the surface section of the distribution width in which in each case the distribution product particles P have been collected, cf. FIG. 1). The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed P is then calculated on the basis of these representative parameters captured for a respective amount of particles P to be distributed in a respective collecting bowl 12.

As can be seen in the embodiment variant of FIG. 8, instead of an image-technical detection and localization of the distribution particles P directly in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12, a measuring device 18 can also be provided, which one of the 1 corresponding number of transparent measuring vessels 19, for example in the form of glass tubes with a significantly smaller cross section than the collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9, comprises, in the Fig. 8, for the sake of simplicity, only two of these measuring vessels 19 are shown. In each of the measuring vessels 19, the distribution particles P collected in a respective collecting pan 6, 7, 8, 9 according to FIG. 1 are decanted, for example by means of a funnel 20 inserted into the measuring vessel 19 the inserts 10 have been removed from the collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9. Each measuring vessel 19 is seated, for example, close to a stopper 21, which may be equipped with a central dip stick 22, in order to reduce the receiving volume and at the same time a visual inspection of the filling height H of ^¬ Verteilgutpartikeln P needs. Each stopper 21 sits, for example, in its own base plate 23, the individual base plates being connected to one another via plug connections 24. For example, five and more measuring vessels 19 can be easily connected to one another to form a rigid unit, so that a simple and exact level comparison is possible for the five collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9 according to FIG. 1.

After the material particles P collected in the collecting trays 6, 7, 8, 9 of FIG. 1 have been poured into the transparent measuring vessels 19, the material particles P located in a respective measuring vessel 19 are in turn captured in the digital camera image B, which, for example, in so far 7 - is generated by the digital camera K using a suitable application program, so-called applications ("apps"), according to programmatically configured mobile phones M or smartphones. The localization of the material particles P located in the respective measuring vessel 19 in the digital camera image B is such that the material particles P contrasting from the transparent measuring vessel 19 are identified by means of image acquisition or image recognition programs known from the prior art. In order to determine the quantity of distribution material particles P accommodated in a respective measuring vessel 19 on the basis of the parameter representative of this, the image height or image recognition program is used to determine the filling height H of distribution material particles P, for example based on the total height of the measuring vessel 19, is present in a respective measuring vessel 19. In this Wei se results in consideration of the opening cross-section of a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 (ent ^¬ speaking the cut-out area of the distribution width, have been in which each Verteilgutpartikel P collected) under consideration of the free cross-section of a respective measuring vessel 19 of the representative parameters for the amount of collected particulate matter P in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 of FIG. 1. Then again the actual distribution of the distribution material particles P is calculated on the basis of these parameters representative of a respective quantity of distribution material particles P collected in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8, 9 of FIG. 1.

Both in the embodiment variant of FIG. 7 and in that of FIG. 8 it is consequently possible for the steps

- Detection of the in a respective collecting tray 6, 7, 8,

9 captured particles 9 in the digital camera image B;

- Localization of the distribution particles P in the digital camera image B; and

- Determine the amount of each in a

Collecting pan 6, 7, 8, 9 collected distribution material particles P representative parameters

be carried out in a mobile data processing device - here in the form of the mobile telephone M -, after which the parameters are expediently transmitted to an on-board computer R of the distribution machine 4, preferably by means of a wireless data line L, in order to derive the actual distribution of the distribution material particles P by means of the To calculate on-board computer R. Instead, the actual distribution However, the device is also calculated in the mobile data processing device - or here in the mobile phone M - and finally transmitted to the on-board computer R. In addition, it is conceivable that the coefficient of variation of the transverse distribution - be it in the mobile data processing device or be it in the on-board computer R - is determined as a measure of the uniformity of the distribution.

The calculated actual distribution of the distribution particles · P and possibly the coefficient of variation can in particular in a data memory (not shown) of the mobile data processing device - here the mobile phone M - and / or in a data memory (also not shown) of the on-board computer R of the disc spreader 4 (see Fig.

1) are stored, the actual distribution being expediently stored in a data record which further comprises at least one of the distribution parameters set during the delivery of the distribution particles by means of the disc spreader 4 and / or at least one distribution parameter representative of the distribution type.

While the latter can be, for example, an identification of the type of distribution material or a group of distribution material types with more or less identical or similar physical properties, such as for example the flowability or flow behavior and / or in particular the flight characteristics, it can be the distribution parameter is one or, in particular, several from the group mass flow of distribution material, target spread rate per area, e.g. in the form of hectare, speed of the distributor discs, point of application of the distribution material on the distributor discs, working width, spreading width, driving speed, distributor disc type and spreader vane type, which - if they (also) are to be saved on the mobile phone M - there manually entered or in particular can be exchanged between the on-board computer R of the disc spreader 4 and the mobile phone M via the data line L. Of course, other distribution parameters can also be saved, such as the setting of the spreading vanes on the distributor disc, the spread rate per area, etc., which results from the mass flow of the distribution material, the driving speed and the working width, etc. In this way it is averaged distribution in relation to the respectively set distribution parameters for the respective distribution goods type can be called up again at a later point in time and, if desired, the disc spreader 4 can be automatically adjusted again.

In addition, the actual distribution of the distribution particles P calculated in the manner described above can be compared in particular in the on-board computer R of the disc spreader 4 with a target distribution in order to determine whether the determined actual distribution of a specific, e.g. target distribution stored in the data memory comes sufficiently close. Furthermore, in the case of a either pre-set or in particular by appropriate input into the mobile phone M and / or in the on-board computer R des

Disc spreader 4 predeterminable deviation of the calculated actual distribution from the target distribution by means of a display device of the on-board computer R (or also by means of the display of the mobile phone M) a change of at least one set during the deployment of the distribution material particles P by means of the disc spreader 4 Distribution parameters (see above) can be proposed, which can be confirmed, for example, by an appropriate input or changed manually. Alternatively or in addition, it is also possible that, in the event of such a deviation, the calculated actual distribution from the target distribution division at least one distribution parameter (see above) set during the delivery of the distribution good particles P by means of the disc spreader 4 in order to automatically modify the distribution parameter or parameters set according to the target distribution, the updated distribution parameters again using the display device and / or the display of the mobile phone M can be shown. In addition, the display device can be used, for example, for tabular or, in particular, graphical display of the determined actual distribution and, if appropriate, the target distribution and the calculated coefficient of variation.

Claims

1. A method for determining the distribution, in particular the transverse distribution, of distribution material particles (P) applied by means of a distribution machine (4), comprising the following steps:

(a) setting up a plurality of collecting trays (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) for collecting the particles to be distributed (P) on a floor area according to a predetermined relative arrangement to one another;

(b) spreading the material particles (P) by means of the

Distributor (4), by the with the Auffangscha len (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) provided with the floor area

Distribution machine (4) is run over; and

(c) determining the in a respective collecting tray (6,

7, 8, 9; 12) collected quantity of distribution material particles (P) and calculation of an actual distribution of the distribution material particles · (P) therefrom,

characterized in that the determination of the quantity of distribution material particles (P) and the calculation of the actual distribution according to step (c) comprises the following steps:

- Detecting the in a respective drip tray (6, 7,

8, 9; 12) captured particles (P) in a digital camera image (B);

- Localize the distribution particles · (P) in the digital camera image (B);

- determining a parameter representative of the quantity of distribution material particles (P) collected in a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12); and

- Calculate the actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) from those in a plurality, in particular in all of the collecting trays (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) of the distributed product particles (P) based on the for a respective amount of in a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8,

9; 12) collected particles (P) representative parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

a respective drip tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) with the particles of distribution material captured therein (P) recorded in the digital camera image (B),

the localized distribution particles (P) located in the respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) are localized in the digital camera image (B),

- the amount of in a respective collecting tray (6, 7,

8, 9; 12) collected particles of distribution material (P) are determined on the basis of the parameter representative thereof, this parameter being related to the proportion of the bottom surface of a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) which is covered with particles of distribution material (P) is defined on the entire floor area or on the floor area of a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) that is not covered with particles (P), and

- The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) based on this for a respective amount of in a respective collecting pan (6, 7, 8, 9; 12)

Distributed particles (P) representative parameters he calculates

becomes .

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that before the distribution of the material particles (P) by means of the distribution machine (4) according to step (b) a respective ge collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) is provided with a base plate which contrasts with the respective material particles (P) and is selected from a plurality of base plates of different colors.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution material particles (P) collected in a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) into a respective transparent measuring vessel (19) with a cross-section of the collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) small cross section, where

a respective measuring vessel (19) with the particles (P) filled therein is recorded in the digital camera image (B),

- The particles (P) collected in the respective measuring vessel (19) are localized in the digital camera image (B),

- Determines the amount of particles (P) received in a respective measuring vessel (19) on the basis of the parameter representative of this, this parameter being defined by the filling height of the distributing particles (P) in a respective measuring vessel (19), and

- The actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) is calculated on the basis of these parameters representative of a respective amount of particles (P) received in a respective measuring vessel (19)

becomes .

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that before the distribution of the material to be distributed (P) by means of the distributor (4) according to step (b), a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) with a loose one in the drip tray (6, 7, 8, 9;

12), its opening cross section into a plurality of compartments, both upwards and downwards open insert (10) is provided, the compartments delimiting walls (11) from top to bottom towards the bottom of the catch tray (6 , 7, 8, 9; 12), in particular essentially truncated pyramid-shaped, taper.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

- The detection of the distribution material particles · (P) caught in a respective collecting tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) in the digital camera image (B);

- The localization of the particles to be distributed (P) in the digital camera image (B); and

- The determination of the parameters representative of the amount of Ver partial goods particles (P) collected in a respective collecting bowl (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) in a mobile data processing device, in particular in the form of a mobile phone (M) or a tablet Computers is carried out, after which the parameters are transmitted to an on-board computer (R) of the distributing machine (4), in particular wirelessly, in order to calculate the actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) by means of the on-board computer (R) .

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

- The detection of the distribution material particles (P) caught in a respective drip tray (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) in the digital camera image (B);

- The localization of the particles (P) in the digital camera image (B);

- The determination of the representative for the amount of in a respective collecting pan (6, 7, 8, 9; 12) Ver Verteilgutpartikel (P) representative parameter; and

- the calculation of the actual distribution of the goods to be distributed

particle (P) from this

is carried out in a mobile data processing device, in particular in the form of a mobile telephone (M) or a tablet computer, after which the actual distribution is transmitted to an on-board computer (R) of the distribution machine (4), in particular wirelessly .

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that in the mobile data processing device and / or in the on-board computer (R) of the distribution machine (4) the variation coefficient of the transverse distribution is also calculated.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) and possibly the coefficient of variation in the mobile data processing device and / or in the on-board computer (R) of the distribution machine (4) is stored, the actual distribution being stored in particular in a data record, which furthermore

- at least one of the distribution parameters set during the delivery of the United particles (P) by means of the distributor (4) according to step (b);

and or

- At least one distribution goods parameter representative of the distribution goods type includes.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that a distribution machine (4) is used in the form of a disc spreader, the calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) in the on-board (R) computer of the disc spreader in particular ge in a data record who is further

- At least one of the distribution parameters from the group mass flow of distribution material, target spreading quantity per area, speed of the distributor disc (s), task of the distribution material on the distribution part set by means of the disc spreader ge according to step (b) during the application of the Ver Distributor disc (s), working width, spreading width, driving speed, distributor disc type and spreader vane type; and or

includes.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in

that the calculated actual distribution of the distribution goods particle (P) in the on-board computer (R) of the disc spreader is compared with a target distribution.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that

that in the event of a, in particular predeterminable, deviation of the calculated actual distribution from the target distribution

- By means of a display device of the on-board computer (R), a change in at least one of the settings set during the delivery of the distribution material particles (P) by means of the disc spreader according to step (b) sub-parameters from the group mass flow to distribution material, target spread rate per area, speed of the distributor plate), application point of the distribution material on the distributor disc (s), working width, spread width, driving speed, distributor disc type and throwing blade type suggested; or

- Automatically at least one distribution parameter from the group mass flow of distribution material, target scatter quantity per area, speed of the distribution disc (s), feed point of the distribution material onto the distribution disc, set by means of the disk spreader according to step (b) during the delivery of the distribution material particles (P) leg), working width, spreading width and driving speed changed

becomes .

13. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the calculated actual distribution of the particles to be distributed (P) and possibly the coefficient of variation and / or the target distribution in a display device of the mobile data processing device and / or the on-board Computer (R) of the distribution machine (4) is displayed.