Processing system

Abstract

A processing system is disclosed herein, the processing system comprising: a processing unit that executes instructions for processing agricultural data; a memory that stores agricultural data, the processing unit configured to execute instructions to obtain soil data from at least one sensor of an implement, and determine seed germination data including at least one of emergence time, emergence time, risk of seed emergence, based on the soil data, for display on a display device.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 202210543287.7, entitled "Soil Device, Calculation Method, Determination Method, Correction Method and Processing System", filed on October 2, 2018. The patent application with application number 202210543287.7 is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 201880064451.8 (International Application No. PCT / US2018 / 053832), entitled "System and Device for Soil and Seed Monitoring", filed on October 2, 2018.

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the following applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 567,135, filed October 2, 2017, entitled "Systems and Apparatus for Soil and Seed Monitoring"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 625,855, filed February 2, 2018, entitled "Systems and Apparatus for Soil and Seed Monitoring"; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 661,783, filed April 24, 2018, entitled "Systems and Apparatus for Soil and Seed Monitoring," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and devices for monitoring agricultural soil and seeds. Background Technology

[0005] In recent years, the availability of advanced, site-specific agricultural applications and measurement systems (for so-called "precision farming" practices) has increased growers' interest in determining spatial variations in soil properties and modifying various input application variables (e.g., seeding depth) based on these variations. However, available facilities for measuring properties such as temperature have neither been effectively localized across the entire field nor used simultaneously with input (e.g., seeding) operations. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a top view of an embodiment of an agricultural seeder;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the seeder's ridging unit;

[0009] Figure 3 An embodiment of a soil monitoring system is illustrated schematically;

[0010] Figure 4A This is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed presser equipped with multiple sensors on the seed presser;

[0011] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A plan view of the seed presser;

[0012] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A Rear elevation view of the seed presser;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed presser equipped with multiple sensors on the seed pressers;

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the DD section;

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the EE section;

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the FF section;

[0017] Figure 9 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the GG section;

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 A partial side view of the cut-off portion of the seed presser;

[0019] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The view in direction A;

[0020] Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 A view of the BB section;

[0021] Figure 13 It is along Figure 10 A view of the CC section;

[0022] Figure 14 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of a portion of the seed presser removed;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a rear view of another embodiment of the seed presser;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a rear view of yet another embodiment of the seed presser;

[0025] Figure 17 It is a graph of the reflectivity sensor signal;

[0026] Figure 18 This is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the reference sensor;

[0027] Figure 19A This is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed presser with an instrument that incorporates an optical cable that transmits light to a reflectivity sensor;

[0028] Figure 19B This is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an instrumented seed press that incorporates an optical cable that transmits light to a spectrometer;

[0029] Figure 20 An embodiment of a soil data display screen is shown;

[0030] Figure 21 An embodiment of a space mapping table screen is shown;

[0031] Figure 22 An embodiment of a seed sowing data display screen is shown;

[0032] Figure 23 This is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a reference sensor having a handle with an instrument.

[0033] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Front view of the reference sensor;

[0034] Figure 25 This is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the seed presser;

[0035] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A side cross-sectional view of the seed presser;

[0036] Figure 27A This is a perspective view of a seed presser according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 27B yes Figure 27A Side view of the seed presser;

[0038] Figure 28A This is a side view of a lens according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 28B yes Figure 28A Front view of the lens;

[0040] Figure 29A This is a perspective view of the base of a seed press according to one embodiment;

[0041] Figure 29B yes Figure 29A A side perspective view of the base of the seed presser;

[0042] Figure 29C yes Figure 29A A bottom view of the base of the seed presser;

[0043] Figure 30A This is a perspective view of a sensor housing according to one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 30B This is a perspective view of the cover according to one embodiment;

[0045] Figure 31A This is a perspective view of the lens body according to one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 31B yes Figure 31A A side view of the lens body;

[0047] Figure 32 This is a side view of a sensor having a transmitter and a detector according to one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 33 This is a side view of a sensor having a transmitter and a detector at an angle to each other, according to one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 34 This is a side view of a sensor and prism assembly according to one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 35 This is a side view of a sensor having a detector and two transmitters according to one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 36 This is a side view of a sensor having two transmitters tilted toward the detector, according to one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 37 This is a side view of a sensor having a detector, a prism, and two transmitters according to one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 38 This is a side view of a sensor having a transmitter, a detector, and a prism according to one embodiment, wherein the prism uses the critical angle of a prism material;

[0054] Figure 39 This is a side view of a sensor having one transmitter and two detectors according to one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 40 Is with Figure 37 A side cross-sectional view of the orifice plate used in the embodiments;

[0056] Figure 41This is a side cross-sectional view of a sensor having a transmitter, a detector, and a prism according to one embodiment, the prism using the critical angle of the prism material;

[0057] Figure 42A This is an isometric view of a prism according to one embodiment;

[0058] Figure 42B yes Figure 42A A top view of the prism;

[0059] Figure 42C yes Figure 42A An elevation view of the prism from below;

[0060] Figure 42D yes Figure 42A Front elevation view of the prism;

[0061] Figure 42E yes Figure 42A Rear elevation view of the prism;

[0062] Figure 42F yes Figure 42A Right elevation view of the prism;

[0063] Figure 42G yes Figure 42A Left elevation view of the prism;

[0064] Figure 43 yes Figure 27A A cross-sectional view of the seed presser at section AA;

[0065] Figure 44A This is a schematic front view of a sensor having a bias detector and two transmitters and a detector arranged in a row, according to one embodiment.

[0066] Figure 44B yes Figure 44A A schematic side view of the sensor;

[0067] Figure 45 An embodiment of a seed germination moisture screen is shown;

[0068] Figure 46 This is a side view of the seed presser and sensor arm according to one embodiment;

[0069] Figure 47 It illustrates representative reflectance measurements and altitudes away from the target;

[0070] Figure 48 An embodiment of a gap screen is shown;

[0071] Figure 49A flowchart is shown of one embodiment of a method 4900 for obtaining soil measurements and then generating a signal to actuate any implement on any agricultural implement;

[0072] Figure 50 An embodiment of a moisture consistency screen is shown;

[0073] Figure 51 An embodiment of a moisture-variable screen is shown;

[0074] Figure 52 An example of seedling emergence environment scoring is shown;

[0075] Figure 53 This is a perspective view of a temperature sensor disposed on an inner wall according to one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 54 This is a side view of a temperature sensor according to one embodiment, which is configured to pass through the seed presser to directly measure soil temperature;

[0077] Figures 55-56 A soil device (e.g., a seed presser) with a locking system is shown according to one embodiment;

[0078] Figure 57 A neck portion of a soil device according to one embodiment is shown, the neck portion having a protrusion (e.g., two forks 5821-5822) inserted into a lower portion of a base;

[0079] Figure 58 The lower portion of the base of a soil device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0080] Figures 59-60 The upper portion of the base of a soil device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0081] Figure 61 The lower portion of the base of a soil device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0082] Figure 62 and Figure 63 A connector 6300 having a short section 6310 for insertion into a fluid tube is shown according to one embodiment;

[0083] Figure 64 A side view of an elastic material (e.g., foam) layer 6510 according to one embodiment is shown, which is used to push a circuit board 6520 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a sensor circuit board) into or adjacent to a transparent window 5592 of a base 5502.

[0084] Figure 65 A top view of a circuit board according to one embodiment is shown;

[0085] Figure 66 A base with a separate window portion is shown according to one embodiment;

[0086] Figure 67 A graph showing soil temperature and air temperature with temperature deviation is presented;

[0087] Figure 68 The correction factor curve based on reflectivity at the height away from the target is shown;

[0088] Figure 69 An example of a seed germination mapping table is shown;

[0089] Figure 70A A side view of the neck portion with a hole is shown;

[0090] Figure 70B A side view of the neck portion with a force-releasing section is shown;

[0091] Figure 70C It shows Figure 70B A side view of the section having the first force release part;

[0092] Figure 70D It shows Figure 70B A side view of the section having a second force release part;

[0093] Figure 71 An embodiment of the seed environment scoring screen is shown;

[0094] Figure 72 An embodiment of the seed environment scoring property screen is shown;

[0095] Figure 73 Soil equipment (e.g., a seed presser) with a low-viscosity component is shown;

[0096] Figure 74A It shows Figure 73 Side elevation view of the low-viscosity section of the soil equipment;

[0097] Figure 74B yes Figure 74A Top perspective view of the low-viscosity portion;

[0098] Figure 74C yes Figure 74A A bottom perspective view of the low-viscosity portion;

[0099] Figure 74D yes Figure 74A A perspective view of the low-viscosity portion;

[0100] Figure 75 yes Figure 73A perspective view of the lower part of the soil equipment;

[0101] Figure 76A yes Figure 73 A top perspective view of the upper base portion of the soil equipment;

[0102] Figure 76B yes Figure 73 A bottom perspective view of the upper base of the soil equipment;

[0103] Figure 77A yes Figure 73 A perspective view of the lower base portion of the soil equipment;

[0104] Figure 77B yes Figure 77A A perspective view of the lower base portion of the soil equipment;

[0105] Figure 77C yes Figure 77A Left elevation view of the lower base portion of the soil equipment;

[0106] Figure 78 yes Figure 73 A perspective view of the circuit board;

[0107] Figure 79 An example of a system 1200 according to one embodiment is shown, which includes a machine 1202 (e.g., a tractor, a combine harvester, etc.) and implements 1240 (e.g., a seeder, a sidedress bar, a cultivator, a plow, a sprayer, a paver, an irrigation implement, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0108] This document describes a soil device (e.g., a seed presser) with a locking system. In one embodiment, the soil device includes: a lower base portion for engaging with soil in a farmland; an upper base portion; and a neck portion having a protrusion for insertion into the lower base portion of the base portion, wherein the lower base portion is inserted into a region of the upper base portion and the region of the upper base portion presses against the protrusion to lock the neck portion to the upper base portion. Detailed Implementation

[0109] All references cited in this paper are incorporated herein in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between the definitions in this paper and those in the incorporated references, the definitions in this paper shall prevail.

[0110] In this specification, the terms groove and furrow are used interchangeably.

[0111] Depth control and soil monitoring system

[0112] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts throughout several views. Figure 1 A tractor 5 is shown, which pulls an implement (e.g., a seeder 10) including a tool bar 14 operably supporting a plurality of ridge-forming units 200. An implement monitor 50 preferably includes a central processing unit (“CPU”), memory, and a graphical user interface (“GUI”) (e.g., a touchscreen interface), preferably located in the cab of the tractor 5. A global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver 52 is preferably mounted to the tractor 5.

[0113] Go to Figure 2An embodiment is shown in which the ridging unit 200 is a seeder ridging unit. The ridging unit 200 is preferably pivotally connected to the tool rod 14 via a parallel link 216. An actuator 218 is preferably configured to apply a lifting force and / or a downward pressure to the ridging unit 200. A valve 390 is preferably in fluid communication with the actuator 218 for modifying the lifting force and / or downward pressure applied by the actuator. The furrowing system 234 preferably includes two furrowing discs 244, which are rolled onto a downwardly extending handle 254 and configured to create V-shaped furrows 38 in the soil 40. A pair of gauge wheels 248 are pivotally supported by a pair of corresponding gauge wheel arms 260; the height of the gauge wheels 248 relative to the furrowing discs 244 sets the depth of the furrows 38. A depth adjustment rocker arm 268 limits the upward travel of the gauge wheel arms 260 and thus limits the upward travel of the gauge wheels 248. The depth adjustment actuator 380 is preferably configured to modify the position of the depth adjustment rocker arm 268, thereby changing the height of the plow wheel 248. The depth adjustment actuator 380 is preferably a linear actuator mounted to the ridging unit 200 and pivotally coupled to the upper end of the depth adjustment rocker arm 268. In some embodiments, the depth adjustment actuator 380 includes means such as those disclosed in International Patent Application PCT / US2012 / 035585 (“585 application”) or International Patent Application PCT / US2017 / 018269 or PCT / US2017 / 018274. The encoder 382 is preferably configured to generate a signal relating to the linear extension of the depth adjustment actuator 380; it should be appreciated that the linear extension of the depth adjustment actuator 380 is relating to the depth of the furrow 38 when the plow wheel arm 260 contacts the depth adjustment rocker arm 268. The downpressure sensor 392 is preferably configured to generate a signal relating to the magnitude of the force applied to the soil 40 by the plow wheel 248; in some embodiments, the downpressure sensor 392 includes an instrument pin about which a depth adjustment rocker arm 268 is pivotally coupled to the ridging unit 200, such as those disclosed in the applicant’s U.S. Patent Application US12 / 522,253 (Publication No. US2010 / 0180695).

[0114] Continue to refer to Figure 2A seed meter 230, such as that disclosed in the applicant's international patent application PCT / US2012 / 030192, is preferably configured to deposit seeds 42 from a hopper 226 into a furrow 38, for example, via a seed delivery tube 232 configured to guide the seeds toward the furrow. In some embodiments, instead of the seed delivery tube 232, a seed conveyor is used to deliver seeds from the seed meter to the furrow at a controlled speed, as disclosed in U.S. patent application US14 / 347,902 and / or U.S. patent US 8,789,482. In such embodiments, a bracket, such as that shown in FIG30, is preferably configured to mount a seed compactor to a handle via a sidewall extending laterally around the seed conveyor, such that the seed compactor is positioned behind the seed conveyor to compact the seeds into the soil after they have been deposited by the seed conveyor. In some embodiments, the seed meter is powered by an electric actuator 315 configured to drive a seeding disc within the seed meter. In other embodiments, the actuator 315 may include a hydraulic actuator configured to drive the seeding tray. The seed sensor 305 (e.g., an optical or electromagnetic seed sensor configured to generate a signal indicating the passage of a seed) is preferably mounted to the seed delivery tube 232 and configured to transmit light or electromagnetic waves along the path through which the seed 42 passes. A closure system 236, including one or more ridge-closing rollers, is pivotally coupled to the ridging unit 200 and configured to close the furrows 38.

[0115] Go to Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates a depth control and soil monitoring system 300. The monitor 50 preferably communicates data with components associated with each ridging unit 200, including a driver 315, a seed sensor 305, a GPS receiver 52, a downpressure sensor 392, a valve 390, a depth adjustment actuator 380, and a depth actuator encoder 382. In some embodiments, particularly where each seed metering unit 230 is not driven by a separate driver 315, the monitor 50 also preferably communicates data with a clutch 310 configured to selectively operatively engage the seed metering unit 230 with the driver 315.

[0116] Continue to refer to Figure 3The monitor 50 preferably communicates with a cellular modem 330 or other component configured to enable data communication between the monitor 50 and the Internet, indicated by reference numeral 335. The Internet connection may include a wireless or cellular connection. Via the Internet connection, the monitor 50 preferably receives data from a weather data server 340 and a soil data server 345. Via the Internet connection, the monitor 50 preferably transmits measurement data (e.g., measurements described herein) to a recommendation server (which may be the same server as the weather data server 340 and / or the soil data server 345) for storage and receives agronomic recommendations (e.g., planting recommendations, such as planting depth, whether to plant, in which field to plant, what type of seed to plant, or what crop to plant) from a recommendation system stored on the server; in some embodiments, the recommendation system updates the planting recommendations based on the measurement data provided by the monitor 50.

[0117] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The monitor 50 also preferably communicates with one or more temperature sensors 360 mounted on the seeder 10, the temperature sensors 360 being configured to generate signals relating to the temperature of the soil being treated by the seeder ridging unit 200. The monitor 50 also preferably communicates with one or more reflectivity sensors 350 mounted on the seeder 10, the reflectivity sensors 350 being configured to generate signals relating to the reflectivity of the soil being treated by the seeder ridging unit 200.

[0118] Reference Figure 3 The monitor 50 preferably communicates with one or more conductivity sensors 370 mounted on the seeder 10, the conductivity sensors 370 being configured to generate a signal relating to the conductivity of the soil being treated by the seeder ridging unit 200.

[0119] In some embodiments, a first set of reflectivity sensors 350, temperature sensors 360, and conductivity sensors are mounted to the seed presser 400 and configured to measure the reflectivity, temperature, and conductivity of the soil in the furrow 38, respectively. In some embodiments, a second set of reflectivity sensors 350, temperature sensors 360, and conductivity sensors 370 are mounted to the reference sensor assembly 1800 and configured to preferably measure the soil reflectivity, temperature, and conductivity at depths different from those of the sensors on the seed presser 400.

[0120] In some embodiments, a subgroup of sensors communicates with the monitor 50 via bus 60 (e.g., a CAN bus). In some embodiments, sensors mounted to the seed press 400 and sensors mounted to the reference sensor assembly 1800 similarly communicate with the monitor 50 via bus 60. However, in Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor mounted to the seed presser 400 and the sensor mounted to the reference sensor assembly 1800 communicate with the monitor 50 via a first wireless transmitter 62-1 and a second wireless transmitter 62-2, respectively. The wireless transmitter 62 at each ridging unit preferably communicates with a single wireless receiver 64, which in turn communicates with the monitor 50. The wireless receiver can be mounted on the tool lever 14 or installed in the cab of the tractor 5.

[0121] Soil monitoring, seed monitoring and seed compaction equipment

[0122] Go to Figures 4A-4C An embodiment of a seed presser 400 having multiple sensors for sensing soil characteristics is shown. The seed presser 400 preferably includes a flexible portion 410 mounted to a handle 254 and / or a seed delivery tube 232 via a bracket 415. In some embodiments, the bracket 415 is similar to one of the bracket embodiments disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,918,342. The seed presser preferably includes a seed presser body 490 disposed and configured to be at least partially received within a V-shaped groove 38 and to compact the seed 42 into the bottom of the groove. As the seed presser 400 descends into the groove 38, the flexible portion 410 preferably pushes the seed presser body 490 into elastic engagement with the groove. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 410 preferably includes external or internal reinforcements as disclosed in PCT / US2013 / 066652. In some embodiments, the seed presser body 490 includes a removable portion 492; the removable portion 492 is preferably slidable to lock into engagement with the remainder of the seed presser body. The seed presser body 490 (preferably including a portion of the seed presser body that engages with the soil, and in some embodiments, including the removable portion 492) is preferably made of a hydrophobic and / or anti-adhesive material (or having an outer surface or coating), such as a material having a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) graphite coating and / or containing a polymer having a hydrophobic material (e.g., silicone oil or polyetheretherketone) impregnated therein. Alternatively, a sensor may be disposed on the side of the seed presser 400 (not shown).

[0123] return Figures 4A to 4CThe seed presser 400 preferably includes a plurality of reflectance sensors 350a, 350b. Each reflectance sensor 350 is preferably configured and arranged to measure the reflectance of the soil; in a preferred embodiment, the reflectance sensor 350 is configured to measure the soil in the furrow 38, and preferably to measure the soil at the bottom of the furrow. The reflectance sensor 350 preferably includes a lens disposed in the bottom of the seed presser body 490 and configured to engage the soil at the bottom of the furrow 38. In some embodiments, the reflectance sensor 350 includes a reflectance sensor of the embodiments disclosed in US 8,204,689 and / or US Provisional Patent Application US 61 / 824975 (“975 application”). In various embodiments, the reflectance sensor 350 is configured to measure reflectance in the visible light range (e.g., 400 nm and / or 600 nm), in the near-infrared range (e.g., 940 nm), and / or other infrared ranges.

[0124] The seed presser 400 may also include a capacitive humidity sensor 351, which is set and configured to measure the capacitive humidity of the soil in the seed furrow 38, and preferably to measure the capacitive humidity of the soil at the bottom of the furrow 38.

[0125] The seed presser 400 may also include an electronic tensiometer sensor 352, which is set and configured to measure the soil moisture tension of the soil in the seed furrow 38, and preferably to measure the soil moisture tension at the bottom of the furrow 38.

[0126] Alternatively, soil moisture tension can be inferred from capacitive moisture measurements or reflectance measurements (e.g., at 1450 nm). This can be done using soil moisture characteristic curves based on soil type.

[0127] The seed presser 400 may also include a temperature sensor 360. The temperature sensor 360 is preferably configured and positioned to measure soil temperature; in a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is configured to measure soil in the furrow 38, preferably at or near the bottom of the furrow 38. The temperature sensor 360 preferably includes soil engaging ears 364, 366 configured to slidably engage each side of the furrow 38 as the seeder traverses the field. The ears 364, 366 preferably engage the furrow 38 at or near the bottom of the furrow. The ears 364, 366 are preferably made of a thermally conductive material such as copper. The ears 364 are preferably fixed to and thermally connected to a central portion 362 housed within the seed presser body 490. The central portion 362 preferably comprises a thermally conductive material such as copper; in some embodiments, the central portion 362 comprises a hollow copper rod. The central portion 362 is preferably thermally connected to a thermocouple fixed to the central portion. In other embodiments, temperature sensor 360 may include a non-contact temperature sensor, such as an infrared thermometer. In some embodiments, temperature measurements taken by temperature sensor 360 are used to temperature compensate for other measurements taken by system 300 (e.g., reflectance measurements, conductivity measurements, and / or measurements derived from those measurements). Preferably, the temperature-based adjustment of the temperature-compensated measurements is performed by consulting an empirical lookup table that correlates the temperature-compensated measurements with soil temperature. For example, for a soil temperature above 10 degrees Celsius, the reflectance measurement at near-infrared wavelengths may be increased (or, in some examples, decreased) by 1% for every 1 degree Celsius increase.

[0128] The seed presser preferably includes a plurality of conductivity sensors 370r, 370f. Each conductivity sensor 370 is preferably configured to measure the conductivity of the soil; in a preferred embodiment, the conductivity sensor is configured to measure the conductivity of the soil in the furrow 38, preferably at or near the bottom of the furrow 38. The conductivity sensor 370 preferably includes soil engaging ears 374, 376 configured to slidably engage each side of the furrow 38 as the seeder traverses the field. The ears 374, 376 preferably engage the furrow 38 at or near the bottom of the furrow. The ears 374, 376 are preferably made of a conductive material such as copper. The ears 374 are preferably fixed to and electrically connected to a central portion 372 housed within the seed presser body 490. The central portion 372 preferably comprises a conductive material such as copper; in some embodiments, the central portion 372 comprises a copper rod. The central portion 372 is preferably electrically connected to an electrical conductor fixed to the central portion. The conductivity sensor can measure the conductivity within a trench by measuring the current between soil-bonded lugs 374 and 376.

[0129] Reference Figure 4BIn some embodiments, system 300 measures the conductivity of the soil near the trench 38 by measuring the potential between the forward conductivity sensor 370r and the backward conductivity sensor 370f. In other embodiments, conductivity sensors 370f and 370r may be arranged longitudinally at intervals on the bottom of the seed presser to measure the conductivity at the bottom of the seed trench.

[0130] In other embodiments, the conductivity sensor 370 includes one or more ground working devices or ground contact devices (e.g., discs or handles) that are in contact with the soil and are preferably electrically insulated from each other or from another reference voltage. The voltage potential between the sensor 370 and the other reference voltage is preferably measured by the system 300. The voltage potential, or another conductivity value derived from it, is preferably reported to the operator. The conductivity value can also be correlated with a GPS-reported location and used to generate a spatial mapping of conductivity variations throughout the field. In some such embodiments, the conductivity sensor may include one or more furrowing discs of a seeder ridging unit, a furrow clearer wheel of a seeder ridging unit, a ground contact handle of a seeder, a ground contact hoof hanging from the seeder handle, a handle of a tillage tool, or a disc of a tillage tool. In some embodiments, a first conductivity sensor may include a component of a first agricultural ridging unit (e.g., a disc or handle), while a second conductivity sensor may include a component of a second agricultural ridging unit (e.g., a disc or handle), such that the conductivity of the soil extending laterally between the first and second agricultural ridging units can be measured. It should be appreciated that at least one of the conductivity sensors described herein is preferably electrically insulated from another sensor or reference voltage. In one example, the conductivity sensor is mounted to an implement (e.g., a seeder ridging unit or tillage tool) by first mounting it to an electrically insulating component (e.g., a component made of an electrically insulating material, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or a rubber-like polymer) and then mounting the electrically insulating component to the implement.

[0131] Reference Figure 4CIn some embodiments, system 300 measures the conductivity of the soil between two ridge-forming units 200 having the first seed press 400-1 and the second seed press 400-2, respectively, by measuring the potential between a conductivity sensor on the first seed press 400-1 and a conductivity sensor on the second seed press 400-2. In some such embodiments, conductivity sensor 370 may include a large ground contact electrode (e.g., a seed press housing) made of metal or other conductive material. It should be appreciated that any conductivity sensor described herein can measure conductivity by any combination of the following: (1) between a first probe on a ground contact ridge-forming unit component (e.g., on a seed press, row cleaning wheel, furrowing disc, hoof, handle, frog, plow, or ridge-closing wheel) and a second probe on the same ground contact ridge-forming unit component of the same ridge-forming unit; (2) between a first probe on a first ground contact ridge-forming unit component (e.g., on a seed press, row cleaning wheel, furrowing disc, hoof, handle, frog, plow, or ridge-closing wheel) and a second probe on the same ground contact ridge-forming unit component of the same ridge-forming unit. The second probe of the second ground contact of the ridge-forming unit is between the second probes on the ridge-forming unit components (e.g., on the seed presser, row cleaning wheel, furrowing disc, hoof, handle, fork, plow, or ridge-closing wheel); or (3) the first probe of the first ground contact of the first ridge-forming unit (e.g., on the seed presser, row cleaning wheel, furrowing disc, hoof, handle, fork, plow, or ridge-closing wheel) and the second probe of the second ground contact of the second ridge-forming unit (e.g., on the seed presser, row cleaning wheel, furrowing disc, hoof, handle, fork, plow, or ridge-closing wheel). Any one or both of the ridge-forming units described in combinations 1 to 3 above may include a sowing ridge-forming unit or another ridge-forming unit (e.g., a tillage ridge unit or a dedicated measuring ridge unit), which may be mounted in front of or behind the tool handle.

[0132] The reflectivity sensor 350, temperature sensors 360, 360', 360" and conductivity sensor 370 (collectively referred to as "sensors mounted on the seed press") preferably communicate with the monitor 50. In some embodiments, the sensors mounted on the seed press communicate with the monitor 50 via a transceiver (e.g., a CAN transceiver) and bus 60. In other embodiments, the sensors mounted on the seed press communicate with the monitor 50 via a wireless transmitter 62-1 (preferably mounted on the seed press) and a wireless receiver 64. In some embodiments, the sensor mounted on the seed presser is electrically connected to a wireless transmitter 62-1 (or transceiver) via a multi-pin connector including a male connector 472 and a female connector 474. In an embodiment of the seed presser body having a removable portion 492, the male connector 472 is preferably mounted on the removable portion, and the female connector 474 is preferably mounted on the remainder of the seed presser body 190; the connectors 472 and 474 are preferably configured such that they electrically engage when the removable portion is slidably mounted to the seed presser body.

[0133] Go to Figure 19A Another embodiment of a seed presser 400" is shown, incorporating an optical cable 1900. The optical cable 1900 preferably terminates at a lens 1902 in the bottom of the seed presser 400"'. The optical cable 1900 preferably extends to a reflectivity sensor 350a, which is preferably mounted separately from the seed presser, for example, elsewhere on the ridge-forming unit 200. In operation, light reflected from the soil (preferably the bottom of the furrow 28) travels via the optical cable 1900 to the reflectivity sensor 350a, allowing the reflectivity sensor 350a to measure the soil reflectivity at a location remote from the seed presser 400"'. In other embodiments, such as Figure 19B The seed press embodiment 400”” shown extends an optical cable to a spectrometer 373, which is configured to analyze light transmitted from the soil. The spectrometer 373 is preferably configured to analyze reflectance in the wavelength spectrum. The spectrometer 373 preferably communicates with a monitor 50. The spectrometer 373 preferably includes a fiber optic spectrometer, such as the USB4000 fiber optic spectrometer available from Ocean Optic, Dunedin, Florida. In embodiments 400”’ and 400””, the modified seed press bracket 415’ is preferably configured to hold the optical cable 1900.

[0134] Go to Figures 25-26Another embodiment of a seed presser 2500 is shown. The seed presser 2500 includes an upper portion 2510 having a mounting portion 2520. The mounting portion 2520 is preferably reinforced by including a reinforcing insert made of a harder material than the mounting portion (e.g., the mounting portion may be made of plastic, while the reinforcing insert may be made of metal) within a cavity 2540 of the mounting portion 2520. The mounting portion 2520 preferably includes mounting tabs 2526, 2528 for releasably attaching the seed presser 2500 to a bracket on a ridge-forming unit. The mounting portion 2520 preferably includes mounting hooks 2522, 2524 for attaching a liquid application conduit (e.g., a flexible tube) (not shown) to the seed presser 2500. The upper portion 2510 preferably includes a cavity 2512 sized to receive the liquid application conduit. The cavity 2512 preferably includes a rearward orifice through which the liquid application conduit extends for dispensing liquid behind the seed presser 2500. It should be recognized that multiple liquid conduits may be inserted into the lumen 2512; additionally, nozzles may be included at the terminating ends of one or more conduits to redirect and / or divert the liquid flow applied to the groove behind the seed presser 2500.

[0135] The seed presser 2500 also preferably includes a ground engagement portion 2530 mounted to the upper portion 2510. The ground engagement portion 2530 can be removably mounted to the upper portion 2510; as shown, the ground engagement portion is mounted to the upper portion by a threaded screw 2560, but in other embodiments, the ground engagement portion can be mounted and removed without tools, for example, by a slot-groove arrangement. The ground engagement portion 2530 can also be permanently mounted to the upper portion 2510, for example, by using rivets instead of screws 2560 or by molding the upper portion to the ground engagement portion. The ground engagement portion 2530 is preferably made of a material with higher abrasion resistance than plastic, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel, cobalt steel, or hardened galvanized iron), and may include an abrasion-resistant coating (or a non-stick coating as described herein), and may include an abrasion-resistant portion such as a tungsten carbide insert.

[0136] The ground junction 2530 preferably includes a sensor, such as a reflectivity sensor 2590, for detecting trench properties (e.g., soil moisture, soil organic matter, soil temperature, seed presence, seed spacing, percentage of compacted seeds, presence of soil residue), said reflectivity sensor 2590 preferably housed within a cavity 2532 of the ground junction. The reflectivity sensor preferably includes a sensor circuit board 2596 having a sensor configured to receive reflected light from the trench through a transparent window 2592. The transparent window 2592 is preferably mounted flush with the lower surface of the ground junction, such that soil flows below the window without accumulating above or along the window edge. An electrical connection 2594 preferably connects the sensor circuit board 2596 to a wire or bus (not shown), thereby enabling data communication between the sensor circuit board and the monitor 50.

[0137] Go to Figures 5 to 14 Another embodiment of a seed presser 500 is shown. The flexible portion 504 is preferably configured to elastically press the seed presser body 520 into the seed groove 38. Mounting tabs 514, 515 releasably connect the flexible portion 504 to the seed presser bracket 415, preferably as described in application '585'.

[0138] A flexible liquid conduit 506 preferably guides liquid (e.g., liquid fertilizer) from a container to an outlet 507 for deposition in or near a trench 38. The conduit 506 preferably extends through the seed press body 520 between the outlet 507 and a fitting 529, which preferably restrains the conduit 506 from sliding relative to the seed press body 520. A portion of the conduit may extend through an orifice formed in the seed press body 520 or (as shown) through a channel covered by a removable cap 530. The cap 530 preferably engages the sidewalls 522, 524 of the seed press body 520 by a hook-and-loop tab 532. The hook-and-loop tab 532, in addition to holding the cap 530 on the seed press body 520, preferably also prevents the sidewalls 522, 524 from warping outwards. A screw 533 also preferably holds the cap 530 on the seed press body 520.

[0139] The guide tube 506 is preferably held on the flexible portion 504 of the seed presser 500 by means of mounting hooks 508, 509 and mounting tabs 514, 515. The guide tube 506 is preferably elastically grasped by the arms 512, 513 of the mounting hooks 508, 509, respectively. The guide tube 506 is preferably received in the slots 516, 517 of the mounting tabs 514, 515, respectively.

[0140] The wiring harness 505 preferably includes one or more wires electrically connected to a sensor mounted on the seed presser described below. The wiring harness is preferably received in slots 510, 511 of mounting hooks 508, 509 and additionally held in place by a guide tube 506. The wiring harness 505 is preferably gripped by slots 518, 519 of mounting tabs 514, 515, respectively; the wiring harness 505 is preferably pressed through a resilient opening in each slot 518, 519 and the resilient opening returns to place, such that the slot holds the wiring harness 505 unless forcibly removed.

[0141] In some embodiments, the lowermost grooved engagement portion of the seed presser 500 includes a plate 540. The plate 540 may comprise a material different from and / or comprise a material having properties different from the remainder of the seed presser body 520; for example, the plate 540 may have a greater hardness than the remainder of the seed presser body 520 and may comprise powdered metal. In some embodiments, the entire seed presser body 520 is made of a relatively hard material such as powdered metal. During the installation phase, the plate 540 is secured to the remainder of the seed presser body 520, for example, by a rod 592 fixed to the plate 540 and secured to the remainder of the seed presser body by a retaining ring 594; it should be appreciated that the plate may be removably mounted to the remainder of the seed presser body or permanently mounted to the remainder of the seed presser body.

[0142] The seed presser 500 is preferably configured to removably receive a reflectivity sensor 350 in a cavity 527 within the seed presser body 520. In a preferred embodiment, the reflectivity sensor 350 is removably mounted in the seed presser 500 by sliding the reflectivity sensor 350 into the cavity 527 until the flexible tabs 525, 523 engage; and by securing the reflectivity sensor 350 in place until the flexible tabs bend away to allow for removal of the reflectivity sensor. The reflectivity sensor 350 may be configured to perform any of the measurements described above regarding the reflectivity sensor of the seed presser 400. The reflectivity sensor 350 preferably includes a circuit board 580 (in some embodiments, an overmolded printed circuit board). The reflectivity sensor 350 preferably detects light transmitted through a lens 550, the lower surface of which extends along the surrounding lower surface of the seed presser body 550, so that soil and seeds are not dragged by the lens. In embodiments with a plate 540, the bottom surface of the lens 550 preferably extends along the bottom surface of the plate 540. Lens 550 is preferably made of a transparent material such as sapphire. The interface between circuit board 580 and lens 550 is preferably protected from dust and debris; in the illustrated embodiment, the interface is protected by O-ring 552, while in other embodiments, the interface is protected by potting compound. In a preferred embodiment, lens 550 is mounted to circuit board 580, and when reflectivity sensor 350 is mounted, the lens slides to a position within the lowermost surface of seed presser body 520 (and / or plate 540). In such an embodiment, flexible tabs 523, 525 preferably lock the reflectivity sensor in a position where lens 550 and the lowermost surface of seed presser body 520 extend together.

[0143] The seed presser 500 preferably includes a temperature sensor 360. The temperature sensor 360 preferably includes a probe 560. The probe 560 preferably includes a heat-conducting rod (e.g., a copper rod) extending through the width of the seed presser body 500 and having opposing ends extending from the seed presser body 500 to contact either side of the groove 38. The temperature sensor 360 preferably also includes a resistance temperature detector (“RTD”) 564 fixed to the probe 560 (e.g., screwed into a threaded hole); the RTD is preferably electrically connected to a circuit board 580 via a wire 585; the circuit board 580 is preferably configured to handle reflectivity and temperature measurements and is preferably electrically connected to a wiring harness 505. In embodiments where the plate 540 and / or the remainder of the seed presser body 520 comprises a thermally conductive material, the insulating material 562 preferably supports the probe 560 such that temperature variations in the probe are minimized by contact with the seed presser body; in such embodiments, the probe 560 is preferably primarily surrounded by air within the interior of the seed presser body 520, and the insulating material 562 (or the seed presser body) preferably contacts the probe at the minimum surface area. In some embodiments, the insulating material comprises a low-conductivity plastic, such as polystyrene or polypropylene.

[0144] Go to Figure 15 Another embodiment 400' of a seed presser with multiple reflectivity sensors 350 is shown. Reflectivity sensors 350c, 350d, and 350e are configured to measure the reflectivity of regions 352c, 352d, and 352e, respectively, at or near the bottom of the furrow 38. Regions 352c, 352d, and 352e preferably constitute a substantially continuous region, which preferably includes the entire or substantially the whole portion of the furrow where the seed rests after falling into the furrow by gravity. In other embodiments, multiple temperature sensors and / or conductivity sensors are provided to measure a larger, preferably substantially continuous region.

[0145] Go to Figure 16Another embodiment of the seed presser 400” is shown, which has a plurality of reflectivity sensors 350 configured to measure at various depths within a furrow 38 on either side. Reflectivity sensors 350f and 350k are configured to measure reflectivity at or near the top of the furrow 38. Reflectivity sensors 350h and 350i are configured to measure reflectivity at or near the bottom of the furrow 38. Reflectivity sensors 350g and 350j are configured to measure reflectivity at intermediate depths of the furrow 38, for example, at half the furrow depth. It is understood that, in order to effectively perform soil measurements at a depth located in the middle of the trench, it is desirable to modify the shape of the seed presser so that the sidewalls of the seed presser engage with the sides of the trench at the middle trench depth. Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to effectively perform soil measurements at a depth near the top of the trench (i.e., at or near the soil surface 40), it is desirable to modify the shape of the seed presser so that the sidewalls of the seed presser engage with the sides of the trench at or near the top of the trench. In other embodiments, multiple temperature sensors and / or conductivity sensors are provided to measure the soil temperature and / or conductivity at multiple depths within the trench 38, respectively.

[0146] As described above regarding system 300, in some embodiments, a second set of reflectivity sensors 350, temperature sensors 360, and conductivity sensors 370 are mounted to the reference sensor assembly 1800. Figure 18 An embodiment is shown in which a reference sensor assembly leads to a furrow 39, and a seed presser 400 with a sensor mounted on the seed presser is resiliently engaged in the furrow 39 to sense soil characteristics at the bottom of the furrow 39. The furrow 39 is preferably at a shallow depth (e.g., between 1 / 8 and 1 / 2 inch) or a deep depth (e.g., between 3 and 5 inches). The furrow is preferably created by a pair of furrowing discs 1830-1, 1830-2, which are configured to create V-shaped furrows in the soil 40 and rotate about a lower hub 1834. The depth of the furrow is preferably set by one or more plowing wheels 1820 rotating about an upper hub 1822. Preferably, the upper and lower hubs are fixedly mounted to a handle 1840. The seed presser is preferably mounted to the handle 1840 via a seed presser bracket 1845. The handle 1840 is preferably mounted to a tool handle 14. In some embodiments, the handle 1840 is mounted to the tool rod 14 via a parallel arm assembly 1810 for vertical movement relative to the tool rod; in some such embodiments, the handle is elastically biased toward the soil by an adjustable spring 1812 (or other downward pressure applicator). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1840 is mounted at the front of the tool rod 14; in other embodiments, the handle may be mounted at the rear of the tool rod 14. In other embodiments, the seed presser 400 may be mounted to the ridge-forming unit handle 254, the ridge-closing wheel assembly, or the ridge-clearing assembly.

[0147] exist Figure 23 and Figure 24 An embodiment of a reference sensor 1800' including an instrumented handle 1840' is shown. Reference sensors 350u, 350m, and 3501 are preferably disposed on the lower end of the handle 1840 and configured to contact the soil on the sidewall of the trench 39 at or near the top of the trench, at the middle of the trench depth, and at or near the bottom of the trench, respectively. The handle 1840 extends into the trench and preferably includes an inclined surface 1842 on which the reference sensor 350 is mounted; the angle of the inclined surface 1842 is preferably parallel to the sidewall of the trench 39.

[0148] It should be realized that, Figures 4A-4C The sensor embodiments can be mounted and used in conjunction with systems other than seeders, such as tillage tools. For example, a seed roller can be configured to contact the soil in a furrow created (or otherwise traversed) by a tillage implement (such as a disc harrow or tiller). On such devices, the sensor can be mounted on the portion of the device that contacts the soil, or it can be mounted on any extension connected to and in contact with the soil. It should be appreciated that in some such embodiments, the seed roller will not contact the seed being sown, but will still measure and report soil characteristics as otherwise disclosed herein.

[0149] In another embodiment, any sensor (reflectivity sensor 350, temperature sensor 360, conductivity sensor 370, capacitive humidity sensor 351, and electronic tension sensor 352) can be disposed within the seed presser 400', which is exposed via the side of the seed presser 400'. Figure 27A As shown, in one embodiment, the seed presser 400' has a protrusion 401' extending from the side of the seed presser 400', through which the sensor performs sensing. A lens 402' is disposed in the protrusion 401'. The protrusion 401' minimizes any buildup that obstructs the lens 402', and the lens 402' can remain in contact with the soil.

[0150] Lens 402' can be made of any material that is durable against abrasion caused by soil contact and is transparent to the wavelength of light used. In some embodiments, the material has a Mohs hardness of at least 8. In some embodiments, the material is sapphire, ruby, diamond, aluminum silicate (SiC), or tempered glass (e.g., Gorilla™ glass). In one embodiment, the material is sapphire. Figure 28A and Figure 28BIn one embodiment shown, lens 402' has a trapezoidal shape, with its sides sloping from the rear portion 402'-b to the front portion 402'-f. In this embodiment, lens 402' may be located within protrusion 401', with no retainer abutting the rear portion 402'-b of lens 402'. This ensures that a sensor positioned behind lens 402' is not obstructed by any such retainer. Alternatively, lens 402' may be arranged in the opposite manner to the previous embodiment, with its sides sloping from the front portion 402-f to the rear portion 402-b.

[0151] To facilitate sensor assembly and placement within the seed presser 400', the seed presser 400' can be made from constituent components. In this embodiment, the seed presser 400' has a resilient portion 410' that is mounted to the handle 254 and can push the seed presser body portion 490' into elastic engagement with the groove 38. The seed presser body portion 490' includes a seed presser base 495', a sensor housing 496', and a lens body 498'. Figures 29A to 29C The base of the seed presser is shown at 495'. Figure 30A The sensor housing 496' is shown in the figure, and... Figure 30B The image shows a cover 497' for mating with the sensor housing 496'. The lens body 498' is... Figure 31A and Figure 31B As shown, the lens body 498' is disposed in the opening 499' in the seed press base 495'. The lens 402' is disposed in the lens opening 494' in the lens body 498'. The sensor is disposed in the sensor housing 496' (such as on a circuit board such as 580 or 2596). Figure 27B As shown, there is a conduit 493 configured to pass through one side of the elastic portion 410' and enter the sensor housing 496' for wiring (not shown) to connect to the sensor.

[0152] The protrusion 401' is primarily located on the lens body 498', but a portion of the protrusion 401' may also be provided on either side of the lens body 498' on the seed press body 495' to create a taper at the front and back of the protrusion 401'. The protrusion 401' is expected to wear down due to contact with the soil. By placing the main portion of the protrusion 401' on the lens body 498', the lens body 498' can be replaced after the protrusion 401' and / or the lens 402' wears or breaks.

[0153] exist Figure 53In another embodiment shown, a temperature sensor 360' is disposed in the seed press 400 (the seed press 400 referred to in this paragraph refers to any seed press, such as 400, 400', 400" or 400"') to measure the temperature of the inner wall 409, which is thermally conductive to the outside of the seed press 400. The temperature sensor 360' measures the temperature of the inner wall 409. In one embodiment, the area of ​​the inner wall 409 measured by the temperature sensor 360' does not exceed 50% of the area of ​​the inner wall 409. In other embodiments, the area does not exceed 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5%. The smaller the area, the faster the temperature sensor 360' responds to temperature changes. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 360' is a thermistor. The temperature sensor 360' may be electrically connected to a circuit board (such as circuit board 580 or 2596).

[0154] exist Figure 54 In another embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 360” is configured to pass through the seed presser 400 (the seed presser 400 referred to in this paragraph refers to any seed presser, such as 400, 400', 400”, or 400”') to directly measure soil temperature. The temperature sensor 360” has an internal thermally conductive material 1361 covered by an insulating material 1362, wherein a portion of the thermally conductive material 1361 is exposed to contact the soil. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive material may be copper. The temperature sensor 360” may be electrically connected to a circuit board (such as circuit board 580 or 2596).

[0155] exist Figure 53 and Figure 54 In any embodiment, the temperature sensors 360', 360" are modular. The temperature sensors 360', 360" may be separate components that can communicate with the monitor 50 and can be replaced separately from other components.

[0156] In one embodiment with a seed presser 400', the sensor is a reflectivity sensor 350. The reflectivity sensor 350 can be two components having a transmitter 350-e and a detector 350-d. Figure 32 This embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0157] In some embodiments, the wavelengths used in the reflectivity sensor 350 are in the range of 400 nm to 1600 nm. In another embodiment, the wavelengths are in the range of 550 nm to 1450 nm. In one embodiment, there are combinations of wavelengths. In one embodiment, the sensor 350 has a combination of 574 nm, 850 nm, 940 nm, and 1450 nm. In another embodiment, the sensor 350 has a combination of 589 nm, 850 nm, 940 nm, and 1450 nm. In another embodiment, the sensor 350 has a combination of 640 nm, 850 nm, 940 nm, and 1450 nm. In another embodiment, the wavelength 850 nm in any of the foregoing embodiments is replaced by 1200 nm. In another embodiment, the wavelength 574 nm in any of the foregoing embodiments is replaced by 590 nm. For each wavelength described herein, it should be understood that the number is actually + / - 10 nm of the listed value. In some embodiments, wavelength combinations of 460 nm, 589 nm, 850 nm, 1200 nm, and 1450 nm are used.

[0158] In one embodiment, the field of view from the front portion 402-f of lens 402' to the soil surface is 0 mm to 7.5 mm (0 inches to 0.3 inches). In another embodiment, the field of view is 0 mm to 6.25 mm (0 inches to 0.25 inches). In another embodiment, the field of view is 0 mm to 5 mm (0 inches to 0.2 inches). In yet another embodiment, the field of view is 0 mm to 2.5 mm (0 inches to 0.1 inches).

[0159] As the seed presser 400' travels through the furrow 38, a gap may exist between the furrow 38 and the seed presser 400', causing the reflectivity sensor 350 to detect ambient light. This will give a falsely high result. In an embodiment to eliminate the signal increase caused by ambient light, the transmitter 350-e can be pulsed on and off. When there is no signal from the transmitter 350-e, the background signal is measured. Then, when the transmitter 350-e emits light to provide the actual reflectivity magnitude, the measured reflectivity is determined by subtracting the background signal from the original signal.

[0160] like Figure 32 As shown, when the reflectivity sensor 350 has only one emitter 350-e and one detector 350-d, the overlapping area between the area illuminated by the emitter 350-e and the area observed by the detector 350-d can be limited. In the case of... Figure 33In one embodiment shown, the transmitter 350-e and detector 350-d can be angled relative to each other to increase overlap. While this is effective, this embodiment does increase the manufacturing cost of angled transmitter 350-e and detector 350-d. Furthermore, when the surface of the trench 38 is not smooth, some light rays 999 will strike the trench 38 and not be reflected toward detector 350-d.

[0161] exist Figure 34 In another embodiment shown, it is possible to use Figure 32 The structure includes a prism 450' located on an inclined side 45 below the emitter 350-e, which can refract light from the emitter 350-e toward the area observed by the detector 350-d. Similarly, for a single emitter 350-e, light 999 can strike the groove 38 and will not be reflected toward the detector 350-d.

[0162] exist Figure 35 In another embodiment shown, sensor 350 may have two transmitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 and a detector 350-d. This increases the overlap between the area observed by detector 350-d and the area illuminated by transmitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2. In another embodiment, to further increase the overlap, transmitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 may be tilted toward detector 350-d, as shown. Figure 36 As shown.

[0163] exist Figure 37 In another embodiment shown, two emitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 are positioned close to detector 350-d. Prism 450” has two inclined surfaces 459-1 and 459-2 for refracting light from emitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 toward the area observed by detector 350-d.

[0164] exist Figure 38 In another embodiment shown, a single emitter 350-e can be used in conjunction with a prism 400” to approximate a dual emitter configuration. The prism 450”’ is designed with angled sides to utilize the critical angle of the material used to manufacture the prism 450”’ (to retain light within the material). This angle varies depending on the material. In one embodiment, the material used for the prism 450”’ is polycarbonate. A portion of the light from the emitter 350-e will strike side 451 and be reflected to side 452, side 453, and side 454 before leaving the bottom 455. Optionally, spacers 456-1 and 456-2 can be provided on the bottom 455 to provide a gap between the prism 450”’ and the lens 550.

[0165] exist Figure 39 In another embodiment shown, the reflectivity sensor has a transmitter 350-e and two detectors 350-d-1 and 350-d-2. As shown, the transmitter 350-e and detector 350-d-1 are aligned as indicated. Detector 350-d-2 is tilted toward the transmitter 350-1 and detector 350-d-1.

[0166] In another embodiment that can be used with any of the previous or subsequent embodiments, the orifice plate 460 may be positioned adjacent to the sensor 350, wherein the orifice 461 is adjacent to each transmitter 350-e and detector 350-d. Figure 37 Together with the embodiments in, in Figure 40 This embodiment is illustrated in the figure. The perforated plate 460 can help control the half angle.

[0167] exist Figure 41 In another embodiment shown, the reflectivity sensor 350 has an emitter 350-e and a detector 350-d. An aperture plate 460 is positioned adjacent to the detector, and this aperture plate 460 controls only the light entering the detector 350-d. Then, a prism 450" is positioned adjacent to the emitter 350-e and the detector 350-d.

[0168] In another embodiment of the prism, Figure 42A-42G Multiple views of Prism 450 can be seen in the image.

[0169] Figure 43 yes Figure 27A A cross-sectional view of the seed presser 400' taken at section AA. Two transmitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 and a detector 350-d are housed in the sensor housing 496'. (Source: [Original Source Name]) Figure 42A-42G The prism 450 is positioned between the transmitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 and the detector 350-d and the lens 402'.

[0170] In such Figure 44A and Figure 44B In another embodiment shown, a reflectivity sensor 350 has two emitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 aligned with detector 350-d-1. As shown, the viewing angles of emitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 point out of the paper, and the viewing angle of detector 350-d-1 also points out of the paper. A second detector is present, biased relative to emitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 and detector 350-d-1. In another embodiment (not shown), emitter 350-e-2 is omitted. Figure 44BAs shown, detector 350-d-2 is at an angle α to the vertical direction and is viewed towards emitters 350-e-1 and 350-e-2 aligned with the paper, as well as detector 350-d-1. In one embodiment, angle α is 30° to 60°. In another embodiment, angle α is 45°. In one embodiment, the wavelength of light used in this setup is 940 nm. This setup allows for the measurement of void space in the soil. Detecting void space in the soil will indicate the degree of effective tillage. Fewer or smaller void spaces indicate more compaction and less effective tillage. More or larger void spaces indicate better tillage. This measurement of tillage effectiveness allows for adjustment of the downforce on ridge unit 200 as described herein.

[0171] The depth and length of the gap space away from the seed presser 400, 400' can be measured using this setup. For short distances (typically up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) or up to about 1.27 cm (0.5 inch), the signal output from detector 350-d-2 increases with distance from the target surface. The signal emitted by the main reflectivity detector 350-d-1 remains mostly constant to slightly decrease. Figure 47The illustrative reflectance measurements and the corresponding calculated height of the soil device from the target are shown. Reflectance measurements 9001 from 350-d-1 and 9002 from 350-d-2 are shown. When the reflectance measurements 9001 from 350-d-1 and 9002 from 350-d-2 are nearly identical, region 9003 is the area where the target soil is flush with lens 402'. When a void is detected at region 9004, the reflectance measurement 9001 from 350-d-1 remains approximately the same or decreases, while the reflectance measurement 9002 from 350-d-2 increases. The distance from the target surface is a function of the ratio between the signals generated by 350-d-1 and 350-d-2. In one embodiment, the distance is calculated as (350-d-2 signal - 350-d-1 signal) / (350-d-2 signal + 350-d-1 signal) * scale constant. The scale constant is a number that converts reflectance measurements into distance. For the configuration shown, the scale constant is 0.44. The scale constant is measured and depends on the placement of the transmitter and detector, the orifice size, and the prism geometry. In one embodiment, the scale constant can be determined by placing the target at a known distance. The calculated target distance curve produces a height profile 9005 along the scanning surface. Knowing the travel speed, the length 9006, depth 9007, and spacing 9008 of these voids can be calculated. Running averages of these void characteristics (length 9006, depth 9007, and spacing 9008) can be calculated and then reported as another metric for characterizing the texture of the soil being scanned. For example, once per second, a summary of the average gap length, average gap depth, and number of gaps within that time period can be recorded, or this summary can be sent to monitor 50. The timing interval can be any selected time period greater than 0. The shorter the time period, the smaller the analysis space. Figure 48 An example is shown where the monitor 50 displays the gap length 2311, gap depth 2312, and number of gaps 2313 on the screen 2310.

[0172] As the height of the equipment (e.g., soil apparatus, seed presser, sensor arm, etc.) above the target increases, errors may occur when measuring reflectance. Correction can be used to convert the raw reflectance measurement into a corrected value. The correction factor can be obtained by measuring reflectance at different heights above the target. Figure 68An example of a calibration curve is shown. Regions with a percentage error greater than zero are possible (e.g., at short distances from the target height), and regions with a negative percentage error are possible (e.g., at long distances from the target height). The percentage error can be multiplied by a coefficient to obtain a 0% error. For example, if the percentage error is 5% higher than the zero percentage error line, the measurement can be multiplied by approximately 95%.

[0173] In another embodiment, any scratches or thin films formed on lens 402' will affect the reflectivity detected by reflectivity sensor 350. The internal reflectivity within seed pressers 400, 400' will increase. This increase in reflectivity will increase the measured reflectivity value. This increase occurs when seed pressers 400, 400' are removed from furrow 38. At this time, the readings of seed pressers 400, 400' will become new baseline readings, for example, zero. The next time seed pressers 400, 400' are run in furrow 38, reflectivity higher than the new baseline reading or zero reading will be the actual measured reading.

[0174] In another embodiment, reflectance measurements from reflectance sensor 350 allow seed germination moisture values ​​to be obtained from a data sheet and displayed to the operator on monitor 50. Seed germination moisture is a dimensionless measurement relating to the amount of water available for seeds for each given soil type. Different types of soil retain different amounts of water. For example, sandy soils do not retain water as well as clay. Even if clay contains more water than sand, the amount of water released from the soil to the seeds may be the same. Seed germination moisture is a measure of the weight gain of seeds placed in the soil. Seeds are placed in the soil for a sufficient period of time to allow water to penetrate them. In one embodiment, this period is three days. Seed weight is measured before and after this time. Additionally, the reflectance of soils with different moisture contents is also stored in a data sheet. A scale from 1 to 10 can be used. Numbers in the middle of this scale (such as 4-7) can be associated with the moisture content in each soil type, which is an acceptable level of water for the seeds. Low numbers (such as 1-3) can be used to indicate that the soil is too dry for the seeds. High numbers (such as 8-10) can be used to indicate that the soil is too wet for the seeds. By understanding the soil type input by the operator and the measured reflectance, seed germination moisture can be obtained from the data table. The results can be displayed as actual numbers on monitor 50. Additionally, the results may be accompanied by color. For example, the font color of the reported results or the screen color on monitor 50 could use green for values ​​within the acceptable range, and another color (such as yellow or red) for high or low values. Figure 45 An example is shown where monitor 50 displays seed germination moisture 2301 on screen 2300. Alternatively, it can be... Figure 20The seed germination moisture content 2301 is displayed on monitor 50. Furthermore, a uniform moisture content (not shown) can be displayed on monitor 50. The uniform moisture content is the standard deviation of the seed germination moisture content.

[0175] Based on the seed germination moisture reading, the sowing depth can be adjusted as described in this article. If the seed germination moisture indicates that the ambient conditions are too dry, the depth can be increased to make it darker until the specified moisture content is reached. If the seed germination moisture indicates that the ambient conditions are too wet, the depth can be decreased to make it lighter until the specified moisture content is reached.

[0176] In another embodiment, moisture consistency or moisture variability can be measured and displayed on monitor 50. Figure 50 and Figure 51 An example is shown where monitor 50 displays moisture consistency 2321 on screen 2320 and / or moisture variability 2331 on screen 2330. One or both can be displayed, or both can be displayed on the same screen. Moisture consistency is 1 - moisture variability. Moisture consistency and moisture variability can be calculated using any moisture reading, such as capacitive moisture, seed germination moisture, or even volumetric moisture content or matrix potential or days before germination. Moisture variability is the deviation relative to the average measurement. In one embodiment, moisture variability is calculated by dividing the standard deviation of any moisture measurement by the average. This provides a percentage. Any other mathematical method expressing measurement change can also be used. In one embodiment, the root mean square can be used instead of the standard deviation. In addition to displaying the results on monitor 50, the results can also be accompanied by color. For example, the font color reporting the results or the screen color on monitor 50 could use green for values ​​within acceptable levels and another color (such as yellow or red) for unacceptable values. The number of days before germination mentioned above can be determined by creating a database by placing seeds at different moisture levels and measuring the number of days before germination. Thus, moisture consistency and moisture variability are the variability in the number of days before germination.

[0177] Depending on the moisture consistency reading or moisture variability reading, the seeding depth can be adjusted as described herein. In one embodiment, the depth can be adjusted to maximize moisture consistency and minimize moisture variability.

[0178] In another embodiment, a seedling environment score can be calculated and displayed on monitor 50. Figure 52The image shows an example of monitor 52 displaying a seedling environment score 2441 on screen 2340. The seedling environment score is a combination of temperature and moisture conditions related to how long it takes for seeds to germinate under these conditions. A database can be created by placing seeds in different temperature and moisture combinations and measuring the number of days before germination. The seedling environment score displayed on monitor 50 can be the number of days before germination from the database. In another embodiment, the seedling environment score can be the percentage of sown seeds that have germinated within a selected number of days. The selected number of days can be entered into monitor 50. In another embodiment, a scaled score based on a scale of 1 to 10 can be used, where 1 represents the shortest number of days it takes for a seed to germinate and 10 represents the longest number of days it takes for a seed to germinate. For example, if a seed can germinate within 2 days, it is assigned a score of 1; if the longest time it takes for a seed to germinate is 17 days, it is assigned a score of 10. In addition to displaying the results on monitor 50, the results can also be accompanied by color. For example, the font color of the reported results or the screen color on monitor 50 can be green for values ​​within a selected number of days, and another color (such as yellow or red) for values ​​greater than the selected number of days.

[0179] Based on the germination environment score, the sowing depth can be adjusted as described in this article. In one implementation, the depth can be adjusted to minimize the number of days required for germination.

[0180] In another embodiment, a processing unit (e.g., a processing unit of a soil device, implement, tractor, monitor, computer, etc.) can be used to calculate the uniform furrow score. The uniform furrow score can be calculated based on one or more of the following: moisture, temperature, residue, clods, tillage differences between different soil regions, and ridge-forming unit problems. A ridge-forming unit problem might be that the furrowing disc 244 is trapped, the furrow guide wheel 248 is loose (which could cause dry soil to fall into the furrow), or the closure system 236 is clogged. A ridge-forming unit problem could cause sensor implements (e.g., seed rollers 400, 400') to rise out of the furrow, which can be detected by sensing an increase in ambient light. The uniform furrow score can be calculated as: Uniform Furrow = 100% - (Percentage of Voids + Percentage Outside the Furrow + Percentage Change in Moisture). This operation is performed within a selected time period (e.g., 200 ms). In one example, the void percentage is the percentage of time within a given window (e.g., a 200ms window) that the distance from the target height (which could be 850nm) exceeds a threshold (e.g., 0.15 inches (0.38cm)). This could be triggered by clods or voids in the soil. The trench exit percentage is the percentage of time (or time within a window) during which ambient light or the distance from the target height exceeds a threshold (e.g., greater than 0.4 inches (1cm)) detected by sensor equipment. The moisture change percentage is the absolute value of the difference between the 1200nm / 1450nm reflectance ratio and the moving average of the 1200nm / 450nm reflectance ratio, where the change exceeds a specified amount (e.g., 0.01 to 0.5). In one example, the moisture change percentage is the percentage of time within a window (e.g., a 200ms window) where the 1200nm / 1450nm reflectance ratio changes by a specified amount and can be calculated based on [abs(1200nm instantaneous reflectance / 1450nm instantaneous reflectance)﹣(1200nm moving average reflectance / 1450nm moving average reflectance)]. In other embodiments, the specified value is 0.1 to 0.25, greater than or equal to about 0.15, 0.01 to 0.05, or greater than or equal to about 0.07. When the calculated value is greater than the specified value, 1 is subtracted from the uniform furrow value each time it occurs within a time window (e.g., a 200ms time window). The moving average can be a 1s moving average. The instantaneous reflection is a value captured in the range of 500Hz to 5kHz.

[0181] In another embodiment, the percentage change in moisture can be calculated using a processing unit (e.g., a processing unit of a soil device, implement, tractor, monitor, computer, etc.) as follows. First, the estimated reflectance of dry soil at 1450 nm is calculated, i.e., E1450dry = 1200 nm reflectance * 2 - 850. Then, the moisture index is (1450actual - E1450dry) / (1450actual + E1450dry), and the selected value is abs[moisture index (using instantaneous reflectance value) - moisture index (using moving average reflectance value)]. In some embodiments using this formula, for selected values ​​greater than or equal to 0.07, 1 is subtracted from the uniform furrow value each time it occurs within a 200 ms time window.

[0182] In another embodiment, the predicted air temperature can be used to determine whether seeds sown at a certain point in time after sowing will experience a ground temperature lower or higher than the temperature required for effective sowing. For example, 50℉ (10°C) can be considered the minimum sowing temperature for seed germination. Even if the soil temperature at sowing time may be higher than this minimum, future weather may cause the soil temperature to drop below the minimum. Soil temperature tends to follow air temperature. At a specific time, such as 10:00 AM, soil temperature and air temperature can be measured to obtain a temperature deviation of 7999. The predicted air temperature can be obtained via a network interface and downloaded from a weather server into memory, for example, at [location missing]. Figure 79 The temperature deviation 7999 is calculated using the monitor 50 or the processing system (e.g., 1220, 1262) and can be used to obtain the predicted soil temperature from the predicted air temperature. This is in Figure 67 This is explained in the text. If the soil temperature is lower than the minimum soil temperature, higher than the maximum soil temperature, or deviates from the average temperature by a certain amount at a future time point, an alarm can be set using monitor 50 or the processing system.

[0183] In addition to future temperature, future weather can be downloaded (or manually entered) and combined with current soil moisture, current soil temperature, soil type (e.g., sand, silt, and / or clay), and combinations thereof, to determine sowing depth. Current moisture can be based on the amount of water in the soil, the matric potential of water in the soil, or seed germ moisture. Future weather can be air temperature, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation (cloud cover), and combinations thereof. It is desirable that the moisture and temperature during seed germination and / or emergence are within acceptable ranges for seed germination and / or emergence. The combination of current conditions and predicted weather can be used to determine sowing depth. For different soil types, different soils respond differently to added water (such as from rainwater). Depending on the soil's absorption capacity, increased rainfall will be retained in the soil, flow through the soil, or run off. Therefore, it is necessary to know not only the current humidity but also the future rainfall amount and the retention capacity of a particular soil type to calculate future moisture. Future soil temperature and future soil moisture will vary based on future wind speed and / or future cloud cover. Wind speed will change the soil evaporation rate and soil temperature. Cloud cover (or sunshine) can also change the rate of soil evaporation and soil temperature.

[0184] In another embodiment, seed germination data and a seed germination mapping table can be calculated and displayed on monitor 50 or a display device using a processing unit (e.g., a processing unit of soil equipment, implements, tractors, monitors, computers, etc.). Figure 69The image shows an example of monitor 50 displaying a seed germination map / score 2390 on screen 2340. This can be one or more of germination time, emergence time, or germination risk. Germination time and emergence time can be expressed in hours or days. Time can be limited together into multiple ranges and represented using different colors, shapes, patterns, etc. In one embodiment, germination time can be expressed in hours, for example, 0 to 8 hours (designated as green), 8 to 16 hours (designated as yellow), 16 to 24 hours (designated as orange), and more than 24 hours (designated as red). Seed germination risk can be germination / emergence (no germination / emergence, on-time germination / emergence, or late germination / emergence) or factors other than time, such as deformed, damaged seeds, reduced vigor, or disease. Seed germination risk can be high, medium, or low, or it can be on-time emergence, late emergence, or no emergence. Colors, shapes, patterns, etc., can be assigned to each of these conditions. For example, low risk can be green, medium risk can be yellow, and high risk can be red. To calculate a seed germination map / score, one or more (or two or more) of the following measurements can be measured: soil moisture (amount of water in the soil, matric potential of water in the soil, seed germ moisture), soil temperature, soil organic matter, uniform furrowing, furrow residue, soil type (sand, silt, clay), and crop residue cover (amount, location, distribution, and pattern of old and current crops on the soil surface). A database can be created by placing seeds in different combinations of these conditions to measure germination time, emergence time, or seed germination risk. This database can then be accessed during sowing when these properties are needed, subsequently providing germination time, emergence time, or seed germination risk.

[0185] In other embodiments, the table below describes each of the effects of the measured properties (some of which are listed above) on seed germination and / or emergence; how the property is measured; information output as raw data, seed environment score, germination time, emergence time, and / or seed germination risk; and the actuation of the equipment or the action to be taken. Note that for measured properties that cannot be stopped for seeding alone, the stopping behavior is listed below, but “stopping seeding” may be an action used in combination with one or more other measured properties. For example, soil color alone may not be a reason for stopping seeding, but a combination of soil color with other measured properties may lead to stopping seeding. This may also be the case with other operations (such as the invasiveness of a ridging machine).

[0186]

[0187]

[0188]

[0189]

[0190] Residual cover and soil color can be obtained from the images. Images can be obtained from satellites or aircraft (such as drones), or from cameras placed in the field (such as on poles). For user-inputted seed shape / size or cold germ, the user can enter this information directly, scan a code (from a barcode or QR code on the packaging), or enter a specific seed type (or scan a code), and then the size, shape, and cold germ can be referenced from a database based on the seed type. The reference source for the terrain can come from previously measured stored information, such as a mapping table. Any method of measuring the terrain can be used. As an alternative to adjusting depth, downpressure can be adjusted to affect depth changes, or the invasiveness of the ridging clearer can be changed.

[0191] In another embodiment, seed environment data and seed environment score 2450 can be calculated and displayed on monitor 50 or display device (e.g., display device 1225 or 1230) using a processing unit (e.g., a processing unit of soil equipment, implements, tractors, monitors, computers, etc.). Figure 71 The image shows an example of a monitor 50 or display device displaying a seed environment score 2450 on screen 2341. This can be a display of a "good" or "poor" status indicator to indicate whether soil conditions are currently ready for sowing and optionally whether soil conditions remain acceptable at least during germination and, optionally, emergence. The seed environment score 2450 can be a score based on one or more properties from a table above listing the seed environment scores. If one or more measured properties are within a selected range within a selected time period (e.g., one or more of sowing, germination, and emergence), the seed environment score 2450 can display a state where sowing will occur, such as good or OK. If one or more measured properties are outside the selected range within a selected time period, the seed environment score 2450 displays a state where sowing should not occur, such as poor or unacceptable. Furthermore, a color (such as green or red) can be associated with this state. If a negative state, such as "poor" or "unacceptable," is displayed, the user can view one or more of the properties on the seed environment score property 2342 screen of monitor 50. The value of each property can be displayed, and optionally, an indication of whether the property is within an acceptable range can be displayed. Figure 72 An example of the seed environment properties 2342 screen is shown.

[0192] In another embodiment, any of the aforementioned embodiments can be located in a device separate from the seed pressers 400, 400'. For example... Figure 46As shown, any of the sensors described herein (sensor 350 shown in the figure) is disposed in sensor arm 5000. Sensor arm 5000 has a flexible portion 5001 that is attached to the end of the flexible portion 410”' of the seed presser 400”' near the bracket insertion portion 411”'. Base 5002 is located at the other end of the flexible portion 5001. Sensor 350 is disposed in base 5002, behind lens 5003. While it is desirable for any of the sensors to be disposed in the seed presser 400”', there are still moments when differences in the applied force are required. In one embodiment, the seed presser 400”' may require a smaller force to compact the seeds, but a larger force is required to keep the sensor in contact with the soil. Compared to the flexible section 410”', different stiffness can be designed into the flexible section 5001. By first compacting the seeds with the seed pressers 400, 400’, the bias voltage from the sensor arm 5000 will not contact the seeds already pressed into the groove 38, or if it does contact them, it will not move the seeds.

[0193] In other embodiments, neither sensor needs to be located in the seed presser, especially... Figures 27A to 54 Any of the embodiments shown. The sensor can be any implement that is mounted on a farm implement in contact with the soil. For example, the seed press body 490 can be mounted to any bracket and can be placed anywhere on the implement and in contact with the soil. Examples of farm implements include, but are not limited to, seeders, harvesters, sprayers, fertilizer rods, tillers, fertilizer applicators, and tractors.

[0194] Figure 49 A flowchart of one embodiment of method 4900 is shown, which obtains soil measurements and then generates signals to actuate any implement on any agricultural implement. Method 4900 is performed by hardware (circuit, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as running on a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer or device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, method 4900 is performed by at least one system or device (e.g., monitor 50, soil monitoring system, seed roller, sensor, implement, ridge-forming unit, etc.). The system uses processing logic to execute instructions of a software application or program. The software application or program may be initiated by a system or may notify the operator or user of a machine (e.g., tractor, seeder, combine harvester) based on whether the soil measurement triggers a signal to actuate the implement.

[0195] In any embodiment herein, in operation 4902, a system or device (e.g., a soil monitoring system, monitor 50, seed roller, sensor) can acquire soil measurements (e.g., measurements of moisture, organic matter, porosity, soil texture / type, furrow residue, etc.). In operation 4904, the system or device (e.g., a soil monitoring system, monitor 50) can generate signals in response to acquiring soil measurements to actuate any implement on any farm implement (e.g., by controlling the seed metering device to change the seed density, change the seed variety (e.g., hybrid), change the furrow depth, change the application rate of fertilizer, fungicide, and / or pesticide, change the downforce or upforce applied by the farm implement (such as a seeder or tiller), control the force applied by the furrow clearer). This can be done in real time, anytime, anywhere. Examples of measurable soil measurements and implement controls include, but are not limited to:

[0196] A) Moisture, organic matter, porosity, or soil texture / type, to alter the density of sown seeds by controlling the seed metering device;

[0197] B) Moisture, organic matter, porosity, or soil texture / type to alter seed varieties (e.g., hybrids);

[0198] C) Moisture, organic matter, porosity, or soil texture / type to alter furrow depth:

[0199] D) Moisture, organic matter, porosity, or soil texture / type to alter the application rates of fertilizers, fungicides, and / or pesticides;

[0200] E) Moisture, organic matter, porosity, or soil texture / type to alter the downforce or upforce applied by agricultural implements (e.g., seeders or tillers).

[0201] F) Furrow residue, to control the force applied by the furrow clearer.

[0202] In one embodiment, a combination of moisture and texture / type can be used for downforce or upforce. Higher downforce can be used in sandy and / or moist soils, while lower downforce can be used in clay and / or moist soils. Too much downforce for a given soil type can cause soil compaction, which reduces the ability of roots to spread throughout the soil. Too little downforce for a given soil type can cause implements to ride up, preventing seeds from being sown to the target depth. Downforce is typically applied via the plow wheel 248 adjacent to the furrow.

[0203] Data processing and display

[0204] Reference Figure 20The implement monitor 50 or display device may display a soil data summary 2000, which shows a representation (e.g., a numerical or graphical representation) of soil data collected using the seed roller 400 and associated sensors. Soil data may be displayed in windows such as soil moisture window 2020 and soil temperature window 2025. A depth setting window 2030 may additionally show the current depth setting of the implement's ridging unit, for example, the depth at which the seed roller 400 is performing its corresponding measurement. A reflectance variation window 2035 may display statistical reflectance variation over a threshold time period (e.g., the previous 30 seconds) or over a threshold distance traveled by the implement (e.g., the previous 30 feet). Statistical reflectance variation may include any function of the reflectance signal (e.g., generated by each reflectance sensor 350), such as the variance or standard deviation of the reflectance signal. The monitor 50 may additionally display a representation of predicted agronomic outcomes (e.g., the percentage of plants successfully emerging) based on the reflectance variation values. For example, the reflectance value of seedling emergence can be used to look up the predicted plant emergence value in an empirically generated database (e.g., stored in the memory of the implement monitor 50 or stored in a remote server that communicates with the implement monitor and is updated on the remote server), thereby associating the reflectance value with the predicted plant emergence.

[0205] Each window in the soil data summary 2100 preferably displays all ridge units (“ridges”) used for measurements at that location and, optionally, the average of the ridge units with the highest and / or lowest values, as well as the values ​​associated with that ridge unit or multiple ridge units. Selecting (e.g., clicking or tapping) each window preferably displays individual (ridge-by-ridge) values ​​of the data associated with that window for each ridge unit where measurements were taken.

[0206] The carbon content window 2005 preferably displays an estimated value of the soil carbon content. Preferably, the carbon content is estimated based on conductivity measured by the conductivity sensor 370, for example, using an empirical relation table or empirical lookup table that correlates conductivity with the estimated percentage of carbon content. The window 2005 preferably also displays the conductivity measured by the conductivity sensor 370.

[0207] The organic matter window 2010 preferably displays an estimated value of the soil organic matter content. Preferably, the organic matter content is estimated based on reflectance at one or more wavelengths measured by the reflectance sensor 350, for example using an empirical relation table or empirical lookup table that correlates the reflectance at one or more wavelengths with the estimated percentage of organic matter.

[0208] The soil composition window 2015 preferably displays estimates of the partial presence of one or more soil components, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and carbon. Each soil component estimate is preferably based on reflectance measured by reflectance sensor 350 at one or more wavelength conditions, for example, using an empirical relation table or empirical lookup table that correlates the reflectance at one or more wavelength conditions with the partial presence of the soil component estimate. In some embodiments, the soil component estimates are preferably determined based on one or more signals generated by spectrometer 373. In some embodiments, window 2015 also displays the ratio between the carbon and nitrogen components of the soil.

[0209] The moisture window 2020 preferably displays an estimated value of soil moisture. The moisture estimate is preferably based on reflectance measured by the reflectance sensor 350 at one or more wavelengths (e.g., 930 or 940 nm), for example, using an empirical relation table or empirical lookup table that correlates reflectance under one or more reflectance conditions with the estimated moisture. In some embodiments, the moisture measurement is determined as disclosed in application '975'.

[0210] Temperature window 2025 preferably displays an estimated value of soil temperature. The temperature estimate is preferably based on signals generated by one or more temperature sensors 350.

[0211] The depth window 2030 preferably displays the current depth setting. As disclosed in International Patent Application PCT / US2014 / 029352, the monitor 50 preferably also enables the user to remotely actuate the ridge-forming unit 200 to achieve the desired trench depth.

[0212] Go to Figure 21The monitor 50 is preferably configured to display one or more map windows 2100, wherein multiple soil data, measurements, and / or estimates (such as reflectance variation) are represented by boxes 2122, 2124, 2126, each box having a color or pattern that associates the measurement at the box location with the range (in illustration 2110) 2112, 2114, 2116 into which the measurement falls, respectively. The map window 2100 is preferably generated and displayed for each type of soil data, measurement, and / or estimate displayed on the soil data screen 2000, preferably including carbon content, conductivity, organic matter, soil composition (including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), moisture, and soil temperature. Subsets may correspond to numerical ranges of reflectance variation. Subsets may be named based on agronomic indicators empirically related to the range of reflectance variation. For example, reflectance changes below a first threshold can be marked as “good”, under which no emergence failure is predicted; reflectance changes between the first and second thresholds can be marked as “acceptable”, under which emergence failure is predicted to be agronomically unacceptable (e.g., potentially having a greater impact on yield than the yield threshold); and reflectance changes above the second threshold can be marked as “predicted poor emergence”.

[0213] Go to Figure 22 The monitor 50 is preferably configured to display one or more sowing data windows, including sowing data measured by the seed sensor 305 and / or the reflectivity sensor 350. Window 2205 preferably displays a good spacing value calculated based on seed pulses from the optical (or electromagnetic) seed sensor 305. Window 2210 preferably displays a good spacing value based on seed pulses from the reflectivity sensor 350. (Reference) Figure 17Seed pulses 1502 in the reflectivity signal 1500 can be identified by a reflectivity level exceeding a threshold T, which is related to the seed passing under the seed presser. The time of each seed pulse 1502 can be set to the midpoint of each cycle P between the first and second intersections of the threshold T. Once the time of the seed pulse (whether from the seed sensor 305 or the reflectivity sensor 350) is identified, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application US13 / 752,031 (“031 Application”), the seed pulse time is preferably used to calculate a good spacing value. In some embodiments, in addition to good spacing, other seed sowing information (including, for example, population, single-seed, skipped, and multiple-seed) is calculated according to the method disclosed in the 031 Application and displayed on the screen 2200. In some embodiments, the same wavelength (and / or the same reflectivity sensor 350) is used for seed detection for moisture and other soil data measurements; in some embodiments, the wavelength is approximately 940 nanometers. When the reflectivity signal 1500 is used for both seed detection and soil measurements (e.g., moisture), the signal portion identified as a seed pulse (e.g., period P) is preferably not used to calculate the soil measurement value; for example, the signal in each period P can be assumed to be a line between the time immediately before and after period P, or in other embodiments, it can be assumed that the average signal value during the first 30 seconds of the signal does not fall within any seed pulse period P. In some embodiments, the screen 2200 also displays a percentage or absolute difference between a good spacing value or other seed sowing information determined based on the seed sensor pulse and the same information determined based on the reflectivity sensor pulse.

[0214] In some embodiments, seed sensing is improved by selectively measuring reflectance under one or more wavelength conditions associated with one or more characteristics of the seed being sown. In some such embodiments, system 300 prompts the operator to select other characteristics of the crop, seed type, seed hybrid, seed treatment, and / or the seed to be sown. Preferably, one or more wavelengths are selected for measurement based on one or more seed characteristics selected by the operator, and reflectance is measured under said one or more wavelength conditions to identify seed pulses.

[0215] In some embodiments, the “good spacing” value is calculated based on both the seed pulse signal generated by the optical or electromagnetic seed sensor 305 and the seed pulse signal generated by the reflectivity sensor 350.

[0216] In some such embodiments, the "good spacing" value of the ridging unit is based on seed pulses generated by a reflectivity sensor 350 associated with the ridging unit, which are filtered based on signals generated by an optical seed sensor 305 on the same ridging unit. For example, a confidence value can be associated with each seed pulse generated by the optical seed sensor, such as being directly related to the amplitude of the optical seed sensor seed pulse; this confidence value can then be modified based on the optical seed sensor signal, for example, increasing the confidence value if a seed pulse is observed at the optical seed sensor within a threshold period prior to the reflectivity sensor seed pulse, and decreasing the confidence value if no seed pulse is observed at the optical seed sensor within a threshold period prior to the reflectivity sensor seed pulse. If the modified confidence value exceeds a threshold, the seed pulse is identified and stored as a seed placement.

[0217] In other such embodiments, the “good spacing” value of the ridging unit is based on a seed pulse generated by an optical seed sensor 305 associated with that ridging unit, which is modified based on a signal generated by a reflectivity sensor 350 on the same ridging unit. For example, the seed pulse generated by the optical seed sensor 305 may be associated with the timing of the next seed pulse generated by the reflectivity sensor 350. If the reflectivity sensor 350 does not generate a seed pulse within a threshold time after the seed pulse generated by the seed sensor 305, the seed pulse generated by the seed sensor 305 may be ignored (e.g., if the confidence value associated with the seed pulse is below a threshold) or the seed pulse generated by the seed sensor 305 may be adjusted by the average time delay between the reflectivity sensor seed pulse and the seed sensor seed pulse (e.g., the average time delay of the last 10, 100, or 300 seeds).

[0218] In addition to displaying seed sowing information such as good spacing values, in some embodiments, the measured seed pulses can be used to time liquid deposition in the furrow and other crop inputs for application timing, such that the applied crop input falls on, near, or between seeds as needed. In some such embodiments, after a seed pulse 1502 is identified in a signal 1500 from a reflectivity sensor 350 associated with the same ridging unit 200 having a liquid applicator valve, the liquid applicator valve, which selectively allows liquid to flow from the outlet 507 of the liquid conduit 506, is briefly opened for a threshold time (e.g., 0 seconds, 1 ms, 10 ms, 100 ms, or 1 second).

[0219] Signals generated by reflectivity sensors can also be used to identify the presence of crop residues (e.g., corn stalks) in seed furrows. If the reflectivity exceeds a threshold in the wavelength range associated with crop residues (e.g., between 560 nm and 580 nm), system 300 preferably determines that crop residues are present in the furrow at the currently reported GPS location. Spatial variations in the residues can then be mapped and displayed to the user. Additionally, the downpressure supplied to the clearer assembly (e.g., a pressure-controlled clearer as disclosed in U.S. Patent US 8,550,020) can be automatically adjusted by system 300 in response to residue identification, or adjusted by the user. In one example, the system may command a valve associated with the clearer downpressure actuator to increase by 5 psi in response to an indication of the presence of crop residues in the seed furrow. Similarly, system 300 or the operator may adjust the closing wheel downpressure actuator in response to an indication of the presence of crop residues in the seed furrow.

[0220] In some embodiments, the orientation of each seed is determined based on the width of the seed pulse period P, which is based on reflectivity. In some such embodiments, pulses with periods longer than a threshold (either an absolute threshold or a threshold percentage exceeding the average pulse period) are classified into a first category, while pulses with periods shorter than the threshold are classified into a second category. The first and second categories preferably correspond to a first seed orientation and a second seed orientation. The percentage of seeds falling into the first and / or second categories within the previous 30 seconds can be displayed on screen 2200. Preferably, the orientation of each seed is spatially mapped using the GPS coordinates of the seeds, making it possible to compare the performance of an individual plant with the seed orientation during the observation operation.

[0221] In some embodiments, seed-soil contact is determined based on the presence or absence of an identification seed pulse generated by reflectivity sensor 350. For example, if a seed pulse is generated by optical seed sensor 305 but no seed pulse is generated by reflectivity sensor 350 within a threshold time following the optical seed sensor's seed pulse, the "poor" seed-soil contact value is preferably stored and associated with the location of the predicted reflectivity sensor seed pulse. For one or more rows, a seed-soil contact index can be generated by comparing the number of seeds with "poor" seed-soil contact against a threshold number of seeds sown, the distance traveled, or the elapsed time. The monitor 50 can then issue a warning to the operator regarding one or more rows showing seed-soil contact below the index threshold. Additionally, spatial variations in seed-soil contact can be mapped and displayed to the user. Furthermore, a standard or number of seeds representing the percentage of seeds compacted (e.g., without "poor" seed-soil contact) in a previous time period can be displayed to the operator.

[0222] In one embodiment, the sowing depth can be adjusted based on soil properties measured by sensors and / or a camera, such that seeds are sown when the desired temperature, moisture, and / or electrical conductivity are found in the furrow 38. A signal can be sent to the depth adjustment actuator 380 to modify the position of the depth adjustment rocker arm 268, thereby modifying the height of the plow wheel 248 to place the seeds at the desired depth. In one embodiment, the overall goal is to ensure that the seeds germinate at approximately the same time. This results in higher uniformity and crop yield. When some seeds germinate before others, the earlier-germinating plants can shade the later-germinating plants, depriving them of the necessary sunlight and potentially drawing more nutrients disproportionately from the surrounding soil, which reduces the yield from the later-germinating seeds. The number of days for germination is based on a combination of moisture availability (soil moisture tension) and temperature.

[0223] In another embodiment, the depth can be adjusted based on a combination of current temperature and moisture conditions in the field and predicted temperature and moisture transport from a weather forecast. This process is described in U.S. Patent Publication US2016 / 0037709.

[0224] In any of the foregoing embodiments of depth control for moisture, the control may be further limited by a minimum threshold temperature. A minimum threshold temperature (e.g., 10°C (50℉)) can be set so that the seeder will not sow below the depth where the minimum threshold temperature is located. This can be based on an actual measured temperature or take into account temperatures measured at a specific time of day. Throughout the day, the soil is heated by sunlight or cooled at night. The minimum threshold temperature can be based on the average soil temperature over 24 hours. The difference between the actual temperature and the average temperature at a specific time of day can be calculated and used to determine the sowing depth at which the temperature exceeds the minimum threshold temperature.

[0225] Soil conductivity, moisture, temperature, and / or reflectivity conditions can be used to directly alter planting density (seeds / acre), nutrient application (gallons / acre), and / or pesticide application (pounds / acre) based on areas formed by organic matter, soil moisture, and / or conductivity.

[0226] In another embodiment, any sensor or camera may be adapted to harvest energy to power the sensor and / or wireless communication. Heat generated by soil contact or sensor movement as the sensor is dragged through the soil can be used as energy for the sensor.

[0227] Figures 55-66 A soil apparatus (e.g., a seed presser) with a locking system is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 55As shown, the seed presser 5500 includes a base 5502 and a mounting portion 5520 (e.g., a neck portion 5520). The mounting portion 5520 is preferably reinforced by including a reinforcing insert within its cavity made of a material harder than the mounting portion (e.g., the mounting portion may be made of plastic while the reinforcing insert may be made of metal). Figure 55 , Figure 56 , Figure 60 and Figure 61 As shown, the upper portion 5510 of the base may include an inner cavity sized or designed to receive a liquid application conduit. The inner cavity may include a rearward orifice through which the liquid application conduit extends to distribute liquid to the rear of the seed presser 5500. It should be appreciated that multiple liquid conduits may be inserted into the inner cavity; additionally, nozzles may be included at the terminating ends of one or more conduits to redirect and / or divert the liquid flow applied to the grooves behind the seed presser 5500.

[0228] Base 5502 includes a lower portion 5530 of the base's mating surface, such as Figure 55 , Figure 56 , Figure 59 , Figure 62 and Figure 66 As shown, the lower portion 5530 of the mating surface is removably inserted into and connected to the upper portion 5510; however, in other embodiments, the lower portion of the mating surface can be installed and removed without the use of tools (e.g., via slots and grooves). The lower portion 5530 of the mating surface is preferably made of a material with higher abrasion resistance than plastic, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel or hardened galvanized iron), may include an abrasion-resistant coating (or a non-stick coating as described herein), and may include abrasion-resistant portions, such as tungsten carbide inserts.

[0229] The lower portion 5530 of the base of the joint surface preferably includes at least one sensor (such as a reflectivity sensor) for detecting characteristics of the soil or trench (e.g., soil moisture, soil organic matter, soil temperature, seed presence, seed spacing, percentage of compacted seeds, presence of soil residue), preferably housed within a cavity of the lower portion of the joint surface. The reflectivity sensor preferably includes a sensor circuit board having a sensor configured to receive reflected light from the trench through a transparent window 5592. The transparent window 5592 is preferably mounted flush with the lower surface of the lower portion of the joint surface, such that soil flows below the window without accumulating above or along the window edge. Electrical connections preferably connect the sensor circuit board to wires or a bus (not shown), enabling data communication between the sensor circuit board and the monitor 50.

[0230] The seed presser 5500 includes a locking system for the different components of the seed presser. In one example, the neck portion 5520 has, for example... Figure 57 The protrusions shown (e.g., the two fork tips 5821-5822) are inserted into the lower portion 5530 of the base. Locking is not implemented until the upper portion 5510 of the base, having a region (e.g., "post 6010"), is inserted into the lower portion and that region (e.g., "post 6010") presses against the protrusions (e.g., the two separate fork tips) to lock the neck portion to the base.

[0231] Alternatively, protrusions 5821 and 5822 may be alternatively locked to a base (e.g., a lower base portion, an upper base portion) without the need for a post. The base may have holes (e.g., circular holes, stepped holes) to receive tabs on protrusions 5821 and 5822.

[0232] In one example, the dividing ridge 5830 on the neck section separates the fluid tubes and wires and holds them against the U-shaped clips integrated into the side of the neck section.

[0233] like Figure 59 As shown, the fluid tube is located in the channel 6050 in the upper portion 5510 of the base 5502. Figure 62 and Figure 63 A connector 6300 according to one embodiment is shown, having a short section 6310 for insertion into a fluid tube. The connector has wings 6330-6331 on the upper portion of the engagement base. A clamping portion 6340 is provided at the bottom of the front face for clamping the connector to the upper portion.

[0234] like Figure 56 As shown, the wear-resistant insert 5700 is located in front of the window 5592 to provide wear resistance to the window. In one example, the insert is preferably made of tungsten carbide, although other wear-resistant materials may also be used. In another example, in addition to being located in front of the window, or alternatively in front of the window, the insert 5700 may also be above and / or below the window 5592. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 5593 is positioned adjacent to the window 5592. The temperature sensor 5593 may be the temperature sensor described in U.S. Application 62 / 516,553, filed June 7, 2017, which was subsequently incorporated in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168094.

[0235] Figure 64A side view of an elastic material layer (e.g., foam) 6510 is shown for pushing a circuit board 6520 (e.g., a printed circuit board, sensor circuit board) into or adjacent to a transparent window 5592 of a base 5502. The elastic material layer 6510 acts as a "locking spring" for positioning the circuit board 6520 relative to the window 5592.

[0236] To secure the prism and emitter (e.g., sensor) to circuit board 6520, such as... Figure 65 As shown, there is a tightly fitting pin and hole 6570. The screw allows for too much movement flexibility and allows the launcher to move.

[0237] Figure 66 A base with a separate window portion is shown according to one embodiment. The window portion 6630 is a separate component to allow window 5592 to be used independently.

[0238] The drainage slot 6650 can be a gap in the base 5502. This will be the place where the window portion of the base mates with the base. The upper portion of the base can be a low-friction, wear-resistant material (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene).

[0239] Accidents can occur when implements are reverse-driven while sensor implements (such as seed pressers 400, 400') remain engaged with the ground. Doing so can damage the sensor implements. The base 5502 is likely the most expensive part of the sensor implement because it can be made of cobalt or other expensive materials. To prevent damage to the base 5502, force release units (5529, 5522, 5523) can be located in the mounting portion 5520, or alternatively, when the base 5502 is directly attached to the implement. Figure 70A As shown, hole 5529 can be provided in mounting portion 5520. When the implement is reverse-driven, the force applied to the sensor implement (such as seed pressers 400, 400') is transmitted to hole 5525, causing mounting portion 5520 to break to release the applied force. Mounting portion 5520 is generally less expensive than base 5502. Instead of causing mounting portion 5520 to break, spring portions (5522, 5523) can be formed in mounting portion 5520. Figure 70B It is shown that the spring parts (5522, 5523) can be installed in the mounting part 5520. Figure 70C A first spring portion 5522 is shown, which is a partial opening in the mounting portion 5520. Figure 70DA second spring portion 5523 is shown, which is a partial opening in the mounting portion 5520 with an interlocking portion 5524. In either figure, when a force is applied, portion 5520-b will bend away from portion 5520-a. During normal operation, when the implement is driven forward, the force holds portions 5520-a and 5520-b together. Although shown as separate portions, the mounting portion 5520 (e.g., the neck portion 5520) may be integral with the base 5502. Furthermore, as in other embodiments, the base 5502 may be multiple portions, such as...

[0240] exist Figures 73 to 78 In another embodiment shown, the seed presser 5600 was modified to reduce the adhesion of sticky soil to the seed presser 5600.

[0241] The seed presser 5600 may include the same circuit board 6520, transmitter 350, temperature sensor 5593, elastic layer 6510, window 5592, hole 6570, wear-resistant insert 5700, etc. as the seed presser 5500, or the seed presser 5600 may be modified as described below. The seed presser 5600 has a mounting portion 5620 (which may be the same as the mounting portion 5520) and a base 5602.

[0242] The base 5602 has a lower outer portion 5603, which in Figures 74A to 74D As shown in the diagram, the lower outer portion 5603 covers the lower portion of the base 5602, excluding the window portion 5631. The lower outer portion 5603 is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., less than or equal to 0.3 static or less than or equal to 0.25 dynamic, as measured by ASTM D1894). In other embodiments, the coefficient of friction is less than or equal to 0.2 static or less than or equal to 0.15 dynamic. In one embodiment, the lower outer portion 5603 is made of UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). In other embodiments, the lower outer portion 5603 covers at least 50% of the height of the base 5602. In other embodiments, the lower outer portion 5603 covers at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 97% of the height of the base 5602. The height can be measured perpendicularly to any point along the bottom of the lower outer portion 5603.

[0243] The base 5602 also includes a second portion 5605, which has an upper base portion 5610 and a lower inner portion 5606, as shown below. Figure 75 As shown. The upper base portion may include, for example, Figure 76A Channel 6050 shown is similar to channel 6050 of the upper base portion 5510.

[0244] The lower outer portion 5603 covers the lower inner portion 5606 disposed below the upper base portion 5610. The lower inner portion 5606 has, for example... Figure 77A , Figure 77B and Figure 77C The end portion 5607 shown is for connection to the mounting portion 5620. The mounting portion 5620 may be identical to the mounting portion 5520. The lower internal portion 5606 can provide structure for the seed presser 5600 and can accommodate, for example... Figure 78 The circuit board 6520 shown. The lower outer portion 5603 can abut against the upper base portion at the joint 5604. When the height of the lower outer portion 5603 changes, the position of the joint 5604 changes.

[0245] The lower joining portion 5631 is similar to the lower joining portion 5530, but its size is reduced because the lower outer portion 5603 covers most of the base 5602. The lower joining portion 5631 has a window 5592 and a temperature sensor 5593, as shown... Figure 73 As shown. The lower engagement portion 5631 may be made of the same material as the lower engagement portion 5530 to provide abrasion resistance and protect the circuit board 6520 and the transmitter 350.

[0246] Any data collected during field traversal can be stored in a georeferenced map and reused in subsequent processes in the same field during the same season or the following year. For example, organic matter can be measured during the sowing process as the seed passes through the field. This allows georeferenced organic matter levels to be used for location-specific variable-rate fertilization. The collected data can be stored in a separate data file or as part of a field file.

[0247] Figure 79An example of a system 1200 according to one embodiment is shown. The system 1200 includes a machine 1202 (e.g., a tractor, combine harvester, etc.) and implements 1240 (e.g., a seeder, fertilizer bar, cultivator, plow, sprayer, paver, irrigation implement, etc.). Machine 1202 includes a processing system 1220, a memory 1205, a machine network 1210 (e.g., a Controller Area Network (CAN) serial bus protocol network, an ISOBUS network, etc.), and a network interface 1215 for communicating with other systems or devices including implements 1240. Machine network 1210 includes sensors 1212 (e.g., a speed sensor), controllers 1211 (e.g., a GPS receiver, a radar unit) for controlling and monitoring the operation of the machine or implements. Network interface 1215 may include at least one of a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, or other interfaces from which communication with other devices and systems including implements 1240 takes place. Network interface 1215 can be integrated with machine network 1210, or it can be independent of machine network 1210, such as... Figure 12 As shown. I / O port 1229 (e.g., diagnostic / on-board diagnostic (OBD) port) can communicate with another data processing system or device (e.g., display device, sensor, etc.).

[0248] In one example, the machine performs the operation of a tractor connected to a tool for field sowing applications. Sowing data for each ridge unit of the implement can be correlated with location data during application to better understand the sowing status of each ridge and area of ​​the field. Data associated with the sowing application can be displayed on at least one of display devices 1225 and 1230. The display device can be integrated with other components (e.g., processing system 1220, memory 1205, etc.) to form monitor 50.

[0249] Processing system 1220 may include one or more microprocessors, processors, system-on-a-chip (integrated circuits), or one or more microcontrollers. The processing system includes processing logic 1226 for executing software instructions for one or more programs and a communication unit 1228 (e.g., transmitter, transceiver) for sending and receiving communications from a machine via machine network 1210 or network interface 1215, or from an appliance via appliance network 1250 or network interface 1260. Communication unit 1228 may be integrated with or independent of the processing system. In one embodiment, communication unit 1228 communicates data with machine network 1210 and appliance network 1250 via a diagnostic / OBD port of I / O port 1229.

[0250] Processing logic 1226, including one or more processors or processing units, can process communications received from communication unit 1228, including agricultural data (e.g., GPS data, seeding application data, soil characteristics, any data sensed by sensors of implement 1240 and machine 1202, etc.). System 1200 includes memory 1205 for storing data and programs (software 1206) executed by the processing system. Memory 1205 may store, for example, software portions, such as seeding application software for soil analysis and seeding applications for performing operations of this disclosure, or any other software applications or modules, images (e.g., captured images of crops, soil, furrows, clods, ridge units, etc.), alarms, mapping tables, etc. Memory 1205 may be any known form of machine-readable, non-transitory storage medium, such as semiconductor memory (e.g., flash memory; SRAM; DRAM; etc.) or non-volatile memory, such as hard disks or solid-state drives. The system may also include an audio input / output subsystem (not shown), which may include a microphone and a speaker for, for example, receiving and sending voice commands or for user authentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics).

[0251] The processing system 1220 communicates bidirectionally with the memory 1205, machine network 1210, network interface 1215, data header 1280, display device 1230, display device 1225, and I / O port 1229 via communication links 1231-1236. The processing system 1220 can be integrated with the memory 1205 or independent of the memory 1205.

[0252] Display devices 1225 and 1230 can provide a visual user interface for users or operators. The display devices may include a display controller. In one embodiment, display device 1225 is a portable tablet or computing device with a touchscreen that displays data (e.g., seeding application data, captured images, localized view layers, seed germination data, seed environment data, real-time seeding or harvesting data, or other agricultural variables or parameters, high-resolution field maps, yield maps, alarms, etc.) and data generated by agricultural data analysis software applications, and receives input from users or operators for obtaining exploded maps of field areas, monitoring, and controlling field operations. Operations may include the construction of machinery or implements, data reporting, control of machinery or implements including sensors and controllers, and storage of generated data. Display device 1230 may be a display (e.g., a display provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) that displays images and data for partial view layers, fluid application data for immediate application, data for immediate sowing or harvesting, yield data, seed germination data, seed environment data, control machinery (e.g., seeders, tractors, combine harvesters, sprayers, etc.), operation machinery, and monitoring machinery or implements (e.g., seeders, combine harvesters, sprayers, etc.), the display being connected to the machine via sensors and controllers located on the machine or implement.

[0253] The cab control module 1270 may include additional control modules for enabling or disabling certain components or devices of the machine or implement. For example, if a user or operator cannot control the machine or implement using one or more display devices, the cab control module may include switches for components or devices for stopping or turning off the machine or implement.

[0254] The implement 1240 (e.g., a seeder, tiller, plow, sprayer, paver, irrigation implement, etc.) includes an implement network 1250, a processing system 1262, a network interface 1260, and optional input / output ports 1266 for communicating with other systems or devices including the machine 1202. The implement network 1250 (e.g., a Controller Area Network (CAN) serial bus protocol network, ISOBUS network, etc.) includes a pump 1256 for pumping fluid from one or more tanks 1290 to application units 1280, 1281, ... N of the implement; sensors 1252 (e.g., speed sensors; seed sensors for detecting seed passage; sensors for detecting characteristics of soil or furrows, including soil moisture, soil organic matter, soil temperature, seed presence, seed spacing, percentage of compacted seeds, and presence of soil residue; downforce sensors, actuator valves, moisture sensors, or flow sensors for combine harvesters; speed sensors for machines; seed force sensors for seeders; fluid application sensors for sprayers; or vacuum, lift, and lower sensors for the implement; flow sensors, etc.); a controller 1254 (e.g., a GPS receiver); and a processing system 1262 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the implement. Pump control and monitoring are performed on the application of fluid by the implement to crops or soil. Fluid application can be performed at any stage of crop growth and development, including: applying fluid in the sowing furrow when seeds are sown, applying fluid in a separate furrow adjacent to the sowing furrow, or applying fluid in the area near the sowing area (e.g., between corn or soybean rows) where seeds or crops grow.

[0255] For example, the controller may include a processor that communicates with multiple seed sensors. The processor is configured to process data (e.g., fluid application data, seed sensor data, soil data, furrow or trench data) and transmit the processed data to processing systems 1262 or 1220. The controller and sensors can be used to monitor the motors and drives on a seeder, which includes a variable-speed drive system for varying plant density. The controller and sensors may also provide harvesting mark control to close individual rows or sections of the seeder. The sensors and controller can sense changes in the motors that individually control each row of the seeder. These sensors and controllers can sense the seed delivery speed in the seed delivery tubes for each row of the seeder.

[0256] Network interface 1260 may be a GPS transceiver, WLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), infrared transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, or other interface for communicating with other devices and systems, including machine 1202. Network interface 1260 may be integrated with machine network 1250 or independent of machine network 1250, such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0257] The processing system 1262 communicates bidirectionally with the equipment network 1250, network interface 1260 and I / O port 1266 via communication links 1241-1243 respectively.

[0258] The implements can communicate with the machine via wired two-way communication or wireless two-way communication 1204. The implement network 1250 can communicate directly with the machine network 1210, or via network interfaces 1215 and 1260. The implements can also be physically connected to the machine for agricultural operations (such as sowing, harvesting, spraying, etc.).

[0259] Memory 1205 may be a machine-accessible, non-transitory medium storing one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1206) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. During execution of software 1206 by system 1200, software 1206 may also reside wholly or at least partially within memory 1205 and / or processing system 1220, which also constitute machine-accessible storage media. Software 1206 may also be transmitted or received over a network via network interface 1215.

[0260] In one embodiment, a machine-accessible non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 1205) contains executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a data processing system, cause the system to perform the operations or methods of this disclosure. Although the machine-accessible non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 1205) is shown as a single medium in exemplary embodiments, the term "machine-accessible non-transitory medium" should be considered to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-accessible non-transitory medium" should also be considered to include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for machine execution and causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of this disclosure. Therefore, the term "machine-accessible non-transitory medium" should be accordingly considered to include, but is not limited to, solid-state memory, optical and magnetic media, and carrier signals.

[0261] Any of the following examples can be combined into a single embodiment, or these examples can be separate embodiments. In one example of a first embodiment, the soil device includes: a lower base portion for engaging with soil in a farmland; an upper base portion; and a neck portion having a protrusion that inserts into the lower base portion of the base portion, and then locking when a region of the upper base portion is inserted into the lower base portion and the region of the upper base portion presses against the protrusion to lock the neck portion to the upper base portion.

[0262] In another example of the first embodiment, the soil device further includes: a window disposed in the lower base portion; and a sensor disposed in the lower base portion adjacent to the window, the sensor being configured to sense soil through the window when the lower base portion is engaged with the soil of the farmland.

[0263] In another example of the first embodiment, the sensor for detecting characteristics of the soil or trench includes at least one of soil moisture, soil organic matter, soil temperature, seed presence, seed spacing, percentage of compacted seeds, and presence of soil residue.

[0264] In another example of the first embodiment, the window is installed flush with the lower surface of the lower portion of the ground, so that soil flows below the window without accumulating above the window or along the window edge.

[0265] In another example of the first embodiment, the wear-resistant insert is positioned immediately adjacent to the window to provide wear resistance to the window.

[0266] In another example of the first embodiment, the soil device includes a seed presser.

[0267] In another example of the first embodiment, the upper base portion includes an inner cavity designed to receive a fluid application conduit, and the inner cavity includes a rearward orifice through which the fluid application conduit extends to distribute fluid to the rear of the seed presser.

[0268] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower base portion includes an elastic layer to position the circuit board close to the window.

[0269] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower base portion includes a separate window portion to allow the window to be used independently.

[0270] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower base portion includes a drainage slot that defines a window portion of the lower base portion that mates with a component of the lower base portion.

[0271] In another example of the first embodiment, the neck portion includes a force-releasing part to prevent damage to the lower base portion if the soil device engages in the soil when the implement is driven in the opposite direction.

[0272] In another example of the first embodiment, the neck portion includes a partial opening to prevent damage to the soil device if it engages in the soil when the implement is driven in the opposite direction.

[0273] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower base portion includes a lower outer portion to protect the lower base portion.

[0274] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower outer portion is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0275] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower outer portion covers at least 50% of the height of the lower base portion.

[0276] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower base portion further includes a second portion having an upper base portion and a lower inner portion.

[0277] In another example of the first embodiment, the upper base portion of the second part includes a channel.

[0278] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower inner portion is disposed below the upper base portion, and the lower inner portion has an end for connecting to the neck portion.

[0279] In another example of the first embodiment, the lower base portion is at least 50% of the combined height of the lower base portion and the upper base portion, and the lower base portion is made of a material having a static friction coefficient of less than or equal to 0.3.

[0280] In another example of the first embodiment, the static friction coefficient is less than or equal to 0.2, and the lower base portion is at least 90% of the combined height.

[0281] In one example of the second embodiment, the soil device includes: a lower base portion for use in soil of an adjoining farmland; an upper base portion; and a neck portion having a protrusion that inserts into an opening in the lower base portion and then locks into the lower base portion when the opening receives the protrusion.

[0282] In another example of the second embodiment, the opening includes a hole to receive a tab of the protrusion to lock the neck portion onto the lower base portion.

[0283] In another example of the second embodiment, the protrusion includes two forks.

[0284] In another example of the second embodiment, the neck portion includes a dividing ridge located on the neck portion to separate the fluid tube and the wire.

[0285] In another example of the second embodiment, a window is disposed in the lower base portion; a sensor is disposed in the lower base portion, adjacent to the window. The sensor is configured to sense the soil through the window when the lower base portion is engaged with the soil of the farmland.

[0286] In another example of the second embodiment, the soil device includes a seed presser.

[0287] In another example of the second embodiment, the lower base portion includes an elastic layer to position the circuit board close to the window.

[0288] In another example of the second embodiment, the neck portion includes a force-releasing part to prevent damage to the lower base portion if the soil device engages in the soil when the implement is driven in the opposite direction.

[0289] In another example of the second embodiment, the neck portion includes a spring portion to prevent damage to the soil device if it engages in the soil when the implement is driven in the opposite direction.

[0290] In another example of the second embodiment, the lower base portion includes a lower outer portion to protect the lower base portion.

[0291] In another example of the second embodiment, the lower outer portion is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0292] In another example of the second embodiment, the lower outer portion covers at least 50% of the height of the lower base portion.

[0293] In one example of the third embodiment, the soil device includes: a base portion for engaging with the soil of a farmland; and a neck portion connected to the base portion, the neck portion being configured to attach to an implement. The neck portion includes a force-releasing portion to prevent damage to the base portion if the soil device is engaged with the soil when the implement is driven in the opposite direction.

[0294] In another example of the third embodiment, the neck portion and the base portion are separate components.

[0295] In another example of the third embodiment, the neck portion is releasably connected to the agricultural implement.

[0296] In another example of the third embodiment, the force relief portion is a hole in the neck portion to allow the neck portion to break, thereby preventing damage to the base portion.

[0297] In another example of the third embodiment, the force release part is a spring part to allow the neck portion to bend.

[0298] In another example of the third embodiment, the base portion includes a lower base portion and an upper base portion.

[0299] In one example of the fourth embodiment, the soil device includes: a base portion for engaging with the soil of a farmland and adapted to connect to an implement; a soil sensor disposed in or on the base portion for measuring soil properties; and a force release portion disposed on or between the base portion and the implement to prevent damage to the base portion if the soil device is engaged with the soil when the implement is driven in the opposite direction.

[0300] In another example of the fourth embodiment, the soil device further includes a neck portion connected to the base portion, the neck portion being configured to attach to the implement, and a force-releasing portion being disposed in the neck portion.

[0301] In another example of the fourth embodiment, the soil device includes a base portion for engaging with the soil in the farmland, and the base portion is adapted to be connected to agricultural implements.

[0302] In another example of the fourth embodiment, the soil device includes: a window located in the base portion; and a wear-resistant insert disposed in or on the base portion at one or more locations selected from the group consisting of: i) ahead of the window in the direction of travel of the soil device through the soil, ii) above the window, and iii) below the window.

[0303] In another example of the fourth embodiment, the soil device also includes a neck portion connected to the base portion, the neck portion being configured to attach to an implement.

[0304] In one example of the fifth embodiment, the soil device includes a base portion for engaging with soil in a farmland, and the base portion is adapted to connect to agricultural implements. The base portion includes an outer portion disposed above an inner portion; wherein the outer portion is made of a material with a static friction coefficient less than or equal to 0.3.

[0305] In another example of the fifth embodiment, the soil device also includes a neck portion connected to the base portion, the neck portion being configured to attach to an implement.

[0306] In another example of the fifth embodiment, the internal portion includes a lower base portion and an upper base portion.

[0307] In another example of the fifth embodiment, the lower base portion includes a window, and the outer portion is not positioned above the window.

[0308] In another example of the fifth embodiment, the outer portion is at least 50% of the height of the base portion.

[0309] In another example of the fifth embodiment, the outer portion is at least 90% of the height of the base portion.

[0310] In another example of the fifth embodiment, the static friction coefficient is less than or equal to 0.2.

[0311] In one example of the sixth embodiment, a method for calculating consistent furrow measurements when a soil device is pulled through a furrow, the method comprising: the soil device measuring one or more soil properties. The method includes: measuring furrow percentage time, optionally a void percentage, and optionally a moisture change percentage, or a change in both void percentage and moisture percentage, with the soil device during the measurement to obtain measurements; and calculating consistent furrows by subtracting the measurements from 100%.

[0312] In another example of the sixth embodiment, the percentage of voids and the percentage of change in moisture are measured.

[0313] In another example of the sixth embodiment, the static friction coefficient is less than or equal to 0.2.

[0314] In another example of the sixth embodiment, measuring the furrowing time percentage includes measuring the percentage of time during which ambient light is detected.

[0315] In another example of the sixth embodiment, measuring the gap percentage includes measuring the percentage of time the distance from the target height is greater than a threshold.

[0316] In another example of the sixth embodiment, measuring the percentage change in moisture involves calculating the absolute value of the difference between (the instantaneous reflectance value of the first wavelength divided by the instantaneous reflectance value of the second wavelength) and (the moving average of the reflectance values ​​of the first wavelength divided by the moving average of the reflectance values ​​of the second wavelength).

[0317] In another example of the sixth embodiment, the first wavelength is 1200 nm and the second wavelength is 1450 nm.

[0318] In another example of the sixth embodiment, measuring the percentage change in moisture includes calculating the absolute value of (the moisture index of the instantaneous reflectance value minus the moisture index of the moving average reflectance value), wherein the moisture index is calculated as ((actual reflectance value at 1450 nm minus E1450) divided by (actual reflectance value at 1450 nm plus E1450), where E1450 is calculated as the reflectance value at 1200 nm multiplied by 2 minus 850.

[0319] In one example of the seventh embodiment, a method for determining the percentage of voids in a furrow when a soil device is pulled through it includes: obtaining reflectivity from the furrow using the soil device; measuring the distance from the target between the soil device and the furrow; and calculating the percentage of time during which the measured distance from the target is greater than a threshold, which is different from the desired distance from the target between the soil device and the furrow.

[0320] In one example of the eighth embodiment, a method for correcting soil reflectance readings from a soil device pulled through a furrow includes: obtaining reflectance from the furrow using the soil device; measuring a distance from a target height between the soil device and the furrow; and adjusting the measured distance from the target height to obtain a zero percentage error in the measured distance from the target height.

[0321] In one example of the ninth embodiment, the processing system includes: a central processing unit (“CPU”) for executing instructions for processing agricultural data; and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving agricultural data. The CPU is configured to execute instructions to obtain soil temperature from a soil device having at least one sensor for sensing soil temperature, obtain air temperature, determine a temperature deviation based on the soil temperature and air temperature to obtain a predicted air temperature, and determine a predicted soil temperature for a future period based on the temperature deviation and the predicted air temperature.

[0322] In another example of the ninth embodiment, the CPU is further configured to execute an alarm command if the predicted soil temperature is lower than the minimum soil temperature for seed germination, higher than the maximum soil temperature for seed germination, or deviates from a predetermined amount of the average temperature at a future point in time.

[0323] In another example of the ninth embodiment, the CPU is also configured to: when the soil device leaves the target height, execute instructions to correct the error in measuring the reflectance from the reflectance sensor by determining a correction factor used to convert the original measured reflectance into a corrected measurement value.

[0324] In another example of the ninth embodiment, a correction factor is determined based on measured reflectance data received at different altitudes away from the target from the soil device.

[0325] In one example of the tenth embodiment, the processing system includes: a processing unit that executes instructions for processing agricultural data; and a memory that stores the agricultural data. The processing unit is configured to execute instructions to obtain soil data from at least one sensor of the implement and to determine seed germination data based on the soil data, including at least one of germination time, emergence time, and seed germination risk, for display on a display device.

[0326] In another example of the tenth embodiment, the display device displays seed germination data, which includes a seed germination map containing germination and emergence times presented in hours or days, and the times are limited together into multiple ranges and represented by different colors, shapes, or styles.

[0327] In another example of the tenth embodiment, the germination time is presented in hours on a display device, wherein a first hour range is assigned a first color, a second hour range is assigned a second color, and a third hour range is assigned a third color.

[0328] In another example of the tenth embodiment, seed germination risks include non-germination / emergence, on-time germination / emergence, or delayed germination / emergence.

[0329] In another example of the tenth embodiment, the risk of seed germination includes factors other than time, such as deformed or damaged seeds, reduced viability, or disease.

[0330] In another example of the tenth embodiment, seed germination data are calculated using at least one of the following measurements: soil moisture, including the amount of water in the soil; the matrix potential of water in the soil; and seed embryo humidity; soil temperature; soil organic matter; consistent furrows; furrow residue; soil type, including sand, silt, and clay; and residue cover, which includes the quantity, location, distribution, and pattern of old and current crops on the soil surface.

[0331] In one example of the eleventh embodiment, a processing system includes: a processing unit that executes instructions for processing agricultural data; and a memory that stores the agricultural data. The processing unit is configured to execute instructions to obtain properties of seed environmental data and determine seed environmental data based on these properties, the properties of which include at least two of soil color, residue, topography, soil texture and type, organic matter, soil temperature, soil moisture, seed shape and size, cold seed germ, furrow depth, predicted temperature, predicted precipitation, predicted wind speed, and predicted cloud cover.

[0332] In another example of the eleventh embodiment, the processing unit is also configured to generate seed environment indicators to indicate whether soil conditions are ready for sowing within a specified time period.

[0333] In another example of the eleventh embodiment, the processing unit is also configured to generate an indicator that indicates whether soil conditions remain acceptable at least during germination and emergence.

[0334] In another example of the eleventh embodiment, the processing unit is further configured to generate a seed environment score based on seed environment data and display the seed environment score using a display device.

[0335] In another example of the eleventh embodiment, the display device for displaying seed environment scores includes a first index indicating acceptable sowing conditions or a second index indicating unacceptable sowing conditions.

[0336] In another example of the eleventh embodiment, the display device for displaying the seed environment score properties includes the current temperature, current humidity, predicted temperature, predicted humidity, and whether each of these properties is within an acceptable range.

Claims

1. A processing system, comprising: One or more processing units, which execute instructions for processing agricultural data; A memory that stores agricultural data, and one or more processing units configured to execute instructions to obtain soil data from at least one sensor of the implement and to determine seed germination data based on the soil data, including at least one of germination time, emergence time, and seed germination risk, for display on a display device, wherein the display device displays the seed germination data, the seed germination data including a seed germination map, wherein germination time and emergence time are presented in hours or days, and the time is constrained together into multiple ranges and represented by different colors, shapes, or styles.

2. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The germination time is displayed in hours on the display device, wherein a first hour range is assigned a first color, a second hour range is assigned a second color, and a third hour range is assigned a third color.

3. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The seed germination risks include failure to germinate / emerge, timely germination / emergence, or delayed germination / emergence.

4. The processing system according to claim 3, wherein, The risk of seed germination includes factors other than time, such as: deformed or damaged seeds, reduced viability, or disease.

5. The processing system according to claim 3, wherein, Seed germination data are calculated using at least one of the following measurements: Soil moisture, including the amount of water in the soil, the matrix potential of water in the soil, and the seed germ moisture; Soil temperature; Soil organic matter; Consistent furrowing; Furrow residue; Soil type, including sand, silt, and clay; and Residual cover includes the quantity, location, distribution, and pattern of old and current crops on the soil surface.

6. A processing system, comprising: One or more processing units, which execute instructions for processing agricultural data; The memory stores agricultural data, and the one or more processing units are configured to execute instructions to obtain soil data of one or more measured soil properties from at least one sensor of a machine traveling across the field, and to determine seed germination data based on the soil data, including at least one of germination time, emergence time, and seed germination risk. and The display device is configured to display seed germination data, which includes a seed germination mapping table. The seed germination mapping table traverses different areas of the field and has a first time range for germination time assigned a first color, a second time range for germination time assigned a second color, and a third time range for germination time assigned a third color.

7. The processing system according to claim 6, wherein, The germination time is presented in hours on the display device, wherein a first hourly time range is assigned the first color, a second hourly time range is assigned the second color, and a third hourly time range is assigned the third color.

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