Agricultural moisture and bulk density sensor with coplanar electrodes

Abstract

An agricultural dielectric constant sensor has a drive electrode and a separate sense electrode. Both electrodes have a surface facing the sensed material, and the surfaces are coplanar. The drive electrode receives an excitation signal and generates an electric field that produces a current in the sense electrode. The current is indicative of the bulk density of the sensed material.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202010189017.1 (application date: March 17, 2020; invention title: agricultural humidity and bulk density sensor with coplanar electrodes).

[0002] Related technical references

[0003] This disclosure references U.S. Patent No. 9,494,938. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to agricultural sensors. More specifically, this disclosure relates to sensors on agricultural machinery for sensing the bulk density of agricultural products. Background Technology

[0005] Humidity sensors are used in agricultural harvesting equipment to measure the humidity of the harvested product. Some current humidity sensors sense humidity by measuring the dielectric constant of the harvested product at one or more frequencies, and then applying a calibration function to estimate the humidity from the measured dielectric constant. Some of these humidity sensors use a capacitor structure in which the harvested material forms the dielectric of the capacitor structure.

[0006] Various types of humidity sensors exist, each with different geometries. One geometry comprises a capacitor structure formed as a parallel plate, in which the material being measured passes between multiple plates of the capacitor structure and forms a dielectric. One plate is driven by an excitation voltage, and the other plate senses the current induced by the electric field passing through the capacitor structure. This type of structure works well for a variety of materials, such as grains.

[0007] Some humidity sensors are also planar structures. This planar structure has driving electrodes through which an excitation voltage is applied, and the current flowing through these driving electrodes is also measured. The driving electrodes establish a fringing electric field that begins at the driving electrode, passes through the material being measured, and returns to various grounded conductive surfaces in the same plane. This driving voltage and the resulting current are measured and used to calculate the dielectric constant of the measured material. These types of sensors work better for soft, compressible materials (such as hay, cotton, and hay) that do not readily flow through parallel-plate structures.

[0008] Recently, sensor structures have been developed. This is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 9,494,538.

[0009] The above discussion provides only general background information and is not intended to assist in determining the scope of the subject matter of the claimed invention. Summary of the Invention

[0010] A humidity sensor has a driving electrode and a separate sensing electrode. Both electrodes have surfaces facing the material being sensed, and these surfaces are coplanar. The driving electrode receives an excitation signal and generates an electric field that induces a current in the sensing electrode. This current indicates the bulk density of the sensed material.

[0011] This summary presents the selection of concepts in a simplified form, and the selection of concepts will be further explained in the detailed description. This summary does not attempt to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any or all the drawbacks mentioned in the background section. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example of a bulk density measurement system on agricultural machinery.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the bulk density measurement system shown.

[0014] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another example of a bulk density measurement system.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of an example of a bulk density sensor probe.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of a second example of a bulk density sensor probe.

[0017] Figure 5 Another perspective view showing another example of a sensor probe.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the correlation between the measured dielectric constant and crop characteristics.

[0019] Figure 7A and 7B (Hereinafter referred to as Figure 7) illustrates the explanation. Figure 1 The flowchart shown is an example of an agricultural machine operating to identify the bulk density of a sampled crop material and generate an action signal based on that bulk density.

[0020] Figure 8This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing environment that can be used for agricultural machinery. Detailed Implementation

[0021] As described in the Background section, some humidity sensors have a planar structure. In this structure, the electrodes are coplanar, and the material to be sensed is positioned in contact with the electrodes. The driving electrodes receive an excitation signal and establish an edge electric field through the material to be sensed. This edge electric field returns to various grounded conductive surfaces in the plane of the electrodes. The composite driving voltage and the resulting composite current are measured and used to calculate the dielectric constant of the material being measured.

[0022] Therefore, in this coplanar structure, the current flowing through the driving electrodes is measured. However, a significant portion of this current originates from electric field flux lines that are grounded through a medium other than the material being measured. For example, some electric field flux lines may be grounded through air, through insulating components on the structure, or through other objects.

[0023] This current is known to be a parasitic current and is generated by parasitic capacitance and conductivity effects. This parasitic current may account for a large portion of the measured current (approximately 75%), which will result in a poor signal-to-noise ratio for the measured current.

[0024] Furthermore, parasitic currents are affected by the properties of various materials other than the material being measured, particularly temperature and humidity. Some humidity sensors attempt to correct for parasitic currents during calibration. However, as temperature and other conditions change, maintaining proper correction can be difficult. This leads to significant deviations in dielectric constant measurements.

[0025] This specification relates to a sensor structure that can be used to sense crop characteristics. U.S. Patent No. 9,494,538 discloses some example structures for sensing humidity. Those structures disclosed herein, along with other structures and methods disclosed herein, can be used to measure bulk density and other crop characteristics of interest.

[0026] Figure 1A block diagram illustrating an example of a bulk density sensing system 100 on agricultural machinery 102 is shown. System 100 can be used to sense a wide variety of other crop properties besides bulk density, which can originate from the dielectric constant, but bulk density is described herein for illustrative purposes. Bulk density can be a measure of the weight of crop harvested per unit volume (e.g., weight per bushel). Agricultural machinery 102 can be various types of machinery, such as a combine harvester, baler, cotton harvester, or various other agricultural machinery. Agricultural machinery 102, for example, is in contact with the sensed material 104 and has a conveying mechanism for conveying the material 104 through agricultural machinery 102. As an example, the sensed material 104 can be material being harvested by agricultural machinery 102. In the example where agricultural machinery 102 is a combine harvester, the sensed material 104 can be grain. When agricultural machinery 102 is a baler, the sensed material 104 can be hay, cotton, or other baled material. These are merely examples.

[0027] The bulk density sensing system 100 exemplarily includes a correlation generation system 101, a data storage 103 (which may store correlations 105), a processor 106, bulk density identifier logic 107, a drive component 108, a coplanar dielectric constant sensor probe 110, a sensing component 112, a communication system 180, an operator interface mechanism 182, a control system 184, and a controllable subsystem 186, and may also include other components 114. The correlation generation system 101 is exemplarily used to identify the correlation between the dielectric constant and crop characteristics of interest (such as bulk density, moisture content, density, etc.), and the correlation generation system 101 may therefore be external to agricultural machinery 102 or may be on agricultural machinery 102. It exemplarily measures the dielectric constant of the material being sensed and then correlates the measurement result with the measured characteristics of interest of the material being sensed (such as the measured bulk density, density, etc.), which are measured separately. Based on the sensed dielectric constant and the measured characteristic of interest, system 101 generates a correlation between the sensed dielectric constant and the measured characteristic of interest. The correlation can be an equation that receives the dielectric constant of a specific material and generates a value for the bulk density (or other characteristic of interest). The correlation can be embodied in a dynamic model, in a lookup table, etc. The correlation 105 can be stored in data memory 103, and the processor can access the correlation in data memory during runtime. The correlation can also be stored and used in other ways.

[0028] Processor 106 is exemplarily a computer processor with associated memory and timing circuitry (not shown separately). This processor may run or assist the bulk density identifier logic 107. The processor controls drive unit 108 to drive electrodes in the coplanar dielectric constant sensor probe 110. Sensing unit 112 exemplarily senses a parameter (e.g., current) of one of the plurality of electrodes in the coplanar dielectric constant sensor probe 110 and provides that signal to processor 106. Processor 106 uses logic 107 to access correlation 105 and calculates a bulk density (or other characteristic) value indicating the bulk density (or characteristic) of the sensed material 104. The calculated bulk density is determined by… Figure 1 Box 116 in the text indicates this.

[0029] The calculated bulk density 116 can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, the calculated bulk density can be combined with a position signal to generate a bulk density map. The calculated bulk density can also be used in yield monitoring applications and provide information to assist in making decisions about harvesting, storage, and future processing. The calculated bulk density can be used in near real-time control to control controllable subsystems of agricultural machinery 102 (such as the speed or direction of the machinery 102, settings on the machinery 102, etc.). It can also be used in a variety of other ways.

[0030] The communication system 180 can be used to facilitate communication between objects on the agricultural machinery 102 and with remote systems. Therefore, the communication system can be any one of a local area network (LAN) communication system, a wide area network (WAN) communication system, a cellular network communication system, a near-field communication system, a controller area network (CLAN) communication system, or a combination of the above systems.

[0031] Operator interface mechanism 182 allows operator 188 to control and manipulate agricultural machinery 102. Therefore, mechanism 182 may include, for example, a steering wheel, pedals, levers, buttons, touch-sensitive input displays, microphones and speakers (which provide voice recognition capabilities), icons, links, and other user-activated items that can be displayed and activated by click devices or touch gestures, as well as various other auditory, visual, and / or tactile mechanisms.

[0032] The control system 184 can receive inputs from various sensors and logic, as well as inputs from the operator 188, and control the controllable subsystem 186 based on these inputs. The controllable subsystem may include, for example, a propulsion system that drives the movement of the agricultural machinery 102, a steering subsystem, various setting subsystems that can be used to adjust the settings of the machinery 102, or various other controllable subsystems.

[0033] Figure 2This is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coplanar dielectric constant sensor probe 110, a drive component 108, and a sensing component 112. Figure 2 In the example shown, probe 110 includes a driving electrode 120 and a sensing electrode 122. It should be understood that multiple different electrodes can be used, and this example is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 2 The example shows two electrodes.

[0034] The driving electrode 120 has a material-facing surface 124 that is substantially coplanar with the material-facing surface 126 of the sensing electrode 122. They are exemplarily coplanar so that the material 104 being measured can contact, or at least come very close to, the electrodes 120 and 122 on their coplanar surfaces. Each of the electrodes 120 and 122 exemplarily has insulators 128 and 130 surrounding them, respectively. Thus, electrodes 120 and 122 each have insulators 128 and 130 surrounding all their surfaces except for the material-facing surfaces 124 and 126.

[0035] The probe 110 also includes, by way of example, a ground electrode 132. The ground electrode 132 at least surrounds the sensing electrode 122 (and the insulator 130 of the sensing electrode 122). The ground electrode may surround both electrodes 120 and 122 and both insulators 128 and 130. However, the ground electrode still exposes the material-facing surfaces 124 and 126 of electrodes 120 and 122.

[0036] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, probe 110 is connected to a structured mechanical housing 134. This housing can be the housing of a combine harvester, baler, or other agricultural machinery 102. For example, if the agricultural machinery 102 is a combine harvester, probe 110 can be mounted on the housing 134 in the grain bypass passage of a clean grain elevator on the combine harvester. Alternatively, probe 110 can be mounted on the bottom boot area of ​​the clean grain elevator. Furthermore, if the sensor is sensing the bulk density of other biological materials (e.g., materials other than grain), probe 100 can be mounted on the rear of the rotor on the combine harvester or on the residue hood of the discharge shredder adjacent to the combine harvester. Additionally, if the agricultural machinery 102 is a baler or cotton harvester, probe 100 can be mounted on the inner wall of the baling chamber or the harvester, or in other locations. These are merely examples; the mechanical housing 134 can also be other structural parts of the agricultural machinery.

[0037] The driving component 108 exemplarily includes a controllable oscillator 136. The oscillator 136 can be controlled by the processor 106 to provide an AC drive signal to the operational amplifier 138, which provides an AC drive voltage V at its own output. D Voltage V D It is supplied to the drive electrode 120 as an excitation signal.

[0038] The sensing component 112 exemplarily includes a zero-input-impedance current-sensing amplifier 140, which is connected to an RC circuit formed by a resistor 142 and a capacitor 144. The sensing component 112 is coupled to a sensing electrode 122 to receive a sensing current I at its input. S The sensing element 112 provides a signal 146 at its output terminal, which indicates the sensed current I. S .

[0039] When the driving voltage V D When applied to the driving electrode 120, the electrode 120 exemplarily generates an edge electric field represented by the electric field flux line 146. Driving voltage V D An electric field, represented by flux line 146, can be provided at one or more different frequencies. The electric field is generated by electrode 120 and passes through the sensed material 104. This electric field is connected to all surrounding grounded surfaces in the plane containing the material-facing surfaces 124 and 126 of electrodes 120 and 122.

[0040] The sensing electrode 126 is exemplarily held at ground potential. The current induced in the sensing electrode 122 by the electric field passing through the sensing electrode 122 is called the sensing current IS.

[0041] The protective electrode 132 is also maintained at ground potential and prevents any portion of the electric field from reaching the sensing electrode 122 through the insulators 128 and 130 or through paths other than those through material 104. Conversely, parasitic currents I generated by flux lines through the insulating material or through paths other than those through sensing material 104 are prevented from reaching the sensing electrode 122. P The protective electrode 132 is short-circuited to ground. Parasitic current does not reach the sensing electrode 122. Therefore, the protective electrodes 132 prevent or block flux paths that do not pass through the sensed material 104 independently. They therefore do not contribute to the sensed current IS.

[0042] Conversely, the sensing current I sensed in sensing electrode 122 (instead of driving electrode 120) S The sensing current I is induced solely by the flux path passing through the material 104 being measured and reaching the sensing electrode 122. STherefore, it is unaffected by parasitic flux paths through insulators or direct grounding. All fluxes are connected to the grounded protective electrode 132, so these fluxes do not affect the sensing current I. S .

[0043] The probe 110 is therefore configured to measure only the dielectric constant of the sensed material 104 and is insensitive to the characteristics of the probe structure (including, but not limited to, the characteristics of the insulators 128 and 130 surrounding electrodes 120 and 122). By sensing the current in the sensing electrode 122 (rather than the driving electrode 120), the parasitic capacitance and conductance coupling between the driving electrode 120 and ground are diverted from the sensed current I. S The parasitic capacitance and conductance between the sensing electrode 122 and the surrounding grounding structure are essentially eliminated. By maintaining the protection electrode 132 and the sensing electrode 122 at ground potential, the sensitivity to parasitic capacitance and conductance between the sensing electrode 122 and the surrounding grounding structure is also essentially eliminated.

[0044] It should be noted that other configurations for the sensor probe 110 may also be provided. For example, if the drive electrode 120 and the sensing electrode 122 are further separated (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 150) or moved closer together, this may affect the signal level of the sensing current IS. This is because the spacing between the two electrodes 120 and 122 will affect the penetration depth of the flux line 146 into the sensed material 104. Moving both of them further apart will allow the flux line 146 to penetrate deeper into the sensed material 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 152. Moving both of them closer together will result in the flux line 146 penetrating shallower.

[0045] Figure 2A Another exemplary configuration of a coplanar dielectric constant sensor probe 110 is shown. Figure 2A The example shown is similar in some ways to Figure 2 The examples shown are similar, and similar items have similar figure labels. However, it can be seen that in Figure 2A In the example shown, probe 110 includes not only driving electrode 120 and sensing electrode 122, but also a second sensing electrode 156.

[0046] The sensing electrode 156 also includes an insulator 158 disposed therearound it. Similar to insulators 128 and 130, the insulator 158 is disposed around all surfaces of the electrode 156 except for the material-facing surface 160, which is coplanar with the material-facing surfaces 124 and 126 of electrodes 120 and 122. Additionally, it can be seen that the grounding protection electrode 132 also extends around all surfaces of the sensing electrode 156 (and the insulator 158) except for surface 160.

[0047] Therefore, although Figure 2AExample operations and Figure 2 The example operates similarly, but Figure 2A Examples include an additional sensing electrode 156. A protection electrode 132 prevents flux lines 146 (except those passing through the sensed material) from reaching the sensing electrode 156. Therefore, the current induced by the flux lines 146 reaching the sensing electrodes 122 and 156 will be reflected in the sensed current I. S middle.

[0048] It should be noted that other configurations may also be used. For example, multiple drive electrodes may be used with a single sensing electrode, or multiple drive electrodes and multiple sensing electrodes may be used. All of these configurations are within the scope of this invention.

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A A perspective view of an example of the sensor probe 110 shown. Figure 2A The items shown are similar to those in Figure 3 Similar reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 In the example shown, probe 110 has a set of mounting structures 162 and 164, which can be used to mount probe 110 to mechanical housing 134. In one example, surfaces 124, 126, and 160 of electrodes 120, 122, and 156 are respectively mounted flush with mechanical housing 134. However, in another example, these surfaces may protrude from mechanical housing 134 in the direction of the material being measured, or they may be displaced rearward in the opposite direction. All these examples are within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] Additionally, in one example, the grounded protective electrode 132 has through holes. These through holes accommodate electrical connection elements that connect the circuit board, including the drive component 108 and the sensing component 112, to the corresponding electrodes 120, 122, and 156. Of course, the specific construction of the connector in the sensor probe 110 can vary depending on the application. For example, the connector used to connect the probe 110 to the machine housing 134 can be changed when the probe 110 is mounted in a grain elevator, a clean grain bin, the baling chamber of a baler, or at the inlet of a combine harvester or other harvester. Furthermore, the construction can be changed based on the specific characteristics of the harvested material. When the harvested material is hay, cotton, or other relatively soft material, it can be constructed in one way (e.g., flush with the machine housing 134). When the harvested material is grain or other granular material, it can be constructed in another way, such as slightly protruding from the machine housing 134. Of course, these constructions are given merely as examples, and the mounting construction can be changed in other ways.

[0051] Figure 4Another perspective view of another example of sensor probe 110 is shown. It can be seen that... Figure 4 The probe 110 shown includes four electrodes 170, 172, 174, and 176. In Figure 4 As can be seen, each electrode has a surface facing the material. All material-facing surfaces are coplanar. Each electrode is also surrounded by insulating materials 178, 180, 182, and 184, respectively. Furthermore, a grounding electrode 132 is disposed around all surfaces of the aforementioned electrodes except for the material-facing surfaces (and is also surrounded by an insulator). Figure 4 In the example shown, some electrodes can be driving electrodes, while others can be sensing electrodes. For example, electrode 172 can be a driving electrode, while electrodes 170, 174, and 176 are sensing electrodes. In another example, electrode 176 is a fill sensing electrode. It can be used when sensing grains. The probe is oriented such that it is in a vertical plane, and electrode 176 is higher than the other electrodes. In this orientation, when a current above a minimum current is sensed in electrode 176, it can be determined that the other electrodes are completely covered by the material (such as grain), and an effective dielectric constant measurement can be performed. Of course, the driving electrode and the sensing electrode can also be different. Figure 4 The specific geometry of the electrodes shown can take many different forms.

[0052] Figure 5 Another example is shown where the electrodes have different geometries. Some items are related to... Figure 4 The items shown are similar, and they have similar reference numerals. However, in Figure 5 As can be seen, electrodes 170 and 174 have now been joined together to form a roughly "U"-shaped electrode 190. Similarly, a single insulating material 192 is disposed around electrode 190, instead of having (surrounding) Figure 4 The electrodes shown are separated by insulating materials 178 and 182.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the correlation generation system 101. It generates correlations between different dielectric constants measured by probe 110 and crop properties associated with those measurements. Figure 6 In the example described, the crop property related to the dielectric constant is bulk density. This is just one example.

[0054] Assume the selected material sample is in place relative to probe 110. This is in Figure 6The flowchart is represented by box 200. Then, the correlation generation system 101 selects a first driving frequency for the driving component 108. This is represented by box 202. Then, the driving component 108 excites the driving electrodes in the coplanar bulk density sensor probe 110 at the selected driving frequency. This is represented by box 204.

[0055] Then, the sensing component 112 senses the result of the applied excitation voltage. The response is detected by the sensing plate (or sensing electrodes) on the probe 110. Figure 6 The flowchart is represented by box 206.

[0056] As described above, processor 106 can determine that it will use drive element 108 to excite the drive electrode in probe 110 at multiple different frequencies. This is indicated by box 208. If it does so, the program returns to box 202, where another excitation frequency is selected.

[0057] Once samples have been excited at the desired number of frequencies and responses to those stimuli have been sensed, processor 106 determines whether to sense more samples. This is indicated by box 210. If so, the next sample is obtained and moved to the appropriate position relative to sensor probe 110. This is in Figure 6 This is represented by boxes 212 and 200. Furthermore, for each example, the actual value of the characteristic used in the analysis is measured. For example, the actual bulk density of the sample is measured before or after sensor readings are taken. This can be done manually or otherwise.

[0058] Once a sufficient number of samples have been processed, the correlation generation system 101 identifies the correlation between sensor readings of multiple samples and bulk density (or other crop characteristics used for the correlation being identified). This is illustrated in box 214. For example, by obtaining a sufficient number of readings using sensor probe 110 and by measuring the actual bulk density of those samples, the correlation between the measurements obtained by probe 110 and the actual bulk density can be identified using machine learning method 216, using neural network learning system 218, or using a variety of other mechanisms for learning correlations between different datasets, as shown in box 220.

[0059] Then, the correlation generation system 101 outputs correlation 105. This is in Figure 6The flowchart is represented by box 222. This can also be done in a variety of different ways. For example, system 101 can output correlation 105 as a set of values ​​in a lookup table. The lookup table can be indexed by crop type, dielectric constant value, and a variety of other things. Therefore, during runtime, when probe 110 generates the dielectric constant value of the crop sample being processed (e.g., during harvesting operations), processor 106 can then run logic 107 to access correlation 105 in the lookup table to identify the bulk density value corresponding to the measurement result. This is described in more detail below with reference to FIG7, storing correlation 105 as a value in the lookup table. Figure 6 The flowchart is indicated by box 224.

[0060] In another example, the correlation generation system 101 can output a correlation 105 as one or more correlation equations 226. The variables in the equations can correspond to crop type, dielectric constant readings generated during runtime, etc. The correlation equations can then be accessed and used to calculate the bulk density value when the values ​​of the input variables are available.

[0061] Correlation 105 can be output and represented by model 228. Different models can exist for different types of crops, or under different environments, or based on other standards. This model, for example, takes the dielectric constant value sensed by probe 110 as input and outputs a bulk density value corresponding to that dielectric constant input.

[0062] The correlation 105 can also be output in a variety of other ways 230. The correlation can be stored in data memory 103, in which the correlation can be accessed by processor 106 and logic 107 during runtime, or the correlation can be directly input to processor 106 and operated through logic 107, or output in other ways.

[0063] Figure 7A and Figure 7B (Hereinafter referred to as Figure 7) shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of processor 106 in determining the bulk density of the crop sample being processed by machinery 102 and generating an action signal based on the identified bulk density, in which logic 107 operates. It should be understood that bulk density is just one example of a crop characteristic that can be identified and output using detector 110. Other parameters, such as crop density, crop moisture, etc., can also be determined. In those cases, correlation 105 is the correlation between the measured dielectric constant value and the value used for the selected crop characteristic. However, once the correlation is known, the procedure described with reference to Figure 7 can also be executed for other crop characteristics. The description of the operation performed for bulk density is merely an example.

[0064] First, assume that agricultural machinery 102 is processing crops. This is represented by box 240 in the flowchart of Figure 7. At some point, a crop sample will be positioned to be sensed by probe 110. This is represented by box 242. As shown in box 244, the crop sample can move across multiple plates in the sensor probe 110. In another example, a crop sample can be momentarily captured from the flow of crops passing through the machinery 102, allowing one or more different measurements to be taken using probe 110, and then the crop sample can be released back into the flow of crops passing through the machinery 102. This is represented by box 246. The crop sample can also be positioned at the sensing location in a variety of other ways, and this is represented by box 248.

[0065] Logic 107 can configure processor 106 to perform multiple operations. Processor 106 uses logic 107 to select a drive frequency (or excitation frequency), as shown in box 250. The processor uses drive component 108 to excite the sensor drive electrode in probe 110 at the selected drive frequency. This is indicated by box 252. Sensing component 112 then senses the response to the excitation at the sensing electrode in sensor probe 110. This is indicated by box 254. Processor 106 can identify the dielectric constant based on the sensed response and the applied excitation signal. As shown in box 256, this process can be repeated at multiple different excitation frequencies.

[0066] Once the process has been repeated at different frequencies as desired, processor 106 accesses the correlation, which can be stored in data memory 103. Access to the correlation between the measured values ​​and the bulk density values ​​is represented by box 258 in Figure 7.

[0067] Based on this correlation, processor 106 identifies the bulk density value of the sample that has just been sensed. This is represented by box 260. Processor 106 can generate an output 116 indicating the calculated bulk density. This is represented by box 262.

[0068] The processor 106 and / or control system 284 then generate action signals based on the calculated bulk density output 116 to perform processing and / or control. This is indicated by box 264 in the flowchart of Figure 7. The action signals can be used to perform various different tasks based on the measured bulk density.

[0069] In one example, the bulk density is provided to a mapping system and correlated with geographic location to generate a bulk density map that maps bulk density values ​​to geographic locations within the field being harvested. This is represented by box 266. This can be used to modify the density during subsequent operations or during future planting and harvesting operations in the field currently being harvested.

[0070] In other examples, the action signal is an output to a control system 284 that controls one or more of a plurality of controllable subsystems 286 based on bulk density. This is represented by box 268. For example, the control system may control machine settings based on bulk density, control machine speed or machine direction based on bulk density, or control any of a variety of other controllable subsystems on the machine 102 based on bulk density output 116.

[0071] In other examples, the calculated bulk density output 116 can be provided to communication system 280. Communication system 280 can send the bulk density value to a remote system (such as a farm manager system or other remote system) where the bulk density value can be further processed. Controlling the communication system to send the bulk density to the remote system is indicated by box 270 in the flowchart of Figure 7.

[0072] Action signals can also be output in a variety of other ways. Action signals can be used to perform a variety of other actions. This is represented by box 272.

[0073] This type of bulk density determination and action signal generation can continue until the crop handling operation (e.g., harvesting operation) is completed. This is indicated by box 274.

[0074] Therefore, it can be seen that by providing coplanar electrode surfaces on the sensor probe 110, the combined driving voltage and the resulting combined current can be measured and used to calculate the dielectric constant of the sensed material 104. This can then be used to generate measurements of the bulk density, humidity, and other properties of the material 104. The grounding protection electrode 132, forming part of the probe structure, is positioned relative to the sensing electrode to shield the sensing electrode from all electric field fluxes except those that pass substantially only through the space where the sensed material 104 is located. Fluxes generated by the driving electrode and passing through insulating materials or other objects are connected to the grounding protection electrode and are not sensed. By employing this configuration, the probe measures only the dielectric constant of the sensed material 104 and is relatively insensitive to the characteristics of the probe structure (e.g., the insulator surrounding the electrode). Furthermore, by sensing the sensing current in the sensing electrode rather than the driving electrode, parasitic capacitance and conductance coupling between the driving electrode and the ground are substantially eliminated from the sensing current. Since the sensing electrode is held at ground potential, sensitivity to parasitic capacitance and conductance between the sensing electrode and the surrounding grounding structure is also substantially eliminated.

[0075] Figure 8 It is one of the places where (for example) it can be deployed Figure 1 An example of a computing environment for a component or a portion thereof. (See also...) Figure 8Example systems for implementing some examples include computing devices in the form of a computer 810. Components of computer 810 may include, but are not limited to: a processing unit 820 (which may include a processor from the preceding figures), system memory 830, and a system bus 821 that couples various system components, including system memory, to the processing unit 820. System bus 821 may be any of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. References can be made to... Figure 1 The described memory and program arrangement are located in Figure 8 In the corresponding part.

[0076] Computer 810 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available medium accessible to computer 810, and includes volatile and non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media are distinct from and do not include modulated data signals or carriers. Computer storage media include hardware storage media, which includes volatile and non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other storage technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to computer 810. Communication media can implement computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a transmission mechanism, and includes any information transmission medium. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal that has one or more characteristics set or altered in a manner that encodes information as a signal.

[0077] System memory 830 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832. A basic input / output system 833 (BIOS), containing basic routines that facilitate the transfer of information between components within computer 810, such as during startup, is typically stored in ROM 831. RAM 832 typically contains data and / or program modules that are readily accessible and / or currently being operated by processing unit 820. This is by way of example and not limitation. Figure 8 The operating system 834, application program 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837 are shown.

[0078] Computer 810 may also include other removable / non-removable volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. This is just one example. Figure 8 A hard disk drive 841 is shown that reads from or writes to a non-removable non-volatile magnetic medium, an optical disk drive 855, and a non-volatile optical disk 856. The hard disk drive 841 is typically connected to the system bus 821 via a non-removable memory interface (such as interface 840), and the optical disk drive 855 is typically connected to the system bus 821 via a removable memory interface (such as interface 850).

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like.

[0080] The above discussion and Figure 8 The driver and its associated computer storage medium shown provide the computer 810 with storage for computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data. For example, in Figure 8 In the diagram, hard disk drive 841 is shown storing operating system 844, application programs 845, other program modules 846, and program data 847. Note that these components may be the same as or different from operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837.

[0081] Users can input commands and information to computer 810 through input devices such as keyboard 862, microphone 863, and clicking devices 861 such as mouse, trackball, or touchpad. Other input devices (not shown) may include joysticks, game pads, disc satellite dishes, scanners, etc. These and other input devices are typically connected to processing unit 820 via user input interface 860 coupled to the system bus, but may be connected via other interfaces and bus structures. Visual display 891 or other types of display devices are also connected to system bus 821 via an interface such as video interface 890. In addition to a monitor, the computer may also include other peripheral output devices, such as speakers 897 and printers 896, which may be connected via output peripheral interface 895.

[0082] Computer 810 operates in a network environment using logical connections (such as LAN, WAN, or CAN) to one or more remote computers (such as remote computer 880).

[0083] When used in a LAN network environment, computer 810 connects to LAN 871 via a network interface or adapter 870. When used in a WAN network environment, computer 810 typically includes a modem 872 or other means for establishing communication over a WAN 873 (such as the Internet). In a network environment, program modules may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Figure 8 For example, it is shown that remote application 885 can reside on remote computer 880.

[0084] It should be noted that the different examples described herein can be combined in different ways. That is, multiple parts of one or more examples can be combined with multiple parts of one or more other examples. All of these combinations are considered herein.

[0085] Example 1 is a bulk density sensor system, including:

[0086] A driving component that generates a driving signal;

[0087] A driving electrode is connected to the driving component and has a surface facing the material being sensed; the driving electrode generates an electric field when driven by the driving signal.

[0088] A sensing electrode having a surface facing the material being sensed, and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode being structurally connected to each other such that the surface of the driving electrode facing the material being sensed is substantially coplanar with the surface of the sensing electrode facing the material being sensed.

[0089] A sensing element, connected to the sensing electrode and generating a sensing signal, the sensing signal indicating the current generated in the sensing electrode by the electric field generated by the driving electrode and reaching the sensing electrode; and

[0090] The processor identifies, based on the sensing signal, the bulk density value of the sensed material corresponding to the surface of the sensed material facing the driving electrode and the surface of the sensed electrode facing the sensed material.

[0091] Example 2 is any or all of the aforementioned bulk density sensor systems, and also includes:

[0092] A set of correlation indices indicating the correlation between multiple values ​​of the sensed signal and multiple bulk density values.

[0093] Example 3 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the processor is configured to access a correlation index to identify the bulk density value based on the value of the sensed signal.

[0094] Example 4 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the processor is configured to receive a position signal from a position sensor and generate an action signal to generate a bulk density map of the bulk density values ​​at different geographical locations based on the bulk density value and the position signal.

[0095] Example 5 is any or all of the aforementioned examples of a bulk density sensor system, and also includes:

[0096] A protective electrode is disposed around the sensing electrode to prevent the electric field from reaching the sensing electrode except through the surface facing the material being sensed.

[0097] Example 6 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the protective electrode and the sensing electrode are held at a reference voltage potential.

[0098] Example 7 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the protective electrode is configured to form a protective body around the sensing electrode and defines an opening to expose the surface facing the sensed material.

[0099] Example 8 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the protective electrode is disposed around substantially all surfaces of the sensing electrode except for the surface facing the material being sensed.

[0100] Example 9 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, and also includes:

[0101] An insulator is disposed between the sensing electrode and the protection electrode.

[0102] Example 10 is any or all of the aforementioned examples of a bulk density sensor system, and also includes:

[0103] An insulator is disposed between the driving electrode and the protective electrode.

[0104] Example 11 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the sensing component includes:

[0105] A current sensing amplifier having an input terminal held at the reference voltage potential and receiving the current generated in the sensing electrode at that input terminal.

[0106] Example 12 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the drive component includes:

[0107] An AC component generates the drive signal as an AC excitation signal.

[0108] Example 13 is a bulk density sensor system of any or all of the foregoing examples, wherein the processor measures the AC excitation signal and the sensing signal, and determines, based on the AC excitation signal and the sensing signal, the bulk density of the sensed material near the surface of the driving electrode facing the sensed material and the surface of the sensing electrode facing the sensed material.

[0109] Example 14 is an agricultural machine for transporting agricultural materials, comprising:

[0110] A material transport mechanism, which defines the material area through which the agricultural material passes; and

[0111] A sensor probe includes a driving electrode and a sensing electrode. The driving electrode has a material-facing surface facing a material region of the material transport mechanism, and the sensing electrode has a material-facing surface coplanar with the material-facing surface of the driving electrode. The driving electrode receives a driving signal and generates an electric field, which induces a current in the sensing electrode. The sensor probe is mounted relative to the material transport mechanism to generate a bulk density sensing signal based on the current generated in the sensing electrode. This bulk density sensing signal indicates the bulk density of the agricultural material passing through the material region of the material transport mechanism.

[0112] A processor that receives the bulk density sensor signal and identifies the bulk density corresponding to the agricultural material based on the bulk density sensor signal.

[0113] Example 15 is any or all of the agricultural machinery of the foregoing examples, and also includes:

[0114] A set of correlations that associate multiple density values ​​with multiple values ​​indicating the current flowing in the sensing electrode.

[0115] Example 16 is any or all of the agricultural machinery of the foregoing examples, wherein the processor accesses correlations in the set of correlations to identify the bulk density.

[0116] Example 17 is any or all of the agricultural machinery of the foregoing examples, and also includes:

[0117] Controllable subsystem; and

[0118] A control system that controls the controllable subsystem based on the bulk density.

[0119] Example 18 is any or all of the agricultural machinery described in the foregoing examples, wherein the sensor probe further includes:

[0120] A protective electrode is disposed around the sensing electrode to prevent the electric field from reaching the sensing electrode except through the material region.

[0121] Example 19 is any or all of the agricultural machinery of the foregoing examples, wherein the sensing electrode and the protection electrode are held at a reference voltage potential.

[0122] Example 20 is a bulk density sensor system, comprising:

[0123] A driving electrode configured to receive an excitation signal and generate an electric field based on the excitation signal, the driving electrode including an electrode surface facing the material being sensed;

[0124] A sensing electrode having a surface facing the material being sensed that is coplanar with the surface of the driving electrode facing the material being sensed, and the sensing electrode being positioned relative to the driving electrode such that the electric field generates a current in the sensing electrode.

[0125] A protective electrode, disposed around the sensing electrode, substantially prevents the electric field from flowing across the sensing electrode through a surface other than the surface of the sensing electrode facing the material being sensed; and

[0126] A processor receives an indication of the current in the sensing electrode, accesses a predetermined correlation that associates the indication of the current in the sensing electrode with bulk density, and identifies a bulk density value corresponding to the sensed material based on the correlation.

[0127] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological behavior, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or behaviors described above. Rather, the specific features or behaviors described above are described as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A bulk density sensor system for agricultural machinery, comprising: A driving component that generates a driving signal; A driving electrode is connected to the driving component and has a surface facing the material being sensed; the driving electrode generates an electric field when driven by the driving signal. A sensing electrode having a surface facing the material being sensed, and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode being structurally connected to each other such that the surface of the driving electrode facing the material being sensed is substantially coplanar with the surface of the sensing electrode facing the material being sensed. A sensing element connected to the sensing electrode and generating a sensing signal indicating the current generated in the sensing electrode by the electric field generated by the driving electrode and reaching the sensing electrode; A set of correlation indices indicating the correlation between multiple values ​​of the sensed signal and multiple actual bulk density values; as well as The processor identifies, based on a set of the sensing signals and the correlation indices, the bulk density value of the sensed material corresponding to the surface of the sensed material adjacent to the driving electrode and the surface of the sensed electrode facing the sensed material. The correlation generation system measures the dielectric constant of a sample of the material being sensed, acquired by the bulk density sensor system, and then correlates the measurement result with separately measured bulk density of the sample of the material being sensed to generate the correlation. The processor is configured to access a correlation index to identify the bulk density value based on the value of the sensed signal, and the bulk density value is used in near real-time control to control the controllable subsystem of the agricultural machinery.

2. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to receive position signals from a position sensor and generate action signals to generate a bulk density map of the bulk density values ​​at different geographical locations based on the bulk density value and the position signals.

3. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 1 further includes: A protective electrode is disposed around the sensing electrode to prevent the electric field from reaching the sensing electrode except through the surface facing the material being sensed.

4. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 3, wherein, The protection electrode and the sensing electrode are maintained at a reference voltage potential.

5. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 4, wherein, The protective electrode is configured to form a protective body around the sensing electrode and to define an opening to expose the surface facing the material being sensed.

6. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 5, wherein, The protective electrode is disposed around substantially all surfaces of the sensing electrode except for the surface facing the material being sensed.

7. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 5, further comprising: An insulator is disposed between the sensing electrode and the protection electrode.

8. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 5, further comprising: An insulator is disposed between the driving electrode and the protective electrode.

9. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 4, wherein, The sensing component includes: A current sensing amplifier having an input terminal held at the reference voltage potential and receiving the current generated in the sensing electrode at that input terminal.

10. The bulk density sensor system according to claim 9, wherein, The driving component includes: An AC component generates the drive signal as an AC excitation signal.

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