Corn grain counting instrument

Abstract

A vibration disc, a chute, a counting sensor, a circuit board and a battery are all integrated in a machine box, the chute receives grain queues output by the vibration disc, a digital display screen, a keyboard and a card reader which are all electrically connected with a processor are integrated on an outer protruding block of the circuit board, the vibration disc and the counting sensor are started and stopped through the keyboard, and the circuit board is connected with the processor. The digital display screen displays the number of grains read by the counting sensor in real time, and the processor stores counting information such as timestamps, the number and even one or more pictures into the SD card of the card reader. Compared with the prior art, the particle counting instrument has the beneficial effects that the vibration particle discharging and counting functions are integrated in one box, and the portability of the particle counting instrument is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to agricultural implements, and more particularly to a corn kernel counter. Background Technology

[0002] See the entry for "Particle Counter" at https: / / baike.baidu.com / . Existing particle counters include a material storage hopper, a vibrating plate, a multi-cylinder dispensing basin, and a main unit.

[0003] The material hopper, vibratory feeder, and multi-cylinder dispensing tray are all external to the main unit, making the counting instrument fragmented and difficult to carry. The main unit integrates a printer assembly, inclined chute, counting sensor, and circuit board; the printer assembly takes up considerable space, making the main unit quite bulky. Furthermore, the multi-cylinder dispensing tray, including a large turntable and multiple dispensing cylinders mounted on it, further increases the overall size of the counting instrument, making it unsuitable for portability.

[0004] Therefore, while existing grain counters can perform multiple functions such as automatic feeding, grain counting, fixed-quantity dispensing, and A4 printing, they are relatively fragmented, bulky, and lack portability. Agricultural researchers often need to collect multiple batches of corn samples for counting and analysis during field experiments. In such cases, the inconvenience of traditional grain counters becomes particularly prominent, limiting the timeliness and convenience of data collection. Researchers need to travel between the laboratory and the field multiple times, increasing time costs and sample management difficulties. This makes them unsuitable for scenarios where data urgently needs to be obtained in the field to guide subsequent agricultural operations. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned above, and to provide a corn kernel counter that integrates vibration discharge and counting functions, thereby improving the portability of the kernel counter.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A corn kernel counter includes a chassis, a vibrating disc, a chute, a counting sensor, a circuit board, and a battery. The vibrating disc, chute, counting sensor, circuit board, and battery are all integrated within the chassis. The chassis has a feed inlet corresponding to the vibrating disc, and the chute receives the kernels output by the vibrating disc. The counting sensor and battery are electrically connected to the processor on the circuit board. The counting sensor counts the total number of kernels flowing through the chute. The outer protrusion of the circuit board integrates a digital display screen, a keyboard, and a card reader, all electrically connected to the processor. The keyboard is used to start and stop the vibrating disc and the counting sensor, for example, the keyboard can synchronously start and stop the vibrating disc and the counting sensor. The digital display screen displays the number of kernels read by the counting sensor. The processor stores counting information (timestamp, quantity, or even one or more image samples) into the SD card of the card reader. The chassis has a working window through which the outer protrusion protrudes.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application include: integrating vibration discharge and counting functions into one box, improving the portability of the grain counter; and synchronously controlling the start and stop of the vibrating plate and the counting sensor, which facilitates compact circuit architecture and reduces the size of the grain counter.

[0009] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the inclined groove is located in the vertical plane where the tangent of the vibratory disk is located, and the inclined groove is used to spread and scrape the grains on the spiral blades of the vibratory disk.

[0010] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the input end of the inclined groove is provided with a fixed plate and a movable plate, and an adjustable input channel is defined between the fixed plate and the movable plate.

[0011] As an improvement to the above technical solution, a drawer for a detachable plug-in chassis is also included, which is used to receive corn kernels falling from the chute.

[0012] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the drawer is magnetically connected to the chassis, and / or the drawer is snap-fitted to the chassis.

[0013] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the counting sensor is a camera, and a light strip is provided on the side plate of the inclined groove away from the camera, which serves as a light-diffusing backsheet.

[0014] As an improvement to the above technical solution, a handle is hinged to the top of the chassis.

[0015] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the chassis is made of plastic.

[0016] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the chassis includes a frame, a front panel, a back panel, a left wall, a right wall, a top panel, and a bottom panel. The back panel and the bottom panel are integrally formed with the frame. The vibratory feeder is installed on the frame, and the inclined groove is installed on the back panel. The front panel, left wall, right wall, and top panel are all detachable connecting frames. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the corn kernel counter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a corn kernel counter is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of a corn kernel counter is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 This is another three-dimensional perspective schematic diagram of the panel of the corn kernel counter and its connected components.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are only one specific embodiment of this utility model, and the form and structure of this specific embodiment should not limit the extension of other embodiments.

[0023] Chassis 100, frame 110, front panel 120, battery holder 121, back panel 130, left wall 140, right wall 150, top plate 160, feed port 161, bottom plate 170, handle 180.

[0024] Vibratory plate 200, main plate 210, spiral blade 211, vibrator 220, elastic element 230, elastic diagonal strip 240;

[0025] Inclined groove 300, fixed plate 310, movable plate 320, uniform backing film 330;

[0026] Counting sensor 400;

[0027] Circuit board 500, processor 510, external bump 520, digital display 530, keyboard 540, card reader 550;

[0028] LED strip 600;

[0029] Drawer 700;

[0030] Power on switch 800. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3This utility model provides a corn kernel counter, including a housing 100, a vibrating plate 200, a chute 300, a counting sensor 400, a circuit board 500, and a battery. The vibrating plate 200, the chute 300, the counting sensor 400, the circuit board 500, and the battery are all integrated in the housing 100. The housing 100 is provided with a feed inlet 161 corresponding to the vibrating plate 200. The chute 300 is used to receive the kernels output by the vibrating plate 200. The counting sensor 400 and the battery are electrically connected to the processor 510 of the circuit board 500. The counting sensor 400 is used to count the total number of kernels flowing through the chute 300. The circuit board 500 has an external protrusion 520 that integrates a digital display 530, a keyboard 540, and a card reader 550, all of which are electrically connected to the processor 510. The keyboard 540 is used to start and stop the vibratory feeder 200 and the counting sensor 400. For example, the keyboard 540 can start and stop the vibratory feeder 200 and the counting sensor 400 synchronously. The digital display 530 is used to display the number of seeds read by the counting sensor 400. The processor 510 is used to store counting information (timestamp, quantity, or even one or more image samples) into the SD card of the card reader 550. The chassis 100 is provided with a working window through which the external protrusion 520 protrudes.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The vibratory feeder 200 includes a main plate 210 and an exciter 220. The inner wall of the main plate 210 is provided with spiral blades 211. The main plate 210 is supported by an elastic element 230 on the housing 100, such as a spring, disc spring, or elastic plastic part. The main plate 210 is connected to the housing 100 by at least two elastic diagonal strips 240. Preferably, the at least two elastic diagonal strips 240 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the main plate 210. The vibrator 220 is used to drive the main disk 210 to jump upwards. The vibrator 220 and the at least two elastic diagonal bars 240 together give the main disk 210 an upward twisting motion, that is, the vibration direction of the kernels forms a certain angle (usually 20° to 30°) with the tangential direction of the spiral blade 211. The vibration direction of the kernels is decomposed into tangential (pushing the kernels to move outwards along the spiral blade 211) and vertical (making the kernels bounce slightly). The main disk 210 vibrates periodically, causing the corn kernels to jump and climb along the spiral blade 211. The elastic diagonal bars 240 and the elastic element 230 drive the main disk 210 to return to its original position downwards.

[0034] The vibrator 220 can be an electromagnetic vibrator (such as an eccentric wheel motor) or a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator. The vibrator 220 can be used to generate high-frequency micro-amplitude vibrations (frequency 50-200Hz, amplitude 0.1-0.5mm). The vibrator 220 can be screwed to the bottom of the main plate 210. The vibrator 220 and the main plate 210 can be easily connected through the opening of the main plate 210. The main plate 210 is further connected to the chassis 100 through the elastic element 230 and the elastic diagonal strip 240.

[0035] The conveying surface of the spiral blade 211 is itself a curved surface inclined along the spiral extension direction, which solves the problem of corn kernel stacking to some extent; furthermore, referring to... Figure 3 At point A, the inclined trough 300 is located in the vertical plane where the tangent of the vibrating plate 200 is located. The inclined trough 300 itself is inclined downward (so that the corn kernels can slide down). There is no need to add other structures to the inclined trough 300. The inclined trough 300 is also used to spread the kernels on the spiral blade 211 of the vibrating plate 200. The stacked corn kernels are scraped to the inner bottom of the vibrating plate 200 to avoid jamming at the spreading point and ensure that the corn kernels on the spiral blade 211 move stably.

[0036] The width of the spiral blade 211 is 1.1-1.6 times that of a corn kernel, which facilitates the formation of a single spiral row; further, refer to... Figure 3 At point A, the input end of the inclined chute 300 is equipped with a fixed plate 310 and a movable plate 320, which define an adjustable input channel. The conveying surface of the spiral blade 211 is higher on the inside and lower on the outside, while the conveying surface of the inclined chute 300 is higher on one side and lower on the other, for example, 1° to 3°, to prevent the grain queue from deviating from the conveying channel.

[0037] In practice, the jumping distance of the corn kernels only needs to be 0.2-0.5mm, which ensures both the upward movement of the kernels and the low power consumption of the vibratory feeder 200, preventing the kernels from splashing. Depending on the mass and friction coefficient of the corn kernels, the vibration frequency is usually 50-200Hz, which makes the kernels evenly dispersed and allows them to climb steadily in a queue.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The chassis 100 is equipped with a battery holder 121, which can be used to hold a 24V industrial battery pack, etc. The battery capacity can be ≥98Wh, which is sufficient to allow the vibratory feeder 200, the counting sensor 400, and the circuit board 500 to work continuously for 2 hours. In actual field experiments, the grain counter is generally used intermittently within 2 hours, with each use lasting 2-10 minutes, and the actual total usage time is ≤1 hour. On the other hand, users can carry spare batteries according to the actual situation. Wide-temperature type batteries are preferred, which are beneficial for working in high field temperatures (-30-60℃).

[0039] Based on the grain flow rate that the counting sensor 400 can sense, the inclination and friction coefficient (i.e., material selection and roughness) of the chute 300 are set.

[0040] The counting sensor 400 can be photoelectric or image recognition type. In image recognition counting, a high frame rate (≥60fps) global shutter CMOS sensor, such as the OV5640, can be used to avoid motion blur. The photo is triggered by a photoelectric sensor or encoder to ensure the image is synchronized with the seed position, for example, an infrared through-beam photoelectric sensor (slotted optocoupler) to trigger the photo capture. Gaussian filtering or median filtering eliminates image jitter caused by vibration, the Canny or Sobel operator highlights the seed boundaries, and OpenCV's `findContours` function extracts the seed contours. Optical flow analysis is performed on consecutive frames to avoid counting the same seed repeatedly. The photoelectric sensor is essentially a simple proximity switch, with the circuit board 500 integrating a counter, such as the counter integrated into its processor 510STM32. Therefore, if there is a kernel at the sensing end of the photoelectric sensor, the output of the photoelectric sensor will switch to a high or low level, and the counter is used to count the total number of high and low levels.

[0041] Among them, photoelectric counting is relatively low power consumption. In image recognition counting, the processor 510 is used to store one or more image samples into the SD card of the card reader 550, such as the image sample at every T after the grains flow through the inclined groove 300, such as the image sample every 5 seconds, so as to facilitate the subsequent review of corn samples.

[0042] The processor 510 uses conventional technology. It can be an ARM Cortex series processor (for embedded / low-power applications), which is relatively inexpensive. The ARM Cortex series includes the Cortex-A series, which is more suitable for image processing, and the Cortex-M series, which is lower-spec but can be used for real-time motor driving and sensor monitoring. The STM32 series is widely used in instrumentation control. The processor 510 can also be a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), which is dedicated to high-speed digital signal processing. The processor 510 can also be an FPGA (Programmable Gate Array), which is suitable for high-speed data acquisition and real-time signal processing.

[0043] The operation of this utility model can be divided into the following steps:

[0044] In the preliminary steps, during actual field trials, a single batch of corn kernels to be counted can be completely poured into the vibrating plate 200 without the need for an additional buffer cylinder or for the experimenter to hold the kernels in their hands. The power switch 800 is turned on, and the circuit board 500 is connected to the battery / power supply. In some configurations, the cup or bag originally used to hold the corn kernels can be used to receive the counted kernels (i.e., the kernels falling from the inclined chute 300). In this design, the housing 100 has a discharge port corresponding to the output end of the inclined chute 300. Alternatively, the kernel counter also includes a detachable, pluggable drawer 700 connected to the housing 100. The drawer 700 is used to receive the corn kernels falling from the inclined chute 300 and can be used to fill the counted kernels into subsequent equipment, such as packaging bags.

[0045] In image recognition-based counting, the chassis 100 may be translucent to facilitate image recognition. To make the counting instrument visually neat and aesthetically pleasing, the chassis 100 is opaque, and a light strip 600 for supplementary lighting is also provided inside the chassis 100; the light strip 600 is turned on when the power switch 800 is turned on or when the 'Start / Start' button is pressed.

[0046] In the counting step, pressing the 'Start / Start' button on the keyboard 540 starts the vibratory feeder 200 and the counting sensor 400. The corn kernels at the bottom of the vibratory feeder 200 are gradually squeezed onto the spiral blades 211 on the inner wall and transported along the spiral blades 211. After a certain period of time, the spiral blades 211 begin to transfer the corn kernel queue to the inclined chute 300. The counting sensor 400 and the circuit board 500 jointly count the total number of corn kernels flowing through the inclined chute 300. The digital display screen 530 is used to display the real-time total number of corn kernels counted.

[0047] The final step involves transferring all corn kernels from the vibratory feeder 200 to the inclined chute 300. After N seconds (e.g., 10 seconds), the 'End' button can be pressed, stopping the vibratory feeder 200 and the counting sensor 400. In some settings, pressing the 'End' button simultaneously initiates recording on the circuit board 500, saving the total number of corn kernels counted in this batch, the time, and image samples to an SD card. In some settings, pressing the 'End' and then the 'Record' buttons sequentially initiates the recording process on the circuit board 500.

[0048] In other steps, the experimenter used a notebook to record the total number of corn kernels in the batch, the counting time, and other information, such as the field number, field owner, and location. This information cluster corresponds to the information on the SD card through timestamps. The counted corn kernels were packaged, or even vacuum-sealed. The counting instrument was then switched off at 800 and placed in a travel bag.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application include: integrating vibration discharge and counting functions into one box, improving the portability of the particle counter; and synchronously controlling the start and stop of the vibratory plate 200 and the counting sensor 400, which facilitates a compact circuit architecture and reduces the size of the particle counter.

[0050] Specific details are available; please refer to them. Figures 1 to 4 A vibratory feeder 200 is installed in the upper right area of ​​the interior cavity of the chassis 100. A slanted groove 300 is installed inside the back plate 130 of the chassis 100. A circuit board 500 is installed inside the front panel 120 of the chassis 100. A drawer 700 is installed in the lower left area of ​​the interior cavity of the chassis 100. In photoelectric counting, a photoelectric sensor is also installed inside the back plate 130 of the chassis 100; in image recognition counting, a camera is installed inside the front panel 120 of the chassis 100. Preferably, the camera is hinged to a mounting base, and the camera is connected to the chassis 100 via the mounting base. The camera's tilt angle is adjustable. A battery holder 121 is installed on the front panel 120 of the chassis 100, located in the lower right area of ​​the interior cavity of the chassis 100, below the vibratory feeder 200.

[0051] In actual field trials, the number of corn kernels to be counted in a single batch was relatively small, mostly 1-3 liang (500-150g). Specifically, the main disc 210 of one type of vibrating disc 200 can be φ110mm×80mm. This main disc 210 can hold 0.8 jin (0.4 catties) of corn kernels, and some spiral blades will still be unburied, allowing for vibration and queuing feeding. The vibrating disc 200 can also be increased to φ170mm to ensure that the kernel counter remains portable.

[0052] In a specific portable grain counter, the chassis 100 can be 323mm long × 138mm wide × 240mm high, and the wall thickness of the plastic chassis 100 is 1.5mm; inside the chassis 100, the drawer 700 can be 120mm long × 70mm high × 80mm deep, the main plate 210φ110mm×80mm, and the vibrator φ100mm×60mm.

[0053] In this invention, the grain counter can be easily placed in a daily backpack.

[0054] In some configurations, a light strip 600 is installed inside the chassis 100. The light strip 600 is used to illuminate the slot of the inclined groove 300 at an angle downwards to highlight the outline of the corn kernels.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 In some embodiments of this utility model, the counting sensor 400 is a camera, and a light strip 600 is provided on the side plate of the inclined groove 300 away from the camera. This side plate serves as a uniform light backing sheet 330. This uniformly illuminates the groove of the inclined groove 300 and highlights the outline of the grain, making it easier for the camera to capture images clearly and accurately. Preferably, the light strip 600 is a high-brightness white LED.

[0056] In some embodiments of this utility model, the drawer 700 is magnetically connected to the housing 100, and / or the drawer 700 is snap-fitted to the housing 100, so that the drawer 700 is not easily detached from the housing 100 when the counting instrument is not being packed and the instrument is being moved in the field. Specifically, one of the drawer 700 and the housing 100 may be provided with a permanent magnet, and the other may be provided with a metal block or permanent magnet, so that the drawer 700 is firmly connected to the housing 100.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, a handle 180 is hinged to the top of the chassis 100.

[0058] In some embodiments of this utility model, the chassis 100, drawer 700, main tray 210, and handle 180 are made of plastic, making the counting instrument lighter and improving its portability.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, the chassis 100 includes a frame 110, a panel 120, a back plate 130, a left wall 140, a right wall 150, a top plate 160, and a bottom plate 170. The back plate 130 and the bottom plate 170 are integrally formed with the frame 110. The vibratory feeder 200 is installed on the frame 110, and the inclined groove 300 is installed on the back plate 130. The panel 120, left wall 140, right wall 150, and top plate 160 are all detachably connected to the frame 110, such as by aluminum screws or snap-fit ​​connections. The chassis 100 has high strength, which is conducive to the stable operation of the vibratory feeder 200, and the vibratory feeder 200, inclined groove 300, circuit board 500, and other components are easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0060] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be covered within the scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A corn kernel counter, comprising: Including the chassis and: The vibratory feeder, slant tray, counting sensor, circuit board, and battery are all integrated into the chassis; The machine casing is equipped with a feed inlet corresponding to the vibratory feeder, and the inclined chute is used to receive the grains output by the vibratory feeder. The counting sensor and the battery are electrically connected to the processor of the circuit board. The counting sensor is used to count the total number of grains flowing through the inclined chute. The circuit board's outer protrusion integrates a digital display screen, a keyboard, and a card reader, all electrically connected to the processor. The keyboard is used to start and stop the vibratory feeder and the counting sensor. The digital display screen is used to display the number of seeds read by the counting sensor. The processor is used to store the counting information into the SD card of the card reader. The chassis is provided with a working window for the outer protrusion to pass through.

2. The corn counter of claim 1, wherein, The inclined groove is located in the vertical plane where the tangent of the vibratory plate is located, and the inclined groove is used to spread the grains on the spiral blades of the vibratory plate.

3. The corn counter of claim 1, wherein, The input end of the inclined groove is provided with a fixed plate and a movable plate, and the fixed plate and the movable plate define an adjustable input channel.

4. The corn counter of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a drawer for a removable plug-in chassis, which is used to receive corn kernels falling from the chute.

5. The corn counter of claim 4 wherein, The drawer is magnetically connected to the chassis, and / or the drawer is snap-fitted to the chassis.

6. The corn counter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The counting sensor is a camera, and a light strip is provided on the side plate of the inclined groove away from the camera. This side plate serves as a light-diffusing backsheet.

7. The corn counter of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The top of the chassis is hinged with a handle.

8. The corn counter of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The chassis is made of plastic.

9. The corn counter of claim 8, wherein, The chassis includes a frame, a front panel, a back panel, a left wall, a right wall, a top panel, and a bottom panel. The back panel and the bottom panel are integrally formed with the frame. The vibratory feeder is installed on the frame, and the inclined groove is installed on the back panel. The front panel, left wall, right wall, and top panel are all detachable connecting frames.

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