Seed Counting Device Noise Floor Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed counting systems in seeding machines are affected by environmental dust, leading to inaccurate seed counting and are limited by low counting rates, typically only able to count larger grains, with maximum rates of 20-60 seconds and limited to larger seeds like corn or soybeans.
Innovation Solution
A seed counting device that adjusts the radiation intensity signal to account for noise by updating a base noise floor value, using a controller to determine when no seeds are passing through, and scaling the signal accordingly to improve accuracy, allowing for higher counting rates and accurate detection of various seed types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing seed counting systems use light barriers to detect seeds, then seed counting function is achieved, but counting accuracy deteriorates due to environmental dust causing false positives and negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of dust particles into a beneficial signal by using them as calibration references. The system identifies dust particles in the light path and uses their signal characteristics to dynamically adjust the detection threshold, thereby converting the noise source into a useful reference for improving seed detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the detection threshold parameter based on real-time dust conditions. By continuously monitoring the light intensity signal and identifying dust particle passages, the system adjusts the threshold parameter to maintain accurate seed detection despite varying dust levels in the environment
2Productivity
If existing seed counting systems increase counting rate, then productivity improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited processing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and calibration during dust particle passage events. By using dust particles as reference objects to establish baseline signal characteristics and calibration factors before seed detection, the system prepares the detection parameters in advance, enabling high-speed seed counting without sacrificing accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing seed counting systems use fixed detection thresholds, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when detecting different seed types and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically identifying dust particles in the light path and using them to establish detection thresholds and calibration factors. This self-service approach enables the system to adapt to different environmental conditions and seed types without requiring manual intervention or complex external calibration procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances seed counting accuracy by reducing false positives and negatives caused by dust, enabling the detection of smaller seeds at higher rates, up to 600 seeds per second, while maintaining accuracy across different seed types and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
radiation detectors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and output a radiation intensity signal corresponding to an intensity of the received electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
An object counting device adjusts a signal to account for noise to improve object counting accuracy. A controller receives an electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) intensity signal from radiation detectors and determines that its value is within a voltage threshold, thereby indicating that no object is passing through the radiation. The controller determines a derivative of the signal and that the derivative is less than a derivative threshold level for at least a predefined time. The controller then updates a base noise floor value to be the value of the radiation intensity signal to account for particles within a path of the electromagnetic radiation to improve an object counting accuracy. In some embodiments, the processor can scale the received radiation intensity signal in accordance with the updated base noise floor value.