Seed Position Sensor Triangulation Fluorescence Filtering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current sowing systems lack the ability to accurately determine the position and depth of seeds in soil during the sowing process, leading to inefficiencies and reduced yield, as manual measurement is time-consuming and only possible after seeds are placed, and existing technologies do not provide real-time feedback for optimal seed placement.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a radiation assembly and detection assembly, utilizing a triangulation arrangement and filter members, allows for the determination of seed position and depth during sowing by emitting and detecting radiation, enabling real-time feedback and optimal seed placement through triangulation and fluorescence detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement of seed depth is used after sowing, then measurement can be performed, but it is time-consuming and only determines position after seeds are placed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed position determinationVSAvoidtime for measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device performs seed position measurement during the sowing process itself, before the sowing operation is completed. The radiation source illuminates the seed as it is being placed, and the detector immediately captures the reflected radiation to determine position, eliminating the need for subsequent manual measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an optical measurement system. A radiation source emits light toward the seed, and a radiation detector captures the reflected radiation to determine seed position automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If optical detection is used for seed position determination, then real-time feedback is possible, but radiation from the source may interfere with detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time sowing capabilityVSAvoidradiation interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter member is designed with wavelength-selective properties that differ across different spectral regions. It has high transmission in the detection wavelength range (longer wavelengths) and high attenuation in the illumination wavelength range (shorter wavelengths), allowing the same optical path to serve both illumination and detection functions without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filter member acts as an intermediary element between the radiation source and the detector. It selectively transmits radiation based on wavelength, allowing detection radiation (longer wavelengths) to pass through while blocking illumination radiation (shorter wavelengths), thus mediating the interaction between source and detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables real-time determination of seed position and depth, facilitating controlled sowing and improving yield by allowing for immediate adjustments during the sowing process, reducing manual intervention and enhancing seed spacing accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor device for determining a position of seeds while sowing comprises a radiation assembly for generating an illumination radiation and at least one detection assembly with at least one radiation detector for detecting incident radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

The at least one detection assembly comprises at least one radiation detector for detecting incident radiation, and at least one filter member comprising an attenuation band and a pass band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The at least one radiation source of the radiation assembly and the at least one radiation detector form a triangulation arrangement which is configured so that a distance from the at least one target area to the at least one detection assembly can be determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation: Parallax

Data Source

PatentUS11129324B2Sensor device for determining the position of seeds while sowing, sowing system and method for determining the position of seeds in a trench

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 BAUMER ELECTRIC AG

AI summary

A sensor device for determining a position of seeds while sowing. The sensor device includes a radiation assembly which generates an illumination radiation oriented towards a target area, and a detection assembly. The radiation assembly includes a radiation source which provides an emission spectrum of the illumination radiation covering a spectral range. The detection assembly includes a radiation detector which detects an incident radiation, and a filter member with an attenuation band and a pass band. The radiation detector includes a field of view. The pass band has an attenuation which is less than an attenuation of the attenuation band in a wavelength range where the wavelengths are longer than those of the attenuation band. The target area and the field of view intersect. The radiation source and the radiation detector form a triangulation arrangement so that a distance from the target area to the detection assembly can be determined.