Seeder Conveyor Shadow Detection for Seed Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seeders fail to achieve full fill of seed positions in trays or substrates due to reliance on visual inspection, which is hindered by automated processes and results in seed wastage and inefficient use of space, especially when a substrate layer is added, and existing solutions like seeding wheels and drum systems struggle with accuracy and efficiency in depositing multiple lines of seeds.
Innovation Solution
A seeder system equipped with a conveyor, a light source, and a sensor, such as a camera or line scanner, that generates a signal by casting grazing light on seeds to detect shadows, allowing for automated detection of empty or incorrectly filled seed positions, enabling precise augmentation of seeds in the pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to detect empty seed positions, then seed positions can be identified for augmentation, but the automated process must be interrupted and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system. A light source illuminates the conveyor surface, and a sensor detects shadows cast by seeds, automatically identifying empty seed positions without requiring manual intervention or process interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service detection where the conveyor system automatically monitors its own seed deposition accuracy. The detection system is integrated into the seeding process, allowing the machine to autonomously identify and report empty positions without external human intervention.
2Quantity of substance
If a substrate layer is added in an automated process, then coverage is improved, but visual inspection becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs detection before the substrate layer is applied. By inspecting the conveyor surface and detecting seed positions upstream in the process, the system identifies empty positions before they are covered by substrate, enabling subsequent targeted augmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the conveyor surface as an intermediary detection plane. Instead of trying to inspect through or after substrate application, the system detects seed positions on the intermediate conveyor surface where illumination and shadow detection are feasible, then transfers this information to guide substrate-free zone augmentation.
3Manufacturing precision
If seeding wheel acceleration is used to ensure seed release, then single line seeding accuracy is maintained, but multiple line deposition becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting seed presence directly (0D/1D) to detecting shadows cast on a surface (2D). By illuminating the conveyor surface obliquely and detecting shadow patterns with a sensor, the system can simultaneously monitor multiple seed positions across multiple lines, simplifying multi-line detection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can handle multiple seed lines simultaneously. The light source and sensor arrangement provides a general-purpose shadow detection method that works for any number of parallel seeding lines, replacing line-specific detection mechanisms.
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 system ensures a full fill of seed positions by automating the inspection process, reducing seed wastage and improving efficiency in seed deposition, allowing for accurate detection of empty positions and enabling precise augmentation without interrupting automated processes.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is obliquely oriented at seed holding positions of the conveyor, to generate grazing light on or over the conveyor, for seeds to cast detectable shadows on the surface of the conveyor
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is oriented at the surface of the conveyor to detect shadows on the conveyor, cast by seeds at seed holding positions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a seeder, configured to deposit seeds in trays or substrate in a pattern of seed positions, comprising: - a seed supply; - a conveyor configured to transfer seeds from the seed supply, with the seeds organized in the pattern of seed positions defined by seed holding positions of the conveyor, to the trays or substrate and release extracted seeds in the pattern of seed positions into the trays or substrate, - at least one detector comprising at least a light source, such as a light beam and/or an array of LED's, and a sensor, such as at least one camera and/or a line scanner, and configured to detect seeds at seed holding positions of the conveyor in transfer from the seed supply to the trays or substrate and generate a signal, wherein the light source is obliquely oriented at seed holding positions of the conveyor, relative to a surface of the conveyor, to generate grazing light on or over the conveyor, for seeds to cast detectable shadows on the surface of the conveyor, and the sensor is oriented at the surface of the conveyor to detect shadows on the conveyor, cast by seeds at seed holding positions. Also the disclosure relates to an associated method and a computer-readable storage medium to carry a program for carrying out the method.