Work Layer Imaging for Seed Trench Monitoring and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural implements lack a system for imaging the seed trench to verify critical factors such as seed depth, placement, and residue, and for automatically adjusting planting operations in real-time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a work layer sensor system, such as ground penetrating radar, to generate images of the soil region of interest, allowing for real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of planting operations based on these images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ground penetrating radar is used to image the seed trench, then measurement precision of seed depth and placement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed depth measurementVSAvoidimaging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with ground penetrating radar (electromagnetic radiation) to image the seed trench and measure seed depth, placement, and soil conditions non-invasively, achieving high measurement precision without complex mechanical contact systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital image copy of the seed trench using radar technology, allowing virtual visualization and measurement of subsurface conditions without physical intervention, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If real-time imaging and automatic adjustment system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanting operation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where radar images of the seed trench are analyzed in real-time and automatically fed back to adjust planting parameters, enabling continuous optimization of seed depth and placement without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of planting operations based on automated analysis of radar images, reducing the need for operator intervention and enabling the system to optimize its own performance in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If spot checks of seed trench are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed trench verification accuracyVSAvoidtime for trench inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms discrete spot checks into continuous real-time imaging of the seed trench during planting operations, allowing constant monitoring of seed depth and placement without interrupting the planting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The radar system performs preliminary imaging and analysis of seed trench conditions immediately after seed placement, enabling early detection and correction of issues before they affect emergence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures uniform seed emergence and high yields by accurately imaging and adjusting seed trench conditions in real-time, while also applicable to other agricultural implements for below-surface imaging and control.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter (T1) disposed on one side of the seed trench (10) and a receiver (R1) disposed on the other side of the seed trench (10) to generate an electromagnetic field (102) through the seed trench (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Radar

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP3534685B1Work layer imaging and analysis for implement monitoring, control and operator feedback

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A soil imaging system having a work layer sensor disposed on an agricultural implement to generate an electromagnetic field through a soil area of interest as the agricultural implement traverses a field. A monitor in communication with the work layer sensor is adapted to generate a work layer image of the soil layer of interest based on the generated electromagnetic field. The work layer sensor may also generate a reference image by generating an electromagnetic field through undisturbed soil. The monitor may compare at least one characteristic of the reference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer image to generate a characterized image of the work layer of interest. The monitor may display operator feedback and may affect operational control of the agricultural implement based on the characterized image.