Patent classifications
A01B63/1112
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND MAPPING CROP HEIGHT
A method for mapping a height of a crop in a field divided into a plurality of areas includes determining a height of a cutting bar of an agricultural machine and receiving data from a crop height sensor. The height of crops sensed by the crop height sensor is determined based on the height of the cutting bar and data from the crop height sensor. The crop height is then associated with one of a plurality of areas of the field based on a location of the crop height sensor. In one embodiment, the height of a reel of the agricultural machine is also used in determining the height of crops. The crop height data is used to generate a field map that is used to generate a field treatment plan.
Work layer imaging and analysis for implement monitoring, control and operator feedback
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 effect operational control of the agricultural implement based on the characterized image.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVELY CONTROLLING DEPTH OF GROUND-ENGAGING PLANTING ROW UNIT USING FORWARD SENSOR THAT MEASURES RESIDUE AHEAD OF ROW UNIT
An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.
System for monitoring soil conditions based on acoustic data and associated methods for adjusting operating parameters of a seed-planting implement based on monitored soil conditions
In one aspect, a system for monitoring soil conditions within an agricultural field may include a furrow forming tool. The system may also include an acoustic sensor configured to detect a sound associated with movement of the furrow forming tool through the soil. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor a soil condition associated with soil within the field based on acoustic data received from the acoustic sensor.
Soil sensing systems and implements for sensing different soil parameters
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and implements for sensing, analyzing, and displaying different soil parameters. A soil sensing system includes a mechanical component of an agricultural implement and at least one sensor disposed on the mechanical component. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field through a region of soil as the agricultural implement traverses a field. The sensor comprises at least one radar transmitter and at least one radar receiver and the sensor measures different soil parameters including a soil dielectric constant.
Adjustable closing system for an agricultural implement
A row unit of an agricultural implement includes an opening system configured to engage soil to form a furrow, sensors configured to detect a soil tightness, soil conditions, operational conditions, or a combination thereof, and a closing system configured to close the furrow. The closing system includes a first closing disc configured to engage the soil and close the furrow and a second closing disc configured to engage the soil and close the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the sensors and to control a position, an orientation, or both, of the first closing disc, the second closing disc, or both, in response to feedback from the sensors.
PREDICTIVE IMPLEMENT HEIGHT CONTROL
A mobile machine includes a frame and a set of frame support elements supporting the frame. A set of ground engaging elements is mounted to the frame and movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging elements with the ground over which the mobile machine travels. At least one actuator drives movement of the set of ground engaging elements relative to the frame. A ground sensor is operably coupled to the mobile machine and configured to provide a ground distance signal. Ground engaging element height adjustment logic is configured to receive the ground distance signal and provide a control output to the at least one actuator to generate a height value of the ground engaging elements relative to ground.
IMPLEMENT CONTOURING TOOLBAR
An agricultural machine includes a frame member; a toolbar coupled to the frame member parallel to the frame member; a row unit coupled to the toolbar; and an actuator coupled between the frame member and the toolbar, the actuator configured to rotate the toolbar based on a sensed position of the toolbar. Related methods are also disclosed.
Method and system for estimating surface roughness of ground for an off-road vehicle to control ground speed
A method and system for estimating surface roughness of a ground for an off-road vehicle to control ground speed comprises detecting motion data of an off-road vehicle traversing a field or work site during a sampling interval. A pitch sensor is adapted to detect pitch data of the off-road vehicle for the sampling interval to obtain a pitch acceleration. A roll sensor is adapted to detect roll data of the off-road vehicle for the sampling interval to obtain a roll acceleration. An electronic data processor or surface roughness index module determines or estimates a surface roughness index based on the detected motion data, pitch data and roll data for the sampling interval. The surface roughness index can be displayed on the graphical display to a user or operator of the vehicle, or applied to control or execute a ground speed setting of the vehicle.
Ground engaging tool monitoring system
An agricultural implement includes a frame and a ground engaging tool assembly having a shank rotatably coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool coupled to the shank. In addition, the agricultural implement includes a monitoring system having a sensor mounted to one of the frame or the ground engaging tool assembly and directed toward a target. The target is the other of the frame or the ground engaging tool assembly, and the sensor is configured to emit an output signal toward the target and to receive a return signal indicative of a measured position of the ground engaging tool assembly relative to the frame. The monitoring system also includes a controller configured to determine that the ground engaging tool assembly is in a deflected position in response to determining that a difference between the measured position and a working position is greater than a threshold value.