Systems and method for determining trench closure by a planter or seeder
US10231376B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16M2200/027
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An agricultural planting or seeding implement includes a frame, at least one row unit, one or more imaging devices, and a processor. The at least one row unit includes a seed trench opening assembly extending along an opening line and configured to open a seed trench, a seed deposition assembly configured to deposit a seed in the open seed trench, and a seed trench closing assembly extending along a closing line and configured to close the seed trench. The one or more imaging devices capture images of a field behind the agricultural planting implement as the agricultural planting implement traverses the field. The processor processes the images captured by the one or more imaging devices, including determining a location of the opening line based on the captured images, determining a location of the closing line based on the captured images, determining whether the opening line and the closing line are aligned with one another, and determining a corrective action to bring the opening line and the closing line into alignment in response to determining that the opening line and the closing line are not aligned with one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.