초록 ▼

A stand-alone monitoring apparatus is provided for monitoring a plurality of selectable functions of an agricultural planter. The planter includes a plurality of seed sensors, each associated with a corresponding seed dispensing unit and generating a seed signal representative of the depositing of a

A stand-alone monitoring apparatus is provided for monitoring a plurality of selectable functions of an agricultural planter. The planter includes a plurality of seed sensors, each associated with a corresponding seed dispensing unit and generating a seed signal representative of the depositing of a seed by the associated seed dispensing unit. The monitoring apparatus includes memory for cumulatively storing population data. The population data includes a cumulative count of seeds dispensed by each dispensing unit, and a cumulative count of seeds dispensed by all the dispensing units. A microprocessor simultaneously receives seed signals from selected seed sensors, asynchronously accumulates and updates the cumulative counts associated with the selected seed sensors, and asynchronously stores the updated cumulative counts in the memory. The monitoring apparatus is intended to monitor signals from up to 16 seed sensors. In a related implementation, multiple data collectors are used to monitor and collect population data locally, i.e., proximate the monitored rows and sensors. The collected data is then serially communicated to a monitor unit in the tractor cab to cut down on the necessary cabling.

대표청구항 ▼

A monitoring apparatus for monitoring a plurality of selectable functions of an agricultural planter, said planter including a plurality of seed sensors each associated with a corresponding seed dispensing unit and each generating a seed signal representative of the depositing of each seed by the as

A monitoring apparatus for monitoring a plurality of selectable functions of an agricultural planter, said planter including a plurality of seed sensors each associated with a corresponding seed dispensing unit and each generating a seed signal representative of the depositing of each seed by the associated seed dispensing unit, said monitoring apparatus comprising: memory means for cumulatively storing population data, said population data including an associated cumulative count of seeds dispensed by each of said dispensing units, and a cumulative count of seeds dispensed by all said dispensing units; and a microprocessor responsive to receipt of a seed signal from one or more of said seed sensors for asynchronously accumulating and updating said cumulative counts associated with said selected seed sensors, and for asynchronously storing said updated cumulative counts in said memory means, wherein said seed signals are received simultaneously by said microprocessor and are provided to said microprocessor asynchronously relative to an operating speed of said microprocessor.