초록 ▼

A control system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a mobile material distribution apparatus including at least one boom having a plurality of distribution nozzles or distribution ports located along its length for distributing material is disclosed. The control system monitors various

A control system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a mobile material distribution apparatus including at least one boom having a plurality of distribution nozzles or distribution ports located along its length for distributing material is disclosed. The control system monitors various sections of the booms and provides the user with a graphical representation of the operating states of the nozzles/distribution ports in each monitored boom section. By taking into account the actual operating states of each of the sections of the monitored booms, the disclosed control system provides more accurate mapping of the materials distributed by the controlled apparatus. In addition, the disclosed control system considers the operating states of any fence row nozzles disposed on the monitored booms in determining the amount of material to be supplied to the monitored booms to achieve a desired distribution rate.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a mobile material distribution apparatus including at least one boom having a plurality of distribution nozzles located along its length for distributing material, the control system comprising:a housing inc

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a mobile material distribution apparatus including at least one boom having a plurality of distribution nozzles located along its length for distributing material, the control system comprising:a housing including a plurality of boom sense line connectors, a plurality of input ports, and a plurality of output ports, the input and output ports being arranged in pairs, each of the pairs being adapted for connection to at least one actuator and to at least one sensor on the material distribution apparatus to form a feedback loop, each of the plurality of boom sense line connectors being adapted for communication with a section of the at least one boom for monitoring the operating state of the boom section, each boom section having at least one nozzle;a first microprocessor disposed in the housing, each of the pairs of input and output ports being electrically connected to the first microprocessor such that the first microprocessor can communicate with the at least one actuator and the at least one sensor in each feedback loop, each of the boom sense lines being electrically connected to the first microprocessor to provide the first microprocessor with information concerning the operating state of the at least one nozzle in its associated boom section;a memory associated with the first microprocessor for storing programmed instructions;a speed sensor for providing the control system with information reflecting the speed of the material distribution apparatus;at least one input device for inputting information into the control system; and,a display device for visually displaying a graphical representation of the at least one boom showing the operating state of each of the monitored boom sections.