Stalk sensor apparatus, systems, and methods
AssigneeClimate LLC
InventorsTimothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.
Claims20
A method providing improvements in agricultural science by determining yield values based on stalk-specific measurements collected by an agricultural combine harvester while traversing a field, the method comprising:
- receiving, from a first stalk sensor associated with a first combine row unit of an agricultural combine harvester, a first signal that indicates a position of the first stalk sensor relative to a first stalk;
- receiving, from a second stalk sensor associated with a second combine row unit of the agricultural combine harvester, a second signal that indicates a position of the second stalk sensor relative to a second stalk;
- determining stalk diameter measurements and stalk measurement locations based on, at least in part, the first signal and the second signal;
- based on, at least in part, the stalk diameter measurements and the stalk measurement locations, determining at least one yield value for a region of the field;
- wherein the at least one yield value are determined by correlating the stalk diameter measurements and the stalk measurement locations;
- generating, and displaying using a computer display device, a first yield map that depicts associations between the stalk diameter measurements, the stalk measurement locations and the at least one yield value.
A stalk sensor system providing improvements in agricultural science and for use with an agricultural combine harvester while traversing a field, comprising:
- a first stalk sensor;
- a second stalk sensor;
- a yield sensor;
- and
- processing circuitry configured to:
- receive, from the first stalk sensor associated with a first combine row unit of an agricultural combine harvester, a first signal that indicates a position of the first stalk sensor relative to a first stalk;
- receive, from the second stalk sensor associated with a second combine row unit of the agricultural combine harvester, a second signal that indicates a position of the second stalk sensor relative to a second stalk;
- determine stalk diameter measurements and stalk measurement locations based on, at least in part, the first signal and the second signal;
- determine at least one yield value for a region of the field based on, at least in part, the stalk diameter measurements and the stalk measurement locations;
- wherein the at least one yield value are determined by correlating the stalk diameter measurements and the stalk measurement locations;
- generate, and display, a first yield map that depicts associations between the stalk diameter measurements, the stalk measurement locations and the at least one yield value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.