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 for 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;
- in response to receiving the first signal:
- contacting the first stalk from a first side with a first feeler, the first feeler rotatably mounted to the first stalk sensor;
- contacting the first stalk from a second side with a second feeler, the second feeler rotatably mounted to the first stalk sensor;
- measuring a first displacement of the first feeler;
- measuring a second displacement of the second feeler;
- and
- determining a first stalk diameter based on the first displacement and the second displacement;
- and
- generating, and displaying using a computer display device, a first yield map that depicts associations between the first stalk diameter and the position of the first stalk.
A stalk sensor system for providing improvements in agricultural science by determining yield values based on stalk-specific measurements collected by 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 perform:
- 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;
- in response to receiving the first signal:
- contacting the first stalk from a first side with a first feeler, the first feeler rotatably mounted to the first stalk sensor;
- contacting the first stalk from a second side with a second feeler, the second feeler rotatably mounted to the first stalk sensor;
- measuring a first displacement of the first feeler;
- measuring a second displacement of the second feeler;
- and
- determining a first stalk diameter based on the first displacement and the second displacement;
- and
- generating, and displaying using a computer display device, a first yield map that depicts associations between the first stalk diameter and the position of the first stalk.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.