Patent ID: 9551636
Date: 2017-01-24
CPC Classifications: A01C,C12Q,G01N

Claim:
1. A method for monitoring operation of an automated seed sampling system having a seed loading station, a seed imaging station for collecting image data of seeds isolated at the seed loading station, a seed orientation station for orienting the isolated seeds based on the image data, and a seed sampling station, the method comprising: sensing, by a sensor, if individual seeds are successfully isolated from a bulk supply of seeds at the seed loading station; sensing, by a sensor, if the isolated seeds are properly positioned adjacent the seed imaging station in preparation for collecting the image data of the isolated seeds; sensing, by a sensor, if the isolated seeds are properly positioned adjacent the seed orientation station in preparation for orienting the isolated seeds in a desired orientation; and sensing, by a sensor, if the isolated seeds are properly positioned adjacent the seed sampling station in preparation for removing tissue from the isolated seeds.