Commodity metering system for work vehicle and calibration method for same

A metering system includes a plurality of metering elements that are independently controllable. A calibration method of the present disclosure includes generating calibration factors for the individual metering elements. Also, a method of the present disclosure includes operating the metering elements according to the respective calibration factor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Not applicable.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to work vehicles and implements, and more specifically, to a commodity metering system for a work vehicle and a calibration method for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Work vehicles, such as air seeders and other seeding devices, are configured for applying seed, fertilizer, and/or other particulate commodities to a field. The work vehicle may also include tilling equipment for applying the commodity under the surface of the soil.

Work vehicles typically include one or more tanks and a metering system that meters out a predetermined quantity of the commodity from the tank as the work vehicle moves across the field. The metered particles may move into a high velocity airstream generated by an airflow system of the vehicle. Once in the airstream, the particles are delivered to the soil. Alternatively, the metered particles may fall to the soil under the force of gravity.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure provides an improved metering system and methods for calibrating the metering system.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of calibrating a metering system for a work vehicle with a commodity container, wherein the metering system includes a plurality of metering elements, and the plurality of metering elements includes a first metering element and a second metering element. The method includes performing, by a control system having at least one processor, a calibration routine in which the first metering element and the second metering element independently meter a commodity from the commodity container through the metering system. The method also includes receiving, by the control system, a first measurement and a second measurement. The first measurement is related to a first amount of the commodity independently metered through the metering system by the first metering element during the calibration routine. The second measurement is related to a second amount of the commodity independently metered through the metering system by the second metering element during the calibration routine. The method further includes determining, by the control system, a first calibration factor for operating the first metering element based on the first measurement, and a second calibration factor for operating the second metering element based on the second measurement. Also, the method includes generating, by the control system, a first control command for the first metering element according to the first calibration factor, and a second control command for the second metering element according to the second calibration factor. Moreover, the method includes operating, by the control system, the first metering element according to the first control command, and the second metering element according to the second control command.

In another aspect, a work vehicle is disclosed that includes a commodity container and a metering system with a first metering element and a second metering element. The work vehicle further includes a sensor system and a control system with at least one processor. The control system is configured to perform a calibration routine in which the first metering element and the second metering element independently meter a commodity from the commodity container through the metering system. The control system is further configured to receive a first measurement and a second measurement from the sensor system. The first measurement is related to a first amount of the commodity independently metered through the metering system by the first metering element during the calibration routine, and the second measurement is related to a second amount of the commodity independently metered through the metering system by the second metering element during the calibration routine. The control system is also configured to determine a first calibration factor for operating the first metering element based on the first measurement, and a second calibration factor for operating the second metering element based on the second measurement. Moreover, the control system is configured to generate a first control command for the first metering element according to the first calibration factor, and a second control command for the second metering element according to the second calibration factor. Also, the control system is configured to operate the first metering element according to the first control command and the second metering element according to the second control command.

In an additional aspect, the disclosure provides a method of calibrating a metering system for a work vehicle with a commodity container. The metering system includes a plurality of metering elements. The plurality of metering elements includes a first metering element and a second metering element. The method includes performing, by a control system having at least one processor, at least one calibration routine including metering commodity from the commodity container through the metering system independently with the first metering element and the second metering element. The method also includes receiving, by the control system from a scale, a first weight of a first amount of the commodity independently metered through the metering system by the first metering element during the at least one calibration routine, and a second weight of a second amount of the commodity independently metered through the metering system by the second metering element during the at least one calibration routine. The method further includes determining, by the control system, a first calibration factor for operating the first metering element based on the first weight, and a second calibration factor for operating the second metering element based on the second weight. Also, the method includes storing, in a memory element, the first calibration factor and the second calibration factor. Moreover, the method includes receiving, by the control system, a target application rate and a ground speed signal. The ground speed signal relates to a ground speed condition of the work vehicle. Moreover, the method includes determining, by the control system, a first speed control command for the first metering element according to the target application rate, the ground speed signal, and the first calibration factor. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the control system, a second speed control command for the second metering element according to the target application rate, the ground speed signal, and the second calibration factor. Additionally, the method includes operating, by the control system, the first metering element according to the first speed control command, and the second metering element according to the second speed control command.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes one or more example embodiments of a commodity metering system for a work vehicle (e.g., an air cart, commodity cart, etc.), its control system(s), and the methods for operating the same, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by one of skill in the art.

Furthermore, in detailing the disclosure, terms of direction, such as “forward,” “rear,” “front,” “back,” “lateral,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” may be used. Such terms are defined, at least in part, with respect to the direction in which the work vehicle or implement travels during use. The term “forward” and the abbreviated term “fore” (and any derivatives and variations) refer to a direction corresponding to the direction of travel of the work vehicle, while the term “aft” (and derivatives and variations) refer to an opposing direction. The term “fore-aft axis” may also reference an axis extending in fore and aft directions. By comparison, the term “lateral axis” may refer to an axis that is perpendicular to the fore-aft axis and extends in a horizontal plane; that is, a plane containing both the fore-aft and lateral axes. The term “vertical,” as appearing herein, refers to an axis or a direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane containing the fore-aft and lateral axes.

As used herein, the term “module” refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein for brevity. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be embodied as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, certain embodiments may be implemented entirely as hardware, entirely as software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or as a combination of software and hardware (and other) aspects. Furthermore, certain embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer usable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium (including a storage device associated with a computing device or client electronic device) may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device. In the context of this document, a computer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium may be any tangible medium that may contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Aspects of certain embodiments are described herein may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of any such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Any flowchart and block diagrams in the figures, or similar discussion above, may illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block (or otherwise described herein) may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession (or two operations described in succession) may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks (or operations) may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of any block diagram and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in any block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The following describes one or more example implementations of the disclosed work vehicle for metering and delivering a commodity to the soil, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. The work vehicle may include a metering system with a plurality of metering elements. The metering elements may comprise metering rollers in some embodiments. The metering elements may actuate (e.g., rotate) at variable output speeds. The work vehicle may also include a control system configured to control the metering elements individually and independently.

In some cases, the metering system may be calibrated to ensure that the metering elements are metering out the intended amount of commodity during operation. To calibrate the system, in some embodiments, the control system may independently operate the different metering elements under predetermined conditions (e.g., at a known speed, for a known number of revolutions, for a known amount of time, etc.). The control system may also obtain measurements (e.g., weights) of the commodity metered out by the individual metering elements. This information allows the system to quantify the performance of the individual metering elements. Data from this calibration method can be gathered and stored. This calibration method may be repeated. Then, the control system may determine calibration factors for each of the metering elements according to the measurements. Then, once the metering element has been calibrated, the control system may rely at least partly on the calibration factors for operating the metering elements individually. Accordingly, the metering system may operate with a high degree of accuracy.

Also, the following describes one or more features that facilitate calibration of the metering system. For example, a scale, load cell, or other measuring device may be included. In some embodiments, the scale may be mounted and supported on the work vehicle. A receptacle, such as a bag may be supported on the scale. Then, a user interface may be used to run a calibration program. During the program, the control system may automatically run the metering system through the calibration process. Specifically, the control system may individually operate the metering elements and automatically measure the resultant metered amounts of the commodity. Also, data may be gathered and recorded automatically. The scale may also automatically tare the weight of the receptacle. Thus, calibrating the metering system may be accomplished quickly and conveniently.

FIG. 1illustrates a work vehicle100according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle100may be towed by another vehicle, such as a tractor. In other embodiments, the work vehicle100of the present disclosure may be a self-propelled vehicle. In some embodiments, the work vehicle100may be an air cart or air drill. It will be appreciated that the illustrated work vehicle100is an example embodiment. One or more features of the present disclosure may be included on a different work vehicle, such as a planter, a commodity cart, or other work vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Generally, the work vehicle100may include a chassis110and a plurality of wheels112. The chassis110may be a rigid or somewhat flexible frame that supports the components described in detail below. The wheels112may support the chassis110on terrain and enable movement of the vehicle100across the terrain. As shown, the chassis110may extend between a front end114and a rear end116. The front end114may include a tow bar111for attaching the work vehicle100to a tractor or other towing vehicle. A tool137may be attached to the rear end116. The tool137may include tillers, openers, or other implements for tilling, opening, or otherwise preparing the soil.

An axial direction118is indicated inFIG. 1for reference purposes. It will be appreciated that a fore-aft axis of the work vehicle100(extending between the front end114and rear end116) is parallel to the axial direction118. A lateral direction124is also indicated inFIG. 1, and it will be appreciated that a lateral axis of the work vehicle100(extending between opposite sides of the vehicle100) is parallel to the lateral direction124. Furthermore, a vertical direction126is indicated inFIG. 1for reference purposes.

The work vehicle100may include one or more commodity containers128. The containers128may be supported on the chassis110. The commodity containers128may contain seed, fertilizer, and/or another particulate or granular commodity. There may be any number of containers128. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, there are four commodity containers128, one of which is hidden from view.

Additionally, the work vehicle100may include at least one metering system130. The metering system130may be a volumetric metering system. The metering system130may be disposed generally underneath the commodity container(s)128. The work vehicle100may include individual metering systems130for different commodity containers128in some embodiments. The metering system(s)130may include at least one metering element (e.g., a roller, auger, etc.) for each commodity container128in some embodiments. As such, particles of the commodity within the container128may fall due to gravity toward the metering system130. The metering system130may operate to meter out the commodity from the container128at a controlled rate as the vehicle100moves across the field.

The work vehicle100may also include an airflow system132. The airflow system132may include a plurality of airflow structures133(e.g., lines, tubes, pipes, etc.) through which air flows. The airflow can be generated by a fan or other source. Particles of the commodity (metered out by the metering system130) may fall into the airflow structures133, and the air stream therein may propel the particles to a distribution system136. At least part of the distribution system136may extend to the tool137and may include a plurality of hoses, lines, or other conduits that distribute the commodity to the soil. The tool137may include a ground system138with openers, tillers or other similar implements that prepare the soil for delivery of the seed, fertilizer, or other commodity delivered by the distribution system136.

Moreover, the work vehicle100may include a control system140. The control system140may include and/or communicate with various components of a computerized device, such as a processor200, a data storage device, a user interface, etc. The control system140may be in communication with and may be configured for controlling the metering system130, the airflow system132, and/or other components of the work vehicle100. The control system140may be wholly supported on the work vehicle100, or the control system140may include components that are remote from the vehicle100. The control system140may be in electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or other communication with the metering system130, the airflow system132, etc.

The control system140may also be in communication with one or more sensors of a sensor system182. The sensor system182may be configured to detect one or more conditions associated with operations of the work vehicle100and/or the metering system130. The sensor system182may also provide signals to the processor200of the control system140that correspond to the detected condition. In some embodiments, the sensor system182may be wired to the processor200. In other embodiments, the sensor system182may include one or more components that are wirelessly connected to the processor200.

During operation of the work vehicle100(e.g., when towed by a tractor or other towing vehicle across a field), the control system140may control the metering system130(e.g., by controlled actuation of a motor or other actuator), which allows a controlled quantity of particles to pass into the airflow system132at a predetermined rate. The control system140may also control the fan or other air source for generating a continuous airstream that blows through the airflow system132, receives the particles metered out from the metering system130, and flows through the distribution system136to the soil.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the metering system130, the airflow system132, and the control system140will be discussed in greater detail according to example embodiments. It will be appreciated that certain parts of the work vehicle100are hidden for clarity.

As shown, the metering system130may include a plurality of metering elements189. There may be any number of metering elements189. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2, for example, the plurality of metering elements189may include a first metering element190, a second metering element191, a third metering element192, a fourth metering element193, a fifth metering element194, a sixth metering element195, a seventh metering element196, and an eighth metering element197. The plurality of metering elements189may be supported by a metering support structure199, which may be supported by the chassis110of the vehicle100. The metering elements189may also be substantially aligned along the lateral direction124across the work vehicle100. Also, in some embodiments, two or more of the metering elements189may receive commodity from the same commodity container128. In the embodiment shown, the first through eighth metering elements190-197are configured to meter commodity from the same container128. This configuration may be common to another commodity container128of the work vehicle100.

In some embodiments, the metering elements189may be substantially similar to each other. The first metering element190will be discussed in detail according to example embodiments, and it will be appreciated that the description may apply to the other metering elements189.

The first metering element190may comprise a rotatable metering element (e.g., a metering roller) that provides volumetric metering as it rotates about an axis of rotation151. The axis of rotation151may be directed substantially along the axial direction118of the vehicle100as shown inFIG. 2, or the axis of rotation151may be directed in other directions. The first metering element190may include one or more wheels154that are supported on a shaft152. The wheels154may include a plurality of projections that project radially away from the axis of rotation151. Thus, the first metering element190may be a fluted roller in some embodiments. The metering element190could also be configured as an auger or configured otherwise in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not specifically shown, the first metering element190may be supported for rotation by the metering support structure199by a bearing. During operation, particles of commodity may fall from the container128toward the metering element190. The metering element190may rotate and meter out a controlled amount of the commodity toward the airflow system132.

The metering system130may also include a plurality of actuators180, which are schematically illustrated and indicated with an “A” inFIG. 2. The actuators180may be of any suitable type, such as electric motors in some embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that the actuators may be a hydraulic actuators or other types without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the metering elements189may include a respective actuator180. As such, the metering elements189may be individually and independently actuated relative to the others. More specifically, the metering system130may include a first actuator160configured for actuating (i.e., rotating) the first metering element190. Likewise, a second actuator161may be configured for actuating the second metering element191, a third actuator162may be configured for actuating the third metering element192, a fourth actuator163may be configured for actuating the fourth metering element193, a fifth actuator164may be configured for actuating the fifth metering element194, a sixth actuator165may be configured for actuating the sixth metering element195, a seventh actuator166may be configured for actuating the seventh metering element196, and an eighth actuator167may be configured for actuating the eighth metering element197. As will be discussed, in some situations, the metering elements190-197may operate simultaneously, but at different individual speeds. In other situations, the metering elements190-197may operate one-at-a-time. This capability allows the metering elements190-197to be individually calibrated for more accurate application of the commodity.

FIG. 2also illustrates portions of the airflow system132of the work vehicle100. The airflow system132may include a manifold139. The manifold139may be attached to and supported by the chassis110of the vehicle100. The manifold139may be disposed generally underneath the metering elements190-197as shown inFIG. 2. The manifold139may include a plurality of the airflow structures133(e.g., pipes, tubes, lines, conduits, etc.) mentioned above.

As shown inFIG. 2, the airflow structures133may be arranged in a plurality of pairs, and may define respective flow passages, such as a first pair of passages141, a second pair of passages142, a third pair of passages143, a fourth pair of passages144, a fifth pair of passages145, a sixth pair of passages146, a seventh pair of passages147, and an eighth pair of passages148. The first pair of passages141may be configured to receive commodity metered from the first metering element190. The second through eighth pairs of passages142-148may be configured to receive commodity metered from the second through eighth metering elements191-198, respectively.

As an example, the first pair of passages141may include an upper passage149and a lower passage153. The upper passage149and the lower passage153may extend substantially along the axial direction118so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of rotation151of the metering elements190-197. The upper passage149and the lower passage153may be fluidly connected to the fan or other air source to receive airflow therefrom. The upper passage149and the lower passage153may also include a respective venturi tube, which accelerates the airflow through the passages149,153.

Furthermore, the manifold139may define a path for the commodity to travel from the metering elements189to the upper passages149and the lower passages153. In some embodiments, the airflow system132may have a plurality of selectable configurations. In a first configuration, commodity particles moving from the metering elements189enter the upper passages149instead of the lower passages153. In a second configuration, commodity particles moving from the metering elements189enter both the upper passages149and the lower passages153. Accordingly, particles of the commodity that have been metered out by the metering system130may enter the airstream flowing through the upper passages149and/or the lower passages153. The particles may accelerate through the airflow system132, through the distribution system136, and may be ultimately delivered to the soil.

Additionally, the manifold139may include a first structure168and a second structure169. The first structure168may be fixed to the chassis110and may define and/or support the airflow structures133. The second structure169may be removably attached to the first structure168. For example, the second structure169is shown attached inFIG. 2, and the second structure169is shown removed inFIG. 3. When the second structure169is attached to the first structure168(FIG. 2), the pathway from the metering system130to the airflow structures133may be continuous. However, when the second structure169is removed from the first structure168(FIG. 3), the pathway may be open, allowing commodity to fall from the metering system130without entering the airflow structures133. Instead, the commodity may fall from the metering system130and bypass the airflow structures133. As such, the user may collect and measure the amount of commodity metered from the metering system130. This may be useful, for example, when calibrating the metering system130.

The work vehicle100may also include a receptacle250as shown schematically inFIG. 3. The receptacle250may be used to collect commodity falling from the metering system130when the second structure169of the manifold139is removed. The receptacle250may include a flexible bag252made of a porous or breathable material and may include an open end257. The receptacle250may include one or more handles, hooks, liners, or other feature for removably attaching the bag252to the work vehicle100, below the metering system130. When attached, the open end257of the bag252may be wide enough to collect output from multiple ones (e.g., each) of the metering elements190-197.

With reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor system182will be discussed in greater detail. In some embodiments, the sensor system182may include a plurality of actuator sensors184, such as a first actuator sensor170, a second actuator sensor171, a third actuator sensor172, a fourth actuator sensor173, a fifth actuator sensor174, a sixth actuator sensor175, a seventh actuator sensor176, and an eighth actuator sensor177. The first actuator sensor170may be configured to detect the speed (e.g., an angular speed) of the first actuator160and/or the first metering element190. Similarly, the second actuator sensor171may be configured for detecting the speed of the second actuator161and/or the second metering element191; the third actuator sensor172may be configured for detecting the speed of the third actuator162and/or the third metering element192; the fourth actuator sensor173may be configured for detecting the speed of the fourth actuator163and/or the fourth metering element193; the fifth actuator sensor174may be configured for detecting the speed of the fifth actuator164and/or the fifth metering element194; the sixth actuator sensor175may be configured for detecting the speed of the sixth actuator165and/or the sixth metering element195; the seventh actuator sensor176may be configured for detecting the speed of the seventh actuator166and/or the seventh metering element196; and the eighth actuator sensor177may be configured for detecting the speed of the eighth actuator167and/or the eighth metering element197.

At least one of the actuator sensors184may comprise an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, or other type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The actuator sensors184may also be in communication with the processor200and may send signals to the processor200that correspond to the detected speeds. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control system140may individually and independently control the actuators160-167and may receive associated feedback from the sensors170-177for closed-loop control of the metering elements190-197.

The sensor system182may additionally include at least one ground speed sensor185. The ground speed sensor185may detect the ground speed of the work vehicle100. Thus, the ground speed sensor185may comprise a speedometer in some embodiments. The ground speed sensor185may be in communication with the engine control system of a vehicle (e.g., a tractor) that is towing the work vehicle100to detect the ground speed of the work vehicle100. Also, in some embodiments, the ground speed sensor185may be operatively connected to a wheel axle, a mechanical transmission, or other component for detecting the ground speed of the work vehicle100. During seeding operations, for example, the work vehicle100may be towed across a field at some speed (i.e., a ground speed), which is detected by the ground speed sensor185. The sensor185may provide a corresponding signal to the control system140, and the control system140may, in turn, generate control signals for operating the actuators160-167at controlled speeds. Accordingly, the speeds of the actuators160-167may be controlled based, at least partly, on the ground speed of the vehicle100.

Additionally, the sensor system182may include one or more sensors configured to detect and measure an amount of commodity metered out by the metering system130. For example, the sensor system182may comprise a scale system183. The scale system183may have various configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the scale system183may be electronic and may weigh the commodity metered out by the metering system130. Also, the scale system183may output an electric signal corresponding to the detected weight to the processor200of the control system140. The scale system183may be used for calibrating the metering system130.

In some embodiments, the scale system183may include one or more electronic load cells186that detect a weight load of the receptacle250and any commodity contained therein. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, for example, there is a load cell186included on one lateral side of the vehicle100. The receptacle250may removably attach to the chassis110via the load cell186. It will be appreciated that the load cell186may be attached to the chassis110and that the receptacle250may removeably attach to the load cell186. In other embodiments, the load cell186may be attached to the receptacle250, and the load cell186may removably attach to the chassis110of the vehicle100. The opposite lateral side of the work vehicle100may include one or more brackets255that attach the receptacle250to the chassis110. The bracket255may support the receptacle250, but may not be configured for detecting a weight load. It will be appreciated, however, that there may be any number of load cells186. In some embodiments, the receptacle250may be supported on the vehicle100exclusively by load cells186.

In some embodiments (e.g., in embodiments in which there are one or two load cells186supporting the receptacle250) the processor200may process the signal(s) from the load cell(s)186for calculating the weight of the receptacle250and commodity therein using programmed logic. For example, the processor200may rely on known mathematical equations for detecting receptacle/commodity weight. More specifically, a first lateral distance251is indicated from the load cell186to an area below the first metering element190. A second distance253is also indicated from the load cell186to an area below the second metering element191. It may be assumed that commodity metered from the first metering element190will apply a load to the load cell186with a moment arm approximately equal to the first distance251. Likewise, it may be assumed that commodity metered from the second metering element191will apply a load to the load cell186with a moment arm approximately equal to the second distance253. As such, the load detected by the load cell186may be calculated (e.g., similar to beam load calculations) for each metering element190,191with the processor200accounting for the different distances251,253at which the commodity is located. The loads applied by the remaining metering elements192-197may be substantially similar.

In additional embodiments, there may be two, three, or more load cells186that each operably attaches the receptacle250to the chassis110. In these embodiments, the weights detected by the plural load cells186may be summed to obtain the total weight of the receptacle250and any commodity contained therein.

Thus, the scale system183may be configured for weighing the receptacle250and the commodity collected therein in a quick and convenient manner. In additional embodiments, the scale system183may be remote from the metering system130of the work vehicle100and/or the receptacle250.

The control system140is shown in more detail inFIG. 4according to example embodiments. It will be understood thatFIG. 4is a simplified representation of the control system140for purposes of explanation and ease of description, andFIG. 4is not intended to limit the application or scope of the subject matter in any way. Practical embodiments of the control system140may vary from the illustrated embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the control system140may include numerous other devices and components for providing additional functions and features, as will be appreciated in the art.

The control system140may include the processor200as mentioned above. The processor200may comprise hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to enable communications and/or interaction between the sensor system182, the actuators160-167, a memory element206, and a user interface (U/I)212. The processor200may also perform additional tasks and/or functions described in greater detail below. Depending on the embodiment, the processor200may be implemented or realized with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, processing core, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor200may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a plurality of processing cores, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration. In practice, the processor200includes processing logic that may be configured to carry out the functions, techniques, and processing tasks associated with the operation of the control system140. Furthermore, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in firmware, in a software module executed by the processor200, or in any practical combination thereof.

The processor200may include a metering module202. The metering module202may be configured for calibrating the metering system130. The metering module202may also be configured for determining operating conditions of the metering system130. As shown, the metering module202may be in communication with the sensor system182, the U/I212, and the memory element206.

The U/I212may be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the U/I212may include one or more input devices with which the user may enter user commands. For example, in some embodiments, the U/I212may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-sensitive surface, a stylus, and/or another input device. The U/I212may also include one or more output devices for providing output to the user. In some embodiments, the U/I212may include a display, an audio speaker, a printer, a tactile feedback device, or the like. Accordingly, with the U/I212, the user may input the type of commodity that is loaded within the commodity container128, a target ground speed of the vehicle100, and/or the desired application rate (e.g., measured in pounds of commodity per acre) for the particular commodity. The U/I212may also output a message, alert, or other information to the user regarding operation of the metering system130.

The memory element206may be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, the memory element206can be coupled to the processor200such that the processor200can read information from, and write information to, the memory element206. In the alternative, the memory element206may be integral to the processor200. As an example, the processor200and the memory element206may reside in an ASIC.

In some embodiments, the memory element206may include one or more datasets208stored thereon. In some embodiments, at least one dataset208may be used for determining target operating speeds (indicated as “S1” through “S8”) for the different actuators160-167of the metering system130.

There may be any number of datasets208stored on the memory element206. The datasets208may include stored mathematical functions, calibration curves, look-up tables, mathematical models, or other tools. The datasets208may be created and saved, generated, compiled, etc., from testing data, from user programming of the control system140, or otherwise. As will be discussed, the metering module202of the processor200may rely on at least one of the datasets208to ultimately determine how fast to rotate the individual metering elements190-197during planting, seeding, or related operations. More specifically, the metering module202may determine the angular speed of the metering elements150based on: (a) the desired application rate for the commodity; (b) the ground speed of the vehicle100; and/or (c) a predetermined calibration factor.

As shown, there may be a first dataset209and a second dataset210. The first dataset209may be associated with first operating conditions of the vehicle100(identified as “Condition 1”), and the second dataset210may be associated with second operating conditions of the vehicle100(“Condition 2”). In the first dataset209, the target speed for the first metering element190(“S1”) is shown as a function of a first calibration factor (“Cal A”). Similarly, the target speed for the second metering element191(“S2”) is shown as a function of a second calibration factor (“Cal B”). The datasets209,210may also represent target speeds for the other metering elements192-197as a function of respective calibration factors as well.

The calibration factors may be a respective mathematical expression, model, function, graph, look-up table, function, etc. that expresses how the speeds of the metering elements190-197affect the commodity output by the metering system130. In some embodiments, the calibration factor establishes an approximate mass of commodity that is dispensed per revolution of the metering elements190-197. Since each metering element190-197may have a unique calibration factor, each of the metering elements190-197may be independently controlled and calibrated.

The processor200of the control system140may generate the calibration factors during a calibration method300, as represented inFIGS. 5 and 6according to example embodiments. The calibration method300may be completed quickly and conveniently and may accurately calibrate the individual metering elements190-197.

Before the method300begins, the user may remove the second structure169of (FIG. 2) of the manifold139from the first structure168. Then, the receptacle250may be hung from the work vehicle100, for example, as shown inFIG. 3. Next, the user may initiate the calibration method300.

In some embodiments, the method300may begin at302. Specifically, the user may utilize the U/I212and input a user command to initiate the calibration process. The user may also input the type of commodity (e.g., seed-type, etc.) that will be metered through the metering system130during the calibration method300. Also, the user may input the date, time, weather conditions, or other information.

Then, at304, the processor200may tare the scale system183such that the weight of the receptacle250can be disregarded when weighing commodity therein. Specifically, the scale system183may weigh the empty receptacle250to obtain the receptacle weight. In some embodiments, the scale system183may be zeroed with the receptacle250still attached such that the receptacle weight is disregarded during future weight measurements. In other embodiments of304, the weight of the receptacle250obtained at304may be saved in the memory element206so that the processor may subtract the detected receptacle weight from future weight measurements.

Next, at306, the processor200may run a first calibration routine for one of metering elements190-197. For example, the processor200may run the first calibration routine for the first metering element190. Thus, the processor200may send commands to the first actuator160to rotate the first metering element190under predetermined operating parameters (e.g., at a predetermined speed, for a predetermined amount of time, for a predetermined number of revolutions, etc.). As a result, the first metering element190may meter out a first amount of the commodity into the receptacle250. It is noted that the second through eighth metering elements191-197may remain stationary during this operation so that only the first metering element190meters the commodity to the receptacle250.

Subsequently, at308, the processor200may prompt the scale system183to detect the weight of the commodity metered into the receptacle250during this first calibration routine. The scale system183may send a signal corresponding to the detected weight to the processor200, and the weight data may be saved in the memory element206. The method300may continue at309.

At309, the processor200may generate calibration data for the first metering element190by correlating the weight of the commodity (obtained at308) with the operating parameters (angular speed, number of revolutions, etc.) of this first calibration routine. This calibration data may be saved in the memory element206.

Next, at310, the processor200may determine whether there have been enough calibration routines performed for the first metering element190to ensure accuracy. In some embodiments, the metering module202may be preprogrammed to perform at least three calibration routines. In the present example, there has only been one operation; therefore, the processor200makes a negative determination at310, and the method300loops back to306.

Another calibration routine for the first metering element190may be performed with the first metering element190. Then, at308, the processor200may prompt the scale system183to detect the weight of the commodity metered into the receptacle250during this second routine. In some embodiments, the processor200may subtract the first weight measurement (obtained at the first occurrence of308) and save the difference (i.e., the second measurement) in the memory element206.

Again at309, the processor200may update the calibration data for the first metering element190. The method300may continue at310. Here, there have been only two calibration routines. Therefore, the method300may loop back to306, and another calibration routine may be performed for the first metering element190. Then, at308, the processor200may prompt the scale system183to weigh the amount of commodity metered into the receptacle250during this third calibration routine. In some embodiments, the processor200may subtract the second weight measurement (obtained at the second occurrence of308) and save the difference (i.e., the third measurement) in the memory element206.

Next at309, the metering module202may again update the calibration data for the first metering element190in memory. The method300may continue at310. In this example, there have been three calibration routines performed for the first metering element190. As stated, the processor200may be preprogrammed to perform three calibration routines. Therefore, the processor200may make an affirmative determination at310, and the method300may continue to312. At this point, the calibration factor for the first metering element190has been generated and saved in the memory element206.

At312, the processor200may determine whether there are more metering elements to calibrate. In the current example, the second through eighth metering elements191-197need calibrating; therefore, an affirmative determination is made at312, and the method continues at314. The variable X may be incremented by one, such that the calibration routine may be performed independently for the second metering element191, and the method300may loop back to306.

Back at306, the processor200may run a first calibration routine for the second metering element191. Thus, the processor200may send commands to the second actuator161to rotate the second metering element191under predetermined operating parameters (e.g., at a predetermined speed, for a predetermined amount of time, for a predetermined number of revolutions, etc.). In some embodiments, the commodity metered out by the second metering element191may be added to the receptacle250along with the previously collected commodity as illustrated inFIG. 5. The method300may continue at308such that the scale system183measures the newly-added amount. As above, the processor200may subtract the weight of the commodity previously metered out by the first metering element190to obtain the weight of commodity metered out by the second metering element191. Next, at309, the calibration data for the second metering element191may be saved in the memory element206.

Then, at310, the processor200may determine whether there are more calibration routines to be performed. Similar to the calibration routine for the first metering element190, the metering module202may be preprogrammed to perform at least three calibration routines for the second metering element191to ensure accuracy of the calibration. Thus, in the current example, the processor200may make a negative determination at310, and the method300may loop back to306. A second, third, and more calibration routines may then be performed, and the calibration data for the second metering element191may be generated and compiled to generate the calibration factor for the second metering element191as the method300cycles from306through310and back.

Once the calibration routines have been completed for the second metering element191(affirmative determination at310), the method300may continue at312. In the current example, the control system140may conduct the calibration routines for the third metering element192and generate the third calibration factor as the method300cycles from306through310and back. Calibration factors for the fourth metering element193, the fifth metering element194, the sixth metering element195, the seventh metering element196, and the eighth metering element197may be generated in the same fashion as the method300cycles from306through314.

Eventually, at312, the processor200may determine that calibration factors have been generated for each of the metering elements190-197of the work vehicle100(negative determination at312). Accordingly, the method300may terminate.

In the embodiment of the method300discussed above, multiple calibration routines are performed for the first metering element190, then multiple calibration routines are performed for the second metering element191, and so on in sequence until calibration factors are generated for each metering element190-197. However, this sequence may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the control system140may perform a calibration routine for the first metering element190, then perform a calibration routine for the second metering element191, then perform a calibration routine for the third metering element192, and so on until a single calibration routine has been performed for each of the metering elements190-197. Subsequently, the control system140may perform a second round of individual calibration routines for the metering elements190-197, and then a third round of calibration routines for the metering elements190-197.

The method300may vary in other ways as well. For example, the method300may be repeated for other metering elements189of other commodity containers128of the vehicle. For example, the method300may be repeated four times such that each of the metering elements189of the work vehicle100may be individually calibrated. In some embodiments, the commodity from the metering elements189may collect in the same receptacle250.

In additional embodiments, the control system140may be configured to pause the method300. This may be an automatic operation, or the method300may pause in response to a user command. When the method300is paused, the user may be able to detach the receptacle250, empty the commodity in the receptacle250back into the container128, reattach the receptacle250, and continue the method300. In some embodiments, the control system140may automatically continue the method300in response to a user input. The control system140may continue by taring the receptacle250and then proceeding with the method. The control system140may automatically continue the method300to completion in some embodiments.

The calibration method300ofFIG. 6may be repeated several times for different operating conditions (e.g., for different commodity types, under different weather conditions, etc.). Accordingly, calibration factors may be collected for different operating conditions of the work vehicle100. Also, the calibration method300may be repeated each time the commodity container128is filled with the commodity since the commodity density may vary from load-to-load.

It will be appreciated that the calibration method300provides significant convenience and time savings for the user. Accordingly, the metering system130may be calibrated, for example, when the container128is first filled with a fresh batch of commodity. Then, the work vehicle100can be used for seeding, fertilizing, etc. with the metering system130operating according to the newly-generated calibration factors for that particular batch of commodity. Accordingly, the metering system130may accurately provide the desired application rate for the particular commodity. When new commodity is loaded into the container128, the metering system130may be calibrated again using the method300such that the metering system130may operate according to a fresh calibration factor.

Once the calibration method300has terminated, the user may detach the receptacle250from the work vehicle100and empty the collected commodity back into the commodity container128. Also, the user may reattach the second structure169to the first structure168such that the manifold139is configured as shown inFIG. 2.

The control system140may operate the metering system130according to the calibration factors established using the method300and stored in the memory element206. For example, the control system140may employ the method400of operating the metering system130shown inFIG. 7.

The method400may begin at404, wherein the user may input the target (i.e., desired) application rate for the commodity. The user may decide on the target application rate based on the commodity type, based on the soil conditions, and other factors. The U/I212may be used to provide the inputs at404of the method400. At this point, the work vehicle100may be ready to begin the seeding or planting operation.

Next, at406, the processor200may determine target speeds for the metering elements190-197. Specifically, the metering module202may receive a signal corresponding to the target application rate entered at404. The metering module202may also receive a signal from the ground speed sensor185indicating the current ground speed condition of the vehicle100. (The ground speed may be a set ground speed of the vehicle100or may be a variable ground speed.) Moreover, the metering module202may access the memory element260to obtain the calibration factors for the metering elements190-197. From these inputs, the metering module202may determine the individual target speeds of the metering elements190-197.

Once the target meter speed is established, the method400may continue at408, wherein the metering module202may generate control commands for the actuators160-167of the metering system130. The control commands may be generated and sent to the actuators160-167for simultaneously rotating the metering elements190-197at the individual speeds determined at406. As such, the angular speeds of the metering elements190-197may be individually and independently controlled according to the calibration factors stored in the memory element206.

Then, at410, the current speeds of the metering elements190-197may be detected. For example, the actuator sensors170-177may detect the speeds of the respective metering elements190-197and send corresponding signals to the processor200.

Next at412of the method400, the processor200may determine whether the current speeds of the metering elements190-197(detected at410) are approximately equal to the target speeds determined at406. If any of the metering elements190-197are operating at an erroneous speed (as detected by the sensors170-177), the processor200may make a negative determination at412. Accordingly, the method300may loop back to408, wherein the processor200may generate and send control commands to the actuators160-167for changing the speed of the metering element(s)190-197operating at an erroneous speed.

When, at412, the processor200determines that the current speeds of the metering elements190-197are approximately equal to the speeds determined at408, the method400may continue at416. At416, the control system140may determine whether the seeding/planting operation is complete. In many cases, the operation may continue for a significant time, and the speed of the work vehicle100may vary during the process. In this case, the method400may loop back to406and the metering module202may determine new target meter speeds for the metering elements190-197. The metering module202may rely on the same calibration factors used previously; however, assuming that the ground speed of the vehicle100has changed, the target meter speeds for the metering elements190-197may change. The method400may continue as described above, until the metering operation is complete (i.e.,416answered affirmatively). Then, the method400may terminate.

Accordingly, the metering system130, the calibration method300, and the operation method400may allow the work vehicle100to provide a substantially consistent and accurate application rate for the commodity. Also, the system130and methods300,400may be substantially automated to provide convenience for the user.