Abstract:
Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter is enabled to alternate between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In recent years, the ability to control crop input applications on a site-specific basis (known as “precision farming”) has increased interest in varying input types throughout a field. In particular, advances in seed genetics and agronomic research have increased the need for solutions enabling the variation of seed types in the field during a planting operation. Prior proposed solutions such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,543,238 require multiple meters at each row unit and are relatively slow to transition between seed types. Other proposed solutions involve shifting between input types fed to the metering units, which results in blending of input types at the metering units and thus blended input regions in the field. Preferred solutions would quickly transition between input types with limited blending between seed types. 
         [0002]    Thus there is a need in the art for systems, methods and apparatus for effectively selecting and varying agricultural input types during an in-field operation. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an embodiment of an agricultural input selection system. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a segregated pneumatic line as viewed along line 2-2 of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of an embodiment of another embodiment of a segregated pneumatic line. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  illustrates the segregated pneumatic line as viewed along line 4-4 of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seed meter having three segregated seed pools and a central seed pool. 
           [0008]      FIG. 6  illustrates an expanded partial view of the seed meter embodiment as viewed along line 6-6 of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 7A  is a partial side elevation view of another embodiment of seed in direct selective seed communication with a segregated pneumatic line. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7B  is a side elevation view of the end of a segregated pneumatic line in seed communication with the seed meter embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of the end of a segregated pneumatic line in seed communication with the seed meter embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter including a pair of shifting seed pools in selective seed communication with a pneumatic line and in selective seed communication with a seed disc. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter including multiple seed pools and a deflector key. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  a top plan view of the deflector key of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter including multiple seed pools and a vacuum cutoff roller key. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the vacuum cutoff roller key of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  schematically illustrates an embodiment of an electrical system for selecting seed varieties. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment of a process for implementing and mapping seed variety selections. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of a process for implementing and mapping seed variety selections. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16A  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed meter including multiple seed pools and a deflector key. 
           [0021]      FIG. 16B  is an enlarged partial side elevation view of a seed side housing of the seed meter of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 17A-17C  are orthographic views of the deflector key of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  illustrates another embodiment of a process for implementing and mapping seed variety selections. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a variety selection system  100 . The variety selection system  100  is preferably mounted to a pneumatic seed delivery planter similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,770, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which planter is preferably drawn through the field by a tractor (not shown). 
       Variety Selection Systems 
       [0025]    The variety selection system  100  preferably includes segregated bulk seed hoppers  110   a ,  110   b,    110   c,  which are preferably supported by a toolbar of the planter or a cart drawn behind the planter. Each bulk seed hopper  110  is preferably in fluid communication with an associated entrainer  115 . Each entrainer  115  is preferably in fluid communication with a blower or other pressure source P and is configured to distribute seeds received pneumatically from the bulk seed hoppers to a plurality of row units  190  via a plurality of pneumatic lines  120 . 
         [0026]    The entrainers  115  and pneumatic lines  120  are preferably configured to evenly distribute seeds between the row units  190 . After the seeds pass through each line  120 , seeds pass through a seed meter  140 , which may comprise a seed meter such as that disclosed in Applicant&#39;s co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/030192, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Each seed meter  140  preferably includes a seed pool  145  (see also  FIG. 5 ) where seeds gather after being delivered to the meter  140 . A seed disc  141  ( FIG. 5 ) captures seeds from near the bottom of the seed pool  145  and deposits the seeds into a seed tube or seed conveyor. After entering the seed tube or conveyor, the seeds then pass by a seed sensor  155  ( FIG. 1 ), which is preferably mounted to a seed tube of the row unit and which may comprise either an optical sensor or an electromagnetic sensor. After passing the seed sensor  155 , the seeds are deposited into a trench opened by the row unit. 
         [0027]    Turning to  FIG. 13 , an electrical system  600  for controlling the variety switch is illustrated schematically. The electrical system  600  preferably includes a monitor  610  having a graphical user interface  612 , a memory  614  and a CPU  616 . The monitor  610  is preferably in electrical communication with the seed sensors  155  of the variety selection system  100 . The monitor  610  is preferably also in electrical communication with a global positioning (“GPS”) receiver  666  preferably mounted to the tractor and one or more speed sensors  668  preferably mounted to the tractor or the planter. The monitor  610  is preferably also in electrical communication with row clutches  670  and seed meter drives  672  configured to individually control each seed meter  140  or a group of seed meters. The monitor  610  is also preferably in electrical communication with an array of downforce sensors  662  (e.g., strain gauges) configured to measure the downforce applied to individual row units of the planter and an array of ride quality sensors  664  (e.g., accelerometers) configured to generate a signal related to the ride quality of individual row units of the planter. 
         [0028]    The monitor  610  is preferably in electrical communication with a seed pool level sensor  630  associated with each seed pool  145  at each row unit  190 . The monitor  610  is preferably in electrical communication with one or more seed pool actuators  650  associated with each seed pool  145  at each row unit  190 . In other embodiments, the monitor  610  is in electrical communication with a valve  640  configured to open or close an associated seed pool actuator  650 . Each valve  640  is preferably in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source (e.g., an air compressor). In some embodiments described herein, the seed pool actuators  650  comprise actuators configured to close and open seed pool doors. In other embodiments, each seed pool actuator  650  comprises a servo motor configured to modify the position of a seed pool gate disposed at the end of a pneumatic line. In other embodiments, each seed pool actuator comprises a servo motor configured to modify the position of a seed pool at each row unit  190 . In other embodiments, each seed pool actuator comprises a solenoid configured to modify a position of a deflector key. 
       Pneumatic Line Apparatus 
       [0029]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a set of three pneumatic lines  120  (e.g., lines  120 - 1   a,    120 - 1   b ,  120 - 1   c ) in fluid communication with each of the three bulk seed hoppers  110   a,    110   b,    110   c  preferably form a single segregated line  130  (e.g., segregated line  130 - 1 ) extending from the entrainers  115  to one of the row units  190  (e.g., row unit  190 - 1 ). 
         [0030]    A first embodiment of the segregated line  130  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , which is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic line  120  as viewed along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . Each pneumatic line  120  preferably comprises a segregated, longitudinally extending inner volume of the segregated line  130 . Each pneumatic line  120  is preferably segregated from the other pneumatic lines by a partition  125 . In the embodiment if  FIG. 2 , the partition  125  forms radially symmetrical lines  120 - 1   a,    120 - 1   b,    120 - 1   c  within the segregated line  130 . Seeds  60  travel through lines  120  in fluid communication with an associated bulk seed hopper  110  (e.g., seeds  60   a  from seed hopper  110   a  are travel through line  120 - 1   a  within the segregated line  130 - 1 ). 
         [0031]    A second embodiment of the segregated line  130  is illustrated in the side view of  FIG. 3  and in  FIG. 4  which is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3  as viewed along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . As with the first embodiment, each pneumatic line  120  preferably comprises a segregated longitudinally extending inner volume of the segregated line  130 . Each pneumatic line  120  is preferably segregated from the other pneumatic lines by a partition  125  (e.g., the pneumatic lines  120 - 1   a,    120 - 1   b  are separated by the partition  125 - 1   ab  and the pneumatic lines  120 - 1   b,    120 - 1   c  are separated by the partition  125 - 1   bc ). Seeds  60  travel through lines  120  in fluid communication with an associated bulk seed hopper  110  (e.g., seeds  60   a  from seed hopper  110   a  are travel through line  120 - 1   a  within the segregated line  130 - 1 ). 
         [0032]    Variety Selection Apparatus 
         [0033]    As described above, the electrical system  600  preferably includes an actuator  650  or set of actuators  650  or actuator valves  640  configured to selectively place one of the pneumatic lines  120  in seed communication with the seed meter  140 . 
         [0034]    Referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 5  and as shown in  FIG. 6 , which schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view as viewed along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , each pneumatic line  120  is in fluid communication with a segregated seed pool  144  (e.g., the pneumatic line  120 - 1   a  is in fluid communication with the segregated seed pool  144 - 1   a ). Each segregated seed pool  144  is separated from a central seed pool  145  by a gate  142 . The set of actuators  650  comprises three actuators  143  configured to raise and lower the associated gates  142 . Each actuator  143  preferably comprises a pneumatic actuator spring-loaded into a refracted position such that each gate  142  is normally open unless the associated actuator  143  is extended. A pneumatic solenoid-operated on-off valve  640  is preferably in fluid communication with each actuator  143 . Each valve  640  is preferably in fluid communication with an air compressor supplying pressurized air to each valve  640 . When one of the actuators (e.g., actuator  143 - 1   b ) is retracted to raise the associated gate (e.g., gate  142 - 1   b ), seeds are allowed to fall from the seed pool disposed behind the gate (e.g., seed pool  144 - 1   b ) into the central seed pool  145 . Seeds from the seed pool  145  are entrained on seed-carrying apertures in a seed disc  141  adjacent to the seed pool  145 . As the seed pool  145  empties, an optical sensor  630  disposed in a lower wall of the seed meter  140  is exposed to light (e.g., a light source inside the seed pool  145 ) such that the optical sensor generates a signal corresponding to an empty seed pool. 
         [0035]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A through 7C  illustrating different views of one of the pneumatic lines  120 , a terminal portion of each pneumatic line  120  is selectively positioned adjacent the seed disc  141  to supply seed directly to the seed disc  141 . A vented cap  132  ( FIGS. 7B-7C ) selectively covers two of the segregated lines such that seeds are retained in the end of the pneumatic lines that are not used to supply seed to the seed disc  141 . The actuator  650  comprises a servo motor  134  configured to rotate the partition  125  relative to the vented cap  132  and the seed disc  141  in order to supply seed from a different one of the segregated lines to the seed disc  141 . For example, as the servo motor  134 - 1  rotates the partition  125 - 1  counterclockwise on the view of  FIGS. 7B and 7C  (or clockwise in the view of  FIG. 7A ), the line  120 - 1   a  rotates behind the vented cap  132 - 1  and the line  120 - 1   b  is exposed to the opening in the vented cap  132 - 1  such that seeds are supplied from the line  120 - 1   b  to the seed disc  141 - 1 . 
         [0036]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the segregated line  130  terminates above a conveyor  149  having two seed pools  145 - r ,  145 - f . A first actuator  650 - 1  preferably comprises a servo motor  134 - 1  configured to rotate a vented cap  132 - 1  relative to the terminal end of the segregated line  130  in order to selectively open one of the pneumatic lines  120  (e.g., in  FIG. 8 , the cap  132 - 1  is positioned to open the pneumatic line  120 - 1   b ). A second actuator  650 - 1  preferably comprises a servo motor  136 - 1  configured to adjust a position of the conveyor  149  in order to modify the position of the seed pools  145 - r ,  145 - f  relative to the seed disc  141 - 1 . In a first position, the seed pool  145 - f  is positioned adjacent to the seed disc  141 - 1  to supply seed to the seed disc. In the first position, seeds supplied from the segregated line  130 - 1  are deposited into the seed pool  145 - r . In a second position, the seed pool  145 - r  is positioned adjacent to the seed disc  141 - 1  to supply seed to the seed disc. 
         [0037]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , three segregated seed pools  144  are in fluid communication with pneumatic lines  120  for receiving seed from the bulk seed hoppers  110  (e.g., seed pool  144 - 1   c  is in fluid communication with pneumatic line  120 - 1   c ). Each seed pool  145  is adjacent to and in seed communication with concentrically arranged seed aperture arrays  170  (e.g., the seed pool  144 - 1   a  is adjacent to and in seed communication with the seed aperture array  170 - 1   c ). An actuator  650  preferably comprises a linear actuator  150  configured to modify a position of a key  152 . The key  152  is preferably configured to selectively deflect two of the three seed aperture arrays  170  such that seeds fall back into the seed pool  145  from which seeds are drawn by the associated aperture arrays  170 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the key  152  preferably includes two deflectors  154 ,  158  each having a width  2 Ws (where Ws is the transverse width of each seed aperture array  170  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ) separated by an opening  156  having a width Ws. It should be appreciated that this configuration of the key  152  allows positioning of the key to selectively deflect seeds from any two of the three seed aperture arrays  170  while allowing seeds on the other seed aperture array to be transferred past the key  152  and deposited by the disc. For example, in  FIG. 9  the deflector  154  deflects seeds from seed aperture arrays  170 - 1   c  and  170 - 1   b  into the seed pools  144 - 1   c  and  144 - 1   b,  respectively, while seeds are carried by seed aperture array  170 - 1   a  through the opening  156  and deposited by the disc  141 . 
         [0038]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , three segregated seed pools  144  are in fluid communication with pneumatic lines  120  for receiving seed from the bulk seed hoppers  110  (e.g., seed pool  144 - 1   c  is in fluid communication with pneumatic line  120 - 1   c ). Each seed pool  145  is adjacent to and in seed communication with concentrically arranged seed aperture arrays  170  (e.g., the seed pool  144 - 1   c  is adjacent to and in seed communication with the seed aperture array  170 - 1   c ). An actuator  650  preferably comprises a linear actuator  160  configured to modify a position of a roller key  162 . The roller key  162  is preferably configured to selectively cut off the vacuum from two of the three seed aperture arrays  170  such that seeds fall back into the seed pool  145  from which seeds are drawn by the associated aperture arrays  170 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the roller key  162  preferably includes two rollers  164 ,  168  each having a width  2 Ws (where Ws is the transverse width of each seed aperture array  170  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 ) separated by an opening  166  having a width Ws. It should be appreciated that this configuration of the roller key  162  allows positioning of the roller key  162  to selectively cut off vacuum at any two of the three seed aperture arrays  170  while allowing seeds in the other seed aperture array to be transferred and deposited by the disc. For example, in  FIG. 11  the roller  164  cuts off vacuum from seed aperture arrays  170 - 1   a  and  170 - 1   b  allowing seeds to fall back into the seed pools  144 - 1   a  and  144 - 1   b,  respectively, while seeds are carried by seed aperture array  170 - 1   c  and deposited by the disc  141 . 
         [0039]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  (where  16 B is an enlarged partial side elevation view of  FIG. 16A ), a seed side housing  135  of the seed meter  140  includes three seed pools  145  laterally separated by brushes  196 . Each brush  196  is preferably disposed to be in contact with the seed disc  141  when the seed side housing  135  is mounted to the seed meter  140 . Each seed pool  145  is preferably in seed communication with an associated pneumatic line  120 . As the seed disc  141  rotates in the direction S past the seeds in the seed pools  145 , seeds are entrained on the seed aperture arrays  170  and drawn upward out of the seed pools  145 . After the seeds exit the seed pools  145 , seeds are drawn past the singulators  195 ; the singulators  195  preferably comprise singulators including multiple co-planar lobes such as those disclosed in Applicant&#39;s co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/030192, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The singulators  195  are preferably supported in a spring-loaded fashion by the seed side housing  135  such that the singulator lobes are preferably axially biased against the surface of the seed disc  141 . Each singulator  195  is preferably radially biased against an annular shoulder (not shown) provided in the seed disc  141  such that the singulators  195  “float” radially with radial displacement of the seed disc  141 . As seeds are drawn past singulators  195 , multiple seeds (e.g., doubles or triples) entrained on the seed apertures are stripped from the surface of the disc and fall back into the seed pool  145 . It should be appreciated that the singulators  195  are preferably disposed above the associated seed pools such that each seed falls into the seed pool from which it originated after being removed by the singulator  195 . 
         [0040]    The seed aperture array  170 - 1   a  is preferably disposed at a radial distance Da from the axial center of the seed disc  141 . The distance Da is preferably approximately six (6) inches. The seed aperture array  170 - 1   b  is preferably disposed at a radial distance Da+Db from the axial center of the seed disc  141 . The distance Db is preferably between 2 (two) and 3 (three) inches. The seed aperture array  170 - 1   c  is preferably disposed at a radial distance Da+Db+Dc from the axial center of the seed disc  141 . The distance Dc is preferably between 2 (two) and 3 (three) inches. 
         [0041]    After passing through the singulators  195 , seeds are then selectively removed from the seed apertures by a key  800 . The key  800  is preferably selectively rotated by a solenoid  150 . It should be appreciated that the solenoid  150  comprises an actuator  650  configured to select an active seed pool  145 . Referring to  FIGS. 17A-17C , the key  800  preferably includes deflectors disposed to selectively deflect seeds from the surface of the seed disc  141 . Deflectors  832 ,  834  are disposed to deflect seeds from the seed aperture arrays  170 - 1   b,    170 - 1   c  respectively when the key  800  is oriented such that the deflectors  832 ,  834  extend toward the seed disc  141 , but the key  800  allows seeds on the seed aperture array  170 - 1   a  to pass the deflector key  800  undeflected when the key is in that position. As the key  800  is rotated, e.g., in 90 degree intervals, the deflectors  812 ,  814  and  822 ,  824  similarly selectively deflect seeds from the surface of the seed disc  141 . The solenoid  150  preferably has first, second and third positions in which the key  800  is rotated by increments of 90 degrees. Each deflector preferably has a width Ws at least as wide as the width Ws of the seed apertures on the disc  141  such that seeds are effectively deflected from the apertures by the deflectors; likewise, a gap between the deflectors also preferably has a width Ws such that seeds are allowed to pass between the deflectors. The solenoid preferably rotates between the first, second and third positions based upon the voltage applied to the solenoid; for example, in some embodiments 1 volt corresponds to the first position, 0 volts corresponds to the second position, and −1 volt corresponds to the third position. 
         [0042]    After seeds are deflected from the seed disc  141  by the key  800 , they preferably fall back into the seed pool  145  from which each seed originated. Thus the key  800  is preferably disposed such that each deflector is positioned vertically above the seed pool  145  corresponding to the seed aperture array  170  drawing seeds from the seed pool to the deflector. 
         [0043]    A vacuum seal (not shown) creates a vacuum on the vacuum side of the seed disc  141  (i.e., the reverse side of the seed side of the seed disc illustrated in  FIG. 16A ) such that seeds are entrained on the seed aperture arrays  170  by the vacuum created on the vacuum side. The vacuum seal preferably creates a vacuum in a region beginning at approximately 7 o′clock (as viewed in  FIG. 16A ) such that seeds are entrained at the seed pools  145 . The vacuum seal preferably terminates along a substantially vertical border  180 . The border  180  is preferably between 0 and 3 inches forward of the center of the seed disc  141 ); in some embodiments the upper end of the border  180  is located between 12 o′clock and 1 o′clock as viewed in  FIG. 16A . Because the vacuum seal terminates adjacent a portion of the seed aperture arrays  170  at which the seeds have a forward horizontal velocity, seeds released from the disc  141  after the vacuum seal terminates travel a forward distance while falling from the disc (e.g., along an arcuate path such as path  182  illustrated in  FIG. 16A ). However, the horizontal velocity of seeds on the seed aperture arrays  170  decreases with the distance of the seed aperture arrays  170  from the center of the disc such that the forward distance traveled by the seeds decrease with the distance of the seed aperture arrays from the disc; e.g., seeds falling from the seed aperture array  170 - 1   c  travel a smaller forward distance than seeds released from the seed aperture array  170 - 1   a.  Additionally, because seeds on the outer seed aperture arrays  170 - 1   b,    170 - 1   c  are released at the same fore-aft position as the inner seed aperture array  170 - 1   a,  the width of a fall zone  186  is smaller than if the border  180  was angled forward or extended radially from the center of the seed disc  141 . The width of the fall zone  186  is preferably smaller than the width of an opening in the upper end of a seed tube  185  disposed to receive seeds falling from the disc. In other embodiments the vacuum seal terminates along a border that is angled rearwardly such that an upper end of the border is rearward of a lower end of the border; in such embodiments the width of the fall zone  186  is even smaller than that illustrated in  FIG. 16A . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, rather than free-falling from the seed disc into the seed tube  185 , seeds fall into the flights of a flighted conveyor belt disposed to capture the seeds from any of the aperture arrays and to deposit the seeds captured from the aperture arrays into the seed tube. The flighted conveyor belt may be similar to that described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/923,426, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In other embodiments, the flighted conveyor belt is configured to deposit seeds directly into the trench. The flighted conveyor belt is preferably driven at a speed directly related to the rotational speed of the seed meter. In some embodiments the flighted conveyor belt is driven by the same motor used to drive the seed disc or driven by a gear driven by rotation of the seed disc. In other embodiments the flighted conveyor belt is driven by a separate motor. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment of the system  100 , each set of pneumatic lines  120  of the system  100  are in communication with an input switching system and variety switch for switching the variety of seed supplied to the seed meter  140 , such as are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/929,665, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
       Variety Selection and Mapping Processes 
       [0046]    A process  700  for selecting and mapping seed varieties is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . It should be appreciated that the process  700  is adapted for metering apparatus having a central seed pool (e.g., the central seed pool  145 - 1  in the seed meter  140  of  FIG. 5 ). At step  705 , the monitor  610  preferably selects a seed pool actuator position (e.g., extends the actuators  143 - 1   a  and  143 - 1   c  and retracts the actuator  143 - 1   b  to allow seeds from seed pool  144 - 1   b  to enter the seed pool  145 - 1 ). At step  710 , the monitor  610  preferably estimates a seed pool count (e.g., by determining whether the signal generated by the seed pool level sensor  630  corresponds to a nearly empty seed pool). For example, if the seed pool level sensor  630  indicates that light is being received by the seed pool level sensor, the monitor  610  preferably assumes a predetermined number of seeds (e.g., 30 seeds) remain in the seed pool  145 . At step  715 , the monitor  610  preferably determines the number of seeds to a variety selection event based on a prescription map stored in the memory of the monitor  610 , e.g., using the processes disclosed in Applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/745315, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. At step  720 , the monitor  610  preferably compares the seed pool count to the number of seeds to a variety selection event. At step  725 , the monitor  610  preferably modifies a seed pool actuator position when the seed pool count equals the number of seeds to a variety selection event. For example, when the number of seeds to a boundary between a portion of the field to be planted with seeds from bulk seed hopper  110   b  and  110   a  is equal to the number of seeds in the seed pool  145 - 1 , the monitor  610  preferably retracts the actuator  143 - 1   a  and extends the actuator  143 - 1   b  in order to allow seeds from the seed pool  144 - 1   a  to enter the seed pool  145 - 1 . At step  730 , the monitor  610  preferably generates and displays an as-planted variety map in which distance traveled by the implement during the actuator position modification is indicated by a “blended zone” in which both seeds from bulk seed hoppers  110   a  and  110   b  may have been planted. 
         [0047]    A process  750  for selecting and mapping seed varieties is illustrated in  15 . It should be appreciated that the process  750  is adapted for metering apparatus having multiple seed pools and no central seed pool, such as the seed meter embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7C . At step  755 , the monitor  610  selects a seed pool actuator position (e.g., moves the seed pool relative to the disc in the embodiment of  FIG. 8  or rotates the servo motor  134  in the embodiments of  FIGS. 7A-7C  in order to place a different pneumatic line  120  in seed communication with the seed disc  141 ). At step  760 , the monitor  610  compares a position of the implement (as reported by the GPS receiver  666 ) to a boundary between two varieties on a variety prescription map stored in the memory of the monitor  610 . At step  765 , the monitor  610  preferably modifies a seed pool actuator position when the implement position crosses a variety boundary on the prescription map. For example, the monitor  610  preferably commands the servo motor  134  to rotate in the embodiments of  FIGS. 7A-7C  in order to place a different pneumatic line  120  in seed communication with the seed disc  141 . At step  770 , the monitor  610  preferably generates and displays an as-planted variety map in which the location of the actuator position modification is indicated by a border between seed types stored in bulk seed hoppers  110   a  and  110   b.    
         [0048]    A process  900  for selecting and mapping seed varieties is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . It should be appreciated that the process  900  is adapted for metering apparatus having a multiple seed pools in seed communication with multiple seed arrays from which seeds are selectively deflected from the seed disc by a deflector key, e.g., the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 11  (and associated embodiments of the keys  152 ,  162 , respectively of  FIGS. 10 and 12 ) or the embodiments of  FIGS. 16A-16B  (and associated embodiment of the key  800  in  FIGS. 17A-17C ). At step  905 , the monitor  610  preferably selects a first position of the deflector key  800 , e.g. by modifying the position of the solenoid  150 . The selected position of the deflector key  800  preferably allows one and only one of the three seed aperture arrays  170  (e.g., seed aperture array  170 - 1   a ) to carry seeds from the associated seed pool  145  for deposition into the seed tube  185  while the deflectors on the deflector key deflect seeds from the other two seed aperture arrays (e.g., seed aperture arrays  170 - 1   b  and  170 - 1   c ). At step  910 , the monitor  610  preferably compares a position of the planter, e.g., as reported by the GPS receiver  666 , to a variety selection boundary on a variety map stored in the memory  614  of the monitor  610 . Once a variety selection boundary has been crossed, at step  920  the monitor  610  preferably selects a second position of the deflector key  800 , e.g. by modifying the position of the solenoid  150  to rotate the deflector key  800  through 90 degree increments about a longitudinal axis of the deflector key. The selected second position of the deflector key  800  preferably allows one and only one of the three seed aperture arrays  170  (e.g., seed aperture array  170 - 1   b ) to carry seeds from the associated seed pool  145  for deposition into the seed tube  185  while the deflectors on the deflector key deflect seeds from the other two seed aperture arrays (e.g., seed aperture arrays  170 - 1   a  and  170 - 1   c ). At step  925 , the monitor  610  preferably commands the seed meter drive  672  to rotate at a new rate R′ in revolutions per minute (rpm) corresponding to the desired application rate, the implement speed, and the number of seed apertures in the activated seed aperture array  170 . For example, where the deflector key  800  is rotated to deactivate a seed pool array  170 - 1   a  having Na seeds and to activate a seed pool array  170 - 1   b  having a Nb seeds, assuming a constant desired application rate (e.g. 30,000 seeds per acre) and constant implement speed as reported by the GPS receiver  666  or the speed sensor  668  (e.g., 5 miles per hour), the monitor  610  preferably modifies the rate of seed meter drive rotation R from R to R′ according to the equation: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 R 
                 ′ 
               
                
               
                 ( 
                 rpm 
                 ) 
               
             
             = 
             
               R 
               × 
               
                 
                   N 
                   b 
                 
                 
                   N 
                   a 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0049]    At step  930 , the monitor  610  preferably generates spatial data reflecting the as-planted seed variety (e.g., by recording a seed type associated with the seed pools from which the meter  140  allows seeds to be planted prior to and after the variety boundary) and displays an as-applied variety map (e.g., by displaying a map having regions reflecting the seed types planted before and after the variety boundary). 
         [0050]    The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. 
         [0051]    Various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principles and features of the system and methods described herein will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.