Patent Publication Number: US-2022232754-A1

Title: Camera based flow detection

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to identifying the flow of commodity from a cart to a tool and more specifically to identifying commodity flow performance with one or more camera. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern air seeders utilize airflow through conduit to direct commodity such as fertilizer and seed to a desired location. Typically, the commodity is stored in a tank on a cart and selectively provided to conduits to be further transported to a drill assembly or otherwise ultimately placed in the underlying soil. A meter assembly is often positioned between the tank and the conduit to selectively distribute commodity from the tank into the conduit. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment is a method for identifying a flow of commodity through a commodity distribution system. The method including providing a tank configured to contain a commodity, selectively distributing commodity from the tank to a drill assembly to be distributed to an underlying surface, and monitoring the flow of commodity from the tank to the drill assembly with a camera to identify flow characteristics. 
     In one example of the embodiment, the identified flow characteristics are a commodity type. In another example, the flow characteristics include identifying a blockage in commodity between the tank and the drill assembly. In yet another example, the camera is positioned to identify a roller type of a meter assembly. In a further example the flow characteristics include a roller speed. In yet another example, the camera is positioned to identify the flow of commodity after passing through a meter assembly and before a secondary splitter. In one example, the camera is positioned at a meter assembly to identify the flow of commodity through the meter assembly. 
     In yet another example, the camera is positioned at a secondary splitter. As part of this example, the camera identifies the flow of commodity to a plurality of runs. 
     In another example, the flow characteristics include identifying the commodity flow rate. 
     Another embodiment is an air seeding system that has a tank configured to at least partially contain a commodity, a meter assembly configured to selectively distribute commodity from the tank to one or more run, a drill assembly configured to direct the commodity provided by the one or more run to an underlying surface, a camera positioned along a flow path between the meter assembly and the drill assembly, and a controller in communication with the camera. The controller analyzes data provided by the camera to determine flow characteristics of commodity along at least a portion of the flow path. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the camera is positioned to provide image data at an output of the meter assembly. In part of this example, the camera is positioned to identify a roller type. In another part of this example, the camera is positioned to identify a roller speed. 
     In another example of this embodiment, the camera is positioned between the meter assembly and a secondary splitter to identify the flow of commodity after passing through the meter assembly but before the secondary splitter. In yet another example, the camera is positioned at a tower head and is configured to identify the flow of commodity into a plurality of secondary runs. 
     Yet another embodiment is a method for identifying the flow of commodity through a system. The method includes providing a fluid path between a tank and a drill, positioning a camera to view material moving along the fluid path, communicating image data from the camera to a controller, and analyzing the data with the controller to identify the flow characteristics of commodity moving along the fluid path. 
     One example of this embodiment includes comparing the flow characteristics with a threshold to identify a blockage. In part of this example, the controller provides a warning when a blockage is identified. 
     Another example of this embodiment includes providing the image data to a user interface to be viewed by a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a towed cart and prime mover along with an attached implement; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a meter assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a meter assembly; 
         FIG. 4 a    is a logic flowchart for one embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 4 b    is a logic flowchart for a response for the flowchart of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 c    is a logic chart for one embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 5 a    is a logic flowchart for a calibration process; 
         FIG. 5 b    is a chart identifying a calibration condition; 
         FIG. 5 c    is a chart identifying commodity flow conditions; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevated perspective view of a meter assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevated perspective section view of the meter assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8 a    is a side section view of the meter assembly of  FIG. 6  in a first position; 
         FIG. 8 b    is a side section view of the meter assembly of  FIG. 6  in a second position; 
         FIG. 9  is a logic flowchart for another embodiment of a calibration process; 
         FIG. 10  is a side section view of another embodiment of a meter assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a camera-based detection system; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart for one method implementing the camera-based detection system of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and methods, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates. 
     An air or pneumatic seeder  20  is shown in  FIG. 1  towed by a tractor or prime mover  22 . The seeder  20  includes an air cart  24 , also known as a commodity cart, having one or more tanks for one or more commodities to be applied to the soil, and a drill or implement  26  which applies the commodity to the soil. The drill has a plurality of ground engaging tools  28 . The cart  24  is shown with four tanks  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  mounted on a frame  38 . The frame  38  is supported on a rear axle  40  having wheels/tires  42  at the rear of the frame  38 . Depending on the cart configuration, additional axles may be provided, such as front axle  44  and wheels/tires  46 . The axles and wheels support the cart frame  38  for movement over the ground surface towed by tractor  22 . Any number of tanks can be provided on the air cart. The term “cart” should be broadly construed to include any device towed by a prime mover that is supported on one or more axles, such as a trailer, wagon, cart, implement, etc. 
     The drill  26  includes a frame  48  supported by ground wheels  50  and is connected to the rear of the tractor  22  by a tongue  52 . As shown, the cart  24  is known as a “tow behind” cart meaning that the cart follows the drill. In alternative arrangements, the cart may be a “tow between” cart meaning that the cart is between the tractor  22  and drill  26 . In yet a further possible arrangement, the air cart and drill can be combined onto a common frame. The tanks  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  can be any suitable device for holding a material or commodity such as seed or fertilizer to be distributed to the soil. The tanks could be hoppers, bins, boxes, containers, etc. The term “tank” shall be broadly construed herein. Furthermore, one tank with multiple compartments can also be provided. 
     A pneumatic distribution system  35  includes a fan located behind the front tires  46 , connected to a product delivery conduit structure having multiple product flow passages  54 . The fan directs air through the passages  54 . A product meter assembly  56  is located at the bottom of each tank and delivers product from the tanks at a controlled rate to the passages  54  and the air stream moving through the passages  54 . 
     Each passage  54  carries product in the air stream to a secondary splitter or secondary distribution tower  58  on the drill  26 . The secondary splitter may be any separation in the flow path of a passage  54 . Typically, there will be one tower  58  for each passage  54 . Each tower  58  includes a secondary distributing manifold  60  located at the top of a vertical tube. Each passage  54  may transition to the vertical tube of the tower  58  through a J-shaped tube  66  wherein the passage  54  transitions from a substantially horizontal path of travel to a substantially vertical path of travel before entering the distributing manifold  60 . The distributing manifold  60  divides the flow of product into a number of secondary distribution lines  62 . Each secondary distribution line  62  delivers product to one of a plurality of ground engaging tools  28  which opens a furrow in the soil and deposits the product therein. The number of passages  54  may vary from one to eight, nine, or ten or more, depending on the configuration of the cart and drill. Depending on the cart and drill, there may be two distribution manifolds in the air stream between the meters and the ground engaging tools. Alternatively, in some configurations, the product is metered directly from the tank into secondary distribution lines  62  leading to the ground engaging tools  28  without an intermediate distribution manifold. 
     A firming or closing wheel  64  associated with each tool  28  trails the tool and firms the soil over the product deposited in the soil. Various types of tools  28  may be used including, tines, shanks, disks, etc. The tools  28  are movable between a lowered position engaging the ground and a raised position above the ground. Each tool may be configured to be raised by a separate actuator. Alternatively, multiple tools  28  may be mounted to a common rockshaft for movement together. In yet another alternative, the tools  28  may be fixed to the frame  38  and the frame  38  raised and lowered by linkages on each of the drill wheels  50 . 
     Referring now to the non-exclusive embodiment of  FIG. 2 , a schematic view of a meter assembly  200  is illustrated. The meter assembly  200  may have a reservoir or tank  202  coupled to a meter  204 . The tank  202  may be any of the tanks  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  and be sized to contain commodity therein and direct the commodity to the meter  204 . Commodity may refer to seed, fertilizer, or other nutrients and the like that promote growing a crop. The meter  204  may be representative of the product meter assembly  56 . Further, the meter  204  may selectively distribute commodity from the tank  202  to a first or second passage  206 ,  208 . Passages  206 ,  208  may be representative of passages  54  of  FIG. 1 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the meter  204  may have a run selector, flapper, or the like that is selectively repositionable to distribute commodity from the tank  202  into either one of the first passage  206  or the second passage  208  depending on the position of the flapper. 
     While two passages  206 ,  208  are illustrated herein, this disclosure contemplates embodiments with more than two passages coupled to the meter  204 . Further still, there may be only one passage coupled to the meter  204 . As will be understood in view of this disclosure, the teachings discussed herein are applicable to meters having any number of passages coupled thereto. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the tank  202  may have an agitator  210  positioned in or on the tank  202 . The agitator  210  may be a rotary agitator having extensions that extend radially away from a rotation axis. The agitator  210  may interact with the tank  202  to agitate any commodity therein to ensure the commodity is properly fed into the meter  204 . While a rotary agitator is discussed herein, this disclosure contemplates any known commodity agitator for the agitator  210 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the agitator  210  may be selectively engaged by a controller  212  to agitate any commodity in the tank  202 . 
     The amount or presence of commodity in the tank  202  may be identified through one or more sensor as well. In one non-exclusive example, a tank fill height sensor  214  may be positioned to identify the fill height of any commodity in the tank  202 . The sensor  214  may be an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, or any other sensor that can identify the presence of commodity in the tank  202 . Further, in one embodiment of this disclosure the sensor  214  may be a camera that is configured to identify the type of commodity in the tank  202 . 
     In another non-exclusive example, the tank  202  may have a tank load sensor  216  positioned to identify the weight of the tank  202  along with any commodity positioned therein. The sensor  216  may be a load sensor or the like positioned between the tank  202  and the cart frame  38  or portion thereof to identify the weight of the tank  202  and commodity therein. In this configuration, the sensor  216  may communicate readings to the controller  212  that are indicative of the weight of commodity in the tank  202 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the weight of the tank  202  may be a value stored in a memory unit of the controller  212  or elsewhere. The weight of the tank  202  may be compared to the readings from the sensor  216  to identify when the tank is empty. For example, when the sensor  216  identifies a reading to the controller  212  that is about equal to the weight of the tank  202 , the controller  212  may identify that the tank  202  is substantially empty and does not contain a significant amount of commodity. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the meter  204  may have a roller  218  positioned therein. The roller  218  may selectively distribute commodity from an inlet  220  to an outlet  222 . The roller  218  may rotate about an axis and have a plurality of cavities  604  (see  FIG. 6 ) spaced circumferentially there about. Each of the plurality of cavities  604  may have a radially distal opening that allows commodity to enter and exit each of the plurality of cavities  604  as the roller  218  rotates. Accordingly, commodity positioned at the inlet  220  may fall by gravity into one of the cavities  604  of the roller  218  as it rotates thereby. Next, as that roller cavity  604  rotates about the axis towards the outlet  222 , the commodity may fall out of the cavity  604  as gravity and radial forces move the commodity towards the outlet  222 . Accordingly, the commodity may be distributed in a metered fashion from the inlet  220  to the outlet  222  based on the rotation speed of the roller  218 . 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the rotational speed of the roller  218  may be dictated by the controller  212 . More specifically, the roller  218  may be coupled to a motor or the like. In one non-limiting example the motor is an electrical motor that is controlled by the controller  212  to rotate the roller  218 . However, the motor may be a pneumatic or hydraulic motor as well that is controlled through the controller  212  via a corresponding electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic system. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates implementing the teachings discussed herein to control a roller  218  with the controller  212  utilizing an electrical, electro-hydraulic, or electro-pneumatic system. 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, the outlet  222  may have an outlet sensor  224  positioned to identify a blockage of commodity in the outlet  222 . More specifically, the outlet sensor  224  may be positioned between the roller  218  and the passages  206 ,  208 . The sensor  224  may communicate with the controller  212  to identify when a blockage of commodity is present in the outlet  222 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the readings of the sensor  224  may be used to identify the source of a commodity blockage in the seeder  20 . More specifically, the sensor  224  may identify when commodity is not passing through the meter  204  to allow the controller  212  to respond as discussed herein. 
     In one embodiment of this disclosure, the sensor  224  may be a camera that provides visual feedback to the controller  212  to identify the state of commodity moving from the roller  218  to the corresponding passage  206 ,  208 . The camera sensor  224  may be oriented to view commodity as it exits the roller  218  at the outlet  222 . In one embodiment, the camera sensor  224  is further oriented to at least partially view the roller  218  and provide data to the controller  212  regarding the roller  218  such as identifying the type of roller  218 , the rotation speed of the roller  218 , wear, and any other information that may be visually identifiable. 
     In one embodiment of this disclosure, an inlet sensor  226  may be positioned along the inlet  220  of the meter  218 . The sensor  226  may communicate with the controller  212  to identify when commodity is not present at the inlet  220 . More specifically, when the tank  202  is properly filled with commodity, and that commodity is properly flowing through the inlet  220 , the sensor  226  may communicate to the controller  212  that commodity is present. However, when the tank  202  is empty or when the commodity jams above the inlet  220 , the sensor  226  may communicate to the controller that there is not commodity present at the inlet  220  and therefore the meter  204  is not distributing commodity into the passages  206 ,  208 . In one embodiment of this disclosure, the inlet sensor  226  is also a camera configured to identify the state of the roller  218  and commodity at the inlet  220   
     The controller  212  may also communicate with a user interface  228 . The user interface  228  may provide a location for a user to input data or commands to the controller  212  as well as allow the controller  212  to provide an indicator to the user. In one non-exclusive example of this disclosure, the user interface  228  may be a touch screen device. The touch screen device may have a plurality of user-selectable inputs displayed thereon that allow the user to communicate an input preference to the controller  212 . In another embodiment, the user interface  228  may be buttons and switches among other things positioned on a dash and selectable by a user. In yet another embodiment, the user interface  228  may rely on visual or auditory input from the user to indicate user preference. 
     Similarly, the user interface  228  may provide an indicator to the user regarding actions and observations of the controller  212 . More specifically, the user interface  228  may be a display that shows icons representing the conditions of the seeder  20  identified by the controller  212  via communication with the sensors  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 , agitator  210 , and roller  218 . In one non-limiting example, the user interface  228  may show an icon when the roller  218  is being powered. Further, the user interface  228  may show an icon when the agitator  210  is engaged. Further still, the user interface  228  may show an icon when blockage is identified by the outlet sensor  224  or when no commodity is identified by the inlet sensor  226  among other things. The indication presented by the user interface  228  may also be a light that is illuminated, an auditory signal played to the user, haptic feedback that is felt by the user, or any other type of indication that may be observable by a user. Further, in one non-exclusive example the user interface  228  is a remote device such as a tablet, computer, or smartphone. 
     In one embodiment, the user interface  228  may provide footage of any camera sensors positioned within the meter assembly  200 . More specifically, the user interface may show live views of the outlet  222  when sensor  224  is a camera. Additionally, the user interface may also show live view of the inlet  220  when the sensor  226  is a camera. Further still, the user interface  228  may show a side-by-side view of the inlet  220  and the outlet  222  when both sensors  226 ,  224  are cameras. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of a meter assembly  300  is illustrated. The meter assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  may be similar to the meter assembly  200  of  FIG. 2  with like components identified with like reference numbers. More specifically, the meter assembly  300  may have a tank  202  with sensors  214 ,  216  and an agitator  210  that communicate with a controller  212 . However, a meter  302  of  FIG. 3  may position an inlet sensor  304  and an outlet sensor  306  about the roller  218  rather than at the inlet  220  and outlet  222  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, the meter  302  may be designed to process commodity with the roller  218  along a commodity path  308 . The commodity path may be the typical path of the commodity as the roller  218  rotates to transfer commodity from the tank  202  to the passages  206 ,  208 . More specifically, the flow path  308  may transfer commodity through a processing side  310  of the meter  302  wherein the cavities of the roller  218  are expected to have commodity therein as the roller  218  rotates. Further, the meter  302  may also have an exhausted side  312  wherein the cavities of the roller  218  will typically be void of commodity under proper operating conditions. 
     As discussed herein, the roller  218  may have a plurality of cavities  604  defined there around to transfer commodity from the inlet  220  to the outlet  222 . In this configuration, the cavities  604  on the side of the roller  218  moving from the inlet  220  to the outlet  222  may be at least partially filled with commodity. As the cavities  604  of the roller  218  pass the outlet  222 , any commodity therein is typically dispersed out of the outlet  222 . As the roller  218  continues to rotate past the outlet  222 , the cavities  604  moving from the outlet  222  back to the inlet  220  are typically substantially void of commodity. In this configuration, the sensors  304 ,  306  may communicate with the controller  212  to identify when commodity is properly being transferred through the meter  302 , when commodity is not entering the meter  302 , and when commodity is blocked at the outlet  222  among other things. The sensors  304 ,  306  may be cameras that view the roller  218  through a lens or other clear covering allowing the camera sensors  304 ,  306  to visually identify the presence of commodity in the cavities  604  of the roller  218  along with other characteristics such as roller type and rotation speed among other things. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the controller  212  may monitor the sensors  304 ,  306  along with the roller  218  to ensure that commodity is moving as expected through the meter  302 . More specifically, if the controller  212  identifies the roller  218  should be moving, the controller  212  may check the inlet sensor  304  to identify whether commodity is present in the cavities  604  of the roller  218 . If the inlet sensor  304  identifies to the controller  212  that commodity is not present, the controller  212  may send an indication that commodity is not present and execute additional functions to determine cause. The additional functions may include one or more of check sensors  214 ,  216  to determine whether commodity is in the tank  202 , engage the agitator  210 , and check the roller  218  condition among other things. 
     If commodity is identified by the inlet sensor  304 , the controller  212  may check the outlet sensor  306  to ensure the commodity is properly leaving the outlet  222  and entering one or more of the passages  206 ,  208 . More specifically, if commodity is properly entering at least one of the passages  206 ,  208 , the outlet sensor  306  may indicate to the controller  212  that the cavities  604  of the roller  218  are substantially void of commodity. However, if there is a blockage at the outlet  222  or the like, commodity may remain in the cavities  604  of the roller  218  as it rotates and the outlet sensor  306  may indicate the same to the controller  212 . If a blockage is identified by the controller  212  through the outlet sensor  306 , the controller  212  may send an indication of the condition to the user via the user interface  228  or the like. 
     While controller  212  is used throughout, the teachings of this disclosure may be implemented by any one or more controller of the seeder  20  or tractor  22 . More specifically, the controller  212  can be any controller or combination of controllers capable of communicating with one or more of the sensors  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306 , agitator  210 , and roller  218 . Further, the controller  212  may contain or otherwise have access to a processor for executing commands and a memory unit for storing algorithms, charts, measured values, sensor readings, threshold values, or any other data or the like. Further still, in one example of this embodiment the controller  212  is at least partially located remotely from the seeder  20  and data is communicated wirelessly thereto. Accordingly, while a single controller  212  is illustrated, this disclosure contemplates using any known control device or combination of control devices to implement the logic and teachings discussed herein. 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller  212  may communicate with the sensors  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306 , agitator  210 , and roller  218  through any known form of communication or combination thereof. More specifically, in one embodiment the controller  212  may communicate through wires of a wire harness or the like that electrically couple the sensors  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306 , agitator  210 , and roller  218  to the controller  212 . As one non-exclusive example, communication with the controller  212  may be executed through a Controller Area Network or “CAN bus.” Alternatively, the controller  212  may communicate with the sensors  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306 , agitator  210 , and roller  218  wirelessly via any known wireless protocol. In this embodiment, the controller  212  may send and receive information from the corresponding components without being physically electrically coupled thereto via wires or the like. Regardless the form with which the controller  212  sends and receives information, the controller  212  may communicate with one or more of the sensors  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306  to identify present conditions and instruct responses from one or more of the agitator  210 , roller  218 , and user interface  228  among other things. 
     The sensors  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306  may be any type of sensor able to identify commodity in the corresponding meter  204 ,  302 . In one non-exclusive example, the sensors  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306  may be proximity sensor that can identify the presence of commodity through a portion of the corresponding meter  204 ,  302 . However, this disclosure contemplates utilizing any type of sensor capable of identifying such a condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 a   , one non-exclusive example of a meter flow logic  400  is illustrated. The meter flow logic  400  may be implemented by controller  212  utilizing the configurations discussed herein or by any other controller or combination of controllers of the tractor  22 , seeder  20 , or other device. Initially in box  402 , the controller  212  may consider whether the meter  204  or  302  is activated. In one non-exclusive example, the controller  212  may consider signals sent to the roller  218  to determine whether the meter is activated in box  402 . In other examples, the controller  212  may consider whether a motor powering the roller  218  is powered as part of box  402 . In yet another embodiment, the controller  212  may consider image data received from one or more camera sensor  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306  to identify movement of the roller  218 . In other words, box  402  may generally consider whether the roller  218  of the corresponding meter should be rotating and thereby processing commodity there through. 
     If the meter is not activated in box  402 , the logic may end and continue to monitor the meter to identify when it is activated. However, if the meter is identified as activated in box  402 , the controller  212  may then monitor a first sensor in box  404  to identify whether commodity is going into the meter. In one non-exclusive example, the first sensor may be the inlet sensor  226 . In another example, the inlet sensor may be inlet sensor  304 . Further still, the first sensor of box  404  may be any sensor that is capable of identifying the presence of commodity in the meter. In the embodiment wherein the inlet sensor  226 ,  304  is a camera, box  404  may analyze video produced by the sensor  226 ,  304  to determine whether commodity is provided to the roller  218 . 
     If commodity is not identified in box  404 , the controller  212  may consider whether there is commodity in the corresponding tank in box  406 . For example, the tank may be tank  202  and the controller  212  may utilize one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  or the tank load sensor  216  to determine whether there is commodity in the tank  202  in box  406 . If the tank fill height sensor  214  indicates the tank  202  is empty, the controller may execute box  408 . Further, the controller  212  may identify the tank  202  as empty when the tank load sensor  216  identifies the weight of the tank  202  to correspond to an empty tank. Further, the controller  212  may implement any other sensor or the like to check for the presence of commodity in the tank  202  in box  406 . 
     If the tank  202  is determined empty in box  406 , the controller implements box  408 . In other words, box  408  is implemented when the first sensor of box  404  does not identify commodity in the meter and tank sensors  214 ,  216  don&#39;t identify commodity in the tank  202 . In box  408 , the controller  212  may determine that the first sensor of box  404  did not identify commodity because there was not any commodity present in the tank  202 . In one aspect of box  408 , the controller  212  may utilize the user interface  228  or the like to identify the empty condition. 
     Alternatively, if commodity is identified in the tank in box  406 , the controller  212  may conclude that a jam of commodity is restricting flow into the meter and initiate a response in box  410 . Box  410  may be initiated when the first sensor of box  404  is not identifying commodity in the meter but commodity is identified in the tank in box  406 . In other words, box  410  is initiated when commodity is in the tank  202  but otherwise prevented from entering the meter assembly. 
     The response of box  410  may be providing an indication that the controller  212  identified a jam. In one non-exclusive example, the indication of a jam from box  410  may be implemented with the user interface  228 . For example, the indication may be an icon on a display showing the jam. Further, the indication may be an auditory signal or haptic feedback. 
     In addition to, or instead of, showing an indication, the controller  212  may initiate a response sequence starting with box  412  (see  FIG. 4 b   ) after, or instead of, box  410 . The response sequence may include agitating the commodity in the tank  202  in box  414 . More specifically, the controller  212  may engage the agitator  210  in box  414  to break loose the blocked commodity. In the embodiment where the agitator  210  is a rotating member, box  414  may include altering the rotation speed or pattern of the agitator  210 . Alternatively, the controller  212  may alter the agitator  210  in any way that may break the blockage of commodity to flow into the meter assembly. 
     After or during the agitation step of box  414 , the controller  212  may monitor the first sensor to identify when commodity is provided to the meter in box  416 . More specifically, if the blockage of commodity is broken in box  414 , commodity will enter the meter and the first sensor will identify the presence of commodity in the meter in box  416 . If commodity is identified in box  416 , the controller  212  may identify that the blockage is addressed and re-run the logic  400  from the start  418 . 
     However, if commodity is not identified by the first sensor in box  416 , the controller  212  may identify that the blockage is still present and continue to agitate the commodity in box  414  for a preset amount of time in box  417 . Box  417  may be a preset time threshold wherein the controller  212  continues to agitate the commodity in the tank  202  in an attempt to break loose the blockage. However, if the blockage is not broken loose after the preset time threshold, the controller  212  may identify that the agitation step of box  414  is not affecting the blockage. After the time threshold is met, the controller  212  may execute box  420  and identify the failure to break loose the blockage of commodity. 
     The controller  212  may identify the failure of box  420  utilizing the user interface  228  or any of the methods discussed herein for indicating a condition is present. More specifically, the controller  212  may display that the commodity remains blocked from the meter in box  420 . Further, auditory, visual, or haptic signals may be utilized in box  420  to identify the failure. Further still, the controller  212  may show live images on the user interface  228  of the blocked area when one or more of the sensors  214 ,  226  comprise a camera. 
     Referring back to box  404 , the controller  212  may execute box  422  if commodity is identified by the first sensor in box  404 . In box  422 , the controller  212  may identify whether the roller  218  is moving. More specifically, the controller  422  may identify signals sent to a motor or the like intended to power the roller  218  to identify whether the roller  218  should be moving. In one non-exclusive example, the controller  212  may monitor the power provided to an electric motor that powers the roller  218 . If the power provided thereto is above a threshold, the controller  212  may determine that the roller  218  is not moving and execute a jam procedure of box  424 . In another embodiment wherein at least one of the sensors  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306  is a camera oriented at least partially towards the roller  218 , the controller  212  may analyze visual data to determine whether the roller is moving in box  422 . 
     The jam procedure of box  424  may include reversing the rotation direction of the roller  218  temporarily to clear any jams between the roller  218  and the meter housing. After the roller  218  is temporarily reversed in box  424 , the controller  212  may engage the roller  218  to rotate in the normal operating direction. Then, in box  426 , the controller  212  may again check whether the roller  218  is moving as described for box  422 . If the roller  218  is still not moving in box  426 . The controller  212  may identify the failure in box  428 . More specifically, in box  428  the controller  212  may utilize the user interface  228  or any of the indication methods discussed herein to identify that the roller  218  is not rotating as expected. Further, in the embodiment utilizing a camera as one of the sensors  224 ,  226 ,  304 ,  306  the controller  212  may use the user interface  228  to display an image of the roller  218 . 
     If the roller  218  was identified as moving properly in either box  422  or box  426 , the controller  212  may execute box  430  and monitor a second sensor of the meter. The second sensor of box  430  may be the outlet sensor  224  or the outlet sensor  306 . Further still, the second sensor of box  430  may be any sensor capable of identifying a blockage of commodity at the outlet of a meter. In one aspect of this disclosure, commodity is intended to flow from the roller  218  and into one or more of the corresponding passages  206 ,  208 . Under normal operating conditions, the commodity briefly passes by the second sensor as it enters one of the passages  206 ,  208 . However, when a blockage of commodity occurs at or in the outlet of the meter, the commodity will remain stationary at the second sensor. In one aspect of this disclosure, the second sensor of box  430  is able to communicate to the controller  212  when the commodity is not properly flowing into one or more of the passages  206 ,  208 . 
     If a blockage is not identified by the second sensor in box  430 , the meter assembly is functioning as expected and the controller  212  may return to box  402  to repeatedly execute the logic  400 . However, if a blockage is identified in box  430 , the controller  212  may implement box  431  and check other vehicle systems for a blockage at the tool  28 . More specifically, one or more sensor may be positioned along the distribution tower  58  or along any portion of the tool  28  that can identify a blockage at the tool  28 . At box  431 , the controller  212  checks whether there is a blockage at the tool area which could cause the blockage identified at the meter  204 ,  302 . More specifically, if commodity is not properly leaving the tool  28 , the blockage of commodity could fill the corresponding passages  54  and cause the blockage identified in box  430 . 
     When the controller  212  identifies a blockage at the tool in box  431 , the controller  212  may allow any tool blockage systems to address or warn of the blockage at the tool and return to box  402  to monitor the meter assembly. However, if the controller  212  does not identify a blockage at the tool in box  431 , the controller may identify that the blockage at the meter assembly is not caused by a backup from a blockage at the tool. According, the controller  212  may execute box  432  when there is not commodity blockage at the tool in box  431 . Alternatively, other embodiments of this disclosure may not consider whether there is a blockage at the tool at all and box  431  may be omitted. 
     In box  432 , the controller may utilize the user interface  228  to identify the under meter blockage. More specifically, the controller  212  may utilize a display screen to show an icon illustrating the blockage or providing a textual warning about the blockage at the meter. Further still, any other visual or auditory signal may be expressed via the controller  212  to identify the blockage of box  430 . In yet another example, the controller  212  may utilize haptic feedback to identify the blockage. Further still, in one aspect of box  430  the controller  212  may send an indication of the blockage to a remote device such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or the like. In embodiments utilizing a camera as a sensor, the indication may include a photo or video clip of the blockage. Accordingly, the controller  212  may utilize many different indicators or combination of indicators to identify the blockage in box  430 . 
     After box  432 , the controller  212  may continue to execute the logic  400  discussed herein. Further, the controller  212  may substantially continuously monitor and execute the boxes discussed herein for the logic  400 . In one non-exclusive example, the controller  212  may repeatedly execute the logic boxes at a rate appropriate to timely identify a blockage of commodity when present. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, having two sensors allows the controller  212  to identify whether the meter is both being supplied commodity and passing the commodity to the corresponding passage  206 ,  208  properly. More specifically, the first sensor of box  404  must identify the presence of commodity at the inlet of the meter to ensure the roller is moving commodity there through. Then, the second sensor of box  430  must not identify a blockage of commodity to thereby ensure that commodity is both flowing into the meter and being effectively delivered to the corresponding passage  206 ,  208 . 
     In one embodiment of this disclosure there may not be a box  404  and related at all. In this embodiment, the controller  212  may transition from box  402  directly to box  422 . Further, the controller  212  may primarily monitor the second sensor in box  430  to ensure there is not a blockage of commodity at the outlet of the meter. In one aspect of this embodiment, the controller  212  may rely on one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  and the tank load sensor  216  to identify whether commodity is in the tank  202 . If commodity is in the tank  202 , the controller  212  may assume commodity is present at the inlet of the meter and only monitor the outlet with the second sensor of box  430  to identify a blockage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 c   , a logic chart  440  is illustrated. The logic chart  440  may be stored in the memory unit of the controller  212  and referenced by the controller  212  to implement the logic  400 . More specifically, the potential sensor readings are identified in the first and second columns  442 ,  444  and the roller motor engagement and identified condition are listed in the third and fourth columns  446 ,  448 . A first row  450  may indicate a normal scenario wherein the meter assembly is processing commodity as expected. More specifically, in the first row commodity is identified by the inlet sensor in column  442 . Further, the outlet sensor may indicate a clear condition wherein no blockage of commodity is present in the second column  244 . In this scenario, when the motor is engaged the meter assembly may be assumed to be functioning as intended. 
     A second row  452  may illustrate a tank bridge condition in column  448 . The tank bridge condition may be identified when both the inlet sensor and the outlet sensor do not detect commodity and the roller motor is engaged. In this scenario, the controller  212  may further check one or more of the tank height and load sensors  214 ,  216  to confirm that commodity is present in the tank  202  as discussed herein. If commodity is in the tank but not identified by either the inlet sensor or the outlet sensor, the controller  212  may conclude that there is a tank bridge and respond accordingly. 
     In row  454 , a meter outlet blockage may be the identified condition in column  448 . The meter outlet blockage condition may be identified when both the inlet sensor and the outlet sensor identify the presence of commodity. As discussed herein, under proper operating conditions commodity should flow out of the outlet  222  and into one or more of the passages  206 ,  208 . Accordingly, when the outlet sensor identifies commodity as in row  454  an outlet blockage condition may be present. 
     Lastly, in row  456  an error condition may be identified in column  448 . The error condition may be determined when the inlet sensor is not identifying commodity but the outlet sensor is. Under normal operating conditions, this scenario should not occur and the controller  212  may indicate an error when the sensors indicate the readings of row  456 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 a   , one non-exclusive example of a calibration process  500  is disclosed for the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The calibration process  500  may begin in box  502  automatically if a calibration is needed or via an input from the user interface  228  or the like requesting the calibration process  500 . 
     In one non-exclusive example, the controller  212  may utilize the table  501  of  FIG. 5 b    to determine when to begin the calibration process  500 . The table  501  illustrates the expected response of the sensors  304 ,  306  when commodity is not in the tank  202  (see column  503 ) and the roller  218  is engaged by the motor (see column  505 ). The first row  507  may represent the expected sensor readings when the sensors  304 ,  306  are properly calibrated. More specifically, both sensors  304 ,  306  may be showing a pulsing signal as the empty cavities  604  pass thereby. However, if either of the sensors are solid on or off while the tank  202  is empty and the motor is engaged (see rows  509 ,  511 ,  513 , and  515 ), the controller  212  may identify that the sensors  304 ,  306  are miscalibrated (see column  517 ) and begin the calibration process of box  502 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 a   , once the calibration process  500  begins in box  502  any commodity may be removed from the tank  202  in box  504  if the tank  202  is not already empty. In one aspect of this disclosure, the controller  212  may automatically execute the calibration process  500  when the tank  202  is identified as empty with one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  or the tank load sensor  216 . Regardless, in box  504  any commodity in the tank  202  is either removed or otherwise cutoff from the roller  218 . 
     Once the commodity is removed or isolated from the roller  218 , the controller  212  may operate the roller at a set speed in box  506 . The set speed may be any speed that allows the controller  212  to execute the remaining boxes of the calibration process  500 . Accordingly, many different speeds may be appropriate for the roller  218  in box  506 . In box  508 , the controller  212  may monitor the sensor  304 ,  306  readings. As the controller  212  monitors the sensor readings, the controller  212  may determine whether the sensor  304 ,  306  is identifying any signal to the controller  212  in box  510 . If the sensor  304 ,  306  is not identifying any signals in box  510 , the controller  212  may increase the sensitivity in box  512  of the sensor  304 ,  306  that is not identifying a signal and re-executed box  508  and box  510 . 
     If the controller  212  does identify a signal from the sensors  304 ,  306  in box  510 , the controller  212  may check if the signal is continuous in box  514 . If the signal of the sensor  304 ,  306  is continuous in box  514 , the controller  212  may reduce the sensitivity of the corresponding sensor  304 ,  306  in box  516 . After the sensitivity of the sensor is reduced in box  516 , the controller  212  may re-execute boxes  508 ,  510 , and  514  until the signal of the sensor  304 ,  306  is no longer continuous in box  514 . 
     When the sensitivity of the sensors  304 ,  306  is adjusted as discussed with reference to the previous boxes, the controller  212  may check that the sensor&#39;s  304 ,  306  signal is pulsing in box  518 . More specifically, in one aspect of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the sensors  304 ,  306  may be positioned along the roller  218  to determine whether commodity is in the cavities  604  of the roller  218 . When no commodity is being supplied to the inlet  220  and the roller  218  is rotating, the sensors&#39;  304 ,  306  signal should be pulsing as the cavities  604  of the roller  218  pass thereby. Accordingly, if the controller  212  identifies pulsing signals in box  518  it may determine that the calibration process is complete and execute box  520 . However, if the controller  212  does not identify pulsing signals in box  518 , the controller  212  may return to box  508  and modify the sensors  304 ,  306  accordingly. 
     The controller  212  may implement the calibration process  500  to simultaneously calibrate both sensors  304 ,  306  or may calibrate only one of the sensors  304 ,  306  at a time utilizing the teachings discussed herein. Accordingly, while this disclosure describes both sensor  304 ,  306  at the same time with reference to the calibration process  500 , the calibration process may also be implemented for only one of the sensors  304 ,  306  at a time. 
     Further, the adjusting the sensitivity boxes  512 ,  516  may adjust the sensitivity using any adjustment increment reasonable for the sensor  304 ,  306 . More specifically, the controller  212  may continue to monitor the sensors  304 ,  306  as it incrementally adjusts the sensitivity of the sensor  304 ,  306  until the desired conditions are met (i.e. a signal is identified in box  510  and the signal is not continuous in box  514 ). The incremental adjustment value may be preset and communicated to, or stored in, the controller  212  or it may be a user-selectable option via the user interface  228 . 
       FIG. 5 c    illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a lookup table that may be referenced by the controller  212  as part of the logic implemented with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . More specifically, the lookup table of  FIG. 5 c    may have a first column  519  identifying the reading from the inlet sensor  304 , a second column  521  identifying the reading of the outlet sensor  306 , a third column  523  identifying the status of the motor powering the roller  218 , a fourth column  525  identifying the status of the tank  202 , a fifth column  527  identifying the condition of the meter assembly  300 , and a sixth column  529  showing a response. Further, each row  531 ,  533 ,  535 ,  537 ,  539 ,  541 ,  543  may represent an exemplary scenario that may be present in the meter assembly. In the lookup table of  FIG. 5 c   , it is assumed the sensors  304 ,  306  are properly calibrated as discussed herein. 
     Referring to row  531 , a typical scenario is shown. In row  531 , commodity is passing through the meter assembly  300  and therefore causes the inlet sensor  304  to give a solid reading in column  519 , indicating commodity is passing thereby. Similarly, the outlet sensor  306  is pulsing as the empty cavities of the roller  218  pass thereby in column  521 . The pulsing value of the outlet sensor  306  indicates that commodity is properly leaving the roller  218  and entering one or more of the passages  206 ,  208 . The controller  212  may ensure the motor is engaged to rotate the roller  218  in column  523  and check one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  and tank load sensor  216  to determine the status of the tank  202  in column  525 . In the scenario of row  531 , the condition of column  527  may be normal and the response of column  529  may be a green roller icon on the user interface  228  indicating the meter assembly  300  is functioning as expected. 
     Referring now to row  533  a scenario with a roller  218  rotation error is illustrated. In this scenario, the inlet sensor  304  may show commodity in the roller  218  in column  519 . More specifically, in the scenario of row  522  commodity may remain in the cavities of the roller even if the roller  218  is not rotating. However, in column  521  the outlet roller  218  may be showing an off or otherwise not pulsing condition since the roller  218  is not rotating thereby. The controller  212  may check that the motor is engaged in column  523  and that the tank is not empty in column  525 . In this scenario, the condition of column  527  may be a roller failure since the roller  218  is not rotating as expected. Accordingly, the response of column  529  may be a red roller icon illustrated on the user interface  228  to indicate the condition. 
     Row  535  may illustrate a scenario having a blockage of commodity in or below the outlet  222  of the meter assembly  300 . In this scenario, both the inlet sensor  304  and the outlet sensor  306  may indicate a solid on condition in columns  519  and  521 . In this scenario, commodity remains in the cavities of the roller  218  as it rotates due to the blockage at or below the outlet  222 . Accordingly, both the inlet sensor  304  and the outlet sensor  306  identify commodity in the roller  218  which is indicative of a blockage at or below the outlet  222  as identified in the condition column  527 . In this scenario the response of column  529  may be a red roller icon illustrated on the user interface  228  to indicate the condition. 
     Referring now to row  537 , a scenario having an above-meter commodity bridge is illustrated. More specifically, both the inlet sensor  304  and the outlet sensor  306  may be pulsing in columns  519  and  521 . The pulsing sensor readings indicates that commodity is not present in the roller  218  as it rotates. In this scenario, the controller  212  may ensure that the tank  202  is not empty in column  525  by checking one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  and the tank load sensor  216 . If the tank  202  is not empty but the roller  218  is not processing commodity, the controller  212  identifies the condition of column  527  to be an above-meter bridge or blockage of commodity. That is to say, the controller  212  identifies commodity is present in the tank  202  but not entering the inlet  220 . In this scenario, the response of column  529  may include altering the parameters of the agitator  210  as explained with reference to  FIG. 4 b    for example. Additionally, or instead of altering the parameters of the agitator  210 , the controller  212  may identify the condition on the user interface  228  to allow the user to manually dislodge the bridge. 
     In the scenarios of rows  539  and  541 , the motor powering the roller  218  may be off and therefore the roller  218  may not be rotating. However, in this scenario one of the inlet sensor  304  or outlet sensor  306  may be providing an intermittent reading. This may be indicative of a roller blow-by condition of the roller in column  527 . A roller blow-by condition may occur when flutes of the roller do not extend entirely to the meter housing and a gap is defined between the end of the roller flute and the adjacent roller housing. In this configuration, a roller blow-by may occur when some commodity flows past the roller even when the roller is not rotating. Accordingly, the response of column  529  may be to display an orange icon of a roller on the user interface  228  indicating the roller blow-by condition. 
     The scenario of row  543  may be when the tank  202  is empty. In this scenario, both the inlet sensor  304  and the outlet sensor  306  may be showing a pulsing signal in columns  519  and  521 . The pulsing signal is indicative of the roller  218  rotating without processing any commodity there through. The controller  212  may utilize one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  and the tank load sensor  216  to ensure the tank  202  is empty and that an above-meter bridge of row  537  is not occurring. If the tank  202  is identified as empty, the controller  212  may indicate a tank warning or the like utilizing the user interface  228  as part of the response from column  529 . 
     The responses discussed herein with reference to column  529  are only some examples of potential responses and other responses are also considered. More specifically, while displaying icons on the user interface  228  is discussed herein, other responses may include sending auditory indications such as beeps or the like. Further still, haptic feedback may communicate the condition to the user as part of the response. In yet another embodiment, a simple warning light or the like may illuminate as part of the response. In embodiments where one or more of the sensors are cameras, a photo or video clip may be displayed on the user interface  228  as part of the response. Accordingly, any response that can communicate the condition is considered herein and the specific responses discussed are meant as non-exclusive examples. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of a meter assembly  600  is illustrated separated from the tank  202 , passages  206 ,  208 , and other portions of the seeder  20 . The meter assembly  600  may have an inlet  220 , an outlet  222 , and a roller  218  positioned there between as discussed herein. The cavities  604  of the roller  218  discussed herein may be more apparent with reference to  FIG. 6 . The meter assembly  600  may generally be formed of a meter housing  602 . The meter housing  602  may be a molded material, such as plastic, and formed from two separate sections coupled to one another. The meter housing  602  may provide a passageway for commodity between the inlet  220  and the outlet  222  that is metered by the rotation of the roller  218 . 
     The roller  218  may have a roller shaft  606  that extends through an orifice of the meter housing  602  and is coupled to a roller motor  608 . The roller motor  608  may be an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor that selectively rotates the roller  218 . As discussed herein, the rotation speed and direction of the roller  218  may be determined by the speed and direction with which the roller motor  608  rotates. Further, the controller  212  may selectively control the speed and direction of the roller motor  608 . 
     The meter housing  602  may have a first cavity defined therein to receive an inlet sensor  610  and a second cavity defined therein to receive an outlet sensor  612 . In one embodiment of this disclosure, the inlet sensor  610  may function in substantially the same manner as the inlet sensor  220  of  FIG. 2 . Similarly, the outlet sensor  612  may function in substantially the same manner as the outlet sensor  224  of  FIG. 2 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the first and second cavities are located to position the corresponding sensors  610 ,  612  in close proximity to commodity flowing through the meter assembly  600  without directly exposing the sensors  610 ,  612  to the commodity. In other words, at least a portion of the meter housing  602  may remain between the sensors  610 ,  612  and the commodity as it moves there through. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a partial section view of the meter  600  is illustrated. More specifically, a flapper  702  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The flapper  702  is pivotally coupled to the meter housing  602 , either directly or through a manifold coupled to the meter housing  602 , to pivot about a flapper axis  704  between a first position  800  (see  FIG. 8 a   ) and a second position  801  (see  FIG. 8 b   ). The position of the flapper  702  may be selectively controlled by a flapper arm  706 . More specifically, the flapper arm  706  may be coupled to an actuator or the like to selectively pivot the flapper between the first position  800  and the second position  801 . Further, the controller  612  may selectively alter the actuator of the flapper arm  706  to thereby move the flapper between the first and second positioned  800 ,  801 . 
     While a flapper  702  is illustrated coupled to the meter housing  602  as discussed herein, this disclosure considers positioning the flapper  702  in a manifold coupled to the meter housing as well. In this configuration, the flapper  702  and corresponding components may be positioned in the manifold which can be selectively coupled to the meter housing  602 . Further still, this disclosure also considers utilizing a turret type run selector. The turret style run selector may be a rotary run selector that alters the flow path of commodity as it rotates about a rotation axis. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates utilizing different types of run selectors either coupled directly to the meter housing  602  or to a manifold coupled thereto. 
     A commodity flow path  708  is also illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The commodity flow path  708  may generally represent the intended flow of commodity provided at the inlet  220  when the roller motor  608  is rotating the roller  218  in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in  FIG. 7 . As discussed herein, the roller  218  has a plurality of cavities  604  that receive commodity at the inlet  220  and transfer the commodity to the outlet  222  as the roller  218  rotates. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, wear plates  710  may be positioned between the roller  218  and the meter housing  602  along the radially outer portions of the roller  218 . More specifically, as the roller  218  rotates, commodity positioned in the cavities  604  may experience forces radially away from the rotation axis of the roller  218 . The wear plates  710  may be formed of a material that is less likely to wear due to this contact compared to the material of the meter housing  602 . In one non-exclusive example, the wear plates  710  may be formed of a metallic material while the meter housing  602  is formed of a plastic or the like. However, many different materials for the wear plates  710  and meter housing are also considered herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the meter assembly  600  may define the commodity flow path  708  generally between a first wall  712  and a second wall  714  defined by the meter housing  602 . The first wall  712  may be the portion of the meter housing  602  exposed to commodity on a first side  716  of the meter assembly  600  while the second wall  714  may be the portion of the meter housing  602  exposed to commodity on a second side  718  of the meter assembly  600 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the commodity flow path  708  may be defined such that as commodity exits the cavities  604  of the roller  218 , the commodity is generally directed towards the outlet  222  and the first wall  712 . That is to say, as commodity exits the cavities  604  of the roller  218 , the commodity is generally travelling at least partially away from the second wall  714 . 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the outlet sensor  612  is positioned along the second wall  714  to ensure a surplus commodity is only identified during a clogged condition. More specifically, the outlet sensor  612  may be positioned to have a primary reading direction  720  that is oriented to a portion of the outlet  222  that is not substantially exposed to the commodity flow path  708 . In this configuration, the outlet sensor  612  will not falsely identify a blocked condition under high flow conditions because the commodity flow path  708  is generally directed away from the primary reading direction  720  of the outlet sensor  612 . In other words, the outlet sensor  612  is not positioned in the first wall  712  because the commodity flow path  708  is directed toward the first wall  712  out of the roller  218  and positioning the outlet sensor  612  there along could cause false blockage readings during high commodity flow. However, in other embodiments the outlet sensor  612  is positioned along the first wall  712  instead of the second wall  714 . 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, the outlet sensor  612  may be positioned along a portion of the second wall  714  so the primary reading direction  720  is not covered by one of the wear plates  710 . As discussed herein, the wear plates  710  may be formed of a more wear resistant material compared to the meter housing  602 . Accordingly, by positioning the outlet sensor  612  so the primary reading direction  720  is not through the wear plate  710 , the resolution with which the outlet sensor  612  can identify commodity is increased. Similarly, the inlet sensor  610  may be positioned along a portion of the inlet  220  that is not covered by the wear plate  710 . 
     In another aspect of this disclosure the inlet and outlet sensors  610 ,  612  may be separated from the commodity flow path  708  by meter material  722 . In this orientation, the sensor  610 ,  612  may identify the presence of commodity in the commodity flow path  708  through the meter material  722  to thereby protect the sensors  610 ,  612  from direct contact with the commodity. That is to say, the sensors  610 ,  612  may be substantially protected from damage caused by the commodity because the meter material  722  separates the sensors  610 ,  612  from the commodity. 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, the meter material  722  separating the outlet sensor  612  from the commodity flow path  708  may have an arc-shaped surface  724  facing the commodity flow path  708 . More specifically, the arc-shaped surface  724  may be defined about an arc that is coaxial with the flapper axis  704 . Further still, the arc-shaped surface  724  may be spaced from the flapper axis  704  a distance that is about the same as a flapper length  726 . In this configuration, as the flapper  702  transitions between the first position  800  and the second position  801 , a distal end of the flapper  702  passes along the arc-shaped surface  724 . Further still, in one aspect of this disclosure the distal end of the flapper  702  may pass close enough to the arc-shaped surface  724  to clean at least some residue or debris positioned thereon to thereby reduce obstructions in the primary reading direction  720  to increase clarity of the outlet sensor  612  readings. 
     While the outlet sensor  612  is illustrated and described as positioned adjacent to the arc-shaped surface  724 , other embodiments considered herein position the outlet sensor adjacent to any portion of the meter housing  602  along a flapper sweep cavity  804 . More specifically, the flapper sweep cavity  804  may be defined in the meter housing  602  to allow the flapper  702  to transition between the first position  800  and the second position  802 . In one aspect of this disclosure, a first and second sidewall  614 ,  616  may be located along the sides of the flapper sweep cavity  804 . In this configuration, the outlet sensor  612  may be positioned adjacent to the first or second sidewall  614 ,  616  along the flapper sweep cavity  804  to thereby identify the presence of a blockage of commodity in the outlet  222 . Further, positioning the outlet sensor  612  in a sidewall  614 ,  616  may still allow the flapper  702  to at least partially clean any debris therefrom as the flapper  702  transitions between the first and second position  800 ,  801 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , another aspect of this disclosure includes a calibration process  900  for sensors  610 ,  612 . The calibration process  900  may start with box  902  wherein the calibration process  900  is initiated as part of a routine calibration or because of a user-initiated calibration. The user-initiated calibration may be initiated by a selectable icon, button, switch, or the like on the user interface  228  or elsewhere that indicates the user intends to perform the calibration process  900 . Alternatively, the calibration process  900  may automatically be executed by the controller  212  after a set amount of time between calibrations or automatically at the start of the tractor  22  or seeder  20 . Further still, the calibration process  900  may be executed after a preset threshold of operating hours has passed. Further still, the calibration process  900  may be initiated if the outlet sensor  612  is giving faulty readings, indicating a potential debris buildup may be present. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates initiating the calibration process  900  using many different methods. 
     Once the calibration process is initiated in box  902 , in box  904  the controller  212  may ensure the roller  218  is not powered. The controller  212  may utilize any of the methods discussed herein to identify the state of the roller  218 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the controller  212  may stop powering the roller  218  in box  904  to ensure any commodity in the tank  202  will be positioned along the inlet sensor  610  and not along the outlet sensor  612 . 
     In box  906  the controller  212  may cycle the flapper  702  to wipe the arc-shaped surface  724  of any debris buildup that may be present. More specifically, cycling the flapper  702  in box  906  moves the flapper  702  over the arc-shaped surface  724  of the meter assembly  600  in order to remove any residual material buildup that may affect the outlet sensor  612  reading. 
     In box  908  the controller  212  may also check whether there is commodity in the tank  202 . More specifically, one or more of the tank fill height sensor  214  and the tank load sensor  216  may be monitored in box  908  to ensure at least some commodity is in the tank  202 . If commodity is not in the tank in box  908 , the calibration process  900  may execute box  910  wherein both the inlet sensor  610  and the outlet sensor  612  are calibrated to a no-commodity reading. However, if commodity is in the tank  202  in box  908 , the controller  212  may execute box  912  wherein the inlet sensor  610  is calibrated to a commodity present reading and the outlet sensor  612  is calibrated to a no-commodity reading. 
     The calibration process  900  may also be implemented when a different type of commodity is being processed through the meter. For example, when the commodity is a seed it may have a different density than when the commodity is a fertilizer. Further still, different types of seed and fertilizer may have different sensible properties relative to others. Accordingly, when the type of commodity is altered in the tank  202  the calibration process  900  may be executed to ensure the controller  212  can properly identify the presence of commodity in the meter assembly  600 . Further still, in one aspect of this disclosure the user interface  228  may provide user selectable commodity types to be considered during the calibration process  900 . More specifically, the controller  212  may compare the sensor readings to the expected sensor readings for the type of commodity and identify an error if the sensor reading values are not within an expected range for the commodity. 
     While a calibration process  900  is discussed herein, this disclosure also contemplates utilizing sensors and the like that do not require a calibration process at all. More specifically, in one aspect of this disclosure the sensors  610 ,  612  may be cameras and be able to identify the presence and type of commodity in the meter assembly  600  without requiring a calibration process. Further still, in other embodiments the type of commodity being processed by the meter may be input to the controller  212  via the user interface  228  or the like and the sensors  610 ,  612  may automatically be adjusted to calibrations associated with the particular type of commodity being processed. In this embodiment, the calibrations associated with the particular type of commodity may be predetermined and stored in a memory unit that the controller  212  accesses to implement the selected commodity calibration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a meter assembly  1000  is illustrated. This meter assembly  1000  may be substantially similar to the meter assembly  600  of  FIGS. 6-8   b  except a camera  10002  is illustrated positioned in the meter assembly  1000 . The camera  1002  may communicate with the controller  212  to achieve any of the advantages discussed herein for sensor  224 . More specifically, the camera  1002  may be oriented in the meter assembly  1000  to view the commodity flow path  708 . The camera  1002  may be positioned behind a substantially clear lens  1010  that blocks debris from contacting the camera  1002  and allows the camera  1002  to provide a visual perspective of the commodity and roller characteristics in the meter assembly  1000 . The camera  1002  may communicate with the controller  212  to identify flow characteristics of the commodity along the flow path  708  to identify blockages as discussed herein. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the camera  1002  is oriented to provide a viewing angle  1004  that provides a view of both the flow path  708  and at least a partial view of the roller  218 . Orienting the camera  1002  as illustrated in  FIG. 10  and providing the exemplary viewing angle  1004  may allow the camera  1002  to provide image data to the controller showing both the flow characteristics of the commodity along the flow path  708  and roller characteristics of the roller  218 . The roller characteristics may include the type of roller  218 , any visual wear of the roller  218 , and the rotation speed of the roller  218  among other things. For example, the camera  1002  may be able to identify a specific color of the roller  218  and different colors of rotors may be associated with different configurations of roller  218  (i.e. different cavity size and spacing among other things). 
     In one embodiment of this disclosure, the roller  218  may have a visual indicator  1006  on a divider  1008  of the roller  218 . The visual indicator may be a different colored divider  1008  or a mark on the surface of the divider  1008  that is visible to the camera  1002  as the divider  1008  passes thereby. The controller  212  may view the roller  218  via the camera  1002  and identify when the indicator passes thereby. The controller  212  may then determine the rotation speed of the roller  218  based on the number of times the indicator  1006  passes by the camera  1002 . 
     While a specific orientation of the camera  1002  is illustrated and described herein, other orientations are also considered as part of this disclosure. More specifically, the camera may be positioned in any orientation in the meter assembly  1000  that allows the camera  1002  to view commodity flowing there through. While one embodiment may orient the camera  1002  to at least partially view the roller  218 , other embodiments only orient the camera  1002  to view commodity flow out of the meter assembly  1000 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a schematic representation of a camera-based detection system  1100  is illustrated. The camera based system  1100  may have a cart  24  that has tanks  32 ,  34  therein. The cart  24  may have more or less tanks as discussed herein with reference to  FIG. 1 , however, only two tanks  32 ,  34  are illustrated for the example schematic representation of  FIG. 11 . Each tank may have a meter assembly  1102 ,  1104  that substantially implements the teachings discussed herein. For example, each meter assembly  1102 ,  1104  may have a corresponding camera  1106 ,  1108  positioned along an outlet of the corresponding meter assembly  1102 ,  1104 . Each camera  1106 ,  1108  may be positioned to provide visual feedback to the controller  212  regarding commodity flow from the corresponding meter assembly  1102 ,  1104  to the flow passage  54 . 
     In one embodiment, a camera  1110  may be positioned along the flow passage  54  to identify commodity flow there through. In this configuration, the commodity flowing through the flow passage  54  may be a mixture of a first commodity in tank  32  and a second commodity in tank  34 . The camera  1110  may communicate with the controller  212  to identify flow characteristics of the commodity such as the mixture of commodity, type of commodity, quality of the commodity, flow speed of commodity, coefficient of variation of individual commodities, and flow rate of the commodity among other things. In one aspect of this disclosure, the camera  1110  may provide visual data to the controller  212  that is further processed by the controller  212  to identify the flow characteristics of the commodity in the flow passage  54 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a camera  1112  may be positioned at a secondary splitter  1114 . The secondary splitter  1114  may be a portion of the flow path  1116  that commodity from a single flow passage  54  is divided into two or more runs  1118 . The secondary splitter  1114  and runs  1118  of  FIG. 11  may be substantially the same as the distributing manifold  60  and the secondary distribution lines  62  of  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the secondary splitter  1114  divides the flow of commodity into a number of secondary runs  1118 . Each run  1118  delivers commodity to one of a plurality of ground engaging tools  28  which opens a furrow in the soil and deposits the commodity therein. The number of passages  54  may vary from one to eight, nine, or ten or more, depending on the configuration of the cart  24  and drill  26 . Depending on the cart and drill, there may be two secondary splitters in the air stream between the meters and the ground engaging tools. 
     Positioning the camera  1112  at the secondary splitter  1114  may allow the camera  1112  to provide image data to the controller  212  that can be analyzed to determine which runs  1118  are receiving commodity. More specifically, the camera  1112  may be positioned along a portion of the secondary splitter  1114  that allows the camera  1112  to provide image data at an inlet of each of the runs  1118 . Accordingly, the image data can be analyzed to identify how much commodity and what type of commodity is entering each run  1118 . 
     In one example of this embodiment, image data from the camera  1112  may help to identify a clog in a run  1118 . More specifically, if a run  1118  is clogged commodity may not be entering that particular run  1118  from the secondary splitter  1114 . Since the camera  1112  is positioned to view the inlet of each run  1118 , the image data provided to the controller  212  from the camera  1112  may be analyzed to identify that commodity is not entering the inlet of the clogged run  1118 . 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller  212  may utilize image data provided by one or more of the cameras  1110 ,  1112  to identify the type of commodity mixture entering the runs  1118 . For example, tank  32  may have a first commodity  1120  (i.e. seed) therein and tank  34  may have a second commodity  1122  (i.e. fertilizer) therein. Both the first and second commodity  1120 ,  1122  may be introduced into the flow path  1116  of the passage  54 . Accordingly, a mixture of the first and second commodity  1120 ,  1122  may be in the flow path  1116  of the passage  54  as the commodity passes one or both of the camera  1110  and  1112 . In this configuration, the controller  212  may analyze the image data provided by one or both cameras  1110 ,  1112  to identify the type of commodity flowing thereby. In the example presented herein, the controller  212  may identify that both the first commodity  1120  seed and the second commodity  1122  fertilizer are passing through the flow path  1116  of the passage  54  and being directed towards the corresponding runs  1118 . 
     The quality of the commodity may be analyzed by any of the cameras  1106 ,  1108 ,  1110 ,  1112  discussed herein as well. To identify the quality of the commodity, the controller  212  may analyze the image data provided by the corresponding camera to ensure that the commodity appears as expected. For example, the commodity may be damaged and splintered or frayed and the image data provided by the cameras may allow the controller  212  to identify the damaged commodity. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , one method  1200  of the present disclosure is illustrated. This method  1200  may implement the components of the camera based system  1100  and others discussed herein. In box  1202 , the method  1200  includes providing at least one tank having a commodity therein. As discussed herein with reference to  FIG. 11 , the tank may be tank  32  and the commodity may be the first commodity  1120 . As part of box  1202 , additional tanks and commodities may also be provided as part of this method. More specifically, tank  34  and the second commodity  1122  may also be provided at this point. 
     In box  1204 , the commodity may be selectively distributed from the at least one tank to a drill assembly. This may be done utilizing any of the methods and components discussed herein. From the example of  FIG. 11 , meter assemblies  1102 ,  1104  may be positioned between tanks  32 ,  34  and the drill assembly  26  to selectively distribute commodity into the flow path  1116  to flow to corresponding runs  1118 . 
     In box  1206 , the controller  212  may monitor the image data provided from one or more of the cameras  1106 ,  1108 ,  1110 ,  1112 . Many different camera configurations are considered part of this disclosure. For example, a camera may only be positioned at the outlet of the meter assembly as illustrated by  1002  of  FIGS. 10 and 1106, 1108  of  FIG. 11 . Alternatively, a camera  1110  may be positioned along the passage  54  and be able to provide image data to identify mixtures of commodity flowing there through. In another example, the camera  1112  is positioned at the secondary splitter  1114  and able to identify mixtures of commodity in the passage  54  and verify which runs  1118  are receiving commodity. Any combination of the camera configurations disclosed herein are also considered as part of this disclosure. In one example, a camera may be positioned at each location discussed in this disclosure to provide image data that is analyzed, compared, and verified against image data from other cameras. 
     With the camera at the meter assembly outlet, the controller  212  may be able to identify the performance of each meter assembly having a camera at the outlet. As disclosed herein, this image data may be sufficient to allow the controller  212  to determine roller characteristics such as roller type and roller speed among others, and commodity characteristics as the commodity leaves the roller. Commodity characteristics may include flow consistency, commodity type, commodity quality, blockage, and any other characteristic that may be identifiable via image data at the meter outlet. A camera at the meter assembly may provide image data of the commodity before it enters the passage  54 . In this scenario, image data of the commodity is generated before any mixing of commodity has occurred. 
     In the example of camera  1110 , image data can be produced from the passage  54  to show mixtures of commodity flowing there through. In this configuration, when two or more tanks are both providing a different type of commodity into the passage, the camera  1110  is positioned to identify the mixture in the passage  54 . In one non-exclusive example, this camera  1110  may be positioned along the passage at a location just before the passage  54  enters the secondary splitter  1114 . As one non-exclusive example, the camera  1110  may be positioned right before the J-shaped tube  66 . 
     In the example of the camera  1112  at the secondary splitter  1114 , the camera is positioned to monitor the commodity flowing through the passage  54  and into the runs  1118 . 
     In box  1208 , the image data from any one or more of the cameras discussed herein may be processed by the controller  212  to identify the flow characteristics of the commodity. The flow characteristics may include any one or more of the commodity type, mixture ratio, quality, and flow rate among other things. Once the flow characteristics are identified, the controller may analyze the flow characteristics to determine machine performance in box  1210 . For example, the cameras  1002 ,  1106 ,  1108  may be analyzed to identify a blockage at the meter assembly outlet, the type of commodity being distributed through each meter assembly, the quality of the commodity flowing there through, the roller rotation speed, roller wear, and any other characteristic identifiable through image data orientated as described herein. 
     The flow characteristics of the camera  1110  may also be analyzed in box  1210 . The image data from camera  1110  may be analyzed by the controller  212  to identify flow characteristics such as a blockage in the passage  54 , the types of commodity being distributed through the passage, the mixture ratio of the commodity flowing through the passage, the quality of the commodity flowing there through, and any other characteristic identifiable through image data orientated as described herein. 
     The flow characteristics of the camera  1112  may also be analyzed in box  1210 . The image data from camera  1112  may be analyzed by the controller  212  to identify flow characteristics such as a blockage in the passage  54 , the types of commodity being distributed through the secondary splitter  1114  and into the runs  1118 , the mixture ratio of the commodity flowing through the secondary splitter  1114  into the runs  1118 , the quality of the commodity flowing there through, which runs  1118  are receiving commodity and which runs  1118  may be clogged, and any other characteristic identifiable through image data orientated as described herein. 
     Lastly, in box  1212  feedback may be presented via the user interface  228  or other means presenting the results of the analyzed flow characteristics. In one non-exclusive example, the results of the analyzed flow characteristics may be displayed on the user interface  228  to indicate if a blockage was identified, the quality of the commodity, the commodity mixture, whether a run is blocked, and meter roller performance among other things. The user interface  228  may have icons that correspond with the analyzed flow characteristics to show the user how the machine is performing. Further still, the user interface  228  may show the image data to the user of any abnormal conditions. For example, of a blockage is identified in a camera of a meter housing, the image data from that camera may be displayed on the user interface. 
     The analyzed image data may also be incorporated into meter flow logic  400  discussed herein. More specifically, image data from a meter camera such as  1002 ,  1106 ,  1108  may be utilized to execute at least boxes  422 ,  426 ,  430 . At least data for columns  444  and  446  may be provided by analyzing image data from cameras  1002 ,  1106 ,  1108  as discussed herein. Further, the image data from camera  1112  at the secondary splitter  1114  can be analyzed to identify blockages at the tool for box  431  and an under meter blockage  432 . Similarly, a commodity buildup identified in camera  1110  at the passage  54  would be indicative of a blockage at tool  431  and an under meter blockage  432 . Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates using the analyzed image data from any of the cameras discussed herein to aid in implementing the logic systems of this disclosure. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, any of the cameras discussed herein may implement a global shutter capable of providing precise image data to the controller  212  to be analyzed. However, any known camera system able to provide adequate image data to be analyzed by the controller  212  is considered as well. 
     While an air seeder is specifically referred to herein, this disclosure contemplates using the disclosed camera and logic for any system that disperses commodity through a passage. Accordingly, this disclosure also considers utilizing the camera sensors and logic discussed herein for fertilizer application and the like. 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that illustrative embodiment(s) have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.