Studies on the Precision Seeding (I)

Seed Detector for Planter by Photometry

Abstract

An error in spacing occurs with seeder when a seed or a group of seeds becomes wedged in the seeding mechanism and passes beyond the correct position for ejection during dropping.
In order to control errors in sowing which subsequently appear as either blanks or groups of seeding close together and to sow individual seeds accurately at predetermined place, seed detector using photometry was designed and examined.
1. Seed detector was constructed of 4-channel seed counter and 1 channel trouble detector. Abnormal seed detector was operated to be successful and the accuracy of counting was better than 98% for some conditions of seeds tested.
2. Counting errors were found to be caused by shorter interval between seeds, therefore, the minimum distance between one seed and the next should be as small as the slit width. Seeds bounced between the funnel and the slit, especially, the smaller seeds of any particular sample could result in double counts, the elliptic seeds being missed.
3. Seed detector was found capable of detecting errors in sowing, and this equipment should also prove valuable for development of a precise metering device.