Application control and monitoring apparatus, systems, and methods
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining corrected population based on a meter drive signal. Systems, methods, and apparatus are additionally provided for determining a stability metric based on a meter drive signal. A method for monitoring a seed application rate of a seed planter includes measuring a rotation of a seed disc of a seed meter, measuring a performance value corresponding to the seed meter, and calculating the population value based on the rotation and the meter performance value.
1. A method for monitoring a seed application rate of a seed planter planting seeds from a seed meter, comprising:
measuring a rotation of a seed disc of the seed meter;
calculating a nominal time between seeds based on the measured rotation of the seed disc;
calculating a nominal population value based on the nominal time between seeds;
generating a signal with a seed sensor, the signal corresponding to deposition of seeds;
calculating a time between seeds deposited by the seed meter based on the signal from the seed sensor; and
calculating a population value based on the nominal population value and the time between seeds.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein calculating a time between seeds comprises calculating an average time between seeds over a period in which the seed meter deposits at least three seeds.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the period is greater than a time required for the seed disc to make a full rotation.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein calculating a population value comprises calculating a population value based on a number of metering errors during the period.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein calculating a population value comprises calculating a population value based on an expected time between seeds deposited and the time between seeds deposited.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said calculating a population value comprises calculating a population value based on a ratio between an expected time between seeds deposited by the seed meter and the time between seeds deposited by the seed meter.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising correcting the nominal population value based on the measured time between seeds deposited by the seed meter.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
spatially mapping the population value to create a population map; and
displaying population map.
9. A method for monitoring a seed application rate of a seed planter planting seeds from a seed meter, comprising:
measuring a rotation of a seed disc of the seed meter;
generating signals with a seed sensor, the signals each corresponding to deposition of a seed;
measuring a time between sequential signals;
determining a meter performance value based on the measured time between sequential signals; and
calculating a population value based on the measured rotation of the seed disc and the meter performance value.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising calculating a nominal population based on the measured rotation.
11. The method of said claim 10 , wherein calculating the population value comprises correcting the nominal population based on the measured time between sequential signals.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
spatially mapping the population value to create a population map; and
displaying the population map.
13. The method of claim 9 , further comprising displaying the population value.