Testing of an opto-electronic sensor for the high-throughput measurement of seed spatial distributions

we present testing results of an intelligent opto-electronic seed sensor system allowing the high throughput measurement of seed spatial distributions. with this aim, we evaluate the correlation between actual and sensor estimated distances between seeds. the tests take into account two important features in farming performance: the planter speed and the sensor-soil distance. while the former one determines the man-hours required, the later one determines the feasibility of sensor mounting and its useful life. results show that precise measurements can be obtained with the proposed sensor at typical planter speeds, even with the sensor on top of the drop tube.