A root dynamic monitoring system suitable for deployment at multiple sites in the field

Abstract

This invention discloses a root system dynamic monitoring system suitable for multi-site deployment in the field, belonging to the field of root system monitoring technology. It includes: at least one root box, at least one imaging module, a power supply module, and at least one wireless data transmission module. The root box is a sealed structure, with at least one side being transparent. Each root box contains one imaging module and one wireless data transmission module. The imaging module's imaging direction is towards the side where the target plant's roots are located. The imaging module is electrically connected to the wireless data transmission module to transmit the collected image data to an external terminal device or server. The power supply module is electrically connected to at least one imaging module and at least one wireless data transmission module to provide power. This invention addresses the technical problems of existing root system monitoring devices, such as high cost, complex structure, insufficient spatial coverage, and high long-term operational risks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of root monitoring technology, and in particular to a root dynamic monitoring system suitable for deployment at multiple sites in the field. Background Technology

[0002] Plant roots are vital organs for plants to absorb water and nutrients, consume photosynthetic products, and interact with soil microorganisms. Their growth and turnover dynamics directly affect plant growth, ecosystem function, and agricultural production. However, because roots are buried in the soil, long-term, continuous, and non-destructive monitoring of root growth and turnover has always been a challenge in botanical, ecological, and agricultural scientific research.

[0003] In recent years, several automated root monitoring devices have emerged, especially fully automated micro-root canal dynamic monitoring systems, used for long-term real-time acquisition of root images and analysis of dynamic changes in the root system. Typical components include transparent micro-root canals, movable imaging modules, mechanical drive mechanisms, power supplies, and data acquisition and control systems. Fully automated micro-root canal dynamic monitoring systems have the following drawbacks: High cost: The overall cost of the equipment is high, and it is difficult to set up multiple monitoring points around a single plant or over a large area; Installation is complex: Micro-root canal implantation, imaging module calibration, and mechanical drive device installation require high technical skills from operators; Limited spatial coverage: A single or small number of microroots can only be observed locally in the root system, making it difficult to reflect the spatial distribution characteristics of the entire plant's root system; High risk of long-term operation: Mechanical moving parts are prone to wear or jamming, increasing the uncertainty of long-term field monitoring. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a root dynamic monitoring system suitable for deployment at multiple sites in the field, in order to solve the technical problems of existing root monitoring devices, such as high cost, complex structure, insufficient spatial coverage, and high long-term operational risks.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: This invention provides a root system dynamic monitoring system suitable for multi-site deployment in the field, comprising: at least one root box, at least one imaging module, a power supply module, and at least one wireless data transmission module. The root box is a sealed structure, with at least one side being transparent. Each root box contains one imaging module and one wireless data transmission module. The imaging module's shooting direction is towards the side where the target plant's root system is located. The imaging module is electrically connected to the wireless data transmission module to transmit the collected image data to an external terminal device or server. The power supply module is electrically connected to at least one imaging module and at least one wireless data transmission module to provide power.

[0006] Furthermore, at least one of the root boxes is arranged in a ring array or multi-point array along the circumference of the target plant to achieve spatial coverage and dynamic monitoring of the entire plant's root system.

[0007] Furthermore, the root box is made of glass, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or transparent plastic sheet.

[0008] Furthermore, the imaging module is an industrial camera or miniature camera with autofocus, or an industrial camera or miniature camera whose focal length can be adjusted via a wireless controller. It employs a CMOS or CCD sensor module. The imaging module includes a fill light to assist in acquiring high-quality images in dark soil environments. The fill light is only activated when taking pictures and is not activated when in standby mode to save energy and reduce interference with the soil environment.

[0009] Furthermore, the power module is a combination of a solar panel, a ground-mounted rechargeable battery and a storage battery, or a combination of a solar panel and a storage battery.

[0010] Furthermore, the wireless data transmission module is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, or a cellular network.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution disclosed in this invention has the following beneficial effects: Compared to existing technologies, this invention features a simple structure, is entirely solid-state, and has no moving parts. It comprises only a root box, an imaging module, a power module, and a wireless data transmission module, significantly simplifying the structure and eliminating complex mechanical drive devices, thus greatly reducing equipment costs and enabling multi-site deployment in field environments. Simultaneously, the sealed design of the root box, combined with transparent materials, provides a stable working environment for the imaging module, ensuring image acquisition quality. By integrating and fixing the imaging module and wireless data transmission module inside the root box, the installation process is simplified, reducing the technical requirements for operators; ordinary researchers can complete system deployment after simple training. The multi-site array deployment method enables root system monitoring from different spatial locations, effectively compensating for the limited spatial coverage of fully automated micro-root canal systems, and more comprehensively reflecting the spatial distribution characteristics and dynamic spatial heterogeneity of the root system. Furthermore, the absence of moving mechanical parts in the system reduces the risk of failure due to component wear or jamming, improving the stability and reliability of long-term field operation and providing strong technical support for long-term dynamic research on plant roots. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a root dynamic monitoring system suitable for deployment at multiple sites in the field, provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Among them, 1-root box; 2-power module. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0015] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0016] This invention provides a root dynamic monitoring system suitable for deployment at multiple sites in the field, which can solve the technical problems of existing fully automatic root monitoring devices, such as high cost, complex structure, insufficient spatial coverage, and high long-term operation risk.

[0017] This invention provides a root dynamic monitoring system suitable for multi-site deployment in the field, comprising: at least one root box 1, at least one imaging module, a power module 2, and at least one wireless data transmission module. The root box 1 is a sealed structure, with at least one side being transparent. Each root box 1 contains an imaging module and a wireless data transmission module. The imaging module's shooting direction is towards the side where the target plant's roots are located. The imaging module is electrically connected to the wireless data transmission module to transmit the collected image data to an external terminal device or server. The power module 2 is electrically connected to at least one imaging module and at least one wireless data transmission module to provide power.

[0018] In the above system: The root box 1 is a sealed structure, buried entirely in the soil below the surface; at least one side is made of transparent material to allow for optical imaging to observe root growth; an imaging module (such as an industrial camera) is fixedly installed inside the root box 1, with the shooting direction facing the side where the target plant's roots are located; there is no mechanical connection between the root box 1 and adjacent root boxes 1, and they can be arranged individually or combined to form an array.

[0019] The imaging module is installed inside the root box 1 and fixed on the side of the root box 1 away from the target plant; it can automatically collect root system images at regular intervals or periodically; it is waterproof and dustproof, and is suitable for long-term field deployment.

[0020] The power module 2 is located above the ground and provides power to all imaging modules and data transmission modules in the root box 1 through underground cables; the power module 2 can meet the power requirements of multiple monitoring units operating simultaneously.

[0021] The wireless data transmission module is directly connected to the imaging module in root box 1, and sends the collected image data to external terminal devices or servers; it supports remote monitoring and data acquisition, and enables unattended long-term monitoring.

[0022] At least one root box 1 is arranged in a ring array or multi-point array along the circumference of the target plant. The number can be determined according to the size of the target plant and the monitoring requirements (e.g., 12 root boxes 1 are evenly distributed). Each root box 1 works independently and works together to form a system to achieve spatial coverage and dynamic monitoring of the entire plant's root system.

[0023] The overall plan is as follows: The root box 1 is buried underground, and the imaging module is fixed on the opposite side of the transparent surface inside the root box 1, with the shooting direction facing the root growth area of ​​the target plant. The power module 2 is located above the ground near the woody plant and supplies power to the imaging module and wireless data transmission module in each root box 1 through underground cables. The imaging module and the wireless data transmission module in the root box 1 are electrically connected, and the data is transmitted to an external terminal wirelessly. Multiple root boxes 1 are arranged in a closed ring around the circumference of the target plant to ensure high-density spatial coverage of the entire plant's root system.

[0024] The system works as follows: Initialization phase: Power module 2 provides power to the system; the imaging module and wireless data transmission module perform self-tests to ensure normal operation.

[0025] Image acquisition stage: The camera inside root box 1 automatically acquires root system images at preset time intervals; the camera is fixed to the opposite side of the transparent surface inside root box 1 to ensure waterproof and dustproof protection; the multi-site array can simultaneously image different areas of the whole plant.

[0026] Data transmission phase: Images acquired by the imaging module are sent to an external terminal or server via a wireless data transmission module; remote real-time monitoring and data storage are supported.

[0027] Long-term monitoring and system collaboration: Due to the simplified structure of root box 1 and the absence of mechanical moving parts, the system can operate stably for a long time; the multi-site collaborative deployment ensures complete spatial coverage of the root system of a single plant, and obtains dynamic growth information of the entire root system; the system as a whole can continuously monitor for several months without human intervention in the field, making it suitable for long-term monitoring.

[0028] Furthermore, the root box 1 is made of glass, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or transparent plastic sheet.

[0029] Furthermore, the imaging module is an industrial camera or miniature camera with autofocus, or an industrial camera or miniature camera whose focal length can be adjusted via a wireless controller. It uses a CMOS or CCD sensor module and includes a fill light to assist in acquiring high-quality images in dark soil environments. The fill light is only activated when taking pictures and is not activated when in standby mode to save power and reduce interference with the soil environment.

[0030] These imaging devices possess high resolution and high sensitivity, enabling them to clearly capture subtle morphological changes in root systems, such as dynamic processes like root growth, branching, and death. Furthermore, they are adaptable to various lighting conditions and can operate stably in complex field environments, ensuring the accuracy and continuity of image data. In addition, the imaging module supports timed image capture, automatically acquiring root images at preset time intervals, providing reliable data support for long-term dynamic monitoring.

[0031] Furthermore, the power module 2 is a combination of a solar panel, a ground-mounted rechargeable battery and a storage battery, or a combination of a solar panel and a storage battery.

[0032] Among them, the solar panels can be flexibly adjusted according to the outdoor sunlight conditions to ensure efficient collection of solar energy and conversion into electrical energy; the combination of rechargeable batteries and storage batteries deployed on the ground can supplement the storage batteries with power through an external power source when there is insufficient sunlight, ensuring the stable operation of the system in harsh environments such as continuous rainy days; the combination of solar panels and storage batteries can realize the coordinated power supply of solar energy and storage batteries, effectively improving energy utilization efficiency and system endurance.

[0033] Furthermore, the wireless data transmission module can be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, or cellular network.

[0034] In summary, the embodiments of this specification employ multiple low-cost, structurally simplified root boxes 1 working together to form a monitoring array surrounding a single plant, achieving spatial coverage and overall dynamic monitoring of the root system. Compared with existing single-point or small-scale high-cost equipment, this can significantly reduce deployment costs and increase spatial coverage density.

[0035] The root box 1 is buried underground, and the imaging module is fixed inside the root box 1. The shooting direction is towards the root growth area of ​​the target plant, which ensures the stability of image acquisition. The equipment is waterproof and dustproof, suitable for long-term field deployment, avoids mechanical moving parts, and improves the reliability of long-term unattended operation.

[0036] Multiple root boxes 1 are powered by a unified power module 2 and transmit the collected image data to an external terminal via a wireless data transmission module, achieving system-level collaborative monitoring and supporting long-term continuous observation in the field. This overcomes the limitations of existing technologies that rely on single-point and localized observation. In other words, the root dynamic monitoring system suitable for multi-site deployment in the field provided in this specification forms a low-cost, high-density, multi-site collaborative, and long-term stable system-level monitoring solution.

[0037] Compared to existing fully automated micro-root canal technology, the embodiments in this specification have the following advantages: 1. The entire root system has strong spatial coverage. The drawback of existing technologies is that single-point or small-scale microroot canal observation can only be performed on local parts of the root system, resulting in insufficient representativeness of spatial information.

[0038] The embodiments in this specification achieve high-density spatial coverage of the root system by arranging multiple root box 1 units around a single plant to form a ring or multi-site array, thereby comprehensively and dynamically acquiring the growth information of the entire plant's root system.

[0039] 2. Stable long-term operation in the field Disadvantages of existing technology: Mechanical moving parts are prone to wear and jamming, resulting in a high risk of long-term unattended monitoring.

[0040] The root box 1 in this embodiment has a fixed internal camera structure with no mechanical movement, and adopts a sealed design to prevent water and dust, thereby improving the long-term stability of the equipment and ensuring continuous monitoring in unattended field conditions.

[0041] 3. Reduce deployment costs and technical barriers Disadvantages of existing technologies: high cost, complex installation, and difficulty in large-scale deployment.

[0042] The embodiments in this manual feature a simplified structure for each root box 1, which is low in manufacturing cost and easy to install and operate. This allows researchers to deploy monitoring units on a large scale around single or multiple plants, achieving high-density, multi-site monitoring without the need for expensive precision instruments.

[0043] 4. System-level data management and real-time monitoring capabilities The drawback of existing technologies is that data acquisition relies on wired or single-point terminals, making it difficult to achieve remote real-time monitoring.

[0044] The embodiments in this specification use power module 2 for power supply and wireless data transmission module for data transmission, supporting remote real-time data acquisition and management, realizing system-level monitoring and long-term data accumulation, and providing high-quality continuous data for ecological, botanical and agricultural research.

[0045] Furthermore, in the embodiments described in this specification, the above system may be arranged in the following manner: Adjustable size and layout of root box 1: The size of root box 1 can be adjusted according to the size of the experimental plant and soil conditions; the number of root boxes 1 and the spacing between them can be flexibly set to cover the main root area of ​​a single plant; the layout can be circular, radial or grid-like to ensure the integrity of spatial coverage.

[0046] Imaging module and data acquisition settings: The camera is fixed on the side of the transparent root box 1 away from the target plant, and dynamic images of the root system are acquired by taking pictures at timed or periodic times; data transmission can be wireless or temporary storage, and remote access and long-term data recording are supported.

[0047] Power supply flexibility: Although it mainly uses solar power, it can also be combined with batteries, ground power, or a hybrid power supply; the power supply module centrally supplies power to multiple monitoring units, reducing maintenance and costs, and improving the feasibility of long-term deployment in the field.

[0048] Scope of application and application scenarios: This invention can be used for root system research and ecological monitoring in ecosystem types such as forests, grasslands, shrublands, and farmlands; it supports long-term, continuous, and systematic monitoring of root dynamics of individual plants or local spaces; it can be used in conjunction with image processing, root length analysis, or ecological models to provide high-resolution root data.

[0049] Advantages of long-term monitoring and maintenance: The root box is sealed, waterproof, and dustproof, ensuring long-term stable operation of the camera; the modular design of the system facilitates the replacement or adjustment of individual monitoring units without affecting the overall deployment; low-cost units can be deployed in batches, allowing researchers to flexibly expand the monitoring range.

[0050] The basic principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in the present invention are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the present invention to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details.

[0051] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this invention are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0052] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device, and method of the present invention, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of the present invention.

[0053] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0054] It should be understood that the qualifying terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth" and "sixth" used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A root dynamic monitoring system suitable for field deployment of multiple sites, characterized in that, The application relates to a root box for monitoring plant roots, comprising: at least one root box, at least one imaging module, a power module and at least one wireless data transmission module, the root box is a sealed structure, at least one side of the root box is a transparent side, each of the root boxes is internally provided with one imaging module and one wireless data transmission module, the imaging module is directed towards the side where the target plant roots are located, the imaging module is electrically connected with the wireless data transmission module to send the collected image data to an external terminal device or a server; the power module is electrically connected with at least one imaging module and at least one wireless data transmission module to provide electric energy.

2. The root dynamics monitoring system suitable for field deployment of multiple sites of claim 1, wherein, At least one root box is arranged in a ring array or a multi-point array around the target plant to realize spatial coverage and dynamic monitoring of the roots of the whole plant.

3. The root dynamics monitoring system suitable for field deployment and multi-site according to claim 1, wherein, The root box is made of glass, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate or transparent plastic plate.

4. The root dynamics monitoring system suitable for field deployment and multi-site according to claim 1, wherein, The imaging module is an industrial camera or a miniature camera with an automatic focusing function, or an industrial camera or a miniature camera capable of adjusting the focal length of the camera through a wireless controller, a CMOS or CCD sensor module is adopted, the imaging module comprises a light supplement lamp to assist in obtaining high-quality images in a dark soil environment, the light supplement lamp is started only when photographing and is not started when on standby, so that electric energy is saved and interference to the soil environment is reduced.

5. The root dynamics monitoring system suitable for field deployment and multi-site according to claim 1, wherein, The power module is a combination of a solar cell panel, a chargeable battery and a storage battery arranged on the ground, or a combination of a solar cell panel and a storage battery.

6. The root dynamics monitoring system suitable for field deployment and multi-site according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless data transmission module is a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa or cellular network.

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