Hyperspectral imaging analysis system for RhizoTronn root phenotype

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hyper-spectral imaging analysis system for a RhizoTronn root phenotype, which relates to the technical field of plant phenotype and spectral imaging and comprises an X-axis, an imaging unit and an imaging light source are arranged on the X-axis, and the X-axis is equipped with a plant culture module. The technical problem that an existing plant root system phenotype imaging observation device cannot conduct in-situ imaging analysis on the side face of an overground plant and an underground root system at the same time is solved. The function of performing in-situ reflected light hyperspectral and UV-MCF biological fluorescence hyperspectral imaging analysis on the overground plant side surface and the underground root system of the plant at the same time through one set of imaging unit is realized; a root phenotype analysis method is expanded to comprehensive analysis of physicochemical properties, biochemical components and physiological states of plants and root samples from two hyperspectral dimensions of reflected light and fluorescence, synchronous imaging and coupling analysis of canopy phenotypes and root phenotypes are realized, phenotype analysis cost is reduced, phenotype imaging analysis efficiency is improved, and the method is suitable for popularization and application. And the space is also saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant phenotyping and spectral imaging technology, and in particular to the RhizoTron® root phenotyping hyperspectral imaging analysis system. Background Technology

[0002] In plant science research, the physiological state of plants often involves multiple aspects, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolic pathways. The root system is a crucial indicator for assessing plant health, nutrient absorption capacity, and stress resistance. Traditional root phenotypic analysis methods, such as digging, washing, and direct observation, are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to damaging the plant, failing to provide real-time, non-destructive, and accurate data. Furthermore, traditional assessment methods often fail to comprehensively and accurately reflect the physiological state of plants. In recent years, non-destructive imaging methods have become increasingly popular in plant science. High-throughput applications, traditionally limited to RGB imaging, are expanding to wider spectral ranges, enabling chemical imaging of rhizosphere components and providing new avenues for studying underground root systems.

[0003] To address the shortcomings of traditional root research methods and facilitate root imaging, a series of products have emerged on the market, such as artificial culture media (agar, germination paper, hydroponics, etc.) for cultivating plant seedlings, micro-root window in-situ root observation systems, and root phenotypic observation systems. However, many shortcomings still exist. For example, the growth conditions of plants in artificial culture media are questionable; the window surface and observation depth of micro-root window systems are limited, and a large number of fine roots may grow around the glass tube during root growth, affecting the accuracy of observation; root phenotypic observation systems mainly use RGB imaging, which requires sufficient contrast between the root and the soil for automatic segmentation. Currently, hyperspectral imaging technology mainly focuses on aboveground parts, with few systems available for root phenotypic analysis. Although some studies have attempted to apply hyperspectral imaging technology to plant root phenotypic analysis, these systems often suffer from the following problems: First, limited spectral coverage; second, complex system structure and cumbersome operation, hindering widespread adoption; third, in-situ imaging analysis of both aboveground plants and underground roots cannot be performed simultaneously; and fourth, hyperspectral imaging often refers to reflected light hyperspectral imaging, which can only analyze physicochemical properties, biochemical components, and physiological states (such as crop photosynthetic efficiency, pest and disease stress, and resistance), lacking long-wavelength UV-excited fluorescence imaging, and unable to obtain fluorescence spectral imaging in the blue, green, red, and far-infrared bands. Therefore, it cannot be used to sensitively and specifically assess plant physiological states, including stress states such as drought, pests and diseases, environmental pollution, and nitrogen stress. To date, there are no hyperspectral imaging products on the market that can analyze the biofluorescence of plant roots in a hyperspectral dimension, and there is a lack of products that can comprehensively analyze root phenotypes from hyperspectral reflected light to UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging.

[0004] Based on this, a root phenotypic observation system that integrates reflected light hyperspectral and UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging is crucial for comprehensive plant root phenotypic research. This system can meet the requirements of normal plant growth conditions, maintain the same angle during plant culture and sample collection, overcome the difficulty of separating roots from soil, have high observation accuracy, wide spectral coverage, and simple operation. It can also perform in-situ imaging analysis of the above-ground plant side and underground root system, and comprehensively analyze the physicochemical properties, biochemical components, and physiological state of plants. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides the RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system, which solves the technical problems of existing plant root phenotypic imaging observation equipment, such as limited observation range and accuracy, limited spectral coverage, inability to simultaneously perform in-situ imaging analysis of the above-ground plant and underground root sides, and inability to simultaneously take into account both reflected light hyperspectral imaging and UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging for root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system includes a sealed enclosure with a touchscreen and casters at the bottom. The enclosure integrates an X-axis and a sample holder. The X-axis is a standard 60° tilt scanning axis, with a fixed slider and a mounting flange. An imaging unit and a light source bracket are fixedly mounted on the mounting flange. The imaging light source, including a full-spectrum light source and an ultraviolet light source, is mounted on the light source bracket, with the full-spectrum light source mounted above and the ultraviolet light source below. There are limit sensors at the top and bottom of the X-axis. The sample holder is located on the left side of the enclosure and slides along a groove in the enclosure's internal frame, allowing adjustment of the imaging distance. The sample holder is installed at a 60° tilt. Additionally, the system includes a plant culture module, comprising a tilted culture rack, a flat root box, and a black acrylic plate, with the flat root box and black acrylic plate placed on the tilted culture rack. The system is also equipped with a calibration whiteboard and a whiteboard box made of the same material as the flat root box to counteract the influence of the root box on reflectance. When collecting hyperspectral data of reflected light, the calibration whiteboard is placed in the whiteboard box and placed on the sample holder, and the root box is placed directly above the whiteboard box. After the data is collected, a reflectance file is automatically generated for subsequent analysis.

[0008] Preferably, the touchscreen has a reserved interface on the back, which is used to connect the X-axis, imaging unit, full-band and ultraviolet light source via cables for soft connection, so that the X-axis movement, data acquisition by the imaging unit and the opening and closing of the light source can be controlled by the touchscreen.

[0009] Preferably, the X-axis is fixedly mounted on the internal frame of the enclosed box by a 120° inverted mounting plate on the back, thereby achieving a standard 60° tilt scanning axis.

[0010] Preferably, a movable slider is provided on the X-axis, and a motor is built in it. After the motor is powered on, it drives the movable slider to move along the inclined X-axis at a set speed, thereby realizing the uniform movement of the sensor and the light source.

[0011] Preferably, the limit sensors on the upper and lower sides of the X-axis are based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When the metal sliding block moves to directly above the limit sensor, the limit sensor senses the sliding block and triggers a signal to stop the movement.

[0012] Preferably, the inclined culture rack adopts an aluminum profile structure with dimensions of 160cm*30cm. The rack is installed at a 60° inclination using angled connectors. Each inclined culture rack can be equipped with 6 racks as standard, with a 20cm spacing between each rack to provide sufficient space for retrieving root boxes and for plant cultivation. Four casters are installed under the inclined rack for easy sample movement.

[0013] Preferably, the flat root box is made of acrylic material and has a size of 30cm*40cm*4cm. Three sides of the flat root box are black, and one side is a transparent root window.

[0014] Preferred dimensions: The black acrylic sheet is 30cm x 40cm (matching the size of the root box). During routine cultivation, the black acrylic sheet is placed over the transparent side of the root box on a tilted culture rack to create a completely dark environment. When data collection is required, the black acrylic sheet can be removed.

[0015] Preferably, the tilt angles of the X-axis and the sample holder are consistent with those of the tilting culture rack, with a default setting of 60°. Other angles such as 45°, 70°, and 90° can also be selected as needed.

[0016] Preferred: The calibration whiteboard is made of Teflon material, with a size of 30cm*5cm*3cm and a reflectivity of over 98%, used to calibrate the original hyperspectral data into normalized reflectivity data.

[0017] Preferred material: The whiteboard box is made of the same material as the flat root box, which is transparent acrylic, and its size is 30cm*6cm*4cm, so that the whiteboard can be placed inside to counteract the influence of the root box on the reflectivity data.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] First, this system employs in-situ tilt scanning, with both the tilt scanning axis angle and the sample holder tilt angle consistent with the plant cultivation angle. This avoids soil stress on the roots caused by changes in the tilt angle. Furthermore, the tilt scanning structure allows a single imaging unit to simultaneously perform hyperspectral imaging of the sides and underground roots of plants (crops) cultivated in tilted, flat root boxes. This reduces phenotypic analysis costs, increases imaging analysis speed, saves space, and effectively utilizes laboratory space. Simultaneous imaging of the side canopy and roots also significantly improves data quality, enabling the simultaneous capture of detailed images of both side canopy and root phenotypes, and facilitating coupled analysis between the two, providing a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of plant growth and development.

[0020] Second, the system is equipped with a full-band light source and an ultraviolet (UV) light source. This imaging unit enables hyperspectral imaging of reflected light and UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging analysis of experimental samples. This allows for both the measurement of traditional hyperspectral imaging reflectance index and in-depth analysis based on biofluorescence. Since biofluorescence is autofluorescence and is not affected by ambient light, the collected data only represents sample-specific information. This reduces experimental complexity and cost, improves experimental efficiency and accuracy, enriches the dimensions and information content of experimental data, and enhances experimental flexibility and scalability. As a result, it enables a deeper analysis of plant phenotypic characteristics and precise monitoring of plant physicochemical properties and physiological states.

[0021] III. The RhizoTron® Root Phenotypic Hyperspectral Imaging Analysis System is equipped with a plant culture module. It utilizes a soil-filled root box based on root window technology for tilted cultivation (tilted culture rack + flat root box + black acrylic plate). Due to the geotropism of plant roots, they naturally contact the tilted, transparent root box wall as they grow downwards, making the roots clearly visible. This facilitates in-situ, real-time observation of their morphology, growth dynamics, and cell structure, avoiding the problems of root entanglement and medium obstruction in traditional cultivation. The tilted culture angle is consistent with the system's scanning axis and the sample holder's angle, preventing changes in the sample tilt angle that could cause soil stress on the roots. Roots can grow along the root box wall, allowing researchers to more directly observe and analyze root growth patterns, branching methods, and root hair formation, and expanding the observation range. The system is equipped with a hyperspectral imaging unit, enabling imaging across hundreds of wavelengths, overcoming the difficulty of separating roots from soil. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the side-viewing perspective system of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the internal structure of the left-side viewing system of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the internal structure of the frontal viewing system of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the plant cultivation module in this utility model.

[0028] Legend: 1. Enclosed box; 2. Touch screen; 3. Casters; 4. X-axis; 5. Full-band light source; 6. Imaging unit; 7. Ultraviolet light source; 8. Limit sensor; 9. Sample holder; 10. Light source bracket; 11. Mounting flange; 12. Moving slider; 13. Tilting culture rack; 14. Support; 15. Angled connector; 16. Flat root box; 17. Acrylic sheet; 18. Network cable; 19. Antenna; 20. Computer; 21. Calibration whiteboard; 22. Whiteboard box; 23. Internal skeleton; 24. Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This application provides a RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system, which effectively solves the problems existing in the prior art by providing a system that addresses the inability to maintain the same angle during plant cultivation and sample collection, the limitations in observation range and accuracy, the difficulty in separating roots from soil, the inability to simultaneously perform in-situ phenotypic imaging analysis of above-ground plants and underground roots, and the inability to simultaneously perform hyperspectral imaging analysis of reflected light and ultraviolet light-excited biofluorescence. This RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system integrates an X-axis (4), an imaging unit (6), an imaging light source (full-band light source (5), ultraviolet light source (7)), a light source support (10), a sample holder (tilted), a sliding block (12), a mounting flange (11), a main control system, a sealed box (1), and casters (3). It is equipped with a plant cultivation module (tilted cultivation rack (13), a flat root box (16), and a black acrylic plate (17), a calibration white plate (21), and a white plate box (22). During sample scanning, the calibration white plate 21 is placed in the white plate box 22 (lower) and the flat root box 16 (upper) together on the sample holder 9. The root system and lateral canopy inside the transparent root window are scanned along the inclined direction by the imaging light source and imaging unit 6. This expands the study of plant phenotypes from independent study of canopy and root system to simultaneous study. At the same time, the switching between reflected light hyperspectral and UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging is realized by changing the light source and adjusting the parameters. Based on one imaging unit 6, reflected light hyperspectral and UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging can be realized. The physicochemical properties, biochemical components and physiological state of the sample are comprehensively analyzed from the two perspectives of reflected light and fluorescence. This effectively innovates the technical means of comprehensive, multi-angle and multi-mode phenotype research, improves the efficiency of phenotypic big data collection and analysis, and realizes true reflected light hyperspectral and UV-MCF biofluorescence hyperspectral imaging analysis of plant canopy, plant side and root system.

[0030] Example

[0031] The overall technical solution in this application is as follows:

[0032] like Figure 1-5As shown, to address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system, including a sealed box 1, a computer 20, an antenna 19, and a network cable 18. The sealed box 1 is equipped with a touchscreen 2 and casters 3 at the bottom. Internally, it integrates an X-axis 4 (tilted structure, standard 60°). An imaging unit 6, a full-band light source 5, and an ultraviolet light source 7 are arranged on the X-axis 4. There are limit sensors 8 at the top and bottom of the X-axis 4 to limit the maximum and minimum operating positions of the imaging unit 6, the full-band light source 5, and the ultraviolet light source 7. A sample holder 9 is arranged on the left side inside the sealed box 1, and the sample holder 9 is slidably mounted on a groove in the built-in skeleton 23 inside the sealed box 1 to facilitate sample... The sample holder 9 can slide back and forth using a sliding groove. The sample holder 9 is installed at a 60° angle. A calibration white board 21, a white board box 22, and a flat root box 16 can be placed on the sample holder 9. It can be moved back and forth to determine the optimal imaging position. A movable slider 12 is fixedly connected to the X-axis 4. A mounting flange 11 is fixedly installed above the movable slider 12. An imaging unit 6 and a light source bracket 10 are fixedly installed on the mounting flange 11. A full-band light source 5 and an ultraviolet light source 7 are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the light source bracket 10. The system is equipped with a plant cultivation module, including an inclined cultivation rack 13 and a flat root box 16. The inclined cultivation rack 13 is equipped with a standard angle of 60°, and the flat root box 16 is placed on top. The tilt angles of the X-axis 4 and the sample holder 9 are consistent with those of the inclined cultivation rack 13.

[0033] Working principle:

[0034] Step 1: Prepare the plant culture module (prepared plants), including the inclined culture rack 13 and the flat root box 16;

[0035] Step 2: After the system is powered on, the built-in motor on X-axis 4 drives the slider to move to the maximum position along X-axis 4 at a set speed. When the limit sensor 8 at the maximum position senses the moving metal slider 12 (sensing range 2mm), the slider automatically retracts and moves to the minimum position until the limit sensor 8 at the minimum position also senses the moving slider 12. The moving slider 12 then drives the imaging unit 6 and the light source to retract again, moving to the default position when the system was last shut down. This completes the system initialization, and all statuses are normal. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system is working normally.

[0036] Step 3: Connect computer 20 to imaging unit 6 via network cable 18 through enclosed box 1 to realize data acquisition. Computer 20 is connected to platform control antenna to realize remote control of platform.

[0037] Step 4: Place the calibration whiteboard 21 in the whiteboard box 22 and place it on the sample holder 9 together with the flat root box 16. Adjust the front and back position of the sample holder 9 by sliding the groove of the built-in skeleton 23 of the closed box 1 to determine the optimal imaging position.

[0038] Step 5: By controlling the X-axis 4 to tilt and move at a constant speed, spectral imaging phenotypic data of the root system and aboveground parts in the transparent root window of the flat root box 16 are collected simultaneously, thereby realizing the phenotypic imaging analysis of the plant root system and canopy side at the same time.

[0039] The sixth step involves adjusting the light source and parameters to switch between hyperspectral data acquisition of reflected light and UV-MCF biofluorescence, thereby enabling comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical properties, biochemical components, and physiological state of the sample from both reflected light and fluorescence perspectives.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system, characterized in that, Includes a sealed box (1), a touch screen (2) is installed on the sealed box (1), casters (3) are installed at the bottom of the sealed box (1), an X-axis (4) and a sample holder (9) are integrated inside the sealed box (1), and an internal skeleton (23) is provided inside the sealed box (1). An imaging unit (6), a full-band light source (5), and an ultraviolet light source (7) are mounted on the X-axis (4). The touch screen (2) has a reserved interface at the rear, which is softly connected to the X-axis (4), imaging unit (6), full-band light source (5) and ultraviolet light source (7) via cables. The touch screen (2) controls the movement of the X-axis (4), the data acquisition of the imaging unit (6) and the opening and closing of the ultraviolet light source (7). Among them, the X-axis (4) is fixedly mounted on the built-in skeleton (23) by a mounting plate (24) with the back side inverted at 120°, thereby realizing a standard tilt scanning axis of 60°; The sample holder (9) is slidably mounted on the groove of the built-in skeleton (23) so that the sample holder (9) can slide back and forth with the help of the groove to adjust the imaging distance.

2. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A movable slider (12) is fixedly connected to the X-axis (4), and a motor is built in it. After the motor is powered on, it drives the movable slider (12) to move along the X-axis (4) at a set speed.

3. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding block (12) is fixedly connected to the mounting flange (11), and the mounting flange (11) is fixedly installed with the imaging unit (6) and the light source bracket (10). The upper and lower sides of the light source bracket (10) are respectively equipped with a full-band light source (5) and an ultraviolet light source (7).

4. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A limit sensor (8) is installed on each of the upper and lower sides of the X-axis (4).

5. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system is also equipped with a plant culture module, including a tilted culture rack (13), a flat root box (16), and a black acrylic plate (17). The inclined culture rack (13) is made of aluminum profile and has a size of 160cm*30cm. The bracket (14) is installed in an inclined 60° culture rack using 60° angled connectors (15). Each inclined culture rack (13) is equipped with 6 brackets (14) and the spacing between each bracket is 20cm to facilitate the placement and removal of flat root boxes (16). Four casters (3) are installed under the inclined culture rack (13) for easy movement. Among them, the flat root box (16) is made of acrylic material and has a size of 30cm*40cm*4cm. Three sides of the flat root box (16) are black and one side is a transparent root window. Among them, the black acrylic sheet (17) has a size of 30cm*40cm.

6. The RhizoTron® root phenotypic hyperspectral imaging analysis system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tilt angles of the X-axis (4) and sample holder (9) are consistent with those of the tilted culture rack (13), with a default setting of 60°. Alternatively, 45°, 70°, and 90° can be selected as needed.

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