Horticulture system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a method for sensing a plant-related parameter in a horticulture space (115), wherein (i) a radio transmitter (151) and a radio receiver (152) are arranged such that a radio path (153) between the radio transmitter (151) and the radio receiver (152) passes through at least a part of the horticulture space (115), and (ii) the radio receiver (152) is configured in a radio signal receiving relationship with the radio transmitter (151), wherein the method comprises a sensing phase, which sensing phase comprises: transmitting a radio signal with the radio transmitter (151); detecting the radio signal with the radio receiver (152) and providing a related receiver signal; and determining the plant-related parameter based on the receiver signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for sensing plant-related parameters. It also relates to a computer program product and a horticultural system. Background Technology

[0002] Methods for sensing plant-related parameters are known in the art. For example, WO2015006675A2 describes a system for detecting plant parameters, comprising: a plant morphology sensor having a first field of view and configured to record morphological measurements of a plant part and the surrounding environment near the plant; a plant physiological sensor having a second field of view and configured to record plant physiological parameter measurements of a plant part and the surrounding environment near the plant, wherein the second field of view overlaps with the first field of view; a support for statically coupling the plant morphology sensor to the physiological sensor; and a computing system configured to: identify a set of plant pixels within the physiological measurements based on the morphological measurements, determine a physiological value for each pixel in the set of plant pixels, and extract growth parameters based on the physiological values. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that involves the art, science, technology, and commerce of growing plants. It may include the cultivation of medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, seaweed, and non-edible plants such as grasses, ornamental trees, and flowers.

[0004] Plants convert light, CO2, and H2O into carbohydrates (sugars) through photosynthesis. These sugars are used to fuel metabolic processes and for biomass formation. This biomass formation can include stem elongation, increased leaf area, flowering, and fruit formation.

[0005] Space available for food production may be increasingly scarce. Therefore, innovations in production methods may be needed to deliver higher yields from a smaller footprint, while becoming more sustainable (using minimal energy and water). Producing food in enclosed environments such as plant farms is one way to meet these needs. In plant farms (also known as plant factories, vertical farms, or urban farms), food can be grown on multiple levels, making better use of available space compared to outdoor or greenhouse growth. This means that in plant farms, natural sunlight will not reach all plants, and a significant proportion of light may need to come from artificial lighting. In plant farms, the expectation is to provide a controlled environment suitable (especially tailored for) plant cultivation.

[0006] In particular, it may be desirable to monitor plant growth in plant farms and take growth-related actions to improve growth outcomes, such as growth rate, differentiation, or disease / pest prevention, especially depending on the identified plant-related parameters.

[0007] Even approximate estimates of plant quality (such as total leaf weight) can provide growers with valuable insights. For example, leaf weight estimates can be used to detect defects in plant growth and predict yield at harvest. Deviations from expected leaf appearance, plant quality, and growth behavior may prompt growers to examine a particular area of ​​their horticultural system for disease or unusual environmental conditions, or to adjust certain control parameters (such as irrigation or nutrient application).

[0008] Currently, plants in horticultural systems can be observed primarily manually and / or with the aid of cameras. Manual observation can be cumbersome and time-consuming, while camera observation may be limited to a frontal view.

[0009] Furthermore, current state-of-the-art plant monitoring solutions may utilize robots, which can potentially disturb the plants; for example, it is well known that horticultural AI sensing robots can damage stems and leaves when they physically move cameras within the canopy.

[0010] Therefore, the need for a reliable, non-invasive assessment of horticultural plant growth remains unmet. Furthermore, camera-based image processing can only provide indications of plant size and shape. Consequently, measuring the volume or weight of the plant canopy before harvest can be challenging with current technologies; for example, multispectral image processing may provide insufficient volumetric information as it may rely on 2D or stereo camera images. To achieve stereoscopic observation using existing technologies, growers might need to install numerous cameras at close range throughout the entire indoor farming space, which could be both disruptive to the horticultural process and economically impractical.

[0011] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method, sensor, and / or horticultural system for cultivating plants, which preferably further eliminates at least partially one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Another object of the present invention is to overcome or improve upon at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0012] This invention is defined by the set of independent and dependent claims.

[0013] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for sensing (especially monitoring) plant-related parameters in a horticultural space (especially a horticultural space for containing plants). Specifically, a radio transmitter (also referred to as a “transmitter”) and a radio receiver (also referred to as a “receiver”) can be arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver traverses (or “crosses”) at least a portion of the horticultural space. Furthermore, the radio receiver can be configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter. Additionally, the method may include a baseline generation phase. The baseline generation phase may include: (i) transmitting a baseline radio signal from the radio transmitter; (ii) detecting the baseline radio signal with the radio receiver and providing an associated baseline receiver signal. Furthermore, the method may include a sensing phase comprising: (i) transmitting a radio signal with the radio transmitter, especially wherein the radio signal includes a radio frequency, i.e., a frequency selected from a range of radio frequencies; (ii) detecting the radio signal with the radio receiver and providing an associated receiver signal (also referred to as a “receiver signal”), especially the original and / or processed associated receiver signal; and (iii) determining the plant-related parameters (values) based on the (associated) receiver signal and the (associated) baseline receiver signal.

[0014] In one embodiment, plant-related parameters include plant volume parameters selected from the group consisting of leaf volume, canopy density, stem volume, root volume, fruit volume, seed volume, and nut volume.

[0015] In one embodiment, the radio transmitter and the radio receiver can be a ZigBee radio transmitter and a ZigBee radio receiver, respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plant-related parameter may be leaf volume or fruit; wherein the method includes selecting a radio frequency of a radio signal in the range of 0.5 GHz to 5.0 GHz to detect the leaf volume or the fruit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plant-related parameter may be the plant root; wherein the method includes selecting a radio frequency of a radio signal in the 20-120 GHz range to detect the plant root.

[0018] This invention provides the benefit of determining plant-related parameters via radio signals. When radio signals interact with an object (here, particularly a plant), the radio signals can be affected, such as by partial absorption, diffraction, scattering, and reflection. The type and extent of this effect can depend on a variety of factors, including, for example, the object's material, shape, size, radio frequency, etc. Therefore, by providing radio signals from a radio transmitter to a radio receiver via a radio path that at least partially traverses the horticultural space, observation can be made relative to plants arranged in the horticultural space; that is, the radio signals can at least partially traverse (or "propagate through") the horticultural space, and observation can be made based on changes in the radio signals relative to plants arranged in the horticultural space. In particular, the method of this invention facilitates the sensing of volumetric plant-related parameters, such as leaf volume, root volume, or fruit volume.

[0019] Existing technologies might generally consider the interaction between plants and radio signals undesirable because plants can interfere with radio communications, particularly acting as interference in the radio path and causing absorption, blockage, and scattering of radio signals. However, here, this interaction is utilized to provide improved sensing of plant-related parameters.

[0020] Specifically, the present invention may involve sensing using radio frequency (RF) to analyze changes in wireless signal strength and / or wireless multipath propagation, particularly compared to a baseline (see below); RF sensing measurements can be performed during plant growth, and the RF sensing baseline can be recorded. The RF sensing baseline may preferably involve supports and substrates in which there are no seeds, tulip bulbs, or seedlings. The RF sensing baseline may also be recorded before significant plant growth occurs (in the seedling stage, RF sensing will be dominated by the horticultural space, particularly the horticultural arrangement (such as support + substrate)). By comparing the RF sensing measurements with a (plant-free) baseline, the current (average) density of the canopy in the horticultural space can be determined.

[0021] Furthermore, a key to successfully suppressing diseases in horticulture is keeping the plant canopy dry, especially from dusk to dawn. However, in practice, in certain locations, such as greenhouses, the air may unexpectedly cool to the dew point (e.g., due to uneven heating systems or infrastructure defects such as broken windows); thus, condensation can occur, and water droplets may form on cooler surfaces such as plant leaves and, for example, glass windows. This moisture promotes the germination of fungal pathogen spores, such as Botrytis cinerea and powdery mildew.

[0022] Furthermore, it is well known that condensation on plants can lead to mold growth and consequently, yield loss. Additionally, condensation on non-plant objects can cause dripping, often resulting in puddles of water far from the dripping non-plant objects. This water buildup leads to increased localized humidity and can therefore cause unwanted condensation on plants. Therefore, avoiding condensation is a significant challenge for growers.

[0023] Besides increasing humidity, these puddles can also cause localized cooling of plants, as the evaporation of water from the puddles carries away energy, leading to a drop in local temperature. Furthermore, dense foliage in these areas can result in localized microclimates with higher humidity and a greater risk of condensation.

[0024] Condensation dripping from surrounding surfaces (such as the bottom of the upper tray in vertical tillage) can also wet the plant surface and spread plant pathogens between plants through splashed soil and plant debris. The negative effects of dripping can be exacerbated if the upper and lower trays carry different plant types or plants at different stages of their growth curves, as a disease in the first plant on the upper tray may be more damaging to the second plant on the lower tray.

[0025] For example, sensing technologies such as computer vision cameras are not suitable for collecting condensate from all locations within a greenhouse. Furthermore, the camera only captures the visible top of the plant canopy in such a greenhouse. Therefore, the need to assess condensate within the plant canopy in a non-destructive manner is not met in indoor horticulture. Similar requirements can be defined for other forms of water within horticultural spaces.

[0026] Therefore, the undesirable presence of various forms of water in horticultural spaces can cause problems that affect plant health and growth.

[0027] Therefore, in the examples throughout this application, plant-related parameters can be modified as necessary to become water-related parameters.

[0028] In one embodiment, the plant-related parameter may be a water-related parameter; wherein the water-related parameter may include the presence of water, the amount of water and / or the amount of condensation on the plant; or wherein the water-related parameter may include the presence of water, the amount of water, the water level, or the water distribution in the plant substrate.

[0029] In an additional embodiment, the method may include selecting a radio frequency of a radio signal in the 60-120 GHz range to detect the water-related parameters.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the radio transmitter and the radio receiver can be a ZigBee radio transmitter and a ZigBee radio receiver, respectively.

[0031] Therefore, in various aspects, the present invention can provide a method for sensing water-related parameters in a garden space, wherein (i) a radio transmitter and a radio receiver are arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver passes through at least a portion of the garden space, and (ii) the radio receiver is configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter, wherein the method includes a sensing phase comprising: transmitting a radio signal with the radio transmitter; detecting the radio signal with the radio receiver and providing a related receiver signal; and determining water-related parameters based on the receiver signal.

[0032] In various aspects, the method may include a baseline generation phase. The baseline generation phase may include: (i) transmitting a baseline radio signal from a radio transmitter; and (ii) detecting the baseline radio signal with a radio receiver and providing a corresponding baseline receiver signal. In such embodiments, a sensing phase may include determining water-related parameters based on the receiver signal and the baseline receiver signal.

[0033] In various aspects, water-related parameters may include at least one of the following: the presence of water, water volume, water level, amount of condensate, water vapor volume, humidity or relative humidity, and / or fog concentration. For example, a water-related parameter (which can be determined by the described radio frequency-based sensing) may be condensate or water droplets on plant leaves. For example, a water-related parameter (which can be determined by the described radio frequency-based sensing) may be the presence of water in a gardening tray. For example, a water-related parameter (which can be determined by the described radio frequency-based sensing) may be the relative humidity or water vapor volume in a gardening space (such as a greenhouse (area)). For example, a water-related parameter (which can be determined by the described radio frequency-based sensing) may be fog provided in a gardening space. The water level may also be water depth. For example, sensing water-related parameters may include sensing the water level or water depth in a hydroponic arrangement, wherein the gardening space includes the hydroponic arrangement.

[0034] Therefore, the process and advantages described for sensing plant-related parameters can be adapted to the water-related parameters with necessary modifications.

[0035] Furthermore, anomalies can be detected, for example, such as accidental leaks in pipes or clogged sprinklers, unwanted condensation on plants (which can lead to mold growth), or even airflow within the horticultural system (which may "dry" leaves more quickly after water misting). RF sensing can be used, for instance, to create irrigation heat maps, visualizing localized non-uniformities in irrigation or ventilation systems within a horticultural system for growers, and thus helping to promote more even growth across plants.

[0036] More specifically, in one embodiment, the horticultural space may include at least one plant; wherein a radio path passes through at least a portion of at least one plant; wherein water-related parameters include the presence, amount, and / or amount of condensation on at least one plant. For example, a water-related parameter may be the amount of condensation on the plant, such as water droplets on plant leaves or the plant canopy. Therefore, the method and apparatus according to the invention (i.e., the horticultural system) can determine such water droplets on plant leaves via radio frequency sensing, because the radio transmitter and radio receiver are arranged such that the radio path passes through at least a portion of the horticultural space and through at least a portion of at least one plant. Thus, the at least one plant may also be a part of at least one plant, such as a leaf, canopy, fruit, seed, root, and / or stem.

[0037] In embodiments, the horticultural space may include a substrate or at least one substrate. The term "substrate" herein may particularly refer to a surface or material on which plants live, grow, and / or obtain their nutrients. The substrate may, in particular, at least partially surround the roots of the plants. In another embodiment, the substrate may include soil. In yet another embodiment, the substrate may include rock wool.

[0038] The substrate, or at least one substrate, can be, for example, a gardening tray or a growth layer. The at least one substrate can be a bucket or container.

[0039] More specifically, in one embodiment, the gardening space may include at least one substrate; wherein a radio path traverses at least a portion of the at least one substrate; wherein water-related parameters include the presence, level, and / or volume of water in the at least one substrate. Similarly, water-related parameters may include the amount of condensation on the at least one substrate. For example, a water-related parameter may be the volume of water in the substrate, as provided by the present invention, where radio frequency sensing determines the volume of water in a gardening tray (i.e., compared to a dry baseline) due to the radio path traversing at least a portion of the gardening tray. For example, a water-related parameter may be the presence of water in a growth layer, which may, for example, indicate undesirable (e.g., localized) flooding of the growth layer, which may be a growing plant that does not require water at a specific moment in its growth phase. Similar examples can be envisioned, and vice versa, so that radio frequency sensing for determining the presence of water confirms that watering actions (as associated with, for example, the gardening tray or growth layer) are performed accordingly. For example, if it is determined that the humidity level of at least one substrate is considered too low (or too high), or if humidity uniformity is insufficient, this can inform and improve future watering actions.

[0040] In the example, the substrate may include, for example, rock wool, wherein water-related parameters may include the amount or level of water distribution in the rock wool. The substrate may also be natural soil.

[0041] In some aspects, the horticultural space may include an atmospheric volume; wherein a radio path passes through at least a portion of the atmospheric volume; wherein water-related parameters include the water level, humidity, or relative humidity of the atmospheric volume, and / or wherein the water-related parameters include the presence of water in the atmospheric volume and / or the concentration of fog. For example, the atmospheric volume may be a horticultural control volume, a growth chamber, a control volume surrounding a growth layer, a portion of a greenhouse, a greenhouse, or the internal volume of a fluid supply pipe. For example, the water-related parameter may be relative humidity, such that the method and apparatus according to the invention (i.e., the horticultural system) can determine the relative humidity of a portion of a greenhouse in which plants are grown. For example, the water-related parameter may be the concentration of fog, such that the method and apparatus according to the invention (i.e., the horticultural system) can determine the concentration of fog supplied to a particular growth layer. Such embodiments also facilitate the discreet determination of the proper functioning of a misting system within the horticultural space.

[0042] Therefore, in summary, the present invention provides a method for sensing (especially monitoring) plant-related parameters or water-related parameters in a horticultural space (especially a horticultural space configured to contain plants).

[0043] In another aspect, the invention may define multiple radio transmission pairs configured with radio signal reception relationships in order to sense plant-related parameters according to the invention.

[0044] Therefore, in various aspects, the method according to the invention may include multiple radio transmitting pairs configured in a radio signal receiving relationship, particularly wherein each radio transmitting pair includes a (corresponding) radio transmitter and a (corresponding) radio receiver, particularly arranged such that the radio path (or "(wireless) communication path") between the (corresponding) radio transmitter and the (corresponding) radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space. The method may also include a selection phase and a sensing phase. The selection phase may include selecting an appropriate sensing subset (also called a "sensing subset") of the multiple radio transmitting pairs, particularly depending on input parameters, such as input parameters selected from a group consisting of plant characteristics, variable environmental parameters, and static environmental parameters. The sensing phase may include determining the values ​​of plant-related parameters, particularly based on the receiver signals of the appropriate sensing subset (of the radio receivers).

[0045] In one embodiment, the selection phase may include comparing one or more signal quality indicators from a plurality of radio transmit pairs under plant presence and plant absence conditions to determine the plant presence effect and select an appropriate subset of senses based on the plant presence effect.

[0046] In one embodiment, the selection phase may include comparing one or more signal quality indicators from a plurality of radio transmit pairs under wet leaf conditions and dry leaf conditions to determine the effect of leaf moisture, and selecting an appropriate subset of sensors based on the effect of leaf moisture.

[0047] In one embodiment, the selection phase may include selecting an appropriate subset of sensors based on the height difference within the radio transmitter pair, wherein the appropriate subset of sensors includes at least one radio transmitter pair, wherein the radio transmitter and radio receiver are arranged at different heights.

[0048] In one embodiment, the selection phase may include selecting multiple appropriate subsets of sensing data, wherein the method includes multiple sensing phases, each of which includes determining plant-related parameters based on receiver signals from the appropriate subsets of sensing data.

[0049] In one embodiment, the radio transmitter and radio receiver are included by a horticultural light generating device, wherein the horticultural light generating device is configured to provide horticultural light to plants.

[0050] In this document, the term "plant" is used to refer essentially to any species selected from medicinal plants, vegetables, herbs, buds, mushrooms, nut-bearing plants, seed-bearing plants, flowering plants, fruit-bearing plants, non-edible crops (such as grasses and ornamental trees), etc. The term "plant" in this document specifically refers to the phylum Archaea. Archaea is a major group of eukaryotes, including red algae (Rhodophyta), green algae, and terrestrial plants (including aquatic plants), as well as a small group of freshwater unicellular algae called cyanobacteria. Therefore, in some embodiments, the plant can be a terrestrial plant. In other embodiments, the plant can be algae (such as one or more green and red algae and unicellular algae called cyanobacteria). Furthermore, the term "plant" in this document can refer to substantially all stages of plant development. The term "plant" can in particular refer to a variety of (different) plants.

[0051] The term "plant part" in this text specifically refers to a part of a plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, fruits (if any), flowers (if any), nuts (if any), etc. Furthermore, the term "plant part" can specifically refer to multiple (different) plant parts.

[0052] Plant-related parameters can include any parameters related to the plant, especially plant volume parameters, or growth-related parameters (such as environmental parameters).

[0053] A plant can be, in particular, a crop. The term "crop" as used herein may refer to a plant species or variety cultivated for harvest as, for example, food, livestock feed, fuel, or for any other economic purpose. The term "crop" may also refer to a variety of crops. In particular, the term "crop" as used herein may refer to food crops (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce), as well as plants that (potentially) produce such crops, such as tomato plants, pepper plants, cucumber plants, etc. Examples of crop plants are rice, wheat, barley, oats, chickpeas, peas, cowpeas, lentils, mung beans, black beans, soybeans, common beans, broad beans, flaxseeds, sesame, khesari, sunflowers, eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, peanuts, potatoes, corn, pearlweed, rye, alfalfa, radishes, cabbage, lettuce, peppers, sunflowers, beets, castor beans, red clover, white clover, safflower, spinach, onions, garlic, turnips, squash, melons, watermelons, cucumbers, pumpkins, kenaf, oil palm, carrots, coconuts, papayas, sugarcane, coffee, cocoa, tea, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, grapes, almonds, strawberries, pine apples, bananas, cashews, Irish cabbage, cassava, taro, rubber, sorghum, cotton, rye, pigeon peas, and tobacco.

[0054] A horticultural space (or “plant cultivation space”) can refer to any space dedicated to growing plants, especially in a horticultural setting. The term “horticulture” as used herein can refer to the (intensive) cultivation of plants for human use, and its activities are very diverse, including edible plants (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, culinary herbs, including animal feed) and non-edible plants (flowers, trees and shrubs, lawn grasses, hops, grapes, herbs). Specifically, the term “horticultural space” as used herein can refer to any space that uses grow lighting fixtures (providing artificial light) to promote plant growth. In the future, this may extend beyond vertical cultivation or greenhouses to outdoor environments where artificial lighting complements daylight and enhances plant growth.

[0055] In embodiments, horticultural space can specifically refer to a space comprising one or more of substrate, air, and water, wherein the horticultural space is configured to house plants. For example, in a vertical farm, horticultural space may include a volume substantially defined by a horticultural arrangement, such as a tray. Typically, for example, a vertical farm may include multiple horticultural spaces separated by walkways and / or (layered) horticultural arrangements.

[0056] In one embodiment, the radio transmitter and radio receiver can be arranged such that the radio path between them traverses at least a portion of the garden space. Specifically, the radio receiver can be configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter, particularly along the radio path.

[0057] The term "radio transmitter" herein may refer to any device capable of transmitting radio signals. The term "radio signal" herein may, in particular, refer to radiation having a frequency selected from a range of radio frequencies, especially the 0.5-120 GHz range. In embodiments, the radio transmitter may comprise (a first) radio, i.e., an element capable of both transmitting and receiving radio signals.

[0058] Furthermore, the term "radio signal" herein may specifically refer to radiation having a frequency selected from the range of radio frequencies from 60 to 120 GHz; since frequencies above 60 GHz may be particularly suitable for determining various forms of water, such as fog, condensate, and / or water vapor, using the methods and apparatus of the present invention.

[0059] The term "radio receiver" herein can refer to any device capable of receiving radio signals and providing associated receiver signals. Specifically, a radio receiver can be configured to receive radio signals from a radio transmitter; that is, the radio receiver can be configured to receive radio signals transmitted by the radio transmitter. In particular, a radio receiver can be configured to passively receive radio signals transmitted by a radio transmitter, i.e., receive signals from the transmitter, but without being specifically timed / choreographed to know precisely when a transmission will occur. In other words, with respect to passive reception, it is not a coordinated sequence where the receiver knows exactly when each device will transmit (potentially as a response to a triggering event of the receiver transmitting first); instead, the receiver is listening for any type of command, and if it receives a message intended for sensing, it will perform a specific action as needed. Furthermore, in embodiments, passive sensing can also refer to a situation where the device receiving the message is not the same device as the device transmitting the message, which is the opposite of what might happen in radar-based technologies, where a single device transmits a signal and determines parameters based on the reflection of the received signal. In embodiments, the radio receiver may be comprised of a (second) radio.

[0060] The term "radio path" (also known as "wireless communication path") may refer herein to the path between a radio transmitter and a radio receiver, where radio signals transmitted by the radio transmitter can propagate along the radio path before being detected by the radio receiver. When the radio path traverses at least a portion of a garden space, the radio signals received by the radio receiver may include information relating to the garden space. Given that radio signals may be reflected by objects, there may also be multiple radio paths between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver. Typically, in embodiments, there may be multiple radio paths between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver. In embodiments, the radio path may in particular be a (substantially) straight path between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver.

[0061] In embodiments, radio signals may specifically indicate control commands arranged for controlling electrical equipment. Electrical equipment may in particular be horticultural equipment, such as lighting fixtures, sensors, and / or actuators (see also below). Therefore, in embodiments, radio signals already used for controlling electrical equipment in a horticultural environment (especially a horticultural system) (first function) can be used for RF-based sensing (second function), especially after an alternative using dedicated RF signals for RF-based sensing.

[0062] In an embodiment, the method may include a sensing phase. The sensing phase may include emitting (also referred to as “transmitting)” a radio signal using a radio transmitter. The sensing phase may further include detecting (or “receiving”) the radio signal using a radio receiver and providing associated receiver signals, particularly raw and / or processed associated receiver signals. The sensing phase may further include determining the values ​​of plant-related parameters based on the receiver signals.

[0063] The term "correlated receiver signal" herein can refer to any signal provided by a radio receiver that is related to, and in particular is at least partially based on or derived from, a radio signal detected by the radio receiver. Therefore, a related receiver signal can include the original radio signal (such as that received). Furthermore, a related receiver signal can include processed radio signals; for example, a related receiver signal can include message parameters extracted from a radio signal (such as that received).

[0064] In embodiments, the sensing phase may include performing (computational) analysis, particularly computational algorithms, to determine plant-related parameters based on receiver signals. The sensing phase may specifically include determining plant-related parameters based on a comparison between receiver signals and radio signals (transmitted by a radio transmitter). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that radio signals will be affected by the plant in a plant-part-specific and wavelength-specific manner, thereby facilitating the determination of plant-related parameters.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method for sensing plant-related parameters in a horticultural space, wherein (i) a radio transmitter and a radio receiver are arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space, and (ii) the radio receiver is configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter, wherein the method includes a sensing phase comprising: transmitting a radio signal with the radio transmitter; detecting the radio signal with the radio receiver and providing an associated receiver signal; and determining plant-related parameters based on the receiver signal.

[0066] Sensing plant-related parameters can benefit from sensing from multiple angles and / or multiple sides, for example. In particular, different radio paths may be better suited for specific plant-related parameters. Therefore, multiple radio paths may potentially lead to the measurement of more plant-related parameters and the acquisition of higher quality measurements, such as, for example, measurements of volumetric plant parameters.

[0067] Therefore, in embodiments, multiple radio transmitters and / or radio receivers may be arranged in and / or around the garden space. Specifically, multiple radio transmission pairs may be configured in a radio signal receiving relationship, wherein each radio transmission pair includes a corresponding radio transmitter and a corresponding radio receiver, arranged such that a corresponding radio path between the corresponding radio transmitter and the corresponding radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the garden space.

[0068] In another embodiment, multiple radio transmitters may be arranged in and / or around the plant cultivation space. In such an embodiment, the sensing phase may include the sequential transmission of radio signals from one of the multiple radio transmitters, particularly from a single radio transmitter among the multiple radio transmitters. Furthermore, the sensing phase may include the sequential detection of the transmitted radio signals using a radio receiver.

[0069] In another embodiment, multiple radio receivers may be arranged in and / or around the garden space. In such an embodiment, the sensing phase may include transmitting radio signals (sequentially) from a radio transmitter and detecting the transmitted radio signals (sequentially) with multiple radio receivers (continuously).

[0070] In another embodiment, multiple radio transmitters and radio receivers may be arranged in and / or around a garden space. In yet another embodiment, multiple radio communication pairs may be arranged in and / or around a garden space, particularly wherein each radio communication pair may include a (corresponding) radio transmitter and a (corresponding) radio receiver. In such an embodiment, the sensing phase may include (simultaneously) transmitting radio signals from (at least a portion) of the radio transmitters of the multiple radio communication pairs, particularly (simultaneously) transmitting radio signals from a single radio transmitter in the multiple radio communication pairs. Furthermore, the sensing phase may include (continuously) detecting the (simultaneously) transmitted radio signals with (corresponding) radio receivers. In particular, in another embodiment, the radio may include a radio transmitter and a radio receiver, wherein the radio transmitter is configured to have a radio signal receiving relationship with a second radio receiver, and wherein the radio receiver is configured to have a radio signal receiving relationship with the second radio transmitter, and wherein the radio sensing phase includes simultaneously (or: "concurrently") transmitting radio signals from the radio transmitter and the second radio transmitter, and detecting the simultaneously transmitted radio signals with the second radio receiver and the radio receiver, respectively.

[0071] In embodiments, a radio transmitter may be included in a first gardening device (or “first gardening element”), and / or a radio receiver may be included in a second gardening device (or “second gardening element”). Specifically, the radio transmitter and / or radio receiver may be integrated into gardening devices (or “elements”) commonly used in gardening systems. For example, in another embodiment, the first (or second) gardening device may include one or more of a gardening light generating device, a gardening light control element (especially a wall switch or occupancy sensor), a (gardening tray) actuator, a sensor, a gardening temperature control element, a gardening robot, etc. In another embodiment, the gardening device may include a gardening light generating device.

[0072] In an embodiment, the gardening system may include a plurality of gardening devices, a plurality of radio transmitters and a plurality of radio receivers, wherein each of the plurality of gardening devices (at least a portion thereof) includes a (corresponding) radio transmitter among the plurality of radio transmitters, and wherein each of the plurality of gardening devices (at least a portion thereof) includes a (corresponding) radio receiver among the plurality of radio receivers.

[0073] Integrating radio transmitters and / or receivers into commonly used gardening components offers the following benefits: the radio transmitters and / or receivers are integrated into components already present in the gardening system, rather than requiring additional components that would otherwise require dedicated space. Integrating multiple radio transmitters (at least a portion) and / or multiple radio receivers (at least a portion) into gardening light-generating devices can be particularly advantageous, as these devices are typically distributed throughout the gardening space. In particular, the gardening light-generating devices can be arranged in a spatially repeating pattern, which can aid in the analysis of receiver signals and in extrapolating suitable sensing parameters determined for one radio transmitter pair to a second radio transmitter pair.

[0074] Therefore, in another embodiment, multiple radio transmitters and radio receivers may be spatially arranged in and / or around the garden space according to a repeating pattern.

[0075] Plant-related parameters can include any parameter related to the cultivation of a plant (in a horticultural space). Furthermore, the term "plant-related parameter" can also refer to multiple plant-related parameters.

[0076] As mentioned in the section, plant-related parameters may include plant volume parameters, especially those selected from the group consisting of leaf density, leaf size, leaf length, leaf volume, stem volume, root volume, fruit volume, seed volume, and nut volume (especially those selected from the group consisting of leaf volume, stem volume, root volume, fruit volume, seed volume, and nut volume).

[0077] In another embodiment, plant-related parameters may include growth-related parameters, particularly those selected from the group consisting of air-related parameters, substrate-related parameters, leaf volume, and weed volume. For example, growth-related parameters may include weed volume, where weed volume may specifically refer to the volume of a second, unwanted plant that negatively impacts plant growth, particularly where the second unwanted plant may be using the desired first plant as a means of vertical support to reach higher areas of the plant canopy with more light (similar to vines on a tree).

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that different categories of plant-related parameters are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a plant's leaf volume can be both a plant volume parameter and a growth-related parameter, because leaves perform photosynthesis and thus contribute to plant growth.

[0079] In one embodiment, the horticultural space may include a substrate. The term "substrate" herein may specifically refer to a surface or material on which plants live, grow, and / or obtain their nutrients. The substrate may, in particular, at least partially surround the roots of the plants. In another embodiment, the substrate may include soil. In yet another embodiment, the substrate may include rock wool.

[0080] In another embodiment, the radio path may traverse at least a portion of the substrate, wherein plant-related parameters include substrate-related parameters selected from the group consisting of substrate moisture level, substrate salinity level, substrate moisture uniformity, substrate density, substrate thickness, foreign objects (such as stones and / or wood blocks and / or another plant and / or animal) and substrate nutrient parameters (especially nitrogen level, or especially nitrogen level uniformity). Since the substrate provides both support and nutrition to the plant, its state can at least partially determine the plant's growth outcome. Therefore, by sensing substrate-related parameters using the method of the present invention, the substrate can be analyzed (over time), and the substrate can be modified if determined to be necessary or beneficial. For example, if it is determined that the substrate moisture level is considered too low (or too high), or if the substrate moisture uniformity is insufficient, this can inform and improve future watering actions.

[0081] The interaction between plants and radio signals can be particularly dependent on the frequency of the radio signals. For example, different radio frequencies can be absorbed by plants at different rates, especially by plant leaves, which may further depend on whether the plant is in-leaf. Similarly, fruits often have a different size than leaves and may therefore primarily affect radio frequencies that are different from those of plant leaves. Furthermore, depending on the exposed plant part and the radio frequency, radio signals can have positive and / or negative effects on plant growth.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, the radio signal can be selected based on input parameters, which are selected from plant characteristics, time-related parameters, and environmental parameters. In another embodiment, the radio signal can be selected from the range of 0.5-120 GHz, particularly the range of 0.9-60 GHz. Generally, the higher the radio frequency, the more it is absorbed by the plant. However, for example, absorption (and other types of interactions) may differ for different plant types, leaf shapes, and leaf sizes. In particular, higher frequencies may be more affected by (smaller) leaves, as the size of the leaves may be within the range of the radio wavelength (a few centimeters), i.e., if the size of the plant leaves is comparable to the wavelength of the radio signal, the radio signal may be significantly scattered by the leaves. Essentially, the higher the frequency, the more sensitive the RF signal is to smaller objects. Specifically, when the wavelength of the RF signal has a length approximately equal to or particularly smaller than the length of the object, the interaction between the RF signal and the object may be stronger. Therefore, by selecting a frequency, the sensitivity to different plant (parts) can be determined. For example, in this embodiment, a frequency selected from the range of 0.5 GHz to 5.0 GHz can be chosen to detect fruit and / or (large) leaves. In another embodiment, a frequency selected from the range of 20-120 GHz, particularly 25-100 GHz, can be used to detect plant roots. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different frequencies may be suitable for detecting the same plant parts of different types of plants.

[0083] Furthermore, some radio frequencies can negatively affect parts of a plant. For example, radio frequencies of approximately 900 MHz have been described as inhibiting root growth in certain legumes by inducing oxidative stress. Therefore, radio frequencies can be selected to avoid the negative effects of radio signals on parts of the plant. Thus, in certain embodiments, different parts of the plant may be exposed to different radio frequencies.

[0084] Therefore, in another embodiment, the method may include selecting a radio frequency based on plant characteristics, particularly those selected from the group consisting of plant type, plant growth stage, fruit shape, fruit size, leaf shape, and leaf size.

[0085] For RSSI sensing, scattering (from leaves) can be disadvantageous. Therefore, in another embodiment, plant leaves may have an average leaf size d. L The method may include selecting a radio frequency such that the corresponding radio wavelength is at least 2.0 d. L In particular, the leaf size is the leaf length, or in particular, the leaf size is the leaf width.

[0086] For CSI sensing, scattering (e.g., by leaves) can be advantageous. Therefore, in another embodiment, plant leaves may have an (average) leaf size d. L The method may include selecting a radio frequency such that the corresponding radio wavelength is within 0.5 d. L -2.0 d L Within a certain range, particularly where the leaf size is leaf length, or particularly where the leaf size is leaf width. For example, in an embodiment, the corresponding wavelength can be selected from the range of 1 mm to 20 cm. A wavelength of about 1 mm can, for example, be suitable for pine-like (especially spike-like) leaves, while a wavelength of about 20 cm can, for example, be suitable for broad leaves of small trees.

[0087] The term "radio signal" can also refer to multiple radio signals. Similarly, the term "radio frequency" can refer to multiple radio frequencies. In embodiments, the sensing phase may include sequentially transmitting radio signals using a radio transmitter, particularly wherein the sequentially transmitted radio signals include one or more different radio frequencies. For example, during the sensing phase (such as at a specific growth stage of a plant), different radio frequencies may be provided (sequentially) to detect fruit (plant-related parameters associated with fruit, e.g., tomato) and to detect leaves (plant-related parameters associated with leaves).

[0088] In another embodiment, the radio frequency may be selected from one or more of 0.9 GHz, 1.3 GHz, 2.0 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 11.6 GHz, and 60 GHz.

[0089] Water in plants may absorb more frequencies than others; those frequencies are likely to be most affected by plants. In particular, some microwave frequencies (in the GHz range) can closely match the rotational frequency of water and can cause water molecules to rotate, which can lead to a strong absorption effect in plant material. Therefore, in this embodiment, a radio frequency can be selected to match the rotational frequency of water.

[0090] The term “plant type” may refer in this text to plants adapted to a particular environment, such as tropical plants or aquatic plants, but may further refer in this text to a particular species (or genus) of a plant (especially a crop).

[0091] In particular, given the characteristics of plants, radio frequencies can be selected such that the radio signal is strongly influenced by plant-related parameters. For example, if plant-related parameters include leaf volume, the radio frequency can be selected based on the plant's leaf shape and size, especially the expected leaf shape and size for that plant type at its current growth stage, so that the plant's leaves have a strong and distinguishable influence on the radio signal. Therefore, for example, when selecting a radio signal for sensing leaf volume, fruit shape and / or fruit size can also be considered to select a radio frequency (where leaves provide a distinguishable influence from the fruit).

[0092] In another embodiment, the method may include selecting a radio frequency based on predetermined plant-related parameters (in particular predetermined values ​​for the plant-related parameters). Specifically, in such an embodiment, the radio frequency may be adjusted as the plant grows to, for example, compensate for more and / or larger leaves (or fruits).

[0093] Radio signals may include narrowband signals and / or wideband signals, especially wideband signals. In particular, wideband signals may include multiple subcarriers, while narrowband signals include a single subcarrier. In embodiments, wideband signals may particularly include Wi-Fi signals.

[0094] This method may include determining plant-related parameters based on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) analysis of (correlated) receiver signals.

[0095] In one embodiment (where the radio signal includes a broadband signal), the method may include channel state information analysis based on the receiver signal to determine plant-related parameters. The combination of broadband signal and channel state information analysis can be particularly beneficial because it can provide more granular and detailed information about plant-related parameters. For example, in such an embodiment, leaf movement can be sensed, which can indicate airflow in the horticultural space.

[0096] In particular, when radio signals encounter plant material, the wavelengths of the radio signals may be (partially) diffracted, reflected, and scattered; this can lead to an increase in multipath signals, meaning that the various sub-components of the radio signal may arrive at the radio receiver with different time delays compared to the line-of-sight signal. Therefore, in addition to affecting RSSI, plant material may also affect (Wi-Fi) CSI, providing opportunities for Wi-Fi CSI sensing of leaf quality.

[0097] In another embodiment, the method may include beam control, particularly beam control utilizing broadband signals. The term "beam control" herein may refer to generating multiple radiation patterns from a single radio transmitter (antenna).

[0098] In another embodiment, the method may include using beam control to orient radio signals perpendicular to the (local) average leaf surface orientation. The term "local" may refer in particular, herein, to leaves arranged along the radio path. If the beam-controlled radio signal (e.g., a directional 60 GHz Wi-Fi signal) penetrates the plant canopy and is oriented parallel to or at a small angle to the (local) average leaf surface orientation, the radio signal may be substantially scattered by the leaf edges. If the beam-controlled radio signal is oriented perpendicular to the (local) average leaf surface orientation (e.g., a radio signal beam from below to above the plant), the radio signal can pass directly through the leaves and is scattered much less, especially when the leaf size is larger than the radio wavelength.

[0099] In embodiments, the method may include transmitting a broadband signal (particularly 60 GHz Wi-Fi), particularly utilizing beam control, to measure stem diameter and / or determine the water content within the plant stem. The plant stem diameter can vary with plant stress and can therefore serve as an indicator of plant stress and water supply.

[0100] In another embodiment, broadband signals (especially 60 GHz Wi-Fi) can be used to monitor leaf movement, for example, to detect unwanted airflow within a greenhouse.

[0101] In this embodiment, the radio transmitter and receiver can be positioned at different heights, particularly relative to the top of the (plant's) canopy, or particularly relative to the floor in the horticultural space. This can be particularly beneficial for sensing plant-related parameters concerning the plant canopy. Furthermore, when the radio transmitter and receiver are positioned at different heights, the influence of ambient radio signals may be less, resulting in a relatively larger contribution to the absorption of the measurement signal.

[0102] In embodiments in which multiple radio transmitters and / or radio receivers are arranged, the multiple radio transmitters and / or radio receivers can be arranged at different heights. Therefore, during the sensing phase, plant-related parameters can be determined for different parts of the plant, particularly different heights of the plant canopy. For example, the method may include determining the average leaf mass per unit area at different heights within the plant canopy (e.g., the top third, middle, and bottom third of the plant).

[0103] In one embodiment, the horticultural space may include a predetermined volume for plant growth. Specifically, the horticultural space may have a volume starting from 100 cm². 3 - 100 m 3The volume is selected within a certain range. If the distance between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver is too small, the influence of the horticultural space on the radio signal may be insufficient, especially, for example, when the plants are seedlings with small canopies. Furthermore, if the distance is too small, the radio receiver (antenna) may become saturated and changes may not be measurable. However, similarly, if the distance between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver is too large, the signal-to-noise ratio of the radio signal may be negatively affected. Therefore, in the embodiment, the (shortest) distance between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver can be selected from a range of 10 cm to 10 m (especially from a range of 50 cm to 10 m).

[0104] In another embodiment, the distance between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver can be selected based on input parameters chosen from plant characteristics, time-related parameters, and environmental parameters.

[0105] As described, the method may include a baseline generation phase. The baseline generation phase may include: (i) transmitting a baseline radio signal from a radio transmitter; and (ii) detecting the baseline radio signal with a radio receiver and providing a corresponding baseline receiver signal. In such an embodiment, a sensing phase may include determining plant-related parameters based on the receiver signal and the baseline receiver signal.

[0106] Specifically, the baseline generation phase can be scheduled before or at the start of plant growth. In another embodiment, the baseline generation phase can be performed in a horticultural space without plants. In yet another embodiment, the baseline generation phase can be performed in a horticultural space containing seeds or seedlings. For example, the baseline generation phase can be performed under substantially dry conditions in the horticultural space. For example, considering at least one plant, the dry conditions for water-related parameters can be dry plants or dry leaves. Furthermore, the baseline generation phase can be scheduled before or at the start of plant growth in the horticultural space.

[0107] The baseline generation phase can include substantially the same steps and parameters (such as the same radio frequency) as the sensing phase, relating to (i) transmitting a baseline radio signal from a radio transmitter; and (ii) detecting the baseline radio signal with a radio receiver and providing a corresponding baseline receiver signal. Essentially, the baseline generation phase can be performed in the same manner as sensing, except that the baseline receiver signal is used as a reference for dynamic comparison with measurements taken in the subsequent sensing phase; that is, the baseline receiver signal can be used in the subsequent sensing phase as a reference for assessing changes relative to earlier points in plant growth.

[0108] In another embodiment, the method may include monitoring plants in a horticultural space over time, particularly wherein the monitoring includes multiple temporally separated sensing phases.

[0109] In another embodiment, the sensing phase may be temporally arranged within a predetermined timeframe beginning with the execution of a first plant growth-related action, particularly where the plant growth-related action is selected from the group consisting of: temperature control (within a portion of the horticultural space), plant pruning, watering, providing crop protection treatments, providing nutrients (especially fertilizers), providing light (especially a specific spectrum, or especially a specific light intensity), exposing the plant to insects, harvesting, and providing airflow (such as providing air conditioning, or such as opening windows to allow outside air). Different plant growth-related actions may affect the interaction between the plant (or substrate) and the radio signal, particularly in different ways. In particular, the direct effect of a plant growth-related action such as watering on the radio signal may be greater than, for example, the effect of a plant's daily growth. Therefore, if the contribution of plant growth-related actions is not taken into account, the subsequent sensing phase may obtain a distorted view of the temporal evolution of plant-related parameters. Thus, in embodiments, the sensing phase may be temporally arranged relative to one or more plant growth-related actions, which facilitates the comparison of receiver signals and / or determined plant-related parameters over time. The term "plant growth-related action" may also refer to a variety of (different) plant growth-related actions.

[0110] In another embodiment, the two subsequent sensing phases can be temporally arranged such that the first of the two subsequent sensing phases is (directly) positioned before the plant growth-related action, and the second of the two subsequent sensing phases is (directly) positioned after the plant growth-related action. This allows the determination of the direct impact of the plant growth-related action on the radio signal.

[0111] In another embodiment, the baseline generation phase may be scheduled within a predetermined timeframe starting from the execution of the first plant growth-related action.

[0112] In another embodiment, the method may include multiple baseline generation stages, each providing a (corresponding) baseline receiver signal.

[0113] For example, especially when the baseline generation phase is time-defined within a predetermined timeframe from the commencement of the first plant growth-related action, determining the baseline before and after the action may be of interest. For instance, during watering, the watered soil (and the moistened leaves) may influence the baseline. If measured again 24 hours after watering, leaf volume may be larger, while soil moisture may be lower due to water consumption. Therefore, for measurements 24 hours after watering, any observed changes may be due to water consumption and / or plant (leaf) growth. By providing a baseline within a predetermined timeframe from the commencement of a predefined action, the effects of the performed actions(s) can be measured and described.

[0114] Determining the values ​​of plant-related parameters can provide insights into the state of plant cultivation, which can be used for course correction or other improvements to cultivation. Therefore, in an embodiment, the method may include performing a second plant growth-related action depending on the plant-related parameters, wherein the second plant growth-related action is selected from the group consisting of: controlling temperature (within a portion of a horticultural space), pruning plants, providing water, providing crop protection treatments, providing nutrients (especially fertilizers), providing light (especially a specific spectrum, or especially a specific light intensity), exposing plants to insects, harvesting, and providing airflow (such as providing air conditioning, or such as opening windows to allow outside air).

[0115] In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include controlling temperature (within a portion of a horticultural space), particularly controlling one or more of plant temperature, plant leaf temperature, and plant root temperature, or particularly controlling the (average) temperature within the horticultural space. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include pruning. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include providing water. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include providing crop protection treatments, particularly crop protection treatments against weeds and / or pests. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include providing nutrients, particularly fertilizer. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include providing light, particularly a specific spectrum, such as providing light comprising one or more wavelengths selected from the 400-800 nm range, and / or such as providing light comprising wavelengths selected for interaction with plant phytochromes, and / or particularly a specific light intensity. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include exposing the plant to insects. In another embodiment, the (second) plant growth-related action may include harvesting, particularly harvesting fruit, or particularly harvesting plant leaves. In another embodiment, (second) plant growth-related actions may include providing airflow, particularly providing air conditioning, or particularly providing external airflow.

[0116] In particular, in embodiments, the method may include exposing at least a portion of the plant to a second growth-related action, especially exposing at least a portion of one or more plants from a variety of plants to the second growth-related action.

[0117] In another embodiment, the method may include exposing at least a portion of the garden space (in particular a partition of the garden space, or in particular the entire garden space) to a second growth-related action.

[0118] Plants cultivated in horticultural spaces may receive little or no natural sunlight, especially in vertical planting arrangements. Therefore, in embodiments, the method may include providing horticultural light to the plants, particularly during controlled planting modes. In another embodiment, the horticultural light may have an average intensity (on the plants) ≥50 µmol / m². 2 / s, such as ≥100 µmol / m 2 / s, such as even more specifically ≥150 µmol / m 2 / s, such as those selected especially from 50-1000 µmol / m 2 The range of / s, and even more specifically selected from 150-1000 µmol / m 2The range is [value] / s. In another embodiment, the horticultural light may have a value selected from 200-1000 µmol / m². 2 The average intensity in the range of / s. In the example, this intensity is ≤800 µmol / m. 2 / s, such as ≤600 µmol / m 2 / s, such as those selected from 200-600 µmol / m 2 The range of / s, such as those particularly selected from 200-525 µmol / m 2 The range of / s.

[0119] Specifically, it can provide indicated light intensity over a period of 10-20 hours per day, with 4-14 hours of darkness per day.

[0120] The conditions that (growing) plants experience can usually be defined in the formulation (see above). Therefore, the method may include formulation treatments of the plants.

[0121] In an embodiment, the method may include controlling the spectral composition of horticultural light as a function of one or more of plant-related parameters (values) and plant characteristics, particularly the plant-related parameters (values) or particularly the plant characteristics.

[0122] In another embodiment, the method may include providing (supplementary) horticultural light to the plant, wherein the horticultural light is provided such that the plant receives a minimum (and maximum) level of intensity within the (supplementary) wavelength range. This may also be referred to herein as a “supplementary control mode.”

[0123] In another aspect, the invention also provides a computer program product comprising instructions for execution on a computer functionally coupled to a radio transmitter and a radio receiver, wherein, when executed by the computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to the invention. Specifically, the radio transmitter and radio receiver may be arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the garden space, and the radio receiver may be configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter.

[0124] Therefore, the present invention further provides a computer program product capable of performing the methods as defined herein, for example, when loaded onto a computer (which is functionally coupled to a horticultural system). In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a recording medium (or data medium, such as a USB stick, CD, DVD, etc.) for storing the computer program product.

[0125] In another aspect, the invention can provide a gardening system comprising a gardening space, a radio transmitter, and a radio receiver. In embodiments, the radio transmitter and radio receiver can be arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the gardening space. Furthermore, the radio transmitter can be configured to transmit radio signals, wherein the radio receiver is configured to detect the radio signals and provide associated receiver signals, particularly to provide associated receiver signals to a control system (see below).

[0126] In another embodiment, the horticultural system may further include a control system, particularly wherein the control system is configured to determine plant-related parameters or water-related parameters based on (related) receiver signals.

[0127] The horticultural system according to the invention enables the execution of the methods of the invention and has the advantages listed above.

[0128] The term "horticultural system" herein may specifically refer to plant farms, plant factories, vertical farms, urban farms, growth layers, trays, and / or climate units. In embodiments, a horticultural system may include a climate unit. In particular, the term "horticultural system" may refer to a system configured for horticulture and may include any element commonly used in horticulture for plant cultivation.

[0129] In one embodiment, the gardening system may include a control system. The control system may be configured to control a portion of the gardening system. Specifically, the control system may be functionally coupled to a radio transmitter and / or a radio receiver. Specifically, the control system may be configured to control the radio transmitter and / or the radio receiver.

[0130] In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a horticultural system comprising a horticultural space, a control system, a radio transmitter, and a radio receiver, wherein the radio transmitter and the radio receiver are arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver passes through at least a portion of the horticultural space, and wherein the radio transmitter is configured to transmit radio signals, and wherein the radio receiver is configured to detect the radio signals and provide associated receiver signals, wherein the control system is configured to determine plant-related parameters or water-related parameters based on the receiver signals.

[0131] In one embodiment, the gardening system may include multiple radio transmitters. In another embodiment, the gardening system may include multiple radio receivers. In yet another embodiment, the gardening system may include multiple radio transmission pairs configured in a radio signal reception relationship, wherein each radio transmission pair includes a corresponding radio transmitter and a corresponding radio receiver, which are arranged such that a corresponding radio path between the corresponding radio transmitter and the corresponding radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the garden space.

[0132] In one embodiment, the horticultural system may include a plurality of horticultural light generating devices, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of horticultural light generating devices includes a (corresponding) radio transmitter and / or a (corresponding) radio receiver. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of horticultural light generating devices may include a (corresponding) radio transmitter and / or a (corresponding) radio receiver, particularly a (corresponding) radio transmitter and a (corresponding) radio receiver. Specifically, in an embodiment, the horticultural system may include a plurality of horticultural light generating devices, a plurality of radio transmitters, and a plurality of radio receivers, wherein each of the plurality of horticultural light generating devices (at least a portion) includes a (corresponding) radio transmitter among a plurality of radio transmitters, and wherein each of the plurality of horticultural light generating devices (at least a portion) includes a (corresponding) radio receiver among a plurality of radio receivers.

[0133] In various aspects, the present invention can provide a horticultural system comprising a horticultural space for accommodating plants, a control system, and a plurality of radio transmitting pairs, wherein the radio transmitting pairs are configured to receive radio signals, and wherein each radio transmitting pair includes a radio transmitter and a radio receiver, the radio transmitter and the radio receiver being arranged such that a radio path between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space, wherein, in an operating mode, the control system is configured to: select an appropriate sensing subset of one or more of the plurality of radio transmitting pairs depending on input parameters, wherein the input parameters are selected from a group consisting of plant characteristics, variable environmental parameters, static environmental parameters, and plant-related parameters; and determine the plant-related parameters based on receiver signals from the appropriate sensing subset.

[0134] In its embodiments, at least some radio transmitter pairs are at least partially integrated into one or more of a horticultural light-generating device, actuator, sensor, smart collection container, and horticultural robot.

[0135] Therefore, as mentioned in the preceding section, multiple horticultural light generating devices not only provide the first function of providing horticultural light to horticultural spaces and / or plants, but also provide the second function of enabling RF-based sensing using their integrated (multiple) radio transmitters and (multiple) radio receivers.

[0136] Multiple horticultural light generating devices can be arranged in an array. The array can surround the horticultural space. The array can limit the horticultural space.

[0137] In one embodiment, the horticultural system may include actuators configured to perform plant growth-related actions, particularly wherein the control system controls the actuators. In such an embodiment, the horticultural system can autonomously perform plant growth-related actions, particularly depending on the determined values ​​of plant-related or water-related parameters.

[0138] In another embodiment, the actuator may include one or more of the following: a temperature control element, a plant trimmer, a water supply element, a crop protection element, a nutrient supply element, a horticultural light generation device, an insect exposure element, a harvesting element, and a ventilation system.

[0139] In embodiments, the horticultural system may include a horticultural light generating device, particularly wherein the horticultural light generating device includes a light source, and more particularly, a light source configured to provide horticultural light. Specifically, the horticultural light generating device may include multiple (different) light sources configured to provide light of different wavelengths. In another embodiment, the horticultural light generating device may include a device housing in which the light source is (at least partially) arranged. The term "horticultural light generating device" may also refer to multiple (different) horticultural light generating devices.

[0140] Horticultural light generating equipment can be specifically configured to provide (horticultural) light to horticultural spaces during operation, and more specifically to provide (horticultural) light to plants arranged in horticultural spaces.

[0141] Lighting plays various roles in horticulture, such as: (1) supplemental lighting: lighting that supplements natural sunlight to increase yields (e.g., tomato) or to boost crop yields during periods when crop prices may be higher, such as in autumn, winter, and spring; (2) photoperiodic lighting: the duration of light cycles is important for many plants. In a 24-hour cycle, for example, the duration and relative ratio of light and dark cycles affect the flowering response of many plants. Manipulating the duration and / or their ratio with supplemental lighting can help regulate the timing of flowering; (3) artificial lighting: cultivation lighting in horticultural systems that does not rely on natural sunlight; (4) differentiation lighting: selective lighting to promote cell differentiation, for example, in the context of controlling tissue formation.

[0142] The term "horticultural light" herein may specifically refer to light having one or more wavelengths in one or more of a first wavelength region of 400-475 nm and a second wavelength region of 625-675 nm. The relative energy (watts) provided in these regions may depend on the plant type and / or growth stage. Therefore, formulations can define ratios for one or more plant types, optionally as a function of time.

[0143] In this document, the term "light source" may specifically refer to semiconductor light-emitting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), resonant cavity light-emitting diodes (RCLEDs), vertical cavity laser diodes (VCSELs), edge-emitting lasers, etc. The term "light source" may also refer to organic light-emitting diodes, such as passive matrix light-emitting diodes (PMOLEDs) or active matrix light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs).

[0144] In embodiments where the lighting device includes multiple light sources, two or more subsets of the multiple light sources can be independently controllable, particularly through a control system. Furthermore, the two or more subsets can provide light with different spectral distributions and / or different intensities. In such embodiments, the intensity and spectral distribution of the horticultural light can be controllable, particularly through a control system. Therefore, in embodiments, the two or more subsets can be configured to provide light with different spectral distributions.

[0145] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the horticultural light generating device can be configured to provide light with a concentration selected from at least 50 µmol / m at a distance of at least 30 cm (e.g., at least 100 cm) from the horticultural light generating device. 2 / s (such as especially at least 100 µmol / m 2 Horticultural light of average intensity within a range of ( / s). Specifically, the horticultural light generating device can be configured to provide horticultural light of average intensity at a distance of at least 30 cm from the lighting fixture. Furthermore, the lighting fixture can be configured to provide horticultural light of average intensity during a predetermined time period (e.g., several hours per day).

[0146] Therefore, in embodiments, the control system can be configured to adjust the spectral distribution and / or intensity of light provided by the horticultural light-generating device (especially by multiple light sources) depending on plant-related parameters or water-related parameters.

[0147] In embodiments, the horticultural system may include at least a portion of a horticultural arrangement. The horticultural arrangement may be specifically configured to house plants. Specifically, the horticultural arrangement may include horticultural growth supports for the plants. Thus, in embodiments, plants may be arranged within the horticultural arrangement during operation. Specifically, the term "horticultural arrangement" may refer to a structure for housing plants, particularly where the plants are grown under controlled conditions, and more particularly where the plants receive essentially no natural sunlight. Furthermore, the horticultural arrangement may be climatically adapted, such as in the case of a climate unit.

[0148] In another embodiment, the climate unit may include horticultural growth supports and horticultural light generating devices, and the control system may be configured inside or outside the climate unit.

[0149] Horticultural systems can be configured to grow food in multiple layers, thus making better use of available space compared to outdoor or greenhouse growth. This means that natural sunlight will not be able to reach all plants in the horticultural system, and most of the light may need to come from artificial lighting. Therefore, this invention specifically refers to horticultural systems in which plants receive largely (especially essentially only) artificial light.

[0150] In practice, horticultural arrangements may include horticultural growth supports with plants, or horticultural growth supports with seeds, or horticultural growth supports with seedlings, etc. The term "horticultural growth support" in this document may specifically refer to plant pots, trays, lines, etc., which can be used to grow plants in, on, or along them.

[0151] In use, horticultural arrangements may include substrates, particularly substrates containing plants, or particularly substrates containing seeds, or particularly substrates containing seedlings. The term “substrate” in this document refers in particular to one or more of (granular) substrates, hydroponic substrates (in hydroponics), soil, rock wool, etc., which can be used to grow plants in, on, or along such substrates.

[0152] In embodiments, the gardening system may include sensors, particularly one or more of the following: a camera, an infrared sensor, a multispectral sensor, a humidity sensor, a VOC sensor, a motion sensor, an asset tracking sensor, a light sensor, a dust sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a vibration sensor, a tilt sensor, a nitrogen sensor, and a water leakage sensor. A radio transmitter and / or a radio receiver may be integrated into the sensors (or these sensors).

[0153] In embodiments, the sensor can be configured to sense input parameters, particularly those selected from plant characteristics, time-related parameters, and environmental parameters. Thus, the sensor can provide the values ​​of the input parameters to a radio transmitter and / or radio receiver. The sensor can also be configured to operate complementaryly to the radio transmitter and radio receiver.

[0154] In another embodiment, the sensor may be configured to sense parameters, particularly (secondary) plant-related parameters selected from the group consisting of nutrients, leaf size, plant temperature, plant leaf temperature, plant root temperature, plant stem length, plant fruit size, etc., or particularly (secondary) environmental parameters selected from the group consisting of temperature, humidity, gas composition (in a horticultural system, especially in a horticultural arrangement), and natural sunlight intensity (natural sunlight will also be applied). In another embodiment, the sensor may include a camera, such as a CCD camera. The term "sensor" may also refer to multiple sensors. In particular, a horticultural system (especially a horticultural arrangement) may include multiple (spatially separated) (light) sensors.

[0155] In another embodiment, the sensor may be configured to sense one or more of the following: (i) the number and / or appearance and / or color of the plant's leaves, (ii) the area and / or color of the plant's canopy, and (iii) the number and / or appearance of the plant's flowers.

[0156] In this embodiment, the sensor can be configured to monitor plant-related parameters and provide relevant sensor signals (to the control system), particularly wherein the control system is configured to control the horticultural system based on the sensor signals. Specifically, the control system can control the spectral distribution and / or intensity of horticultural light based on the sensor signals.

[0157] In another embodiment, the sensor may include a light sensor configured to sense ambient light and provide a relevant light sensor signal (to the control system), particularly wherein the control system may be configured to provide horticultural light (and / or) supplemental light (based on the light sensor signal).

[0158] Therefore, in an embodiment, the control system can be configured to control the gardening system based on (related) receiver signals and sensor signals.

[0159] The conditions experienced by (growing) plants can typically be defined in a formulation. Therefore, a control system can be configured to make the plants conform to the formulation during operation. This formulation may include a light formulation that defines a predetermined horticultural light intensity. This may mean that the formulation defines a predetermined horticultural light intensity that varies over time. Alternatively or additionally, the formulation may define the predetermined horticultural light intensity as a function of parameters, particularly plant-related parameters. In another embodiment, the parameters may include environmental parameters selected from the group consisting of temperature, humidity, gas composition (in a horticultural system, especially in a horticultural arrangement), and natural sunlight intensity (natural sunlight will also be applied). A formulation for lighting parameters may be indicated as a "light formulation." A light formulation may also include other parameters, such as the applied temperature, particularly at plant parts (e.g., at plant leaves, or such as at plant roots).

[0160] In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the spectral composition of horticultural light as a function of one or more of the following: (i) the number and / or appearance and / or color of the plant's leaves, (ii) the area and / or color of the plant's canopy, and (iii) the number and / or appearance of the plant's flowers.

[0161] In this embodiment, the control system can be configured to control the horticultural arrangement. Specifically, the control system can be configured to control one or more of the following: temperature, humidity, irrigation, nutrient supply, light intensity of horticultural light, and air conditions (including one or more of air temperature, air composition, airflow, etc.). The control system can be configured to control one or more of these conditions at different locations within the arrangement.

[0162] In one embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the sensor.

[0163] In one embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the actuator.

[0164] In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to perform the method of the present invention (causing the horticultural system).

[0165] Control of this component can be accomplished using a control system, which can also be referred to as a "controller". Therefore, the control system and the component can be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The component may include a control system. In embodiments, the control system and the component may not be physically coupled. Control can be accomplished via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" can also refer to multiple different control systems, particularly those functionally coupled, where, for example, one control system may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. The control system may include or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0166] Examples of user interface devices include manual buttons, displays, touchscreens, keyboards, voice-activated input devices, audio outputs, indicators (such as lights), switches, knobs, modems, and network cards, among others.

[0167] For illustrative purposes, the present invention may be described herein primarily in the context of embodiments relating to the sensing of plant leaf volume. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0168] The embodiments described herein are not limited to any single aspect of the invention. For example, embodiments describing plant-related parameters associated with a method may, for instance, further relate to a horticultural system. Similarly, embodiments describing a system of horticultural light may be further applied to the method. Embodiments associated with the method may, in particular, further relate to the operation of a horticultural system, and vice versa. In particular, embodiments describing a method for operating a portion of a horticultural system may indicate that, in the embodiments, a portion of the horticultural system can be configured for and / or adapted to that operation.

[0169] The need for reliable, non-invasive assessment of horticultural plant growth has not been met. More specifically, there is a desire for continuous monitoring of cultivation conditions in the growing medium of horticultural plants, such as the soil root zone. Such monitoring can provide valuable data, such as yield, efficiency, and health analysis and prediction.

[0170] Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention can provide a gardening system in different sections.

[0171] Paragraph 1: The present invention can provide a horticultural system for monitoring cultivation conditions in a cultivation medium, wherein the horticultural system includes: a substrate arranged to contain the cultivation medium; a transmitter device configured to transmit a radio frequency signal through at least a portion of the cultivation medium; a receiver device configured to receive the radio frequency signal; and a control device configured to determine the quality of the cultivation conditions based on comparing the received radio frequency signal with a predetermined baseline radio frequency signal indicating the baseline quality of the cultivation conditions.

[0172] This invention provides the following benefits: Cultivation conditions in the growing medium are determined via radio frequency (or: radio) signals. More specifically, the quality (or value) of the cultivation conditions is determined via radio frequency-based sensing. When the radio frequency signal interacts with the cultivation conditions in the growing medium, the radio frequency signal may be affected by the cultivation conditions in the growing medium, such as partial absorption, diffraction, scattering, and / or reflection. Cultivation conditions may be, for example, root structure and / or water content in the growing medium. Therefore, by transmitting (or providing) radio frequency signals from at least a portion of the growing medium from a transmitting device (or: for example, a radio transmitter) to a receiving device (or: for example, a radio receiver), changes in the radio frequency signal relative to the cultivation conditions in the growing medium (of plants arranged in a horticultural space) can be observed.

[0173] Therefore, even though existing technology might consider the interaction between cultivation conditions and radio signals undesirable—because such cultivation conditions could interfere with radio communications and may cause radio signal blocking and scattering, and / or reflection and partial absorption—this interaction is utilized here to provide improved sensing of the quality of cultivation conditions.

[0174] Specifically, the present invention can involve sensing using radio frequency (RF) to analyze changes in wireless signal strength and / or wireless multipath propagation (especially compared to a baseline). Thus, RF sensing measurements can be performed to record a predetermined baseline RF signal indicating the baseline quality of the cultivation conditions. For example, such a predetermined baseline RF signal can relate to a cultivation medium lacking any cultivation conditions, such as, for example, natural soil without any plant roots, or only possessing the baseline quality of the cultivation conditions, such as, for example, natural soil containing only plant seeds. This is equally applicable to monitoring cultivation conditions related to water content, irrigation, and / or humidity, wherein the predetermined baseline RF signal can be acquired under dry conditions, i.e., the quality of the cultivation conditions is characterized by dry baseline conditions. Furthermore, the predetermined baseline RF signal can alternatively be acquired during further growth stages of the plant. Comparing the actually received RF signal with this predetermined baseline RF signal can provide a comparison between plant growth stages. Alternatively, instead of comparing with a previously recorded baseline, monitoring of cultivation conditions can involve comparing measurements of various RF plant sensing detection zones simultaneously and identifying plant zones with abnormal cultivation conditions compared to other plant zones.

[0175] Therefore, the present invention provides a horticultural system for monitoring cultivation conditions, such as, for example, plant root growth, soil properties, and / or irrigation uniformity, via radio frequency-based sensing. The increasing availability of wireless connectivity devices in the horticultural field can be advantageously utilized and adapted as transmitter and receiver devices. Thus, the present invention enables continuous measurements within horticultural growing facilities, allowing for the (simultaneous) monitoring of a large number of plants, rather than just a few measurements under controlled laboratory conditions and / or at a single plant location within the horticultural facility. Therefore, the present invention is clearly advantageous and overcomes or improves upon at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0176] Paragraph 2: The control device can be configured to determine the quality of cultivation conditions based on comparing the RSSI of the received radio frequency signal with the RSSI of a predetermined baseline radio frequency signal.

[0177] Paragraph 3: Transmitter equipment and / or receiver equipment may be one of the following: lighting equipment, switches, sensor equipment, actuator equipment, cameras, climate control equipment, routers, bridges, computing equipment, user interface equipment.

[0178] Paragraph 4: The transmitter equipment may be the first lighting equipment and / or the receiver equipment may be the second lighting equipment.

[0179] Paragraph 5: The transmitter equipment may be arranged in a first plane, wherein the receiver equipment is arranged in a second plane, wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane, and wherein the cultivation medium is arranged between the first plane and the second plane.

[0180] Paragraph 6: The cultivation medium may include at least one of the following: natural soil, rock wool, peat moss, sawdust, sand, clay, mixed soil, hydroponic medium, nutrient solution, perlite, gravel, rice husk, coconut shell.

[0181] Paragraph 7: Cultivation conditions may include at least one of the following: plant root size, plant root structure, water content, irrigation unevenness, and soil mixture density.

[0182] Paragraph 8: The radio frequency signal includes a frequency of at least 60 GHz. Paragraph 9: The control device includes a receiver device. Paragraph 10: The substrate includes a receiver device. Paragraph 11: The control device is configured to output an output signal indicating the determined quality of the cultivation conditions, and / or, based on the determined quality of the cultivation conditions, output a control signal for controlling electrical equipment.

[0183] The advantages and / or embodiments of the methods and horticultural systems applicable to the initial aspects of the present invention may also be adapted to the horticultural systems described in paragraphs 1-11 of the present invention with necessary modifications. Attached Figure Description

[0184] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in the drawings:

[0185] Figure 1 An embodiment of the method of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0186] Figure 2 An embodiment of the method of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0187] Figure 3 An embodiment of the method of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0188] Figure 4 An experimental setup related to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0189] Figure 5 Information about the experimental setup related to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0190] Figure 6 The results of the experimental setup related to the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0191] Figure 7 The results of the experimental setup related to the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0192] Figure 8 An experimental setup related to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0193] Figure 9 The results of the experimental setup related to the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0194] Figure 10 An embodiment of the method of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0195] Figures 11-12 An embodiment of the method of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0196] Figure 1An embodiment of a method for sensing plant-related parameters in a horticultural space 115 is schematically depicted, wherein a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152 are arranged such that a radio path 153 between the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space 115. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radio receiver 152 may be configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter 151. In this embodiment, the method may include a sensing phase. The sensing phase may include (i) transmitting a radio signal with the radio transmitter 151; (ii) detecting the radio signal with the radio receiver 152 and providing an associated receiver signal; and (iii) determining plant-related parameters based on the receiver signal.

[0197] In the depicted embodiment, the radio path 153 passes through the plants 10 arranged in the horticultural space 115. Specifically, the radio path 153 may pass through the canopy 11 of the plant 10 or through the stem 12 of the plant 10. As the radio signal passes through the plant 10, the radio signal can interact with and be altered by the plant (parts). Thus, once the radio signal reaches the radio receiver 152, it may have already been altered relative to the radio signal transmitted from the radio transmitter 151, which can provide information about plant-related parameters associated with the plant 10, particularly those related to plant parts.

[0198] Alternatively, plant-related parameters can be water-related parameters, where the water-related parameter is the amount of condensate. This condensate may be present in the plant's leaves and / or canopy. When a radio signal propagates through the plant, the radio signal may interact with and be altered by the condensate in the leaves and / or canopy.

[0199] In an embodiment, plant-related parameters may include plant volume parameters selected from the group consisting of leaf volume, stem volume, root volume, fruit volume, seed volume, and nut volume.

[0200] In the depicted embodiment, the horticultural space 115 includes a substrate 20, particularly a substrate arranged in a horticultural growth support 111. In another embodiment, a radio path may pass through at least a portion of the substrate 20, and plant-related parameters may include, in particular, substrate-related parameters selected from the group consisting of substrate moisture level, substrate salinity level, substrate moisture uniformity, substrate density, substrate thickness, foreign matter in the substrate, and substrate nutrient parameters.

[0201] In the depicted embodiment, the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 are arranged at different heights.

[0202] In an embodiment, the method may include a baseline generation phase. The baseline generation phase may include: transmitting a baseline radio signal from a radio transmitter 151; and detecting the baseline radio signal with a radio receiver 152 and providing a corresponding baseline receiver signal. In such an embodiment, a sensing phase may include determining plant-related parameters based on the receiver signal and the baseline receiver signal. For example, regarding the depicted embodiment, the baseline generation phase may have already been performed when the plant is absent, or when it is still a seed or seedling, to provide a reference baseline signal to be compared with the receiver signal for determining plant-related parameters (such as plant portion volume). As an alternative example, the baseline generation phase may be time-proportioned before performing plant growth-related actions, wherein the sensing phase is time-proportioned after performing the plant growth-related actions to determine the effect of the plant growth-related actions.

[0203] In another embodiment, the method may include monitoring plants 10 in a horticultural space 115 over time, wherein the monitoring includes a plurality of temporally separated sensing phases, wherein these sensing phases are temporally arranged within a predetermined time range from the commencement of performing a (first) plant growth-related action, wherein the (first) plant growth-related action is selected from the group consisting of: controlling temperature (within a portion of the horticultural space), pruning plants, providing water, providing nutrients (especially fertilizer), providing light (especially horticultural light), exposing plants to insects, harvesting, and providing airflow.

[0204] In another embodiment, the method may include performing (second) plant growth-related actions depending on plant-related parameters.

[0205] Figure 1 An embodiment of a horticultural system 100 is further illustrated schematically. The horticultural system 100 includes a horticultural space 115, a control system 300, a radio transmitter 151, and a radio receiver 152. The radio transmitter 151 and radio receiver 152 are arranged such that a radio path 153 between the radio transmitter 151 and radio receiver 152 traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space 115. Specifically, the radio transmitter 151 can be configured to transmit radio signals, and the radio receiver 152 can be configured to detect the radio signals and provide associated receiver signals, particularly to the control system. The control system 300 can be configured to determine plant-related parameters based on the receiver signals.

[0206] In one embodiment, the gardening system 100 may include an actuator 133, wherein the actuator 133 is configured to perform plant growth-related actions, and wherein the control system 300 controls the actuator 133.

[0207] In embodiments, the gardening system 100 may include at least a portion of a gardening arrangement 110. The gardening arrangement may be configured, in particular, to accommodate plants 10. Specifically, the gardening arrangement 110 may include a gardening growth support 111 to support the plants 10. In the depicted embodiments, the gardening growth support 111 includes a pot. In other embodiments, the gardening growth support 111 may, for example, include a tray or (grid) wire (for plant climbing). In particular, the gardening arrangement 110 (especially the gardening growth support 111) may include a substrate 20 for supporting the plants 10, such as, among other things, for providing nutrients to the plants 10.

[0208] In one embodiment, the gardening system 100 may include sensors 180, particularly sensors 180 comprising one or more of a camera, an infrared sensor, a multispectral sensor, a humidity sensor, a VOC sensor, a motion sensor, an asset tracking sensor, a light sensor, a dust sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a vibration sensor, a tilt sensor, a nitrogen sensor, and a leak sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor 180 may be configured to sense input parameters, particularly input parameters selected from plant characteristics, time-related parameters, and environmental parameters. Thus, the sensor 180 may provide the values ​​of the input parameters to the radio transmitter 151 and / or the radio receiver 152. The sensor 180 may, in particular, be configured to operate complementaryly to the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152.

[0209] Figure 2 An embodiment of the method is schematically depicted, wherein a plurality of radio transmitters 151 and a plurality of radio receivers 152 are arranged in and / or around a garden space 115. In such an embodiment, the sensing phase may include sequentially transmitting radio signals from the radio transmitters 151 among the plurality of radio transmitters 151; and detecting the sequentially transmitted radio signals with one or more radio receivers 152 and providing associated receiver signals.

[0210] In the depicted embodiment, plant 10 comprises a plurality of identical plants. In another embodiment, plant 10 may also comprise a plurality of different plants. However, typically, plant 10 may comprise a plurality of identical plants.

[0211] Figure 2 An embodiment of a horticultural system 100 including a horticultural light generating device 120 is further described, wherein the horticultural light generating device 120 includes a light source, and more particularly, a light source configured to provide horticultural light. In particular, the horticultural light generating device may include multiple (different) light sources configured to provide light of different wavelengths.

[0212] The horticultural light generating device 120 can be arranged to provide (horticultural) light to the horticultural space 115, particularly to the plants 10 during operation. In the depicted embodiment, the horticultural system 100 includes a plurality of horticultural light generating devices 120 arranged to provide (horticultural) light from different sides of the plants 10 during operation, particularly by arranging the horticultural light generating devices 120 at different heights. For example, as in the depicted embodiment, a portion of the horticultural light generating device 120 can be arranged for top lighting, a portion for side lighting, and a portion for bottom lighting.

[0213] In one embodiment, the radio transmitter 151 may be included in (or integrated therein) the (first) horticultural light generating device 120. In another embodiment, the radio receiver 152 may be included in (or integrated therein) the (second) horticultural light generating device 120.

[0214] In particular, in another embodiment, the gardening system 100 may include a plurality of gardening light generating devices 120, wherein each gardening light generating device 120 includes a radio transmitter 151 and / or a radio receiver 152. Specifically, each gardening light generating device 120 includes a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152. That is, the gardening system 100 may include a plurality of gardening light generating devices 120, a plurality of radio transmitters and a plurality of radio receivers, wherein each gardening light generating device includes at least one radio transmitter (among the plurality of radio transmitters) and / or at least one radio receiver (among the plurality of radio receivers).

[0215] Figure 3 An embodiment of a method for sensing plant-related parameters in a horticultural space 115 is schematically depicted, wherein a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152 are arranged such that a radio path 153 between the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space 115. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radio receiver 152 may be configured to receive radio signals from the radio transmitter 151. In this embodiment, the method may include a sensing phase. The sensing phase may include (i) transmitting a radio signal with the radio transmitter 151; (ii) detecting the radio signal with the radio receiver 152 and providing an associated receiver signal; and (iii) determining plant-related parameters based on the receiver signal.

[0216] In the depicted embodiment, a radio transmitter 151 is included by (first) gardening equipment 130, and a radio receiver 152 is included by (second) gardening equipment 130. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the radio transmitter is included by a temperature control element 134, and the radio receiver is included by a gardening light control element 135. The term "included by" can be expressed as "integrated in". In other embodiments, the first (or second) gardening equipment may include one or more of a gardening light generating device 120, a gardening light control element 135 (especially a wall switch or occupancy sensor), an actuator 133 (especially a gardening tray actuator), a sensor 180, a gardening temperature control element 134, a gardening robot, a bridging device, etc. In other embodiments, the gardening equipment may include a gardening light generating device. In other embodiments, for example, the radio receiver may be included (or integrated therein) by the actuator 133 or by the sensor 180.

[0217] Similar to the above, considering a similar setup, this invention can be... Figures 1-3 It is described using multiple hardware components mentioned in the text.

[0218] Right now: Figure 10 A method for sensing plant-related parameters in a horticultural space 115 containing plants 10 (not depicted here for visualization purposes) is schematically depicted, wherein multiple radio transmission pairs 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, and 150f are configured in a radio signal receiving relationship. In the depicted embodiment, each radio transmission pair 150 includes a (corresponding) radio transmitter 151 and a (corresponding) radio receiver 152, which are arranged such that a radio path 153 between the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space 115. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 are arranged in a cuboid shape surrounding at least a portion of the horticultural space 115, and specifically, the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 are arranged at the corners of the cuboid shape. In the depicted embodiment, for visualization purposes, the radio transmitter 151 (and radio receiver 152) are depicted at a portion of a corner of the cuboid shape. In another embodiment, the radio transmitter 151 and / or radio receiver may be arranged at each corner of the cuboid shape. Furthermore, for visualization purposes only, Figure 10Multiple representations of the same embodiment are depicted, wherein different radio transmitter pairs 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, 150f and corresponding radio paths 153, 153a, 153b, 153c, 153d, 153e, 153f are depicted. Radio transmitter pairs 150 may overlap in either a radio transmitter or a radio receiver. For example, radio transmitter pairs 150a and 150b are depicted sharing a radio receiver 152, while radio transmitter pairs 150b, 150e, and 150f are depicted sharing a radio transmitter 151.

[0219] In an embodiment, the method may include a selection phase that includes selecting an appropriate sensing subset 160 of a plurality of radio transmit pairs 150 based on input parameters selected from a group consisting of plant characteristics, variable environmental parameters, static environmental parameters, and plant-related parameters.

[0220] In an embodiment, the selection phase may include selecting an appropriate subset of sensors 160 based on the height difference within the radio transmitter pair, wherein the appropriate subset of sensors 160 includes at least one radio transmitter pair 150, wherein a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152 are arranged at different heights. Figure 10 In this illustration, for visualization purposes, a suitable sensing subset 160 is depicted by indicating the corresponding radio paths 153, wherein the radio transmitter 151 and radio receiver 152 of the radio transmission pair 150f (corresponding to radio path 153f) are arranged at different heights, particularly relative to different heights of the plant canopy 11. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the radio receiver 152 of the radio transmission pair 150f is also included in another radio transmission pair 150 selected within the suitable sensing subset 160.

[0221] Typically, if two radio transmitter pairs 150 have substantially the same radio path 153, for example, when the positions of radio transmitter 151 and radio receiver 152 are substantially reversed, such as for radio communication pairs 150b and 150c, the two radio transmitter pairs 150 can provide substantially the same signal. Therefore, typically, radio transmitter pairs of appropriate sensing subsets can (be selected) each include different radio paths.

[0222] In another embodiment, for example, during the selection phase, an appropriate sensing subset 160 consisting of radio transmission pairs 150a, 150d, and 150f can be selected.

[0223] In another embodiment, the method may include a sensing phase that includes determining plant-related parameters based on receiver signals from an appropriate sensing subset 160.

[0224] Figure 10 The diagram further schematically depicts the vertically arranged radio communication pairs 150, 150c at a distance dc (particularly the distance dc along the (shortest) radio paths 153, 153c of radio communication pairs 150, 150c). Similarly, Figure 10 The diagonal radio communication pairs 150 and 150e are further illustrated with a distance de (especially the distance de along the (shortest) radio paths 153 and 153e of radio communication pairs 150 and 150e). The distances dc and de can be selected individually, in particular, from a range of 0.5 m to 10 m.

[0225] Figure 11 and Figure 12 An embodiment of a method for sensing plant-related parameters in a horticultural space 115 containing plants 10 is schematically depicted, wherein multiple radio transmitting pairs 150 are configured to receive radio signals. In the depicted embodiment, each radio transmitting pair 150, 150a, 150b, 150c includes a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152, which are arranged such that a radio path 153 between the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space 115. The method may include a selection phase and a sensing phase. The selection phase may include selecting an appropriate sensing subset 160 of the multiple radio transmitting pairs 150 based on input parameters selected from a group consisting of plant characteristics, variable environmental parameters, static environmental parameters, and plant-related parameters. The sensing phase may include determining plant-related parameters based on receiver signals from the appropriate sensing subset 160.

[0226] In an embodiment, the selection phase may include comparing one or more signal quality indicators of a plurality of radio transmit pairs 150 under wet leaf conditions and dry leaf conditions to determine the leaf humidity effect, and selecting an appropriate sensing subset 160 based on the leaf humidity effect.

[0227] In the depicted embodiment, the horticultural space 115 includes a horticultural growth support 111, wherein the selection phase includes selecting an appropriate subset of sensors 160 based on the boundaries or structural barriers of the horticultural growth support 111 (especially based on the boundaries of the horticultural growth support). Specifically, the appropriate subset of sensors 160 may include at least one radio transmitter pair 150, wherein, in projection onto a horizontal plane, both the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 are arranged at a distance selected from 10 cm to 2 m relative to the boundaries of the horticultural growth support 111, particularly at corners 112 of the growth support. In the depicted embodiment, the horticultural growth support includes a pot. In another embodiment, the horticultural growth support may, for example, include a tray.

[0228] In the depicted embodiment, at least a portion of a radio transmitter 151 and at least a portion of a radio receiver 152 are included in the gardening equipment 130. Specifically, the gardening equipment may include devices selected from the group consisting of gardening lighting devices (especially gardening light generating devices 120), gardening light control elements (especially wall switches or occupancy sensors), actuators 133 (especially gardening tray actuators, or especially climate control actuators), sensors 180 (especially climate control sensors), gardening temperature control elements, smart harvesting containers 131, and gardening robots 132. The term "smart harvesting container" herein refers particularly to a container for harvesting.

[0229] In another embodiment, at least a portion of a radio transmitter 151 and at least a portion of a radio receiver 152 may be included in a horticultural light generating device 120, wherein the horticultural light generating device 120 is configured to provide horticultural light to the plant 10.

[0230] exist Figure 12 In the embodiments depicted, the selection phase includes selecting an appropriate subset of sensors 160 based on the arrangement of radio transmitter pairs, wherein the appropriate subset of sensors 160 includes at least one radio transmitter pair 150, wherein a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152 are arranged on line L, wherein line L is perpendicular to the horizontal plane P. h Angle α P Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, angle α P These are small angles, especially those selected in the range of 5°–30°. For radio signals propagating along small angles, plant leaves may be a particularly significant contributor to radio signal attenuation. Therefore, this arrangement may be especially suitable for leaf measurements.

[0231] In another embodiment, angle α PThe angle can be selected from 60° to 85°. For radio signals propagating along such a near-vertical angle, plant stems / trunks can be a particularly significant contributor to radio signal attenuation. Therefore, this arrangement may be especially suitable for stem / trunk measurements.

[0232] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A horticultural system 100 is further schematically depicted, comprising a horticultural space 115 for accommodating plants 10. The horticultural system 100 further includes a control system 300 and a plurality of radio transmission pairs 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d. The radio transmission pairs 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d are configured in a radio signal receiving relationship. Specifically, each radio transmission pair 150 may include a radio transmitter 151 and a radio receiver 152, arranged such that a radio path 153 between the radio transmitter 151 and the radio receiver 152 traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space 115. In an embodiment, in an operating mode, the control system 300 may be configured to select an appropriate sensing subset 160 of one or more of the plurality of radio transmission pairs 150 depending on input parameters, particularly wherein the input parameters are selected from a group consisting of plant characteristics, variable environmental parameters, static environmental parameters, and plant-related parameters. In another embodiment, in an operating mode, the control system 300 can be configured to determine plant-related parameters based on receiver signals from an appropriate subset of sensing 160.

[0233] In embodiments, at least some of the radio transmitter pairs 150 (especially at least a portion of radio transmitter 151, and / or at least a portion of radio receiver 152) are at least partially integrated into the gardening equipment 130, particularly from the group consisting of gardening lighting equipment (especially gardening light generating equipment 120), gardening light control elements (especially wall switches or occupancy sensors), actuators 133 (especially gardening tray actuators, or especially climate control actuators), sensors 180 (especially climate control sensors), gardening temperature control elements, smart harvesting containers 131, and gardening robots 132. The term "smart harvesting container" herein refers particularly to a container for harvesting.

[0234] In another embodiment, the horticultural system 100 may include a plurality of horticultural light generating devices 120, wherein at least a portion of a radio transmitter 151 and at least a portion of a radio receiver 152 are included in the horticultural light generating devices 120, wherein the horticultural light generating devices 120 are configured to provide horticultural light to the plants 10.

[0235] In the depicted embodiments, the gardening system 100 includes an actuator 133, particularly an actuator selected from the group consisting of a temperature control element, a plant trimmer, a water supply element, a nutrient supply element, a lighting element, an insect exposure element, and a harvesting element. In another embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the actuator 133.

[0236] Experiment 1A:

[0237] The method of this invention has been evaluated in an experimental setup utilizing ZigBee communication with eight radios (or "nodes"). Each of the eight radios includes a radio transmitter and a radio receiver. The eight radios are arranged at the corners of a cuboid space surrounding one or more plants, with four radios positioned against the walls, i.e., one side of the cuboid space adjoining a wall. Each radio transmitter can establish a radio communication reception relationship with each of the other seven radios' radio receivers. Thus, a total of 56 radio communication pairs are available.

[0238] Therefore, refer to Figure 4 It schematically represents the experimental setup and more specifically represents the numbering and location of the radios spanning the cubic space.

[0239] In the first test (where the plants had dry leaves), RSSI signals from eight radios were collected for approximately 5 minutes. As described, the radios used standard ZigBee communication. In the second test, water was sprayed onto the leaves to represent plants with fresh water spray in a greenhouse, and RSSI was again measured for 5 minutes. The experiment evaluated two different types of plants (Plant A and Plant B); RF sensing measurements were first performed on Plant A, then on Plant B, and finally on Plant A and B together.

[0240] Figure 4 Partial experimental results are visualized. Arrows highlight RF sensing node links that experienced high delta values ​​in RSSI due to the presence of plants compared to the "no plant" baseline condition. The darkest arrows indicate the node links with the strongest RSSI delta values. Plants A and B have the same pot, but they are different plants. The plant species of plant A in the experiment is Yucca Elephantipes, but alternatively, other plants are also foreseeable, and the invention is not limited thereto. The plant species of plant B is Ficus Cyathistipula, but alternatively, other plants are conceivable, and the invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the leaves and canopies of plants A and B are different. The measurements clearly show that plants A and B exhibit different RF sensing fingerprints and are therefore distinguishable.

[0241] Figure 7 The results of the first test are schematically depicted in the charts. Chart 7010 shows the percentage (%) of the RSSI delta value in the case of "no plant A" versus "plant A dry". Chart 7020 shows the percentage (%) of the RSSI delta value in the case of "no plant A + B" versus "plant A + B dry". This test can be considered a baseline test. From the experiment with no plants, it can be concluded that wireless links 7-6 (bottom edge), 4-5 (top), and 0-4 (crossover) are primary and, at least preferably, selected for monitoring this type of plant. Using additional RF sensing links, the 3D characteristics of the plant will be better captured. While in principle it is desirable to use all available RF links for RF sensing, as each of them tells a story, in a practical wireless network, it is necessary to select which nodes send RF sensing messages to comply with the bandwidth limitations of the wireless network. Therefore, a subset of available links can be advantageously selected while still performing RF sensing accurately.

[0242] Therefore, these experiments show that among the theoretically available 28 links, three links (crossing 0-4, bottom edge 7-6, and top 4-5) exhibit the strongest response when plants are added, making these three links excellent candidates for RF sensing pairs. The first representative link (nodes 0-4) was selected to capture the center-shot through the plant; the second representative link (nodes 4-5) was selected to capture the grazing shot parallel to the top of the canopy; and the third representative link (7-6) was selected to capture the grazing shot along the bottom of the plant. Combined, all three short links represent the three-dimensional structure of the plant and the external plant surface.

[0243] Experiment 1B:

[0244] The experiments further demonstrated that the effect of dry leaves on wet leaves could be measured using RF sensing in both settings with a single plant and settings with two plant combinations. After spraying the plants with water, the RSSI signal between all light pairs was affected. In particular, some pairs showed more pronounced changes, while others showed only small changes. The changes in RSSI signal were either positive (higher dBm) or negative (lower dBm). Specifically, for each setting, the following maximum delta (or “difference”) was observed:

[0245] - Plant A: The maximum delta is 2.25 dBm (5.56%), that is, on node links n3-n6, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0246] - Plant B: The maximum delta is 5.6 dBm (11.16%), that is, on node link n2-n3, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0247] - Plant A+B: The maximum delta is 5.1 dBm (9.7%), that is, on node links n1-n3, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0248] Furthermore, these deltas were observed using different radio communication pairs. For plant A, the largest delta was observed at the opposite corners of the cube using radio transmitters and receivers. For plant B, the largest delta was observed where both the radio transmitters and receivers were arranged on the walls and top of the cube. For the combination of plants A and B, the largest delta was observed when both radio transmitters were arranged on the walls, specifically at opposite corners of the rectangular sides facing the walls.

[0249] The results of the experiment and the second dry-to-wet test are shown in the following table. These tables correspond to... Figure 4 The information described in the text.

[0250]

[0251]

[0252]

[0253] As described, eight radios were placed at the corners of a cube-shaped space around one or more plants. Figure 5 The planes used to facilitate visualization of experimental results are depicted in more detail and schematically. Plane 5001 is the back side. Plane 5002 is the front side. Plane 5003 is the right side. Plane 5004 is the left side. Plane 5005 is the top side. Plane 5006 is the bottom side. Plane 5007 indicates a diagonal cross-link. Figure 6 The above experiment for plants A, B, and A+B with dry leaves to wet leaves is described, and the delta of the RSSI value of each node pair associated with the planes 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, and 5007 is described.

[0254] Therefore, the above table, Figure 4 and Figure 6 The experimental results show that wetting the leaves resulted in clear delta signals for various RF sensing links on the RSSI. The data also indicate that, depending on the plant type (plant type A vs. plant type B), different illuminator links responded most strongly to changes, which may indicate that plant shape and outline play an important role.

[0255] Leaf moisture can be identified by monitoring only the most important links. Alternatively, another option is to aggregate the RSSI delta of all nodes. By applying the aggregation option, the above measurements have a delta of 61% for plant A, a delta of 118% for plant B, and a variation of 109% for both plants A and B. Therefore, indicators of plant moisture can be easily identified.

[0256] Real-time condensation monitoring in greenhouses allows growers to push boundaries without losing plant yields due to dangerous moisture buildup or dew point condensation. As proposed in this invention, growers can place plants closer together by utilizing RF sensing to closely monitor the developing microclimate.

[0257] Therefore, current experiments may benefit agricultural production. For example, vertically grown leafy crops (such as lettuce or medical cannabis) are now beginning to utilize AI to monitor the entire leaf surface of the plant. This requires sophisticated algorithms and computational power. This application proposes using RF sensing to continuously monitor wireless transmission parameters between nodes of a wireless network (e.g., wireless gardening grow lights or other wireless sensors / controllers) to infer (among other things) insights about the current total leaf surface area and future plant yield.

[0258] Experiment 2:

[0259] As described, this invention relates to sensing plant-related parameters of plants in a horticultural space. The plant-related parameters may be the plant's roots. The horticultural space may be a pot. Therefore, a baseline radio signal can be determined from a first pot filled with growth medium but without any plant / roots in the growth medium. The growth medium or culture medium may be, for example, rock wool or soil. By comparing this baseline measurement with a second pot containing the plant (and associated roots), the RF sensing contribution of the growth medium, such as the RF sensing contribution of the roots, can be isolated. Rock wool is particularly suitable for RF sensing of root structures because it can be rapidly drained after soaking in nutrient solution as needed for the RF sensing measurement sequence.

[0260] Therefore, experiments have been conducted to utilize RF sensing to pick up root material in horticultural or growing media. The experimental setup is similar to Example 1A / 1B above and is performed using ZigBee communication with eight radios (or "nodes"). Each of the eight radios includes a radio transmitter and a radio receiver. The eight radios are arranged at the corners of a cubic space surrounding one or more plants. More specifically, these eight nodes are initialized to form a ZigBee RF sensing network, and the eight nodes take turns broadcasting ZigBee packets in the network, which are received by all their peer nodes. The receiving nodes derive RSSI data from the ZigBee messages. The RF sensing network of eight nodes has 28 possible node links (see...). Figure 5 The resulting rectangular RF sensing box has 6 sides, and each side has several RF node links. Some of these links run along the diagonal across the surface, while others run along the edges of the rectangular sensing box.

[0261] By way of a non-limiting example, an experiment was conducted using Daucus Carota “Flakkeese” carrots placed in rock wool growth medium. As described above with respect to Example 1, a setup similar to that used for the radio nodes was employed. Carrots are a root vegetable and generally represent the root material of plants. The RF sensing experiment consisted of four standard rock wool growth medium plates with eight RF sensing nodes placed on a cardboard box. This schematically represents... Figure 8 In the middle. Rock wool is indicated by reference numeral 9001 in the attached diagram. Similarly, Figure 5 The plane used to facilitate the visualization of experimental results is depicted in more detail and schematically.

[0262] During the experiment, data from all links were collected and analyzed. The first experiment consisted of three measurements: (i) Measurement 1: Determining the RSSI of all RF node links with rock wool present but without plant roots. (ii) Measurement 2: Determining the RSSI of all RF node links with roots added to the rock wool growth medium; as described, in this experiment, carrots represent the roots of horticultural plants grown in rock wool. (iii) Measurement 3: Determining the RSSI of RF node links with roots and rock wool irrigated with water. Each test phase lasted at least 30 minutes.

[0263] The results of these three experiments (i), (ii), and (iii) are in Figure 9The figure is shown in Figure 9100: "Raw RSSI data in dBm for rootless dry rock wool (reference numeral 9101), rooted dry rock wool (reference numeral 9102), and rooted wet rock wool growth media (reference numeral 9103)." Figure 9100 also includes the identification of the corresponding surface orientation of the RF sensing box, indicated by 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, and 5007. Figure 10 Chart 9200 is also shown: "RSSI delta [%] per node link compared to the baseline of an empty and dry rock wool box without roots". Thus, Chart 9200 illustrates this comparison between wet rock wool (reference numeral 9201) and dry rock wool (reference numeral 9202).

[0264] Considering Figure 9 The described results show that the presence of roots and the wetting of the growth medium both generate strong signals. Our measurements conclude that the addition of roots to the rock wool growth medium can be easily detected at almost all RF sensing node links. The most prominent links are:

[0265] -4-5 From the bottom to the top of the box, go straight through the rock wool.

[0266] - 3-4 cross-links in the box from bottom left to top right, directly through the rock wool.

[0267] - 6-5x crosslinking from the top left to the bottom right of the box, directly through the rock wool.

[0268] Furthermore, pouring irrigation water into the tank and wetting the rock wool has a significant impact on RSSI delta compared to the non-irrigated baseline. Therefore, it is possible to use RF sensing to monitor the uniformity of horticultural drip irrigation. Many node links demonstrate sufficient RSSI delta. That is:

[0269] -1-5x: Cross-linking on the front side of the box, not through the rock wool.

[0270] -4-7x: Crosslinking on the right side of the box, through the rock wool.

[0271] -0-5x: Crosslinking on the right side of the box, through the rock wool.

[0272] Furthermore, considering that the radio nodes can be integrated into the illuminator, the optimal choice for the illuminator used to detect roots in rock wool is a diagonal cross-link from top left to bottom right or from bottom left to top right through the box. The optimal choice for evaluating irrigation conditions in soilless growth media (rock wool) is a direct top-to-bottom node cross-link.

[0273] The term "multiple" refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms "multiple" and "several" are used interchangeably.

[0274] Those skilled in the art will understand the terms “substantially” or “basically” and similar terms used herein. The term “substantially” or “basically” may also include embodiments with terms such as “completely,” “entirely,” “all,” etc. Therefore, in embodiments, the adjectives “substantially” or “basically” may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or “basically” may also refer to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, particularly 99% or higher, even more particularly 99.5% or higher, including 100%. Furthermore, the terms “approximately” and “about” may also refer to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, particularly 99% or higher, even more particularly 99.5% or higher, including 100%. For numerical values, it should be understood that the terms “substantially,” “basically,” “approximately,” and “about” may also refer to a range of 90%–110%, such as 95%–105%, particularly 99%–101%, of the numerical values ​​they refer to.

[0275] The term "comprising" also includes embodiments of which "comprise" means "consisting of".

[0276] The term “and / or” specifically refers to one or more items mentioned before and after “and / or”. For example, the phrase “item 1 and / or item 2” and similar phrases can refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term “comprising” in one embodiment can mean “consisting of”, but in another embodiment it can also mean “containing at least the defined kinds and optional one or more other kinds”.

[0277] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in orders other than those described or shown herein.

[0278] During operation, the equipment, apparatus, or system may be described herein (among others). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to the method of operation, or the equipment, apparatus, or system in operation.

[0279] The term "another embodiment" and similar terms may refer to an embodiment that includes features of the previously discussed embodiments, but may also refer to alternative embodiments.

[0280] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0281] In the claims, any reference numerals placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims.

[0282] The use of the verb "comprising" and its variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in the claims. Unless the context explicitly requires it, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprising," "including," "containing," etc., should be interpreted as encompassing, not as exclusive or exhaustive; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to."

[0283] The article "one" or "a" preceding an element does not preclude the existence of multiple such elements.

[0284] This invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In an apparatus claim, device claim, or system claim listing several components, several of these components may be embodied by the same hardware item. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0285] The present invention also provides a control system that can control a device, apparatus, or system, or perform the methods or processes described herein. Furthermore, the present invention provides a computer program product that, when functionally coupled to or executed on a computer included in a device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0286] The present invention is also applicable to devices, apparatuses, or systems that include one or more features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention also relates to methods or processes that include one or more features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, if a method or an embodiment of the method is described as being performed in a device, apparatus, or system, it will be understood that the device, apparatus, or system is suited to or configured to (perform) the method or an embodiment of the method.

[0287] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and more than two embodiments can be combined. Additionally, some features can form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A method for sensing plant-related parameters of plants in a horticultural space (115), wherein (i) a plurality of radio transmitters (151) and a plurality of radio receivers (152) are arranged such that a radio path (153) formed between each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) and a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) traverses at least a portion of the horticultural space (115), and (ii) a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) is configured to have a radio signal reception relationship with each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151). The method includes a baseline generation phase, wherein the baseline generation phase includes: - A baseline radio signal is transmitted through the plant from each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151); - Detect the baseline radio signal using a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) and provide the associated baseline receiver signal; The method includes a sensing phase, which includes: - Transmit radio signals through the plant in sequence using each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151); - Detect the radio signals transmitted sequentially using one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) and provide the associated receiver signals; and - Determine the plant-related parameters based on a comparison between the relevant receiver signal and the relevant baseline receiver signal; The plant-related parameters mentioned above are leaf volume or fruit; The method includes selecting a radio frequency of a radio signal from each of the plurality of radio transmitters in the range of 0.5 GHz to 5.0 GHz to detect the leaf volume or the fruit; At least one of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) is integrated in a first horticultural light generating device, and at least one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) is integrated in a second horticultural light generating device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the radio transmitter and the radio receiver are respectively a ZigBee radio transmitter and a ZigBee radio receiver.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the radio signal comprises a broadband signal, and wherein the method comprises determining the plant-related parameters based on channel state information analysis of the receiver signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes monitoring plants in the horticultural space over time, wherein the monitoring includes a plurality of temporally separated sensing phases, wherein the sensing phases are temporally arranged within a predetermined time range from the execution of a first plant growth-related action, wherein the plant growth-related action is selected from the group consisting of: controlling temperature, pruning plants, providing water, providing crop protection treatment, providing nutrients, providing light, exposing plants to insects, harvesting, and providing airflow.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes performing a second plant growth-related action depending on the plant-related parameters, wherein the second plant growth-related action is selected from the group consisting of: controlling temperature, pruning plants, providing water, providing nutrients, providing light, exposing plants to insects, and harvesting.

6. A gardening system (100) includes a gardening space (115), a control system (300), a plurality of radio transmitters (151) and a plurality of radio receivers (152), wherein each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) and a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) are arranged such that a radio path (153) formed between each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) and a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) passes through at least a portion of the gardening space (115), and Each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) is configured to transmit a baseline radio signal through the plant from each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) during the baseline generation phase, detect the baseline radio signal with a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152), and provide an associated baseline receiver signal; Each of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) is configured to sequentially transmit radio signals through the plant during the sensing phase, and a corresponding one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) is configured to detect the sequentially transmitted radio signals and provide associated receiver signals; The control system (300) is configured to determine plant-related parameters based on a comparison between a relevant receiver signal and a relevant baseline receiver signal; The plant-related parameters mentioned above are leaf volume or fruit; The radio signals from each of the plurality of radio transmitters have a radio frequency in the range of 0.5 GHz to 5.0 GHz, for use in detecting the leaf volume or the fruit; At least one of the plurality of radio transmitters (151) is integrated in a first horticultural light generating device, and at least one of the plurality of radio receivers (152) is integrated in a second horticultural light generating device.

7. The horticultural system (100) of claim 6, wherein the horticultural system (100) comprises a plurality of horticultural light generating devices (120), wherein each horticultural light generating device (120) comprises a radio transmitter among the plurality of radio transmitters (151) and a radio receiver among the plurality of radio receivers (152), wherein the horticultural system (100) further comprises an actuator (133), wherein the actuator (133) is configured to perform plant growth-related actions, and wherein the control system (300) controls the actuator (133).

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