System and method for determining environmental parameter distribution

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for determining a distribution of values of an environmental parameter in a greenhouse. The system comprises one or more air flow sensors for measuring a magnitude and / or a direction of an air flow at a first one or more locations in the greenhouse. The system further comprises one or more environmental sensors for measuring an environmental parameter at a second one or more locations in the greenhouse. The system further comprises a data processing system configured to receive first signals from the one or more air flow sensors. The first signals are indicative of respective magnitudes and / or directions of air flows at respective first one or more locations in the greenhouse. The data processing system is further configured to receive second signals from the one or more environmental sensors. The second signals are indicative of respective values of the environmental parameter at respective second one or more locations in the greenhouse. The data processing system is further configured to determine values of the environmental parameter at a third one or more locations in the greenhouse based on the first signals and based on the second signals, thereby determining a distribution of the values of the environmental parameter in the greenhouse. Here, the third one or more locations are different from the second one or more locations. The present disclosure further relates to a computer-implemented method for determining such a distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse, such as temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity. Particularly, it relates to a method in which airflow measurements at first or more locations are used to determine environmental parameter values ​​at third or more locations, wherein the third or more locations differ from second or more locations where environmental sensors measure the environmental parameters. This disclosure also relates to a system for performing this method, a computer program for performing this method, and a computer-readable medium storing such a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] Despite having a variety of monitoring tools, greenhouse farmers still face difficulties in accurately measuring environmental parameters within the greenhouse, particularly how these parameters change throughout the greenhouse. Therefore, greenhouse farmers, for example, still need to be physically present in the greenhouse to accurately sense, for instance, the temperature, which may exhibit localized variations that remain hidden and undetected by existing monitoring tools. However, these localized variations can cause some plants to experience excessively low or high temperatures, which can be detrimental to their growth and development.

[0003] Furthermore, greenhouse farmers experience difficulties in properly managing carbon dioxide concentrations in greenhouses. It is known that plants require carbon dioxide for growth, and it is easy to understand that the concentration should therefore be at an appropriate level throughout the greenhouse. Otherwise, plants in certain parts of the greenhouse may experience suboptimal carbon dioxide concentrations, which could also limit their growth and development.

[0004] US 2020 / 0134741 A1 discloses techniques for controlling agricultural systems and describes how to improve the number and location of sensors in a farm to provide optimal coverage. Sensor locations and sensor data can be used in a digital twin of the farm to control plant growth and can also be used to create measured “heat maps.”

[0005] The drawback of this method is that it still requires a relatively large number of sensors to obtain detailed thermal maps that accurately indicate local variations. Therefore, there is a need in the art for techniques that enable the determination of the detailed distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within a greenhouse.

[0006] WO 2016 / 175122 A1 discloses a testing device that can be used to effectively facilitate high-precision experiments and research on raising organisms at low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse. The system includes one or more airflow sensors for measuring the magnitude and / or direction of airflow at a first or more locations in the greenhouse. The system also includes one or more environmental sensors for measuring environmental parameters at a second or more locations in the greenhouse. The system further includes a data processing system configured to receive a first signal from one or more airflow sensors. The first signal indicates a corresponding magnitude and / or direction of airflow at the corresponding first or more locations in the greenhouse. The data processing system is also configured to receive a second signal from the one or more environmental sensors. The second signal indicates a corresponding environmental parameter value at the corresponding second or more locations in the greenhouse. The data processing system is further configured to determine environmental parameter values ​​at a third or more locations in the greenhouse based on the first signal and based on the second signal, thereby determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse. Here, the third or more locations are different from the second or more locations.

[0008] A computer-implemented method for determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse. The method includes receiving a first signal from one or more airflow sensors configured to measure the magnitude and / or direction of airflow at one or more first locations in the greenhouse. The first signal indicates a corresponding magnitude and / or direction of airflow at the corresponding first or more locations in the greenhouse. The method also includes receiving a second signal from one or more environmental sensors configured to measure environmental parameters at one or more second locations in the greenhouse. The second signal indicates a corresponding environmental parameter value at the corresponding second or more locations in the greenhouse. The method further includes determining environmental parameter values ​​at one or more third locations in the greenhouse based on the first signal and the second signal, thereby determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse. Here, the third or more locations are different from the second or more locations.

[0009] This system and method enable the determination of the detailed distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within a greenhouse using a relatively limited number of sensors. Airflow within the greenhouse influences the distribution of environmental parameters in a manner that is at least somewhat predictable. Therefore, if the airflow within the greenhouse is known, and environmental parameter values ​​have been measured at corresponding second or more locations within the greenhouse, then values ​​at other locations within the greenhouse (referred to herein as third or more locations within the greenhouse) can be determined more accurately. This determination is, for example, far more precise than determinations based on the simple assumption of a constant gradient applicable to environmental parameters between two locations with corresponding environmental sensors. To illustrate, it is likely that an airflow exists within the greenhouse, traveling along a specific path from a heat source (e.g., a radiator) through the greenhouse to an open window. It is then clear that this airflow would cause localized temperature variations at some locations within the greenhouse, which would remain unnoticed if the existence of this airflow were unknown and no temperature sensors were present at those locations.

[0010] As used herein, a third or more positions, distinct from the second or more positions, can be understood to indicate that the third or more positions include at least one position that is not one of the second or more positions.

[0011] Environmental parameters can be temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, or any other environmental parameter. These are environmental parameters of particular interest to greenhouse operators because they significantly affect plant growth and development. For illustration, humidity is related to vapor pressure differential (VPD), which is the difference (extra) between the moisture content in the air and how much moisture the air can hold when saturated. Greenhouse farmers are now interested in VPD. Furthermore, the aforementioned environmental parameters are suitable as subjects in the systems and methods disclosed herein because they are directly affected by airflow.

[0012] One or more airflow sensors may include one or more sensors configured to measure the movement of one or more plants or plant parts (e.g., leaves) located at or near the first one or more locations in the greenhouse.

[0013] This movement can indicate the corresponding magnitude and / or direction of airflow at the respective first or more locations.

[0014] One or more sensors, such as cameras, are configured to capture one or more videos of the plants at first or more locations. Subsequent analysis of the one or more videos can then produce magnitude and / or direction values ​​of airflow at the first or more locations in the greenhouse. Of course, in such an embodiment, the temporal and image resolutions of the one or more videos are high enough to enable such analysis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors included by the one or more airflow sensors include one or more radio frequency (RF) sensors configured to measure movement of one or more plants or portions thereof located at or near the first one or more locations in the greenhouse. This embodiment can be implemented using RF sensors already installed in the greenhouse.

[0016] One or more radio frequency (RF) sensors can be included in one or more lighting devices used to illuminate plants in a greenhouse. This allows the use of RF sensors that are typically already present in lighting devices. The RF sensors in this embodiment can be configured to receive control commands for the lighting devices in which the sensors are mounted. This means that the RF is effectively used for at least two functions: receiving control commands and measuring the movement of one or more plants or parts thereof.

[0017] Control commands may include, for example, instructions on the intensity level and / or one or more wavelengths or wavelength ranges of light illuminated by lighting equipment. These control commands may be transmitted by a data processing system controlled by the greenhouse operator.

[0018] In one embodiment of the system, the data processing system is configured to apply a fluid dynamics model (e.g., a computational fluid dynamics model) to determine the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse. Similarly, a computer-implemented method may include applying a fluid dynamics model to determine the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse. In these embodiments, the magnitude and / or direction of the airflow at each of one or more first locations within the greenhouse are used as boundary conditions for the fluid dynamics model. Furthermore, environmental parameter values ​​at a second or more locations within the greenhouse are also used as boundary conditions for the fluid dynamics model.

[0019] Other boundary conditions for the fluid dynamics model may include:

[0020] - One or more corresponding heat sources at one or more locations within the greenhouse; and / or

[0021] - One or more heating rates of one or more corresponding heat sources; and / or

[0022] - One or more corresponding cold sources at one or more locations within the greenhouse; and / or

[0023] - One or more cooling rates of one or more corresponding cold sources; and / or

[0024] - One or more corresponding carbon dioxide sources at one or more locations within the greenhouse; and / or

[0025] - One or more rates of carbon dioxide rate supply from one or more corresponding carbon dioxide sources; and / or

[0026] - One or more corresponding humidity sources at one or more locations within the greenhouse; and / or

[0027] - One or more humidity supply rates from one or more corresponding humidity sources; and / or

[0028] - One or more corresponding exhaust pipes at one or more locations in the greenhouse; and / or

[0029] - One or more humidity withdrawal rates for one or more corresponding exhaust pipes; and / or

[0030] - One or more locations of the corresponding windows that can be opened; and / or

[0031] - One or more states of the corresponding window, such as the first window being open and the second window being closed; and / or

[0032] - One or more locations of the corresponding structural greenhouse elements (e.g., walls, ceilings, doors, etc.); and / or

[0033] - Environmental parameters outside the greenhouse, and preferably near the greenhouse.

[0034] The status of the corresponding windows can indicate the current condition, but this is not necessary. Furthermore, environmental parameters outside the greenhouse, and preferably near the greenhouse, can be based on weather forecasts for the area where the greenhouse is located.

[0035] The fluid dynamics model can, in principle, be any fluid dynamics model known in the art. In this embodiment, the fluid dynamics model is a computational fluid dynamics model in the sense that it is based on numerical computation.

[0036] In one embodiment of the system, the data processing system includes a display device for displaying information to a user. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying information to a user using the display device.

[0037] In one embodiment, the system includes an input device for receiving user instructions. Similarly, in one embodiment, the method includes receiving user instructions via the input device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the data processing system is configured to use the display device to present a determined distribution of environmental conditions in a greenhouse, preferably in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional thermal map. In one embodiment, the method includes using a display device to present a determined distribution of environmental conditions in a greenhouse, preferably in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional thermal map.

[0039] The heatmap mentioned in this article can be understood as a data visualization technique that displays environmental parameter values ​​as colors or color intensities.

[0040] In one embodiment, the data processing system is configured to determine one or more actions to improve the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse, based on a determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse. In such an embodiment, the data processing system may be further configured to present the determined one or more actions using the display device.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method includes determining one or more actions to improve the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse, based on a determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse. In such an embodiment, the method may further include presenting the determined one or more actions using a display device.

[0042] Actions used to improve the distribution of environmental parameters include, for example, opening windows and / or increasing or decreasing the heating rate of one or more heat sources and / or increasing or decreasing the carbon dioxide supply rate of one or more carbon dioxide sources. By presenting these actions using a display device, users (such as greenhouse operators) can easily be informed how he or she can effectively improve the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse.

[0043] The actions to improve the distribution can be performed as follows:

[0044] - Determine a first action that will result in a first change in at least a first boundary condition, the first boundary condition being used to determine the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse, and determine the first distribution of environmental parameters in the greenhouse based on the changed first boundary condition and according to the method described herein.

[0045] - Determine a second action that will result in a second change in at least a second boundary condition, which is used to determine the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse, and determine a second distribution of environmental parameters in the greenhouse based on the changed second boundary condition and according to the method described herein.

[0046] - Compare a first determined distribution and a second determined distribution, and determine that the first distribution is more favorable than the second distribution and determine the first action as an action to improve the distribution, or determine that the second distribution is more favorable than the first distribution and determine the second action as an action to improve the distribution.

[0047] Therefore, this embodiment enables the system to assess how various actions affect the distribution of environmental parameters in the greenhouse.

[0048] The first and second boundary conditions can be the same. However, in this case, the first and second changes are different. The first change, for example, involves an increase in the heating rate of one of the heat sources by a first amount, and the second change, for example, involves an increase in the heating rate of the same heat source by a second amount different from the first amount.

[0049] In one embodiment, the system includes an actuator system comprising one or more actuators for influencing the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method includes controlling an actuator system to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse, wherein the actuator system includes one or more actuators for influencing the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse.

[0051] Examples of such actuators include actuators configured to open or close windows, actuators configured to change the heating rate of a heat source, and actuators configured to change the carbon dioxide supply rate of a carbon dioxide source.

[0052] In one embodiment, the data processing system is configured to control the actuator system to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse based on a determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse.

[0053] In one embodiment, the method includes controlling an actuator system to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse based on a determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse.

[0054] These embodiments enable automatic adaptation to environmental and boundary conditions to improve distribution without human intervention.

[0055] In one embodiment, the data processing device includes an input device for receiving user instructions. In such an embodiment, the data processing device can be configured to receive user instructions via the input device and, based on the received user instructions, control an actuator system to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse.

[0056] In one embodiment, the method includes receiving user instructions via an input device and controlling an actuator system based on the received user instructions to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse.

[0057] As explained above, a display device can be used to present one or more actions to improve the distribution. User instructions can simply represent a selection of one or more of the presented actions. The input device and display device can be implemented together as a touch-sensitive screen. This allows the user to select the action presented on the screen simply by touching the screen at the location where the action is presented.

[0058] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer program that includes instructions for causing a system according to any embodiment described herein to perform steps of a method according to any embodiment described herein.

[0059] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium on which a computer program is stored.

[0060] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, aspects of the present invention can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, which are generally referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” The functionality described in this disclosure can be implemented as algorithms executed by a computer’s processor / microprocessor. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon (e.g., stored thereon).

[0061] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0062] Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals having computer-readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or as part of a carrier wave). Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and may convey, propagate, or deliver a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0063] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium (including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof). Computer program code used to implement aspects of the invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java™, Smalltalk, or C++) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0064] The various aspects of the invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor (particularly a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU)) of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate machinery, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0065] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing, which includes instructions that implement functions / actions specified in flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0066] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram boxes.

[0067] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may not appear in the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes these blocks may be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions, that performs the specified function or action.

[0068] In addition, a computer program for carrying out the methods described herein is provided, as well as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program. The computer program may, for example, be downloaded (updated) to an existing system (e.g., an existing data processing system according to the embodiments), or be stored during the manufacture of such systems.

[0069] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, elements and aspects discussed with respect to a particular embodiment or with respect to a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. Embodiments of the invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which schematically illustrate embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited in any way to these specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Various aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1A A schematic top view of a greenhouse including a system according to one embodiment is shown;

[0072] Figure 1B The distribution of environmental parameters determined according to a method of one embodiment is shown;

[0073] Figure 1C A system including an actuator system according to one embodiment is shown;

[0074] Figure 2A A method according to one embodiment is shown;

[0075] Figure 2B A method according to one embodiment is shown, the method comprising determining one or more actions for improving distribution in a greenhouse;

[0076] Figure 2CA method according to one embodiment is shown, wherein a data processing system is configured to control an actuator system;

[0077] Figure 2D One embodiment is shown in which a display device is used to present a determined action to a user for selection;

[0078] Figure 3 The application of the fluid dynamics model is illustrated schematically;

[0079] Figure 4 A user interface of a system according to one embodiment is shown;

[0080] Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating a data processing system according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0081] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements.

[0082] Figure 1A A schematic top view of greenhouse 2 is shown. The greenhouse includes a system for determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse. Numerous plants reside within the greenhouse, and the depicted greenhouse 2 includes numerous operable windows 4a-4d. Preferably, the environment within greenhouse 2 is optimal for these plants, i.e., suitable temperature, suitable humidity, suitable carbon dioxide concentration, etc. This allows the plants to grow and develop fully. Typically, the plants are those that produce food for consumption, such as tomatoes. Clearly, by ensuring the full growth and development of such plants, their edible parts also develop, which ensures high yields in the greenhouse.

[0083] Greenhouse 2 includes a system comprising one or more airflow sensors 6 for measuring the magnitude and / or direction of airflow at one or more first locations. These one or more locations are determined by… Figure 1A The triangle symbol indicates this. In the depicted embodiment, an airflow sensor is placed at each of the first locations. However, there are also embodiments where a single airflow sensor can measure the magnitude and / or direction of the airflow at multiple locations (e.g., within a certain area). An example of this embodiment is where the airflow sensor is configured to measure the movement of one or more plants or plant parts (e.g., leaves) located at or near the first one or more locations in the greenhouse. A single airflow sensor can be capable of measuring this plant movement at several locations (e.g., within one area of ​​greenhouse 2). For illustration, the airflow sensor 6 may include a camera configured to capture video of the greenhouse area and monitor the movement of plants or parts thereof within that area, based on which the magnitude and / or direction of the airflow in that area can be determined.

[0084] The airflow sensor 6 may also include a radio frequency sensor known in the art for measuring the movement of one or more plants or portions thereof. The airflow sensor 6 may also be present in a lighting device configured to illuminate plants in a greenhouse. Typically, such a lighting device is located near (e.g., above) the plants and is typically used to result in suitable lighting conditions for the plants.

[0085] The system also includes one or more environmental sensors 8 for measuring environmental parameters at a second or more locations within the greenhouse. Examples of environmental parameters are...

[0086] -temperature;

[0087] - Carbon dioxide concentration;

[0088] - Humidity, such as relative humidity;

[0089] - Concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0090] The second or more positions are Figure 1A The stars are used to indicate this. Typically, each of the second or more locations includes an environmental sensor; however, this is not always necessary. For illustration, thermal imaging can be used to measure the temperature at multiple locations (e.g., within a region).

[0091] In addition, the system includes a data processing system 100. Of course, the data processing system itself does not need to exist in the greenhouse. The data processing system 100 is, for example, a server. The data processing system 100 could also be a smartphone carried by the greenhouse operator. The data processing system 100 can also be distributed in this sense, meaning that some components (e.g., sensors, input devices, display devices) are physically located in one place, while other components (e.g., computer-readable storage) are physically located in another.

[0092] like Figure 2AAs shown, the data processing system 100 is configured to receive a first signal 12 from one or more airflow sensors 6 and a second signal 14 from one or more environmental sensors 8. The first signal 12 indicates the magnitude and / or direction of the airflow at a corresponding first or more locations in the greenhouse 2. The second signal 14 indicates the corresponding environmental parameter value at a corresponding second or more locations in the greenhouse 2. Preferably, the first and second signals are repeatedly transmitted to the data processing system so that the air and environmental parameters can be continuously monitored separately. Furthermore, the data processing system 100 is configured to determine (step 16) the environmental parameter value at a third or more locations in the greenhouse based on the first and second signals, thereby determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse. As an example, in Figure 1, the third or more locations are indicated by crosshairs 9. Obviously, the third or more locations differ from the second or more locations where environmental parameters are actually measured. Figure 2A As shown, optionally, the data processing system performs step 17: using a display device, preferably in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional heat map, to present the determined distribution of environmental conditions in the greenhouse.

[0093] Therefore, the system and method described in this paper are able to determine the detailed distribution of environmental parameters without the presence of a relatively large number of environmental sensors in greenhouse 2. Figure 1B This is an example of a detailed temperature distribution 11 determined according to the method described herein. It should be understood that although a two-dimensional temperature distribution is depicted, the determined distribution can be three-dimensional. The depicted distribution is a temperature distribution. In this example, an airflow 18 is actually present in greenhouse 2. As shown, this airflow can cause variations in the temperature distribution. In particular, the airflow transports heat along its path, resulting in relatively high temperatures along its path. By measuring at least a portion of this airflow 18, a more detailed temperature distribution can be determined compared to not measuring the airflow and using only a temperature sensor.

[0094] Figure 1C The system is shown to include an actuator system 50, which includes one or more actuators 50a-50g for influencing the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse.

[0095] In the depicted embodiment, greenhouse 2 includes one or more heat sources 22a and 22b and one or more carbon dioxide sources 23.

[0096] In the depicted embodiment, the actuator system includes actuators 50a-50d for controlling windows 4a-4d respectively. These actuators 4a-4d are preferably configured to control the state of the windows. For illustration, these actuators can be configured to open and close the windows. Additionally or alternatively, these actuators can be configured to place the windows in a state that substantially blocks light from the outside, and are configured to move the windows out of this state. For illustration, the actuators can be configured to raise or lower blackout curtains.

[0097] In the depicted embodiment, actuator 50a is configured to control carbon dioxide source 23 in the sense that actuator 50a can control the rate at which carbon dioxide source 23 provides carbon dioxide in the greenhouse. An example of such an actuator is a valve that can be opened or closed to control the flow of carbon dioxide into the greenhouse.

[0098] Furthermore, the actuator system of the depicted embodiment includes actuators 50f and 50g for controlling heat sources 22a and 22b, respectively.

[0099] The data processing system 100 is preferably configured to control the actuators, for example, via the indicated control connection 52. It should be understood that these connections can be wired or wireless. For example, both the data processing system and the actuators 50a-50g can be connected to the same server equipment, for example, by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network.

[0100] Figure 2B An embodiment is shown that, in addition to receiving the first (step 12) and second (step 14) signals and determining (step 16) the distribution, it further includes determining (step 19) one or more actions to improve the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse based on the determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse. This embodiment also includes step 21, which includes presenting the determined one or more actions using a display device.

[0101] Figure 2C One embodiment is shown in which a data processing system is configured to control actuator system 50 to change (preferably improve) a distribution (e.g., temperature distribution) in a greenhouse, preferably based on the distribution determined in step 16. In the depicted embodiment, one or more actions determined in step 19 are not presented on a display device. In this embodiment, the data processing system automatically instructs actuator system 50 without human intervention.

[0102] Figure 2DOne embodiment is shown in which one or more actions are presented on a display device (step 21). This embodiment then includes, in step 25, receiving a user instruction via an input device of the data processing system. Preferably, the user instruction is formed by the user selecting one or more of the presented actions. Then, in step 23, the data processing system 100 controls the actuator system according to the received user instruction.

[0103] Figure 3 The data processing system is shown to be configured to apply a fluid dynamics model 24 to determine the distribution 11 of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse. As is known in the art, such a fluid dynamics model 20 can be implemented using numerical methods because the problem is mathematically complex. This fluid dynamics model uses the magnitude and / or direction of the airflow at each of the first or more locations within the greenhouse as boundary conditions 24. Furthermore, environmental parameter values ​​at a second or more locations within the greenhouse 2 are also used as boundary conditions 26.

[0104] Preferably, one or more locations of the corresponding structural greenhouse elements (e.g., walls, ceilings, doors, windows, etc.) indicated by 21 are also provided as input. For illustration, the greenhouse may have one or more heat sources 22a and 22b and one or more carbon dioxide sources 23. Of course, if the model also uses such input 21 as input, it is beneficial for the accuracy of the determined distribution.

[0105] Other boundary conditions for the fluid dynamics model may include:

[0106] - One or more heating rates from one or more corresponding heat sources, indicated by 28; and / or

[0107] - One or more corresponding cold sources at one or more locations within the greenhouse; and / or

[0108] - One or more cooling rates of one or more corresponding cold sources; and / or

[0109] - One or more rates of carbon dioxide rate supply from one or more corresponding carbon dioxide sources, indicated by 30; and / or

[0110] - One or more corresponding humidity sources at one or more locations within the greenhouse; and / or

[0111] - One or more humidity supply rates from one or more corresponding humidity sources; and / or

[0112] - One or more corresponding exhaust pipes at one or more locations in the greenhouse; and / or

[0113] - One or more humidity withdrawal rates for one or more corresponding exhaust pipes; and / or

[0114] - The state of one or more corresponding windows, indicated by 32, such as the first window being open and the second window being closed; and / or

[0115] - Environmental parameters outside the greenhouse and preferably near the greenhouse, indicated by 34.

[0116] Figure 4 A touch-sensitive display device 60 is shown, and thus can be considered as an input and output device of the data processing system 100. Figure 4 The display device 60 shown presents actions 62a-62d for altering the distribution of, for example, carbon dioxide or temperature in a greenhouse. Action 62a involves, for example, opening a window, while action 62d involves, for example, increasing the heating rate of a specific heat source. Action 62c involves, for example, opening two windows.

[0117] In the depicted embodiments, an indication 11a-11d of the expected distribution following each defined action is presented in association with (e.g., immediately following each defined action). This allows the operator to see which action will produce the most favorable distribution.

[0118] Of course, the system itself may already store the most favorable distribution and therefore can be configured to make its own selection without presenting the action to the user. For example, this could be like... Figure 2C The situation described in the embodiments.

[0119] Because the depicted display device 60 is touch-sensitive, the user can easily select any one or more of actions 62a-62d by simply touching it. Therefore, the data processing system 100 can correspondingly control the actuator system 50.

[0120] Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating a data processing system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0121] As shown, the data processing system may optionally be connected to an actuator system 50 as described herein, which includes one or more actuators for influencing the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse. The data processing system 100 can therefore control the actuator system 50 to alter the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse.

[0122] like Figure 5As shown, the data processing system 100 may include at least one processor 102 coupled to a memory element 104 via a system bus 106. Thus, the data processing system can store program code within the memory element 104. Furthermore, the processor 102 can execute program code accessed from the memory element 104 via the system bus 106. In one aspect, the data processing system may be implemented as a computer suitable for storing and / or executing program code. However, it should be understood that the data processing system 100 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and memory, capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0123] Memory element 104 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as, for example, local memory 108 and one or more mass storage devices 110. Local memory may refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory devices generally used during the actual execution of program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard disk drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 100 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage for at least some program code to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 110 during execution.

[0124] Optionally, the input / output (I / O) devices depicted as input device 112 and output device 114 may be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, or a touch-sensitive display. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, display devices as described herein, such as a monitor or display, speakers, etc. Input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system directly or through an intermediate I / O controller.

[0125] In embodiments, the input and output devices may be implemented as a combined input / output device (in... Figure 5 (Dashed lines are used to illustrate input device 112 and output device 114). An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display, sometimes also called a "touchscreen display" or simply a "touchscreen". In such embodiments, input to the device can be provided by the movement of a physical object (such as, for example, a stylus or a user's finger) on or near the touchscreen display.

[0126] Network adapter 116 can also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to couple to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices via an intermediate private or public network. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to the data processing system 100 from the systems, devices, and / or networks, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the data processing system 100 to the systems, devices, and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that can be used with the data processing system 100.

[0127] like Figure 5 As illustrated, memory element 104 can store application program 118. In various embodiments, application program 118 may be stored in local memory 108, one or more mass storage devices 110, or separated from both local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that data processing system 100 may further execute an operating system that facilitates the execution of application program 118. Figure 5 (Not shown in the image). The application program 118, implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by the data processing system 100 (e.g., by the processor 102). In response to executing the application program, the data processing system 100 can be configured to perform one or more operational or method steps described herein.

[0128] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, wherein the program(s) of the program product define the functionality of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, wherein, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer-readable storage media” includes all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of transient propagation signals. In another embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on a variety of transient computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media on which information is permanently stored (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory); and (ii) writable storage media on which changeable information is stored (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks within a floppy disk drive or hard disk drive, or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory). The computer program may run on the processor 102 described herein.

[0129] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the term “comprising” specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0130] All the means or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, action, and equivalent for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Descriptions of embodiments of the invention have been shown for illustrative purposes, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention with respect to various embodiments with various modifications suitable for particular intended uses.

Claims

1. A system for determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse, the system comprising: One or more airflow sensors are arranged within the greenhouse to measure the magnitude and / or direction of airflow at one or more first locations within the greenhouse; and One or more environmental sensors are arranged within the greenhouse for measuring environmental parameter values ​​at one or more second locations within the greenhouse; and The data processing system is configured as follows: - Receive a first signal from the one or more airflow sensors, the first signal indicating the corresponding magnitude and / or direction of airflow at corresponding one or more first locations within the greenhouse, and - Receive a second signal from the one or more environmental sensors, the second signal indicating a corresponding environmental parameter value at one or more corresponding second locations within the greenhouse, and - Based on the first signal and the second signal, determine the environmental parameter values ​​at one or more third locations in the greenhouse, thereby determining the distribution of the environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse, wherein the one or more third locations are different from the one or more second locations.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Environmental parameters include temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more airflow sensors include one or more sensors configured to measure the movement of one or more plants or plant parts located at or near the one or more first locations in the greenhouse.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more sensors include one or more radio frequency sensors configured to measure the movement of one or more plants or portions thereof located at or near the one or more first locations in the greenhouse.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more radio frequency sensors are included in one or more lighting devices used to illuminate the plants in the greenhouse.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The data processing system is configured to - Apply a fluid dynamics model to determine the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​at one or more third locations within the greenhouse, where... The magnitude and / or direction of the airflow at each of one or more first locations within the greenhouse are used as boundary conditions for the fluid dynamics model, and wherein... The environmental parameter values ​​at one or more second locations within the greenhouse are used as boundary conditions for the fluid dynamics model.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The data processing system includes a display device for displaying information to the user.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The data processing system is configured to - Using the display device, present the determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​at one or more third locations within the greenhouse in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional thermal map.

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The data processing system is configured to -Based on the determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​at the one or more third locations within the greenhouse, determine one or more actions to improve the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse, and - Use the display device to present one or more determined actions.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: An actuator system comprising one or more actuators for influencing the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The data processing system is configured to Based on a determined distribution of environmental parameter values ​​at one or more third locations within the greenhouse, the actuator system is controlled to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​within the greenhouse.

12. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The data processing system includes an input device for receiving user instructions, and the data processing system is configured to... - Receive user commands via the input device, and - Based on received user instructions, control the actuator system to change the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse.

13. A computer-implemented method for determining the distribution of environmental parameter values ​​in a greenhouse, the method comprising: - Receive a first signal from one or more airflow sensors, said one or more airflow sensors being arranged within the greenhouse and configured to measure the magnitude and / or direction of airflow at one or more first locations within the greenhouse, the first signal indicating a corresponding magnitude and / or direction of airflow at the respective one or more first locations within the greenhouse, and - A second signal is received from one or more environmental sensors, said one or more environmental sensors being arranged within the greenhouse and configured to measure environmental parameter values ​​at one or more second locations within the greenhouse, the second signal indicating corresponding environmental parameter values ​​at the corresponding one or more second locations within the greenhouse, and - Based on the first signal and based on the second signal, determine the environmental parameter values ​​at one or more third locations in the greenhouse, thereby determining the distribution of the environmental parameter values ​​in the greenhouse, wherein the one or more third locations are different from the one or more second locations.

14. A computer program product comprising instructions for causing the system of claim 1 to perform the steps of the method of claim 13.

15. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon the computer program product of claim 14.

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