Plant growth monitoring system

Abstract

The invention provides a plant growth monitoring system which comprises a track and a driving module which is installed on the track and can move along the track, a folding support is installed on the driving module and comprises a plurality of supporting columns and connecting rod pieces connected to the adjacent supporting columns, and the connecting rod pieces are connected with the supporting columns through hinge seats. The hinge seat at least comprises a fixed hinge seat and a movable hinge seat, the fixed hinge seat is fixedly connected with the supporting column, and the movable hinge seat is slidably connected with the supporting column; the connecting rod piece is provided with a folding end, the folding end is provided with a first hinge seat and a second hinge seat, and the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat are respectively connected with a driving module; a sensor used for monitoring plant growth and a camera used for shooting are installed on the stand column and / or the connecting rod piece. Through the design of the track and the driving module, a movable inspection monitoring mode is formed, and meanwhile, a folding bracket is adopted to mount a sensor and a camera, so that refined environment monitoring and growth monitoring can be performed on a single plant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plant cultivation technology, and in particular to a plant growth monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, smart agriculture is becoming a trend in the planting industry, using sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor plant growth.

[0003] Existing technical solutions typically involve extensively deploying sensors to monitor the planting environment and using cameras to monitor the overall growth of the plants. The monitored growth data and environmental data are then analyzed to better regulate the planting plan.

[0004] The existing solutions are relatively extensive monitoring methods and cannot provide precise monitoring for a specific plant. According to the current design, sensors need to be installed at the planting site of each plant, which would significantly increase costs. Therefore, improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the technical problems existing in the background art, the present invention proposes a plant growth monitoring system.

[0006] This invention proposes a plant growth monitoring system, comprising a track and a traveling module mounted on the track and capable of moving along the track. The traveling module is equipped with a folding support, including several pillars and connecting rods connected to adjacent pillars. The connecting rods are connected to the pillars via hinge seats, including at least fixed hinge seats and movable hinge seats. The fixed hinge seats are fixedly connected to the pillars, and the movable hinge seats are slidably connected to the pillars. Each connecting rod has a folded end, which is provided with a first hinge seat and a second hinge seat. The first and second hinge seats are each connected to a traveling module. The distance between the first and second hinge seats is adjusted by the traveling module, allowing the folding support to switch between two states: In the first state, the first and second hinge seats are close together, and the folding support is in an unfolded state, used to cover the plant; in the second state, the first and second hinge seats are far apart, and the pillars and connecting rods are in a folded state. Sensors for monitoring plant growth and cameras for capturing images are installed on the posts and / or connecting rods. Preferably, the connecting rods between adjacent posts include a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, each of which includes two connecting rods that are hinged and intersecting each other.

[0007] Preferably, two sets of fixed hinge seats are provided, and one set of movable hinge seats is provided, located between the two sets of fixed hinge seats. The first set of fixed hinge seats is connected to each other by two connecting rods with hinged ends. The second set of fixed hinge seats and movable hinge seats are cross-connected by two connecting rods with hinged middle sections. The folding bracket can be closed and unfolded by adjusting the position of the movable hinge seat relative to the two sets of fixed hinge seats.

[0008] Preferably, there are five support pillars, which are arranged in an array with the track where the driving module is currently traveling.

[0009] Preferably, fixed hinge seats extend from both ends of the column, and sensors for detecting the soil environment are installed at the extended ends of the column.

[0010] Preferably, the tracks are installed on the supporting frame of the planting greenhouse, including horizontal tracks and vertical tracks, with the horizontal tracks and vertical tracks connected to each other.

[0011] Preferably, the columns of the folding bracket are connected by connecting rods to form a ring structure that is either closed on one side or has an opening on the other.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a controller for controlling the path of the travel module and the track. The travel module includes a servo motor for driving the travel wheels. The track includes a movable track and a fixed track. The movable track is rotatably connected to the outer edge of the support frame. The movable track is driven by a motor, and the fixed track that is connected to the movable track switches during rotation.

[0013] Preferably, the movable track includes a first set of movable tracks located at the top of the vertical track, used to switch the path between the vertical track and the adjacent horizontal track, and to achieve connection between the vertical track and different horizontal tracks by rotation. The upper section of the first set of movable tracks has an arc structure, and the lower section has a straight structure.

[0014] Preferably, the movable track includes a second set of movable tracks located at the top of the vertical tracks. Two sets of vertical tracks are arranged along both sides of the supporting frame. The second set of movable tracks is driven to rotate by a motor, thereby connecting the two sets of vertical tracks on both sides. This invention has the following advantages: through the design of the tracks and the travel module, a mobile inspection and monitoring mode is formed. Simultaneously, by using folding brackets to install sensors and cameras, precise environmental and growth monitoring can be performed on individual plants. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a plant growth monitoring system proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a folding support structure for a plant growth monitoring system proposed in this invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of another folding support structure in a plant growth monitoring system proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the track structure in a plant growth monitoring system proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a top view of a folding support in a plant growth monitoring system proposed in this invention when it is unfolded. Figure 6 This is a top view of another folding support in a plant growth monitoring system proposed in this invention when unfolded. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control principle of a plant growth monitoring system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Reference Figure 1-7 This invention proposes a plant growth monitoring system, including a track 1 and a travel module 2 mounted on the track 1 and capable of moving along the track 1. The travel module 2 is equipped with a folding bracket 3. The travel module 2 can be an existing track robot, such as the published invention patent CN105397795A, a track-type inspection robot that uses double-row wheels to hold the track and utilizes a built-in motor to drive its movement on the track. Such walking devices are quite common in the prior art. Since this module is not the focus of this embodiment, it is only illustrated as an example. Those skilled in the art can adaptably choose to use existing track robots to achieve the function of the "travel module" in this embodiment; therefore, further details regarding the "travel module" are omitted.

[0017] The function of the driving module 2 enables the folding bracket 3 to have a mobile inspection function.

[0018] The folding bracket 3 comprises several support columns 34 and connecting rods connected to adjacent support columns 34. The connecting rods are connected to the support columns 34 via hinged joints, including at least a fixed hinged joint 34 and a movable hinged joint 33. The fixed hinged joint 34 is fixedly connected to the support column 34, and the movable hinged joint 33 is slidably connected to the support column 34. Each connecting rod has a folding end, which is provided with a first hinged joint 31 and a second hinged joint 32. The first hinged joint 31 and the second hinged joint 32 are respectively connected to a travel module 2. The travel module 2 adjusts the distance between the first hinged joint 31 and the second hinged joint 32, allowing the folding bracket 3 to switch between two states. In the first state, the first hinged joint 31 and the second hinged joint 32 are close together, and the folding bracket 3 is in an unfolded state, used to cover the plant. Figure 2 The first state of the folding bracket 3; the second state, where the first hinge seat 31 and the second hinge seat 32 are far apart, and the column 34 and the connecting rods are in a folded state, i.e. Figure 1The state of the folding bracket 3. The first hinge seat 31 and the second hinge seat 32 are flexibly connected to the driving module 2, such as by a hinge or by a ball joint. This prevents the bracket from getting stuck when turning.

[0019] Sensors for monitoring plant growth and cameras are installed on the folding bracket 3. For example, both ends of the column extend outwards to fixed hinge seats, and the extended ends of the column 34 are equipped with sensors for detecting the soil environment, such as sensors for monitoring humidity or detecting substances like nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil. In use, these sensors can be directly inserted into the soil for detection. Alternatively, cameras can be installed inside hollow connecting rods or hollow columns, with imaging holes on the surface for recording. Miniaturized sensors, such as gas sensors, can also be installed on the outer surface of the connecting rods to monitor the growth environment.

[0020] Regarding the folding bracket 3, it is worth mentioning that the columns 34 are arranged in an array. In fact, the track 1 where the first hinge 31 and the second hinge seat 32 are located can also be regarded as a "column". Folding and unfolding can be achieved by sliding the movable hinge seat on any "column", as shown in the figure. Figure 2 As shown, the second hinge seat 32 is also a movable hinge seat.

[0021] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 In this preferred embodiment, the folding bracket 3 employs six "columns," specifically five columns 34, arranged in a circular array along a sliding track, forming multiple detection points in a ring for a vertically planted plant. Furthermore, to achieve maximum unfolding and folding, the connecting rods between the columns are designed as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the structure includes two sets of fixed hinge seats, namely the first fixed hinge seat 01 and the second fixed hinge seat 03, and a movable hinge seat 02 located between the two fixed hinge seats. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the first set of connecting rods 05 includes two connecting rods, the ends of which are hinged to each other, and the other ends of which are respectively hinged to adjacent first fixed hinge seats 01. The second set of connecting rods 04 also includes two connecting rods that are hinged to each other in the middle. The two connecting rods are cross-connected, with the two ends of one connecting rod hinged to movable hinge seats 02 and second fixed hinge seats 03 on adjacent columns, and the other connecting rod cross-hinged to another movable hinge seat 02 and another second fixed hinge seat 03 on adjacent columns. Connected in the above manner, the folding bracket 3 forms an axially closed annular structure, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 As shown, when unfolded, it forms a hexagon; when closed, all the columns converge towards track 1. During adjustment, refer to... Figure 3 As shown, with Figure 3For example, when it needs to be folded up, the driving modules connected to the fixed hinge seats 01 and 03 are kept braked, and the driving module connected to the movable hinge seat 02 is driven to move towards the fixed hinge seat 01, and the folding bracket 3 slowly closes. When unfolding, the driving module connected to the movable hinge seat 02 is driven to move towards the fixed hinge seat 03. When moving, the driving modules 2 connected to the fixed hinge seats 01, 03, and 02 respectively can move in the same direction at the same speed.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, it can be adopted Figure 6 The structure, relative to Figure 5 Remove one column and the connecting rods on both sides to form an open ring structure. This unfolds to... Figure 6 In this state, when closed, the four outer pillars can also close towards the position of track 1.

[0023] Figure 5 and Figure 6 All of these structures can be used to detect vertically growing plants. Figure 6 The structure can be used to detect plants that are laterally trained or laterally climbing.

[0024] It is worth mentioning that using the folding bracket 3 as a carrier to install the monitoring sensors not only saves space by folding and retracting during movement, but also facilitates plant monitoring. In plant growth monitoring, the condition of the underground root system is generally analyzed based on the condition of the plant surface. For example, for seedlings, the orthographic projection range of the tree crown on the ground is generally measured to determine the root system. However, the folding bracket 3 with its array-type columns in this embodiment can extend along the range of the plant's branches and leaves, thereby using the area formed by the columns 34 to detect the underground soil. At the same time, sensors or cameras can be installed on the connecting rods on the side of the folding bracket to monitor the growth of the branches and leaves in the middle of the plant.

[0025] Furthermore, this embodiment uses a track-laying method to monitor plant cover growth, which is not suitable for large-scale outdoor planting bases. However, it is more suitable for greenhouses or other base-based seedling cultivation or other planting scenarios. The track 1 can be integrated with the support beams of the greenhouse or base for installation.

[0026] Implementing this solution within such a base enables precise and intelligent agricultural production control, forming a plant growth monitoring system. This includes a controller that controls the paths of the travel module 2 and track 1. The travel module 2 includes a servo motor for driving the wheels. Track 1 comprises a movable track and a fixed track. The movable track is rotatably connected to the outer edge of the support frame and is driven by a motor, switching between the movable track and the fixed track during rotation.

[0027] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the movable track includes a first set of movable tracks 11, located at the top of the vertical tracks, used to switch the path between the vertical tracks and adjacent horizontal tracks. Rotation connects the vertical tracks with different horizontal tracks. The upper section of the first set of movable tracks 11 is arc-shaped, and the lower section is straight. The movable track also includes a second set of movable tracks 112, located at the top of the vertical tracks. Two sets of vertical tracks are arranged along both sides of the support frame. The second set of movable tracks 112 is driven to rotate by a motor, thereby connecting the two sets of vertical tracks on both sides.

[0028] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 Plants are planted on both sides of the track, and the second set of movable tracks 112 allows for monitoring of the plants on both sides. The first set of movable tracks 111 connects the vertical and horizontal tracks. When issuing a monitoring task, the arrangement of the movable tracks as the path is controlled first. For the movement control of the folding support, only the movement and braking of a single movement module need to be controlled.

[0029] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plant growth monitoring system, characterized in that, The system includes a track (1) and a travel module (2) mounted on the track (1) and capable of moving along the track (1). A folding bracket (3) is mounted on the travel module (2). The folding bracket (3) includes several pillars (34) and connecting rods connected to adjacent pillars (34). The connecting rods are connected to the pillars (34) via hinge seats, and include at least a fixed hinge seat (34) and a movable hinge seat (33). The fixed hinge seat (34) is fixedly connected to the pillars (34), and the movable hinge seat (33) is slidably connected to the pillars (34). The connecting rod has a folded end, and the folded end is provided with a first hinge seat (3). 1) and the second hinge seat (32), the first hinge seat (31) and the second hinge seat (32) are respectively connected to a driving module (2), the distance between the first hinge seat (31) and the second hinge seat (32) is adjusted by the driving module (2) so that the folding bracket (3) can switch between two states; in the first state, the first hinge seat (31) and the second hinge seat (32) are close together and the folding bracket (3) is in the unfolded state, used to cover the plants; in the second state, the first hinge seat (31) and the second hinge seat (32) are far apart from each other and the column (34) and the connecting rod are in the retracted state; Sensors for monitoring plant growth and cameras for taking pictures are installed on the columns (34) and / or connecting rods.

2. The plant growth monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting members between adjacent columns (34) include a first connecting member (35) and a second connecting member (36), each of which includes two connecting rods that are hinged and intersecting each other.

3. The plant growth monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two sets of fixed hinge seats (34) are provided, and one set of movable hinge seats (33) is provided, located between the two sets of fixed hinge seats. The first set of fixed hinge seats is connected to each other by two connecting rods with hinged ends. The second set of fixed hinge seats and movable hinge seats (33) are cross-connected by two connecting rods with hinged middle sections. The folding bracket can be closed and unfolded by adjusting the position of movable hinge seats (33) relative to the two sets of fixed hinge seats (34).

4. The plant growth monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Five support pillars (34) are provided and are arranged in an array with the track (1) where the driving module (2) is currently driving.

5. A plant growth monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Fixed hinge seats extend from both ends of the column (34), and sensors for detecting the soil environment are installed at the extended ends of the column (34).

6. The plant growth monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track (1) is installed on the supporting frame of the planting greenhouse, including horizontal track and vertical track, and the horizontal track and vertical track are connected to each other.

7. A plant growth monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The uprights (34) of the folding bracket are connected by connecting rods to form a ring structure that is either closed on the periphery or has an opening on the periphery.

8. A plant growth monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, which is used to control the path of the driving module (2) and the track (1). The driving module (2) includes a servo motor for driving the driving wheels. The track (1) includes a movable track and a fixed track. The movable track is rotatably connected to the outer edge of the support frame. The movable track is driven by a motor and switches to the fixed track that is connected to the movable track during rotation.

9. A plant growth monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The movable track includes a first set of movable tracks (11), located at the top of the vertical track, used to switch the path between the vertical track and the adjacent horizontal track. The vertical track is connected to different horizontal tracks by rotation. The upper section of the first set of movable tracks (11) is an arc structure and the lower section is a straight structure.

10. A plant growth monitoring system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The movable track includes a second set of movable tracks (112), located at the top of the vertical track. Two sets of vertical tracks are set along both sides of the support frame. The second set of movable tracks (112) is driven to rotate by a motor, thereby connecting the two sets of vertical tracks on both sides.

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