Greenhouse internet of things automatic control device based on wifi communication technology

Abstract

The application discloses a greenhouse internet of things automatic control device based on wifi communication technology, comprising: a local control unit, which is configured to compare environment data collected by a sensor with environment parameter thresholds and autonomously generate control instructions; a sensor interface unit, which is configured to provide a standard interface for the sensor to access and transmit environment data to the local control unit; and an execution control unit, which is connected with the local control unit and configured to drive external execution mechanisms according to the control instructions. The local control unit is provided with environment parameter thresholds to realize local autonomous decision-making, thereby avoiding the risk of system paralysis caused by single-point failure in the centralized control mode. The standard interface is used to realize plug-and-play of the sensor, thereby reducing the system cost and maintenance difficulty and improving the reliability and adaptability of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural automation control technology, and in particular to a greenhouse Internet of Things (IoT) automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in modern agriculture, especially in facility agriculture, greenhouse environmental control systems have become key equipment for improving crop yield and quality. Most existing greenhouse environmental control systems adopt a centralized control mode, that is, they collect environmental parameters through various sensors placed in the greenhouse, upload all data to a central control center, and then the control center issues control commands according to preset strategies to drive the actuators to adjust the environment.

[0003] However, this centralized control model has obvious drawbacks: First, the system architecture heavily relies on the control center. If the control center fails or communication is interrupted, the entire greenhouse control system will be paralyzed, leading to an uncontrolled crop growth environment and posing a significant single point of failure risk. Second, existing high-end greenhouse control equipment is usually expensive, and the equipment and sensors from different manufacturers often use proprietary communication protocols with poor compatibility. Once the equipment is damaged, it is often difficult to replace it with products from other manufacturers, resulting in high maintenance costs and inconvenience. This poses a significant barrier to entry for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises and individual farmers. In addition, existing equipment often requires complex configuration by professionals when connecting sensors, and the lack of standardized interfaces leads to low installation and maintenance efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to propose a greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology. It adopts a local control unit with built-in threshold and a standardized sensor interface unit to realize local autonomous decision-making of the greenhouse environment and plug-and-play sensor, thereby reducing system cost and maintenance difficulty, and improving system reliability and adaptability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this invention proposes a greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology, comprising: a local control unit, storing environmental parameter thresholds, configured to autonomously generate control commands by comparing environmental data collected by sensors with the environmental parameter thresholds; a sensor interface unit, configured to provide a standard interface for sensors to access and transmit environmental data to the local control unit; and an execution control unit, connected to the local control unit, configured to drive external actuators according to the control commands.

[0007] In addition, the greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology proposed above according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0008] The sensor interface unit is configured to identify the type information of the connected sensor, automatically match the corresponding communication parameter configuration according to the type information, and establish a data communication connection with the sensor based on the communication parameter configuration.

[0009] Specifically, the sensor interface unit includes a standard interface that supports the RS485 communication protocol, which is configured to establish a physical connection with a sensor that conforms to the RS485 communication protocol.

[0010] Specifically, the local control unit includes: a threshold storage module configured to store the environmental parameter threshold; and a comparison and judgment module configured to compare the environmental data collected by the sensor with the environmental parameter threshold and generate the control command based on the comparison result.

[0011] Specifically, the control core of the local control unit adopts an Arduino controller, which is configured to perform the functions of the comparison and judgment module.

[0012] Specifically, the execution control unit includes a relay control module, which is configured to control the on / off state of the relay according to the control command to drive the external actuator to operate.

[0013] Specifically, the relay control module provides DC output interfaces of multiple voltage levels, including at least one of a 12V DC output interface and a 24V DC output interface, configured to adapt to external actuators with different voltage requirements.

[0014] Specifically, it also includes a network communication unit, which is connected to the local control unit and configured to interact with a remote terminal to achieve remote monitoring functionality.

[0015] Specifically, the network communication unit includes a WiFi wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote terminal via a wireless local area network; the network communication unit also includes a mobile communication interface configured to allow a GSM / GPRS communication module to access the network.

[0016] Specifically, it also includes a power supply unit configured to provide AC power supply mode and battery power supply mode, and to support switching between AC power supply mode and battery power supply mode.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] By incorporating environmental parameter thresholds into the local control unit, local autonomous decision-making and control are achieved, enabling environmental regulation without relying on a remote control center. This effectively solves the problem of overall paralysis caused by control center failures in existing centralized control systems, thus improving system reliability. Through the configuration of standard interface sensor units, particularly those supporting the RS485 communication protocol, plug-and-play and automatic identification and configuration of sensors are achieved, reducing reliance on professional technicians and resolving the issues of poor compatibility and difficult maintenance of existing equipment. Using an Arduino controller as the control core, leveraging its open-source nature further reduces the device's R&D and maintenance costs, making it affordable for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises and individual farmers, thus facilitating the promotion of intelligent agricultural management. Furthermore, the device integrates multiple communication methods and power supply modes, adapting to the needs of different agricultural production scenarios and enhancing the system's environmental adaptability.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the greenhouse Internet of Things automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to the present invention.

[0022] As shown in the figure: 1. Local control unit; 11. Threshold storage module; 12. Comparison and judgment module; 2. Sensor interface unit; 3. Execution control unit; 31. Relay control module; 4. Power supply unit; 5. Network communication unit. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Rather, embodiments of the invention include all variations, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0024] Example 1:

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a greenhouse environment control device. The device mainly includes a local control unit 1, a sensor interface unit 2, and an execution control unit 3.

[0026] Specifically, the local control unit 1 stores environmental parameter thresholds and is configured to autonomously generate control commands by comparing the environmental data collected by the sensor 4 with the environmental parameter thresholds.

[0027] In this embodiment, the environmental parameter threshold refers to the preset safe or optimal range values ​​for the greenhouse crop growth environment. These threshold data are pre-fixed or stored in the non-volatile storage medium of the local control unit 1. When the real-time environmental data collected by the sensor 4 is transmitted to the local control unit 1, the comparison logic inside the local control unit 1 directly compares the real-time data with the built-in threshold.

[0028] Sensor interface unit 2 is configured to provide a standard interface for sensor 4 to connect and transmit environmental data to local control unit 1.

[0029] This standard interface provides a universal connection port for sensor 4 at the physical level and defines standardized data transmission specifications at the logical level.

[0030] It should be noted that by setting a standard interface, sensor interface unit 2 can be compatible with sensor devices from different manufacturers and of different types, avoiding the problems of poor compatibility and difficulty in replacement caused by the proprietary interface of traditional devices.

[0031] After sensor 4 is connected through this standard interface, it converts the collected analog or digital signals into environmental data that can be recognized by the local control unit 1 and transmits it there, providing a data basis for subsequent decision-making.

[0032] The execution control unit 3 is connected to the local control unit 1 and is configured to drive the external actuator 5 according to control commands.

[0033] The execution control unit 3 serves as the execution output port of the device. It receives the low-voltage control signal output by the local control unit 1 and converts it into a high-voltage signal or drive signal that can drive the external actuator 5.

[0034] The external actuator 5 may include commonly used greenhouse equipment such as fans, water pumps, supplemental lighting, rolling shutters, and electronic atomizers. The execution control unit 3 controls the opening, closing, or adjustment of the operating power of the external actuator 5 according to the specific content of the control command, thereby achieving the regulation of environmental factors such as greenhouse temperature, humidity, and light.

[0035] This embodiment, through the collaborative work of the three units mentioned above, not only reduces the dependence on network infrastructure, but also significantly improves the system's response speed and robustness.

[0036] Example 2:

[0037] This embodiment, based on embodiment 1, provides a detailed description of the specific implementation of the sensor interface unit 2.

[0038] Specifically, the sensor interface unit 2 is configured to identify the type information of the connected sensor 4, automatically match the corresponding communication parameter configuration according to the type information, and establish a data communication connection with the sensor 4 based on the communication parameter configuration.

[0039] When sensor 4 is connected to the device, sensor interface unit 2 first obtains its type information by handshake signal or by reading the electronic code built into the sensor. This type information includes key identifiers such as the sensor's manufacturer, model, and communication protocol version. After obtaining the type information, the configuration database inside sensor interface unit 2 will automatically retrieve and match the communication parameter configuration corresponding to this type of sensor. This design greatly reduces the threshold for system installation and maintenance, allowing non-professionals to easily replace and expand the sensor.

[0040] Furthermore, the sensor interface unit 2 includes a standard interface that supports the RS485 communication protocol, which is configured to establish a physical connection with the sensor 4 that conforms to the RS485 communication protocol.

[0041] The RS485 communication protocol is a standard serial communication protocol widely used in the field of industrial control. It has advantages such as strong anti-interference ability, long transmission distance, and support for multi-node networking. It is particularly suitable for application scenarios such as greenhouses where the environment is complex and sensors are distributed.

[0042] Example 3:

[0043] This embodiment refines the internal structure of the local control unit 1 based on embodiment 1. Specifically, the local control unit 1 includes a threshold storage module and a comparison and judgment module, wherein the threshold storage module is configured to store environmental parameter thresholds.

[0044] It should be understood that the environmental parameter threshold is not limited to a single value, but can store multiple sets of corresponding threshold ranges according to the growth habits or different growth stages of different crops. This design of storing threshold data locally enables the device to still have complete decision-making basis when it is disconnected from a remote server, which is the foundation for realizing distributed control.

[0045] The comparison and judgment module is configured to compare the environmental data collected by sensor 4 with environmental parameter thresholds and generate control commands based on the comparison results. During operation, the comparison and judgment module receives environmental data transmitted from sensor interface unit 2 in real time and calls the preset threshold in the threshold storage module to perform logical operations.

[0046] Specifically, when the collected environmental data exceeds the preset safety threshold range, the comparison and judgment module immediately generates a trigger signal as a control command; when the environmental data returns to the safe range, a reset signal is generated. This process is completed within the local control unit 1 in a closed loop, without the need for external computing power, ensuring the real-time performance and determinism of the control.

[0047] Furthermore, the control core of the local control unit 1 adopts an Arduino controller. The Arduino controller is configured to perform the functions of the comparison and judgment module. Compared with traditional closed PLCs or microcontroller systems developed based on low-level assembly, the Arduino controller has a large open-source community support and a standardized hardware interface library. Developers can directly call mature function libraries to implement functions such as sensor data reading, threshold comparison, and relay control, which reduces software development costs and later maintenance difficulties. At the same time, the hardware cost of the Arduino controller is much lower than that of industrial-grade control modules, which allows the overall cost of this device to be controlled within the acceptable range for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises and individual farmers, thereby solving the problem of high cost of existing equipment.

[0048] Example 4:

[0049] This embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, provides a detailed description of the specific implementation of the execution control unit 3. Specifically, the execution control unit 3 includes a relay control module, which is configured to control the on / off state of the relay according to control commands to drive the external actuator 5 to operate. The relay control module acts as a bridge between the low-voltage control signal and the high-voltage actuator. When the local control unit 1 outputs a high-level or low-level control command, the coil inside the relay control module is energized or de-energized, thereby causing the contacts to close or open.

[0050] Furthermore, the relay control module provides DC output interfaces of multiple voltage levels, including at least one of a 12V DC output interface and a 24V DC output interface, configured to adapt to external actuators 5 with different voltage requirements.

[0051] Example 5:

[0052] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a detailed description of the remote communication extension function of the device. Specifically, the greenhouse environment control device provided in this embodiment also includes a network communication unit 6, which is connected to the local control unit 1 and configured to interact with a remote terminal to realize the remote monitoring function.

[0053] The network communication unit 6 establishes a physical connection with the local control unit 1 via a serial port or data bus. The network communication unit 6 packages and uploads the environmental data and equipment operating status information processed by the local control unit 1 to the remote terminal for users to view. At the same time, it receives query commands or parameter modification commands issued by the remote terminal and forwards them to the local control unit 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the network communication unit 6 includes a WiFi wireless communication module, which is configured to interact with a remote terminal via a wireless local area network; the network communication unit 6 also includes a mobile communication interface, which is configured to allow the GSM / GPRS communication module to access the network.

[0055] Because greenhouses are enclosed agricultural production environments with limited space, and are a typical application scenario for facility agriculture, they are well-suited for deploying wireless routers. Their communication distance is also well-suited to WiFi data transmission, and they offer good stability. Therefore, choosing WiFi data communication is very suitable for the enclosed environment of a greenhouse. Furthermore, to provide redundancy protection between different communication methods—that is, to easily switch to another communication method if one fails—and to allow different users to flexibly choose the communication method for different application scenarios, GSM or GPRS communication module interfaces were designed.

[0056] Example 6:

[0057] This embodiment supplements the description of the power supply system of the device based on Embodiment 1. Specifically, the greenhouse environment control device provided in this embodiment also includes a power supply unit 7, which is configured to provide AC power supply mode and battery power supply mode, and supports switching between AC power supply mode and battery power supply mode.

[0058] Agricultural power infrastructure is often less developed than that of industrial environments, especially in some remote greenhouse areas where there are frequent large voltage fluctuations and even intermittent power outages. Therefore, power supply unit 7 is designed with a dual-mode power supply architecture. In AC power supply mode, power supply unit 7 is connected to the mains power grid via a power line. It integrates a transformer, rectifier bridge and voltage regulator circuit to convert high-voltage AC power into low-voltage DC power required by each unit of the device, and to float charge the battery. In battery power supply mode, when the mains power grid is interrupted due to fault or maintenance, power supply unit 7 automatically switches to the built-in battery for power supply, ensuring the continuous operation of core components such as local control unit 1 and sensor interface unit 2.

[0059] In the description of this specification, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology, characterized in that, include: The local control unit stores environmental parameter thresholds and is configured to autonomously generate control commands by comparing environmental data collected by sensors with the environmental parameter thresholds. The sensor interface unit is configured to provide a standard interface for sensors to connect and transmit environmental data to the local control unit. An execution control unit, connected to the local control unit, is configured to drive an external actuator according to the control command.

2. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor interface unit is configured to identify the type information of the connected sensor, automatically match the corresponding communication parameter configuration according to the type information, and establish a data communication connection with the sensor based on the communication parameter configuration.

3. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensor interface unit includes a standard interface that supports the RS485 communication protocol, which is configured to establish a physical connection with a sensor that conforms to the RS485 communication protocol.

4. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The local control unit includes: The threshold storage module is configured to store the threshold values ​​of the environmental parameters; The comparison and judgment module is configured to compare the environmental data collected by the sensor with the environmental parameter threshold, and generate the control command based on the comparison result.

5. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control core of the local control unit adopts an Arduino controller, which is configured to perform the functions of the comparison and judgment module.

6. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution control unit includes a relay control module, which is configured to control the on / off state of the relay according to the control command to drive the external actuator to operate.

7. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 6, characterized in that, The relay control module provides DC output interfaces with multiple voltage levels, including at least one of a 12V DC output interface and a 24V DC output interface, configured to adapt to external actuators with different voltage requirements.

8. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a network communication unit, which is connected to the local control unit and configured to interact with a remote terminal to achieve remote monitoring.

9. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 8, characterized in that, The network communication unit includes a WiFi wireless communication module, which is configured to communicate data with a remote terminal via a wireless local area network. The network communication unit also includes a mobile communication interface, which is configured to allow access by a GSM / GPRS communication module.

10. The greenhouse IoT automatic control device based on Wi-Fi communication technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply unit configured to provide AC power supply mode and battery power supply mode, and to support switching between AC power supply mode and battery power supply mode.

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