Rice hybrid seedling root phenotype observation device
By designing a root phenotypic observation device for hybrid rice seedlings, and utilizing a light-blocking tube and multi-angle imaging technology, combined with precise irrigation, the problem of data distortion in traditional observation methods was solved, and efficient and accurate root phenotypic data acquisition was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the observation of rice seedling roots relies on manual adjustment of the observation angle and lighting conditions, which leads to a cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive process that is prone to data distortion. Traditional methods are difficult to achieve efficient and accurate acquisition of root phenotypic data.
A device for observing the root phenotypic characteristics of hybrid rice seedlings is designed. It uses a light-shielding tube to isolate stray external light, multiple observation mechanisms to perform multi-angle synchronous imaging, a spray mechanism to spray water at regular intervals and in a directional manner to maintain the growth environment, and combines an industrial camera and a ring light to provide a stable light source, so as to achieve consistency of imaging conditions and precise irrigation for multiple batches.
This method enables continuous dynamic observation of rice seedling roots under non-destructive conditions, improving the integrity of root phenotypic data and the realism of growth simulation. It also allows for the acquisition of high-precision, comparable two-dimensional root morphology data, providing standardized input for subsequent analysis.
Smart Images
Figure CN223979253U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of rice hybrid technology, and in particular to a device for observing the root phenotype of rice hybrid seedlings. Background Technology
[0002] As one of the world's most important food crops, rice's root system development directly affects the plant's stress resistance, nutrient absorption efficiency, and final yield. In hybrid rice breeding, genetic improvement of root traits is a key step in enhancing variety adaptability and yield. Dynamic observation of the root phenotypes of hybrid seedlings allows for the analysis of root growth patterns and genetic regulatory mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for screening superior hybrid combinations with well-developed root systems, lodging resistance, and drought and flood tolerance. Furthermore, root phenotypic data can be used to construct genotype-phenotype association models, promoting the development of precision breeding technologies and playing a vital role in ensuring food security.
[0003] Currently, observations of rice seedling roots mainly rely on traditional destructive sampling methods or simple hydroponic devices combined with two-dimensional imaging technology. For example, some studies use transparent acrylic tubes or glass petri dishes to fix seedlings and manually record root morphology through side observation windows, or use a fixed support with a scanner to obtain static root images.
[0004] It relies on manual adjustment of the observation angle and lighting conditions of the transparent container. This operation requires frequent disassembly or rotation of the device to adapt to different imaging needs. Not only is the process cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, but it is also prone to uneven lighting or viewing angle shifts due to differences in operator experience, resulting in image data distortion. Therefore, it needs to be improved. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the problems of cumbersome procedures and data distortion caused by relying on manual adjustment of observation angle and lighting conditions in the above-mentioned technologies, this application provides a root phenotypic observation device for hybrid rice seedlings.
[0006] This application provides a root phenotypic observation device for hybrid rice seedlings, which adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A root phenotypic observation device for hybrid rice seedlings includes a mounting frame, an observation tube mounted on top of the mounting frame, the observation tube being transparent, a light-shielding tube covering the outer side of the observation tube, and openings at the top of the observation tube and the light-shielding tube for the hybrid rice seedlings to pass through. Multiple sets of observation mechanisms for multi-angle observation of the roots of the hybrid rice seedlings are spaced apart and evenly arranged on the side wall of the observation tube. Multiple sets of spray mechanisms for irrigating the roots of the hybrid rice seedlings are also provided on the side wall of the observation tube.
[0008] By employing the above technical solution, a light-shielding tube is used to isolate external stray light interference, while multiple observation mechanisms on the side wall of the observation tube simultaneously perform multi-angle synchronous imaging of the root system. A spraying mechanism provides timed and directional spraying to maintain the root growth environment. This enables continuous dynamic observation of rice seedling roots under non-destructive conditions, avoiding data gaps caused by traditional destructive sampling. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of multi-angle imaging and precise irrigation enhances the integrity of root phenotypic data and the realism of growth simulation.
[0009] Optionally, the observation mechanism includes an industrial camera and a lighting lamp. The industrial camera is mounted on the side wall of the observation tube, with its shooting end facing the root system of the hybrid rice seedling. The lighting lamp is mounted on the industrial camera.
[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the industrial camera and the lighting lamp are integrated into the side wall of the observation tube. The lighting lamp provides a stable light source for the industrial camera, which directly focuses on the target area of the root system. Through directional supplemental lighting and fixed-viewpoint imaging, errors introduced by manually adjusting the lighting and shooting angle are eliminated, ensuring consistent imaging conditions for multiple batches of seedlings. This allows for the acquisition of high-precision, comparable two-dimensional root morphology data, providing standardized input for quantitative analysis of phenotypic parameters.
[0011] Optionally, the lighting lamp is arranged in a ring at the end of the industrial camera's shooting end.
[0012] By employing the above technical solution, a ring of lights is arranged around the shooting end of the industrial camera, forming a uniform ring-shaped illumination field covering the root system area. Utilizing the axial symmetry of the ring light source, the interference of shadows and reflections caused by unilateral illumination is eliminated, significantly improving the contrast and clarity of fine structures such as root hairs and branch roots in the root system image, providing high-quality raw data for subsequent 3D reconstruction and topology analysis.
[0013] Optionally, the outer wall of the observation tube, excluding the shooting end of the industrial camera, is coated with a light-shielding layer.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the area of the observation tube except for the industrial camera's shooting window is coated with a light-shielding layer, leaving only the transparent window in the area directly in front of the lens. This physical light-shielding isolates the optical path interference between adjacent observation units and shields the image from stray ambient light, ensuring that each industrial camera only captures the true morphology of the root system from its corresponding viewpoint, thereby improving the independence and signal-to-noise ratio of multi-angle image data.
[0015] Optionally, the spraying mechanism includes multiple spray heads spaced apart and evenly arranged on the side wall of the observation tube. Each spray head is connected to an external water source, each spray head has a built-in timed spray valve, and each spray head is directed toward different parts of the root system of the hybrid rice seedling.
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple spray heads are distributed along the side wall of the observation tube, and the irrigation volume and frequency of different parts of the root system are controlled by a timed spray valve. This simulates the differentiated water absorption environment of different zones of the root system under natural conditions, avoiding the root morphological distortion caused by uneven water distribution in traditional hydroponic devices. At the same time, precise irrigation maintains root activity and ensures the normal growth of seedlings during long-term observation.
[0017] Optionally, the observation tube is configured with upper and lower parts, which are slidably connected, and the light-shielding tube is configured corresponding to the observation tube.
[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the observation tube uses a split structure with vertical sliding and snap-fit, and the light-shielding tube adapts and extends synchronously. By adjusting the height of the observation tube to match the dynamic elongation of the seedling root system, the interruption of observation caused by the limited root growth in traditional fixed containers is avoided. At the same time, the light-shielding tube maintains full coverage of the observation area, ensuring the consistency of the imaging environment at different growth stages, and realizing full phenotypic tracking from seedling to mature root system.
[0019] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0020] This application utilizes a light-shielding tube to isolate external stray light interference, while multiple observation mechanisms on the side wall of the observation tube perform multi-angle synchronous imaging of the root system. A spray mechanism sprays water at regular intervals and in a directional manner to maintain the root growth environment. This enables continuous dynamic observation of rice seedling roots under non-destructive conditions, avoiding data gaps caused by traditional destructive sampling. At the same time, the synergistic effect of multi-angle imaging and precise irrigation enhances the integrity of root phenotypic data and the realism of growth simulation.
[0021] The industrial camera and the lighting lamp are integrated into the side wall of the observation tube. The lighting lamp provides a stable light source for the industrial camera, which directly focuses on the target area of the root system. By using directional supplemental lighting and fixed-view imaging, the errors introduced by manually adjusting the lighting and shooting angle are eliminated, ensuring that the imaging conditions of multiple batches of seedlings are consistent. This allows for the acquisition of high-precision and comparable two-dimensional root morphology data, providing standardized input for quantitative analysis of phenotypic parameters.
[0022] A ring of lights is arranged around the shooting end of the industrial camera to form a uniform ring illumination field covering the root area. By utilizing the axial symmetry of the ring light source, the shadows and reflections caused by unilateral illumination are eliminated, significantly improving the contrast and clarity of fine structures such as root hairs and branch roots in the root image, providing high-quality raw data for subsequent 3D reconstruction and topology analysis.
[0023] The area of the observation tube, except for the shooting window of the industrial camera, is coated with a light-shielding layer, leaving only the transparent window in the area directly in front of the lens. This physical light-shielding isolates the light path cross-interference between adjacent observation units and shields the influence of ambient stray light on imaging, ensuring that each industrial camera only captures the true shape of the root system from its corresponding perspective, thereby improving the independence and signal-to-noise ratio of multi-angle image data.
[0024] The observation tube adopts a split structure with up-and-down sliding snap-fit. The light-shielding tube is synchronously adapted to the extension and retraction. By adjusting the height of the observation tube to match the dynamic elongation of the seedling root system, the observation interruption caused by the limited root growth of traditional fixed containers is avoided. At the same time, the light-shielding tube maintains full coverage of the observation area, ensuring the consistency of the imaging environment at different growth stages, and realizing full phenotypic tracking from seedling to mature root system. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a rice hybrid seedling root phenotypic observation device in an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the root phenotypic observation device for hybrid rice seedlings.
[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Mounting frame; 2. Observation tube; 3. Light shield; 4. Observation mechanism; 41. Industrial camera; 42. Lighting lamp; 5. Spraying mechanism; 51. Spray head. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-2 This application will be described in further detail below.
[0029] This application discloses a device for observing the root phenotype of hybrid rice seedlings.
[0030] A device for observing the root phenotype of hybrid rice seedlings, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device includes a mounting frame 1, an observation tube 2 mounted on top of the mounting frame 1, the observation tube 2 being transparent, a light-shielding tube 3 covering the outside of the observation tube 2, and openings at the top of the observation tube 2 and the light-shielding tube 3 for rice hybrid seedlings to pass through. Multiple sets of observation mechanisms 4 for multi-angle observation of the root system of rice hybrid seedlings are spaced apart and evenly arranged on the side wall of the observation tube 2. Multiple sets of spraying mechanisms 5 for irrigating the root system of rice hybrid seedlings are also arranged on the side wall of the observation tube 2.
[0031] This application utilizes a light-shielding tube 3 to isolate external stray light interference, while multiple observation mechanisms 4 on the side wall of the observation tube 2 perform multi-angle synchronous imaging of the root system. A spraying mechanism 5 provides timed and directional spraying to maintain the root growth environment. This enables continuous dynamic observation of rice seedling roots under non-destructive conditions, avoiding data gaps caused by traditional destructive sampling. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of multi-angle imaging and precise irrigation enhances the integrity of root phenotypic data and the realism of growth simulation.
[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The observation mechanism 4 includes an industrial camera 41 and a light 42. The industrial camera 41 is installed on the side wall of the observation tube 2, and the shooting end is facing the root system of the hybrid rice seedling. The light 42 is installed on the industrial camera 41 and is arranged in a ring at the end of the shooting end of the industrial camera 41.
[0033] An industrial camera 41 and a lighting lamp 42 are integrated into the side wall of the observation tube 2. The lighting lamp 42 provides a stable light source for the industrial camera 41, which directly focuses on the target area of the root system. By using directional supplemental lighting and fixed-view imaging, errors introduced by manually adjusting the lighting and shooting angle are eliminated, ensuring consistent imaging conditions for multiple batches of seedlings. This allows for the acquisition of high-precision, comparable two-dimensional root morphology data, providing standardized input for quantitative analysis of phenotypic parameters.
[0034] A ring of lighting 42 is arranged around the imaging end of the industrial camera 41, forming a uniform ring-shaped illumination field covering the root system area. Utilizing the axisymmetric characteristics of the ring light source, the interference of shadows and reflections caused by unilateral illumination is eliminated, significantly improving the contrast and clarity of fine structures such as root hairs and branch roots in the root system image, providing high-quality raw data for subsequent 3D reconstruction and topology analysis.
[0035] The outer wall of the observation tube 2, excluding the area facing the industrial camera 41, is coated with a light-shielding layer. In this embodiment, the light-shielding layer is made of polyurethane-based matte black paint; in other embodiments, acrylic or other materials may be used. The area of the observation tube 2, except for the shooting window of the industrial camera 41, is coated with the light-shielding layer, leaving only the transparent window facing the lens. This physical light-shielding isolates the optical path interference between adjacent observation units 4 and shields the image from the influence of stray ambient light, ensuring that each industrial camera 41 captures only the true root system morphology from its corresponding viewpoint, thereby improving the independence and signal-to-noise ratio of multi-angle image data.
[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The spraying mechanism 5 includes multiple spray heads 51 spaced apart and evenly arranged on the side wall of the observation tube 2. Each spray head 51 is connected to an external water source. A drainage structure for draining the falling spray is provided on the mounting frame 1. Since the drainage structure is a conventional setting, it is not shown in the figure. Each spray head 51 has a built-in timed spray valve. The spray valve is electrically connected to an external control system and can open and close the channel in the spray head 51 at regular intervals. Each spray head 51 is oriented towards different parts of the root system of the hybrid rice seedling.
[0037] Multiple spray nozzles 51 are distributed along the side wall of the observation tube 2, and the amount and frequency of irrigation for different parts of the root system are controlled by a timed spray valve. This simulates the differentiated water absorption environment of different zones of the root system under natural conditions, avoiding the root morphological distortion caused by uneven water distribution in traditional hydroponic devices. At the same time, precise irrigation maintains root activity and ensures the normal growth of seedlings during long-term observation.
[0038] The observation tube 2 is configured as two parts, upper and lower, which are slidably connected. The light-shielding tube 3 is positioned correspondingly to the observation tube 2. The observation tube 2 adopts a split structure with vertical sliding and snap-fit, and the light-shielding tube 3 adapts to its extension and retraction. By adjusting the height of the observation tube 2 to match the dynamic elongation of the seedling root system, the interruption of observation caused by the restricted root growth in traditional fixed containers is avoided. At the same time, the light-shielding tube 3 maintains full coverage of the observation area, ensuring the consistency of the imaging environment at different growth stages and realizing full phenotypic tracking from seedling to mature root system.
[0039] The implementation principle of the rice hybrid seedling root phenotypic observation device in this application embodiment is as follows: This application uses a light shielding tube 3 to isolate external stray light interference. An industrial camera 41 and a light lamp 42 are integrated into the side wall of the observation tube 2. The light lamp 42 forms a uniform ring illumination field to cover the root area, providing a stable light source for the industrial camera 41. The industrial camera 41 directly focuses on the root target area. Through directional supplementary lighting and fixed viewing angle imaging, the error introduced by manually adjusting the lighting and shooting angle is eliminated, ensuring that the imaging conditions of multiple batches of seedlings are consistent.
[0040] Multiple spray heads 51 control the amount and frequency of watering for different parts of the root system through timed spray valves, simulating the differentiated water absorption environment of different parts of the root system under natural conditions, avoiding the root morphological distortion caused by uneven water distribution in traditional hydroponic devices, and maintaining root activity through precise irrigation to ensure the normal growth status of seedlings during long-term observation.
[0041] This method enables continuous dynamic observation of rice seedling roots under non-destructive conditions, avoiding data gaps caused by traditional destructive sampling. At the same time, it enhances the integrity of root phenotypic data and the realism of growth simulation through the synergistic effect of multi-angle imaging and precise irrigation.
[0042] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A device for observing the root phenotype of hybrid rice seedlings, characterized in that: The utility model provides an observation device for rice hybrid seedling root system, including installation frame (1), the observation barrel (2) is provided above installation frame (1), the observation barrel (2) is transparent, the outside cover of observation barrel (2) is equipped with shading cylinder (3), the top of observation barrel (2) and shading cylinder (3) is equipped with the opening for water rice hybrid seedling to pass through, the lateral wall of observation barrel (2) is equipped with multiple groups of observation mechanism (4) for the root system of water rice hybrid seedling is observed from multiple angles at intervals and uniformly, the lateral wall of observation barrel (2) is also equipped with multiple groups of spray mechanism (5) for the root system of water rice hybrid seedling is irrigated.
2. The device for observing the root phenotype of a rice hybrid seedling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The observation mechanism (4) includes an industrial camera (41) and a lighting lamp (42), the industrial camera (41) is installed on the side wall of the observation barrel (2), and the shooting end is opposite to the root system of the rice hybrid seedling, and the lighting lamp (42) is installed on the industrial camera (41).
3. The device for observing the root phenotype of a rice hybrid seedling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lighting lamp (42) is annularly arranged at the end of the shooting end of the industrial camera (41).
4. The device for observing the root phenotype of a rice hybrid seedling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The side wall of the observation barrel (2) opposite to the shooting end of the industrial camera (41) is coated with a shading layer.
5. The device for observing the root phenotype of a rice hybrid seedling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray mechanism (5) includes multiple spray heads (51) arranged at intervals and uniformly on the side wall of the observation barrel (2), each spray head (51) is communicated with an external water source, each spray head (51) is internally provided with a timing spray valve, and each spray head (51) is directed to different parts of the root system of the rice hybrid seedling.
6. The device for observing the root phenotype of a rice hybrid seedling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The observation barrel (2) is arranged in two parts, and the upper and lower parts are slidingly connected, and the shading cylinder (3) is arranged corresponding to the observation barrel (2).