Plant management system

Abstract

This plant management system is designed to grow plants or vegetables in any climate and location by controlling a semi-enclosed environment, reducing the risk of plant diseases or pest problems, resulting in high-quality yields. The system comprises a nursery bed, planting bed, processing and control unit, artificial lighting control unit, CO2 measurement unit, humidity control unit, air circulation control unit, temperature control unit, water level control unit, fertilizer quality control unit, and watering control unit, controlled both online and offline to provide comprehensive environmental management from the initial to the final stages.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of Invention

[0003] Plant Management System

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] Engineering, particularly relating to agricultural engineering, specifically related to plant management systems.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] A greenhouse is a structure used for nurturing or cultivating plants. It is commonly used for growing plants to obtain beautiful yields, which can be sold at higher prices. Cultivating plants in greenhouses allows control over the environmental conditions suitable for plant growth, resulting in high-quality and quantity yields as desired. Most greenhouses are built to protect plants from damage due to diseases and insects, reduce the impact of wind and rain, and decrease the use of chemical pesticides. They also allow for controlling internal climate conditions such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light to suit plant growth.

[0008] In the Thai patent database, related inventions include:

[0009] Patent Application Number: 1801008048 Title of Invention / Product Design: Crop Management System

[0010] The crop management system comprises an output device that provides information prepared on a formatting machine, which is configured to format the crops into pre-defined shapes and is designed to output information related to the formatted material. It includes a wireless tag on the formatted material that stores identification information for the formatted material and a management device with a provision section designed to obtain identification information for the formatted material and information about the formatted material. A relationship section is also provided to relate the information of the formatted material with the identification information obtained by the provision section.

[0011] Characterized by: The crop management system comprising an output device providing information on a formatting machine, configured to format crops into pre-defined shapes and output information related to the formatted material. The system includes a wireless tag on the formatted material to store identification information for the formatted material and a management device with a provision section to obtain identification information and information about the formatted material. The relationship section is configured to relate the information of the formatted material with the identification information obtained by the provision section.

[0012] Patent Application Number: 1703000058 Title of Invention / Product Design: Plant Factory System

[0013] The plant factory system comprises the factory structure system, air conditioning and ventilation system, and artificial lighting system. The factory structure system is a semi-enclosed room with insulation that exchanges air with the external environment. It includes an air conditioning and ventilation system to control temperature or provide ventilation inside the greenhouse. The artificial lighting system comprises devices that provide white light with a color temperature between 2,500 - 7,500 Kelvin. The plant factory system also includes a timed watering and nutrient system to accelerate plant growth. This cultivation system allows for planting seedlings in any climate and location with electricity. The yield per unit area per year is higher than traditional field planting, and the construction and installation costs of the various systems in the plant factory are not high.

[0014] Characterized by: The factory structure system is a semi-enclosed room with insulation that maintains cool temperatures, similar to a cold storage room. Inside the factory structure system, there is an air conditioning and ventilation system and an artificial lighting system. The air conditioning and ventilation system is used to control temperature and / or provide ventilation inside the greenhouse. The factory structure system includes at least one plant cultivation unit, which comprises at least one planting pot or growing medium, or a combination of both, positioned to receive light from the artificial lighting system's white light devices with a color temperature between 2,500 - 7,500 Kelvin.

[0015] Patent Application Number: 1403000209 Title of Invention / Product Design: Temperature and Humidity Controller for Evaporative Closed Greenhouses

[0016] The temperature and humidity controller for evaporative closed greenhouses consists of two parts: the temperature and humidity measurement section and the control unit. These two parts are connected through wireless RS232 data transmission using the ET-RF24G V2.0 module. This setup eliminates signal discrepancies that can occur when wiring sensors to a remote microcontroller. Additionally, the control unit receives data in blocks of sixteen characters and then searches for the correct temperature and humidity data in eight-character blocks. This method reduces data discrepancies caused by control system delays.

[0017] Characterized by: The system connects wirelessly and consists of two parts: the temperature and humidity measurement section and the control unit. The temperature and humidity measurement section includes temperature and humidity sensors connected to a microcontroller. The obtained temperature and humidity data is transmitted wirelessly via RS232 serial communication using a wireless transmitter module. The microcontroller processes the data using the following encoding method: tititohihiho. The control unit includes a wireless receiver module, a microcontroller, and a key switch for selecting operation modes and setting temperature and humidity levels. The microcontroller receives temperature and humidity data through the wireless receiver module. The data is processed as follows: the microcontroller receives data in blocks of sixteen characters tohihihTititohihiTiti, and searches for the correct temperature and humidity data in eight-character blocks tititohihiho. Here, txrepresents the temperature data in tens, units, and first decimal place, and hxrepresents the humidity data in tens, units, and first decimal place, with used to separate data sets. The temperature and humidity data are displayed on a screen and control signals are sent to the fan motor and water pump circuits to manage the on-off timing of the fans and pumps.

[0018] Patent Application Number: 2203000234 Title of Invention / Product Design: Plant Growing Greenhouse

[0019] The plant growing greenhouse comprises a frame, control equipment, tanks, pipes, LED lights, and a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor. The control equipment is installed at the top of the frame to control and provide artificial light to the devices inside the frame. Within the frame, there are pipes for growing plants, where water is pumped from the tank to the pipes to nourish the plant roots. Several LED lights suitable for plants are installed. Inside the frame, there is a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor to measure temperature and humidity, sending the data to a cloud system through the internet to an application on display devices. Additionally, the frame contains Peltier plates to release cool air to the plants, ventilation fans to remove excess humidity, and misting devices to increase humidity inside the frame. This system allows monitoring and adjusting the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse through an application on display devices.

[0020] Characterized by: The LED lights include blue and red light bulbs. Inside the frame, there are Peltier plates installed at the top to release cool air to the plants. The frame walls have ventilation fans to remove excess humidity. At the bottom of the frame, misting devices are installed to increase humidity inside the frame.

[0021] Patent Application Number: 1601002068 Title of Invention / Product Design: Smart Agricultural Process

[0022] The smart agricultural process is an innovation that can control planting and plant care based on the required conditions. It can be applied to both open areas (vegetable plots) and closed environments, such as containers, especially in closed environments. Using loT technology, it can be controlled through the internet using control software (website or application), allowing control of temperature and humidity or providing stimuli to the crops to increase agricultural productivity.

[0023] Characterized by: The smart agricultural process includes two types of water control systems: Automatic, where a moisture sensor activates the sprinkler system if moisture is below the set level, and Manual, where users can control the sprinkler system through an application. There are two types of ventilation fan control systems: Automatic, where a temperature sensor activates the fan if the temperature exceeds the set level, and Manual, where users can control the fan through an application. There are two types of LED light control systems: Automatic, where a temperature sensor activates the LED if the temperature exceeds the set level, and Manual, where users can control the LED lights through an application. The loT Controller Box and sensors are used to control the system through the internet.

[0024] From previous inventions, related systems in the form of greenhouses were found. These systems-controlled temperature, air circulation, and artificial lighting, with both online and offline operations. Some systems included sensors to measure temperature, air, or water, sending data to processing units. However, some systems lacked completeness, such as cooling water wastage and the absence of CO2 management inside the greenhouse. To address these issues, this invention improves the previous systems by integrating temperature control, air circulation, artificial lighting, CO2 control, and water recycling. The growing and nursery beds are within the same greenhouse. This invention combines these elements to provide comprehensive environmental management from the initial to the final stages, through both online and offline controls.

[0025] Summary of Invention

[0026] This invention aims to develop a plant management system that allows growing plants or vegetables in any climate and location by controlling a semienclosed environment, reducing the risk of plant diseases or pest problems, resulting in high-quality yields. The system comprises control systems for artificial lighting, CO2, water, humidity, air circulation, temperature, fertilizers, and recycling of cooling water, controlled through both online and offline systems.

[0027] This invention aims to improve plant management systems, as some previous systems-controlled temperature, air circulation, and artificial lighting through offline or online systems but lacked humidity control, CO2 management, and water recycling. The growing and nursery beds are within the same greenhouse. This invention integrates these elements to provide comprehensive environmental management from the initial to the final stages, through both online and offline controls.

[0028] Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] Figure 1: Shows the components of one embodiment of the plant management system.

[0030] Figure 2: Shows the components of another embodiment of the plant management system. Figure 3: Shows the components of the lighting system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0031] Figure 4: Shows the components of the CO2 release system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0032] Figure 5: Shows the components of the humidity control system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0033] Figure 6: Shows the components of the air circulation system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0034] Figure 7: Shows the components of the air conditioning system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0035] Figure 8: Shows the components of the water level control system and mixing tank in one embodiment of this invention.

[0036] Figure 9: Shows the components of the water valve system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0037] Figure 10: Shows the components of the fertilizer management system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0038] Figure 11: Shows the components of the watering system in one embodiment of this invention.

[0039] Description of Embodiments

[0040] The invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it may be embodied in various forms and should not be limited to the illustrated examples. These drawings aim to provide a clear and complete disclosure for those skilled in the relevant field to fully understand. The thickness and areas in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. The plant management system is designed to grow plants or vegetables in any climate and location by controlling a semi-enclosed environment, reducing the risk of plant diseases or pest problems, resulting in high-quality yields. The system comprises control systems for artificial lighting, CO2, water, humidity, air circulation, temperature, fertilizers, and recycling of cooling water, controlled through both online and offline systems.

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 show the components of one embodiment of the plant management system. The plant management system's frame walls are equipped with thermal insulation to maintain the temperature efficiently and minimize cooling energy loss.

[0042] The system includes at least one nursery bed (1), which is a set of equipment divided into channels or holes for controlling the growth of plant seeds or seedlings in an appropriate environment.

[0043] The system also includes at least one growing bed (2), which is a planting panel that can be horizontal or vertical, movable or stationary, depending on the structure of the plant management system.

[0044] Both the nursery (1) and growing beds (2) have environmental control systems that include at least one sensor connected to a processing and control unit (3) for managing the plant management system's operations, controllable both online and offline.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the components of the lighting system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the artificial lighting control unit (4) connected to the artificial lighting supply unit for both the nursery (1) and growing beds (2), controlled by the processing and control unit 3. The artificial lighting can be white, red, blue, purple, or orange, either individually or combined, to promote seed germination or photosynthesis. For the nursery bed (1), artificial lighting is provided based on the set conditions. If it is not within the lighting period, the processing and control unit (3) will control the artificial lighting supply unit to stop operating. If it is within the lighting period, the processing and control unit (3) will instruct the artificial lighting supply unit to operate according to the set period. The artificial lighting supply unit will stop lighting once the set period is completed, suitable for plant growth.

[0046] For the growing bed (2), artificial lighting is provided either movable or stationary, with at least one horizontal or vertical panel. The lighting operation is determined by whether it is within the lighting period. If not, the processing and control unit (3) will control the artificial lighting supply unit to stop operating. If it is within the lighting period, the processing and control unit (3) will instruct the artificial lighting supply unit to operate according to the set period. The artificial lighting supply unit will stop lighting once the set period is completed, suitable for plant growth.

[0047] Figure 4 shows the components of the CO2 release system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the CO2 measurement unit (5) connected to the CO2 release unit. The CO2 release unit is controlled by the processing and control unit (3), operating according to the set conditions. If it is not within the lighting period, the CO2 release unit will stop operating.

[0048] If it is within the lighting period, the CO2 sensor (5) will measure the CO2 level and send the data to the processing and control unit (3) to check if it is within the set range. If below the set range, the CO2 release unit will start operating. If above the set range, the CO2 release unit will stop operating. Figure 5 shows the components of the humidity control system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the humidity control unit (6) connected to a dehumidifier and humidifier, either individually or combined, to maintain appropriate humidity levels. Plants grow well in suitable humidity conditions; too low humidity causes dryness and wilting, while too high humidity causes root rot or fungal infections. The humidity control unit is controlled by the processing and control unit (3), operating according to the set conditions. If the humidity level is higher than the set range, the dehumidifier will operate to reduce the humidity to the set range. If the humidity level is within the set range, the dehumidifier will not operate.

[0049] Similarly, if the humidity level is lower than the set range, the humidifier will operate to increase the humidity to the set range. If the humidity level is within the set range, the humidifier will not operate.

[0050] Figure 6 shows the components of the air circulation system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the air circulation control unit (7) connected to at least one fan to ensure consistent air circulation throughout the system. Plants breathe and photosynthesize through their leaves, and air circulation ensures consistent air conditions, promoting strong and healthy growth. The air circulation control unit (7) regulates the air in the nursery (1) and growing beds (2), controlled by the processing and control unit (3), operating according to the set conditions.

[0051] Figure 7 shows the components of the air conditioning system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the temperature control unit (8) connected to at least one air conditioner to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the system. Temperature affects plant respiration; high temperatures cause rapid respiration, slowing growth or causing death, while low temperatures cause weakness and disease susceptibility. The temperature control unit (8) is controlled by the processing and control unit (3), operating according to the set conditions. If the temperature exceeds the set range, the processing and control unit (3) will control the air conditioner to operate, maintaining suitable temperatures for plant growth.

[0052] Figure 9 shows the components of the water level control system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the water level control unit (9) to measure the water level to ensure it is at the appropriate level, connected to the mixing tank, nursery bed (1), and growing bed (2). The water level control unit (9) is connected to the water supply valve and the air conditioner water drain valve, controlled by the processing and control unit (3) to supply water from the water supply valve and the air conditioner water drain valve to the mixing tank, nursery bed (1), and growing bed (2).

[0053] Figure 10 shows the components of the fertilizer management system in one embodiment of this invention. At least one sensor is provided for the fertilizer quality control unit (10) to maintain fertilizer quality according to the set conditions, connected to the mixing tank, nursery bed (1), and growing bed (2). The fertilizer quality control unit is controlled by the processing and control unit (3) to manage the fertilizer concentration or EC and pH levels of the water, suitable for plant growth. The fertilizer tank can be selected from fertilizer A, fertilizer B, other minerals, pH adjuster (positive and negative).

[0054] At least one sensor measures the fertilizer concentration (10) in the mixing tank, connected to the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump of the fertilizer tank to control the fertilizer concentration. If the concentration is lower than the set range, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump will stop operating. If the concentration is lower than the set range, the system checks if the mixing tank's circulation pump is operating. If it is, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump will add fertilizer to the mixing tank to adjust the concentration to the set range. If the circulation pump is not operating, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump will stop operating. At least one sensor also measures the fertilizer concentration (10) in the nursery bed (1) and growing bed (2). If the concentration is lower than the set range, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump will stop operating. If the concentration is lower than the set range, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump operates with the mixing tank. The mixed fertilizer in the mixing tank is supplied to the nursery bed (1) and growing bed (2) according to the set conditions. If not within the watering period, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump will stop operating. If within the watering period, the fertilizer concentration adjustment pump will operate according to the set conditions.

[0055] Additionally, at least one sensor measures the fertilizer concentration (10) in the mixing tank, connected to the pH adjuster pump of the fertilizer tank to control the pH level. If the pH level is within the set range, the pH adjuster pump will stop operating. If the pH level is not within the set range, the system checks if the mixing tank's circulation pump is operating. If it is, the pH adjuster will add pH adjuster to the mixing tank to adjust the pH level to the set range. If the circulation pump is not operating, the pH adjuster pump will stop operating.

[0056] At least one sensor also measures the fertilizer concentration (10) in the nursery bed (1) and growing bed (2). If the pH level is within the set range, the pH adjuster pump will stop operating. If the pH level is not within the set range, the pH adjuster pump operates with the mixing tank. The mixed pH adjuster in the mixing tank is supplied to the nursery bed (1) and growing bed (2) according to the set conditions. If not within the watering period, the pH adjuster pump will stop operating. If within the watering period, the pH adjuster pump will operate according to the set conditions.

[0057] Figure 11 shows the components of the watering system in one embodiment of this invention. The plant management system is also equipped with at least one sensor for the watering control unit (11) connected to the watering pump, used for watering the nursery bed (1) and growing bed (2) connected to the watering pump, controlled by the processing and control unit (3) according to the set conditions.

[0058] The watering pump operates according to the watering schedule and stops operating if the water level is too high or if it is not within the watering period. Any modifications or changes to this invention may be clearly understood and implemented by those skilled in the relevant field. These modifications may fall within the scope and intent of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0059] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0060] As detailed in the Description of Embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. A plant management system that is a semi-enclosed control system, controllable both online and offline, characterized by: A nursery bed (1) for controlling the growth of plant seeds, vegetables, or seedlings. A planting bed (2) for growing plants or vegetables. A processing and control unit (3) for managing the entire plant management system. An artificial lighting control unit (4) for providing artificial light to the nursery bed (1) and the planting bed (2). A CO2 measurement unit (5) for supplying CO2 within the system. A humidity control unit (6) for adjusting humidity levels. An air circulation control unit (7) for ensuring consistent air circulation throughout the system. A temperature control unit (8) for maintaining consistent temperature levels throughout the system. A water level control unit (9) for measuring water levels. A fertilizer quality control unit (10) connected to a fertilizer tank for controlling fertilizer concentration and pH levels within the mixing tank, nursery bed (1), and planting bed (2). A watering control unit (11) for watering the nursery bed (1) and planting bed (2), either individually or combined, at least in one position.

2. The plant management system according to claim 1, wherein the nursery bed (1) and the planting bed (2) are controlled by the processing and control unit (3), which manages the operations of the artificial lighting control unit (4), CO2 measurement unit (5), humidity control unit (6), air circulation control unit (7), temperature control unit (8), water level control unit (9), fertilizer quality control unit (10), fertilizer tank, mixing tank, and watering control unit (11) according to the set parameters.

3. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nursery bed (1) is a set of equipment divided into at least one channel or hole.

4. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the planting bed (2) is at least one planting panel, which can be either horizontal or vertical, movable or stationary, depending on the structure of the plant management system.

5. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the artificial lighting control unit (4) is connected to the artificial lighting supply unit, which provides artificial light. The artificial light can be white, red, blue, purple, or orange, either individually or combined, according to the set period.

6. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water level control unit (9) is connected to the water supply valve, air conditioner drain valve, mixing tank, nursery bed (1), and planting bed (2).

7. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the humidity control unit (6) is connected to a dehumidifier and a humidifier, either individually or combined, at least in one position.

8. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fertilizer quality control unit (10) is connected to the mixing tank, fertilizer concentration adjustment pump, and pH adjuster pump of the fertilizer tank, nursery bed (1), and planting bed (2) for controlling fertilizer concentration and pH levels.

9. The plant management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the watering control unit (11) controls the operation of the watering pump to water according to the set time and parameters.

10. The plant management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the plant management system's structure are equipped with thermal insulation.

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