System and method for controlling ripening time of fruit

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for controlling ripening time of fruit. More specifically, the present invention relates to controlling ambient temperature in the vicinity to a fruit tree in order to precede ripening of fruit. The claimed invention represents a system and method for controlling ripening time of fruit which provide an improvement of the field of horticulture technology by increasing accuracy of determining and maintaining a temperature regime that positively affects fruit tree blooming and ripening, in particular, by providing for high quality and quantity of flowers and fruits, as well as for their early blooming and ripening respectively.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RIPENING TIME OF FRUITCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 603,148, filed November 28, 2023, the contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for controlling ripening time of fruit. More specifically, the present invention relates to controlling ambient temperature in the vicinity to a fruit tree in order to precede ripening of fruit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The supply of fruit during its season is usually high and matches the demand. However, prior to the season or after the end thereof, the demand surpasses the supply and cannot be met. Thus, prices of fruit off-season rise dramatically, and the quality of fruit provided is usually poor, as such fruit is typically not fresh or not ripe.

[0004] Thus, there is a need to control the ripening time of fruit to precede naturally-caused ripening, to provide the unmet demand for high quality ripe fruit.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The first stage in creating the fruit is the “differentiation to bloom” or “flower differentiation”. Flower differentiation (FD) is a plant process by which the shoot apical meristem changes its anatomy to generate a flower or inflorescence in lieu of other structures. This stage normally takes place towards the winter, between November and January, but is dependent on the minimum temperature falling below a certain threshold to receive the signal to bloom. For this reason, some trees, such as, for example, Lychee cannot be grown in warm tropical climates, nor can they be grown in the temperate climate zones due to tree freezing.

[0006] After a sufficient amount of “cold autumn hours” (especially during nighttime) was reached, the blooming would start once the temperatures will rise above a threshold temperature that triggers the flower budburst. Abnormal temperature fluctuations (e.g., caused by global climate changes, or, in the case of a greenhouse cultivation, by incorrectambient temperature control) may significantly affect the ripening time and the quality of the final product. For example, if temperature rises significantly before the required amount of “cold hours” is accumulated, this may damage flower differentiation and blooming. On the other hand, if the ambient temperature remains comparatively cold after the minimal required amount of “cold hours” is accumulated, the tree simply “waits” for the warm temperature to come, hence, these excessive “cold hours” provide for no additional valuable effect on the fruit quality, on the contrary - they only delay blooming and ripening.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for controlling ripening time of fruit which would provide an improvement of the field of horticulture technology by increasing accuracy of determining and maintaining a temperature regime that positively affects fruit tree blooming and ripening, in particular, by providing for high quality and quantity of flowers and fruits, as well as for their early blooming and ripening respectively.

[0008] In the general aspect, the invention may be directed to a method of controlling ripening time of fruit, by at least one processor, wherein the method may include: receiving a plurality of ambient temperature values measured over a time period, from at least one sensor located in vicinity to at least one fruit tree; calculating a temperature fall score (TFS) based, at least in part, on the received ambient temperature values; and adjusting an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree, based at least in part on the calculated TFS, to control blooming time and fruit ripening time of the at least one fruit tree.

[0009] In another general aspect, the invention may be directed to a system for controlling ripening time of fruit, wherein the system may include: an ambient temperature control system; at least one sensor located in vicinity to at least one fruit tree; and a non-transitory memory device, wherein modules of instruction code are stored, and at least one processor associated with the memory device, and configured to execute the modules of instruction code, whereupon execution of said modules of instruction code, the at least one processor may be configured to: receive a plurality of ambient temperature values measured over a time period, from the at least one sensor; calculate a temperature fall score (TFS) based, at least in part, on the received ambient temperature values; and operate the ambient temperature control system to adjust an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree, based at least in part on the calculated TFS, to control blooming time and fruit ripening time of the at least one fruit tree.

[0010] In some embodiments, the TFS represents a ratio of (a) an accumulated duration of sub-periods of the time period, in which a respective ambient temperature value of the plurality of the ambient temperature values is below a first flower differentiation (FD) temperature threshold and (b) a total duration of time required to complete an FD stage.

[0011] In some embodiments, said adjusting of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree may further include, when the TFS reaches a predetermined score, adjusting the ambient temperature to trigger flower budburst of the at least one fruit tree.

[0012] In some embodiments, said adjusting of the ambient temperature to trigger flower budburst of the at least one fruit tree is performed by increasing the ambient temperature up to a flower budburst temperature.

[0013] In some embodiments, said adjusting of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree may further include maintaining the ambient temperature in a range between a first FD temperature threshold and a second FD temperature threshold, until the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

[0014] In some embodiments, said method may further include receiving of a FD characteristic data element of a specific fruit tree species, the FD characteristic data element representing an association between an ambient temperature and a total duration of time required to complete a FD stage of the specific fruit tree species; wherein calculating the TFS is further based on the received FD characteristic data element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the TFS may be determined as:

[0016] wherein n represents a number of sub-periods of the time period in which a respective ambient temperature value tj is within the range; tj represents the respective ambient temperature value during an i-th sub-period of said n sub-periods; Pj represents a duration of the i-th sub-period; and Ptotai(ti) represents the total duration of time calculated according to the FD characteristic data element, for the respective ambient temperature value ti-

[0017] In some embodiments, the method may further include determining, based on the FD characteristic data element, a temperature adjustment regime of an ambient temperature control system configured to adjust the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree, so as to shorten the total duration of time required to complete the FD stage (and,thereby, to gain the TFS faster); wherein said maintaining the ambient temperature in the range is performed by said ambient temperature control system using the determined temperature adjustment regime.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving an ambient temperature forecast for the time period; wherein said determining of the temperature adjustment regime may be performed further based on the received ambient temperature forecast.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving a power consumption characteristic data element of the ambient temperature control system; wherein said determining of the temperature adjustment regime may be performed further based on the received power consumption characteristic data element.

[0020] In some embodiments, said adjusting of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree may further include increasing the ambient temperature to a flower budburst temperature, when the TFS reached the predetermined score.

[0021] In some embodiments, the flower budburst temperature may be between 30°C and 35°C.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first FD temperature threshold may be between 5 °C and 15°C, and the second FD temperature threshold may be between 0°C and 2°C.

[0023] In some embodiments, said adjusting of the ambient temperature may include changing the ambient temperature around at least a portion of the at least one fruit tree.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ambient temperature control system may further include a heating unit; and wherein the at least one processor may be further configured to operate the temperature control system to adjust the ambient temperature by operating the heating unit to increase the ambient temperature up to a flower budburst temperature, when the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heating unit may be a geothermal water pump, configured to provide geothermal water to the at least one fruit tree, via a heat transfer unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heat transfer unit may be one or more thermally insolated pipes.

[0027] In some embodiments, the heating unit may be a water boiler.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ambient temperature control system may further include a cooling unit; and wherein the at least one processor may be further configured to operatethe temperature control system to adjust the ambient temperature by operating the cooling unit to maintain the ambient temperature in a range between a first FD temperature threshold and a second FD temperature threshold, until the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system may further include a power unit in operative connection with the ambient temperature control system, wherein the power unit is one or more of a solar power system, a wind power system, a battery, and a fossil fuel power generator.

[0030] In some embodiments, the heating unit may include at least one of: (i) a solar thermal collector; and (ii) a solar photovoltaic (PV) water heating system.

[0031] In some embodiments, said at least one fruit tree may be positioned inside a greenhouse. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may further be configured to operate the temperature control system to adjust the ambient temperature by automatically sealing the greenhouse and / or controlling the airflow therethrough to increase the ambient temperature up to a flower budburst temperature, when the TFS reaches a predetermined score.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a block diagram, depicting a computing device which may be included in a system for controlling ripening time of fruit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 2 is a block diagram, depicting a system for controlling ripening time of fruit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method of controlling ripening time of fruit, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0036] Fig. 4 is a table of ambient temperatures required for different growing stages of lychee trees.

[0037] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of someof the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0039] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments. For the sake of clarity, discussion of same or similar features or elements may not be repeated.

[0040] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and / or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer’s registers and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer’s registers and / or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and / or processes.

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification todescribe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term “set” when used herein may include one or more items.

[0042] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and a system for controlling ripening time of fruit, by controlling the ambient temperatures in the vicinity of one or more trees in a treated environment or area. Since ambient temperature control is made based on the temperature fall score (TFS) which, in some embodiments, may represent a ratio of (a) an accumulated duration of sub-periods of the time period, in which a respective ambient temperature value is below a first flower differentiation (FD) temperature threshold (upper temperature threshold for the range required for FD stage) and (b) a total duration of time required to complete a FD stage, the accuracy of determining and maintaining the most advantageous temperature regime in terms of fruit tree blooming and ripening may be achieved.

[0044] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a block diagram depicting a computing device, which may be included within an embodiment of a system for controlling ripening time of fruit, according to some embodiments.

[0045] Computing device 1 may include a processor or controller 2 that may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) processor, a chip or any suitable computing or computational device, an operating system 3, a memory 4, executable code 5, a storage system 6, input devices 7 and output devices 8. Processor 2 (or one or more controllers or processors, possibly across multiple units or devices) may be configured to carry out methods described herein, and / or to execute or act as the various modules, units, etc. More than one computing device 1 may be included in, and one or more computing devices 1 may act as the components of, a system according to embodiments of the invention.

[0046] Operating system 3 may be or may include any code segment (e.g., one similar to executable code 5 described herein) designed and / or configured to perform tasks involving coordination, scheduling, arbitration, supervising, controlling or otherwise managing operation of computing device 1, for example, scheduling execution of software programs or tasks or enabling software programs or other modules or units to communicate. Operatingsystem 3 may be a commercial operating system. It will be noted that an operating system 3 may be an optional component, e.g., in some embodiments, a system may include a computing device that does not require or include an operating system 3.

[0047] Memory 4 may be or may include, for example, a Random- Access Memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), a double data rate (DDR) memory chip, a Flash memory, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units or storage units. Memory 4 may be or may include a plurality of possibly different memory units. Memory 4 may be a computer or processor non-transitory readable medium, or a computer non-transitory storage medium, e.g., a RAM. In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium such as memory 4, a hard disk drive, another storage device, etc. may store instructions or code which when executed by a processor may cause the processor to carry out methods as described herein.

[0048] Executable code 5 may be any executable code, e.g., an application, a program, a process, task, or script. Executable code 5 may be executed by processor or controller 2 possibly under control of operating system 3. For example, executable code 5 may be an application that may calculate a temperature fall score (TFS), determine when a required temperature fall score is reached (e.g., when the ratio of (a) the accumulated duration of subperiods of the time period, in which the respective ambient temperature value of the plurality of the ambient temperature values is below the first FD temperature threshold and (b) the total duration of time required to complete the FD stage, equals 1) and initiate a temperature adjustment process as further described herein. Although, for the sake of clarity, a single item of executable code 5 is shown in Fig. 1, a system according to some embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of executable code segments similar to executable code 5 that may be loaded into memory 4 and cause processor 2 to carry out methods described herein.

[0049] Storage system 6 may be or may include, for example, a flash memory as known in the art, a memory that is internal to, or embedded in, a micro controller or chip as known in the art, a hard disk drive, a CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive, a Blu-ray disk (BD), a universal serial bus (USB) device or other suitable removable and / or fixed storage unit. Data such as tree related information (e.g., an information about a specific fruit tree species), temperature measurements and received forecasts, may be stored in storage system 6 and may be loadedfrom storage system 6 into memory 4 where it may be processed by processor or controller 2. In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted. For example, memory 4 may be a non-volatile memory having the storage capacity of storage system 6. Accordingly, although shown as a separate component, storage system 6 may be embedded or included in memory 4.

[0050] Input devices 7 may be or may include any suitable input devices, components, or systems, e.g., a detachable keyboard or keypad, a mouse and the like. Output devices 8 may include one or more (possibly detachable) displays or monitors, speakers and / or any other suitable output devices. Any applicable input / output (I / O) devices may be connected to Computing device 1 as shown by blocks 7 and 8. For example, a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC), a universal serial bus (USB) device or external hard drive may be included in input devices 7 and / or output devices 8. It will be recognized that any suitable number of input devices 7 and output device 8 may be operatively connected to Computing device 1 as shown by blocks 7 and 8.

[0051] A system according to some embodiments of the invention may include components such as, but not limited to, a plurality of central processing units (CPU) or any other suitable multi-purpose or specific processors or controllers (e.g., similar to element 2), a plurality of input units, a plurality of output units, a plurality of memory units, and a plurality of storage units.

[0052] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, depicting system 100 for controlling ripening time of fruit, according to some embodiments.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the invention, system 100 may be implemented as a software module, a hardware module, or any combination thereof. For example, system 100 may be or may include computing devices such as element 1 of Fig. 1. Furthermore, system 100 may be adapted to execute one or more modules of instruction code (e.g., element 5 of Fig. 1) to request, receive, analyze, calculate and produce various data and controlling signals.

[0054] As further described in detail herein, system 100 may be adapted to execute one or more modules of instruction code (e.g., element 5 of Fig. 1) in order to perform steps of the claimed method.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 2, arrows may represent flow of one or more data elements to and from system 100 and / or among modules or elements of system 100. Some arrows have been omitted in Fig. 2 for the purpose of clarity.

[0056] The content of system 100 is described below, according to some embodiments.

[0057] In some embodiments, system 100 may include controller or processor 10 operatively connected to a plurality of sensors 20. Sensors 20 may be located in vicinity to at least one fruit bee 200 which is growing in the environment, where environmental conditions may be artificially recreated and controlled (a treated area such as a greenhouse, orchard, plantation and the like). In some embodiments, sensors 20 may be configured to measure an ambient temperature and transfer measured ambient temperature values 20A to processor 10.

[0058] In some embodiments, either or both processor 10 and sensors 20 may be configured to store a plurality of ambient temperature values 20A measured over a period of time. For example, measured temperature values 20A may be received from sensors 20, during a period of 2 to 12 weeks, and may be obtained in result of a continuous measurement or every predefined time, such as every second, minute, 30 minutes, hour, 3 hours, twice a day, and the like. In some embodiments, sensors 20 may be digital temperature sensors.

[0059] In some embodiments, processor 10 may be further configured to calculate temperature fall score (TFS) 10B based, at least in part, on received ambient temperature values 20A. The aspects of calculating TFS 10B are discussed further below.

[0060] In some embodiments, system 100 may be further configured to receive FD characteristic data element 200A which may be specific for a certain fruit tree species (mango, litchi etc.) and cultivar, and may be indicative thereof. In some embodiments, processor 10 may be configured to calculate TFS 10B further based on received FD characteristic data element 200A.

[0061] FD characteristic data element 200A may, e.g., include information about a range of ambient temperatures that is favorable for flower differentiation of a specific fruit tree species (corresponding to abovementioned “cold hours”). Said range may be defined by first (upper) FD temperature threshold 200B and second (lower) FD temperature threshold 200C. For example, first FD temperature threshold 200B may be 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, or any temperature in between, and second FD temperature threshold 200C may be 0.5°C, 1°C, 2°C, or any temperature in between, etc.

[0062] FD characteristic data element 200A may, e.g., further include information about total duration 200D of time required to complete an FD stage, which may also be specific for certain fruit tree species, e.g., fruit tree species to which fruit tree 200 pertains. In some embodiments, in the context of the present application, total duration 200D of time required to complete a FD stage, represents the duration of time period during which the ambient temperature stays in the required “cold” range, that is below first FD threshold 200B and, e.g., above second FD threshold 200C. Total duration 200D may be thus indicative of a minimum amount of “cold autumn hours” that is required in order to maximize blooming and thus maximize fruit yield.

[0063] For the purpose of clarity, the following example is provided, where fruit tree 200 is a lychee tree. It was determined during observations and tests conducted on lychee trees that, for optimal differentiation, it is sufficient that ambient temperature at night falls below 14°C for 6-8 weeks (preferably, consecutive). This efficiency was expressed both in the intensity of the subsequent spring blooming and in the quality of the flowers. It was found that the percentage of normal flowers (containing all the female components of the embryo sac) was inversely proportional to the accumulated cold temperatures at night. In addition, a very positive and high ratio was found between the percentage of flower normality and the percentage of fruit set and yield. Therefore, in order to achieve high yields, considerable differentiation (resulting in a large quantity of flowers) and quality (a high normality of flowers) are necessary.

[0064] Hence, in such embodiments, FD characteristic data element 200A may include first FD temperature threshold 200B equal 14°C and total duration 200D of time required to complete an FD stage equal 8 weeks. In such embodiments, TFS 10B may represent, e.g., a ratio of (a) an accumulated duration of sub-periods of time, in which respective ambient temperature value 20A of the plurality of ambient temperature values 20A is below first FD temperature threshold 200B to (b) total duration 200D of time required to complete an FD stage.

[0065] In some further embodiments, FD characteristic data element 200A may include more sophisticated data, than a simple range of required temperature values (thresholds 200B and 200C) and required duration 200D.

[0066] As was determined empirically, total duration 200D of time required to complete an FD stage may depend on and vary from the ambient temperature (e.g., specific ambienttemperature of the abovementioned range the tree is exposed to). Taking lychee trees as an example, an inverse relationship between the temperature regime at night and the time required for differentiation was found, in other words, the lower the temperature, the shorter the time required for differentiation, provided that the trees are protected from freezing.

[0067] Accordingly, in respective embodiments, FD characteristic data element 200A may represent an association 200E between an ambient temperature and a total duration of time required to complete an FD stage of the specific fruit tree species (e.g., total duration 200D corresponding to tree 200). In some embodiments, association 200E may be represented in the form of a simple table which maps specific ambient temperature values (e.g., values 20A) and a respective total duration of time (e.g., duration 200D). In some other embodiments, association 200E may be represented in the form of a function from an ambient temperature to a total duration of time required to complete an FD stage of the specific fruit tree species (e.g., total duration 200D corresponding to tree 200). Depending on the specific embodiments of the present invention and on the specific fruit tree species, the function may be discrete or continuous, linear or non-linear. E.g., in some cases of nonlinear correlation, the function may be such that the closer the ambient temperature is to second (lower) FD temperature threshold 200C the higher the effect on total duration 200D is. For example, one hour in a very low temperature within the range, may be equivalent to a couple of hours in a higher temperature.

[0068] Accordingly, since, in such embodiments, total duration 200D vary on ambient temperature values 20A, calculation of TFS 10B may reflect such variations and be adjusted respectively.

[0069] For example, in such embodiments, processor 10 may be further configured to calculate TFS 10B as:TFS=‘ LoL yal (tj

[0070] wherein n represents a number of sub-periods of the time period in which a respective ambient temperature value (e.g., ambient temperature value 20 A) is within the range between first and second FD temperature thresholds 200B and 200C; tj represents the respective ambient temperature value (e.g., of ambient temperature values 20 A) during an i-th sub-period of said n sub-periods;represents a duration of the i-th sub-period; and Ptotai ^i) represents the total duration of time (e.g., duration 200D) calculated according toFD characteristic data element 200A (e.g., according to association 200E), for the respective ambient temperature value.

[0071] E.g., following on from the lychee tree example, in result of ambient temperature measurements conducted by sensors 20 during one day, sensors 20 may provide the following ambient temperature values 20A: at 22:00 - 18°C, at 23:00 - 18°C, at 00:00 - 17°C, at 01:00 - 15°C, at 02:00 - 13°C, at 03:00 - 10°C, at 04:00 - 10°C, at 05:00 - 11°C, at 06:00 - 15°C, and at 07:00 - 18°C. As can be seen, during the time period from 22:00 till 07:00 there were n = 3 sub-periods in which a respective ambient temperature value(ambient temperature value 20A) was within the range between first and second FD temperature thresholds 200B and 200C, which, in this example, are 14°C and 0°C respectively. Those are the following sub-periods: from 02:00 till 03:00 - 13°C, from 03:00 till 05:00 - 10°C, and from 05:00 till 06:00 - 11°C. For example, in this case association200E may be represented as a non-linear function, and, according to this function, Ptotai(it), which is total duration 200D for each specific temperature value 20A, may be calculated. E.g., for tj = 13°C, Ptota((13) = 2 weeks (336 hours); for tj = 10°C, Ptota((10) = 1-2 weeks(201.6 hours); and for tj = 11°C, Ptotai - ) = 1-4 weeks (235.2 hours). Accordingly, in this example, TFS 10B may be determined as:1 2 1TFS = 0.017.336+201.6+235.2

[0072] Calculated TFS 10B, in this case, means that during the observed time period (from 22:00 till 07:00) tree 200 “gained” 0.017 or 1.7% of total duration 200D of time required to complete a FD stage.

[0073] Accordingly, when TFS 10B reaches a predetermined score, e.g., value of 1 (100%), the FD stage may be considered completed and following actions may be triggered, as explained further below.

[0074] According to some embodiments, FD characteristic data element 200A may further include additional tree related information, such as, for example, the age of tree 200, or other information that may be further used for adjusting the calculation of TFS.

[0075] In some embodiments, system 100 may further include ambient temperature control system 30, configured to adjust an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree (e.g., tree 200).

[0076] In some embodiments, ambient temperature control system 30 may include cooling unit 31, heating unit 32 and cool / heat transfer unit 33.

[0077] In some embodiments, heating unit 32 may be a geothermal water pump, configured to provide geothermal water to the at least one fruit tree, via heat transfer unit 33. In some alternative embodiments, heating unit 32 may be a water boiler configured to provide geothermal water to the at least one fruit tree, via heat transfer unit 33.

[0078] In some embodiments, cool / heat transfer unit 33 may be or may include one or more pipes which may be thermally insulated at least in some sections. Cool / heat transfer unit 33 may further include other elements configured to provide heat in the vicinity of tree 200, e.g., radiators.

[0079] In some embodiments, cooling unit 31 may include plurality of fans, heat pumps (e.g., the ones that use the following functional principles: air source-air supply, water source-air supply and water source- water supply) and heat exchangers (e.g., fine wire heat exchangers).

[0080] In some embodiments, cooling unit 31 may be a thermally-driven adsorption air conditioning system, focusing on the uptake of water vapor adsorption by various types of adsorbents for greenhouse applications. The adsorbents used may include silica gel, activated carbon powder and activated carbon fiber. In such embodiments, cooling unit 31 may include a direct and indirect evaporative cooler (using Maisotsenko cycle), a heat source and desiccant wheel.

[0081] In some embodiments, cooling unit 31 may include controllable natural ventilation systems known in the art. In some embodiments, cooling unit 31 may include various evaporative cooling technologies known in the art, such as, converting sensible heat into latent heat through water evaporation supplied directly into the greenhouse via mist or fog system, sprinklers or evaporative cooling pads.

[0082] In another example, evaporative cooling system may include fans on one of the greenhouse sidewalls and pads on the opposite sidewall. Evaporative cooling, in such configurations, may be achieved by spraying or sprinkling water over the pads and providing an outgoing airflow through the pads by the fans.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, cooling module 31 may be or may include fog or mist generation system. This technology provides cooling by pressurizing and spraying water through tiny nozzles to create micro-fine mist above the trees.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, cooling module 31 may be or may include a solar powered cooling system, e.g., the ones where outdoor hot air initially flows through thedesiccator (made of porous material) where it is dehumidified before being cooled by the evaporative cooling pad.

[0085] It shall be understood that any other combined or hybrid systems, utilizing techniques of different known approaches in combination, may be applied herein.

[0086] Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional aspects of greenhouse construction may be used to achieve cooling effect, such as various plastic film or glass coverings or various shading systems. Covering materials may play a bifunctional role by blocking far infrared radiation and allowing solar radiation necessary for the plant growth.

[0087] It shall be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that any other heating or cooling mechanisms known in the art may be applied herein.

[0088] In some embodiments, for the purpose of cooling, cool / heat transfer unit 33 may be or may include one or more fans, ventilation system, sprinkling system etc.

[0089] It shall be understood that, depending on specific embodiments, cool / heat transfer unit 33 may be an integral part or cooling unit 31 and / or heating unit 32.

[0090] In some embodiments, processor 10 may be further configured to operate ambient temperature control system 30 to adjust an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree (e.g., tree 200), based at least on calculated TFS 10B, to control blooming time and fruit ripening time of the at least one fruit tree (e.g., tree 200).

[0091] In particular, processor 10 may be further configured to operate ambient temperature control system 30 to adjust the ambient temperature in the vicinity of tree 200 by operating heating unit 32 to increase the ambient temperature up to flower budburst temperature 200F (also referred as a blossom growth temperature), when TFS 10B reaches the predetermined score (e.g., score which equals 1, meaning that 100% of total duration 200D have been accumulated), to induce early blooming and ripening of tree 200. System 100 may be configured to receive specific value of flower budburst temperature 200F based on the information of specific fruit tree species that is being cultivated (e.g., species that tree 200 pertains to). Flower budburst temperature 200F may represent a temperature that is needed to trigger flower budburst process of specific tree species.

[0092] Following on the previous example, flower budburst temperature may be between 30°C and 35°C, which is an optimal range for lychee trees.

[0093] Accordingly, in such embodiments, the abovementioned abnormal temperature fluctuations may be mitigated, since system 100 is configured to increase the ambienttemperature only when tree 200 was exposed to the required number of “cold autumn hours”. Hence, the positive effect on the fruit quality and quantity may be achieved. On the other hand, the suggested embodiments mitigate the problem of having excessive “cold autumn hours”, which cause delay of flower blooming and, consequently, of fruit ripening. As can be seen, the accuracy of determining and maintaining the most advantageous temperature regime in terms of fruit tree blooming and ripening may be achieved.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the ambient temperature is higher than first FD temperature threshold 200B, processor 10 may be further configured to operate ambient temperature control system 30 to adjust the ambient temperature by operating cooling unit 31 to maintain the ambient temperature in a range between first FD temperature threshold 200B and second FD temperature threshold 200C, until TFS 10B reaches a predetermined score (e.g., 1 which means that 100% of total duration 200D have been accumulated). Similarly, when measured temperature values 20A indicate that temperature is lower second FD temperature threshold 200C (e.g., is reaching freezing point), processor 10 may be further configured to operate heating unit 32 to maintain the temperature in the vicinity of tree 200 in the treated area within the required range.

[0095] It shall be understood that, depending on the embodiments, the maintenance of the ambient temperature may be performed continuously (e.g., during both daytime and nighttime) and discontinuously or periodically (e.g., during nighttime only, while letting the temperature rise above first FD temperature threshold 200B at daytime).

[0096] Following on the previous example, first FD temperature threshold 200B may be between 5°C and 15°C, and second FD temperature threshold 200C may be between 0°C and 2°C, which are optimal ranges for lychee trees.

[0097] Accordingly, in such embodiments, the abnormal temperature fluctuations may be further mitigated during FD stage. As can be seen, in such embodiments, system 100 may be configured to prevent ambient temperature from going beyond the desired range, thereby providing for efficient accumulation of “cold autumn hours” by tree 200. Hence, the positive effect on the fruit quality and quantity may be further achieved, as well as the delay of flower blooming and, consequently, of fruit ripening may be effectively omitted. As can be seen, the accuracy of determining and maintaining the most advantageous temperature regime in terms of fruit tree blooming and ripening may be further increased.

[0098] In some embodiments, processor 10, in order to operate ambient temperature control system 30 to adjust the ambient temperature, may be further configured to determine a temperature adjustment regime 10C and to apply regime 10C to ambient temperature control system 30. Such regime 10C may include, e.g., duration or schedule, according to which system 30 or its components (cooling unit 3 lor heating unit 32) shall be operated (be turned on or off); and heating or cooling energy output settings.

[0099] In some embodiments, wherein FD characteristic data element includes association 200E, according to which total duration 200D vary on ambient temperature values 20A, temperature adjustment regime 10C may be determined in consideration of association 200E. E.g., in some embodiments, processor 10 may be further configured to determine temperature adjustment regime 10C based on FD characteristic data element 200A, so as to shorten total duration 200D of time required to complete the FD stage; and ambient temperature control system 30 may be further configured to maintaining the ambient temperature in the range between first FD temperature threshold 200B and second FD temperature threshold 200C using determined temperature adjustment regime 10C.

[0100] E.g., if, according to association 200E, ambient temperature of 5°C corresponds to shorter duration 200D than currently measured ambient temperature of 10°C, temperature adjustment regime 10C may be set so as to change the ambient temperature down to 5°C and then maintain this temperature (e.g., by periodically turning cooling unit 31 on and off).

[0101] In some further embodiments, system 100 may be further configured to receive ambient temperature forecast 10A for the upcoming time period. Accordingly, processor 10 may be further configured to determine temperature adjustment regime 10C further based on received ambient temperature forecast 10A.

[0102] E.g., if, according to forecast 10A, during the upcoming night, ambient temperature will be mostly in the range between first FD temperature threshold 200B and second FD temperature threshold 200C (or in the most effective sub-range of this range) by natural environmental conditions, no further adjustment of the ambient temperature may be needed. However, if, according to forecast 10A, ambient temperature will only decrease slightly below first FD temperature threshold 200B (e.g., 13°C in lychee example), processor 10 may be configured to determine regime 10C so as to decrease the ambient temperature down to 5 °C, in order to shorten total duration 200D of time required to complete the FD stage and to gain TFS 10B more effectively. In another example, if forecast 10A indicatesthat temperature is expected to be below second (lower) FD temperature threshold 200C in the treated area in the coming hours, days or weeks, processor 10 may determine regime 10C so as to a temperature adjustment process to be initiated prior to the actual change in measured temperature, to prevent damage to the trees (e.g., tree 200) in the treated area, and to ensure temperature is maintained in the required range.

[0103] In some embodiments, for determining regime 10C, processor 10 may further take into consideration a difference between the current value of TFS 10B and the predefined score, that is to be gained to complete FD stage and to switch to flower budburst stage. E.g., if it takes 5 hours of very low ambient temperature (e.g., 1°C) to finish gaining the required TFS 10B, while forecast 10A indicates that the upcoming week will be too warm to complete FD stage and that the temperature will rather be suitable for inducing flower budburst, processor 10 may determine regime 10C so as to complete FD stage as fast as it possible (e.g., by adjusting temperature to the lowest acceptable level), in order to turn off ambient temperature control system 30 after and to make flower budburst induced by natural conditions.

[0104] In some embodiments, system 100 may be further configured to receive power consumption characteristic data element 30A of ambient temperature control system 30A. E.g., power consumption characteristic data element 30A may include information indicating how much energy (e.g., in kWh) will it require to decrease ambient temperature for 1°C, 2°C, 5°C, etc., and to maintain this temperature. In such embodiments, processor 10 may be further configured to determine temperature adjustment regime 10C further based on received power consumption characteristic data element 30A.

[0105] E.g., in such embodiments, processor 10 may be configured to estimate, based on forecast 10A and power consumption characteristic data element 30A, how much energy will it require to adjust the ambient temperature up or down to the desired value. Processor 10 may be configured to form a decision, based on the estimated energy consumption and on association 200E, in particular, on the non-linear function from an ambient temperature to total duration 200D of time required to complete a FD stage, on whether it is efficient and cost-effective to adjust the temperature (or how long this adjustment shall be maintained), and to determine regime 10C accordingly. E.g., in some cases, due to non-linear function from the ambient temperature to total duration 200D of time, it may be considered efficient and cost-effective to decrease temperature from 5 °C to 3 °C for 5 consecutive hours since itwill decrease duration 200D by 10%, however, it may be considered non-efficient and non- cost-effective to decrease temperature from 14°C to 12°C (same difference of 2°C) for 5 consecutive hours since it will decrease duration 200D only by 1 %. In other words, processor 10 may determine optimal regime 10C, in order to gain TFS 10B faster with the lowest power consumption.

[0106] In some embodiments, system 100 may also include power unit 40 in operative connection with ambient temperature control system 30, wherein power unit 40 is one or more of a solar power system, a wind power system, a battery, and a fossil fuel power generator. It shall be understood that, in some embodiments, regime 10C may be determined not directly for ambient temperature control system 30, but indirectly - for power unit 40, which, in turn, will be configured to activate / deactivate system 30 according to regime 10C.

[0107] It shall be understood that, in some embodiments, ambient temperature control system 30 may be configured so as to adjust the ambient temperature around a separate portion of bee 200, and not around entire tree 200.

[0108] Referring now to Fig. 3, a flow diagram is presented, depicting a method for controlling ripening time of fruit, by at least one processor (e.g., processor 2 of Fig. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0109] As shown in step S1005, the at least one processor (e.g., such as processor 2 of Fig. 1) may receive a plurality of ambient temperature values (e.g., ambient temperature values 20A, as shown in Fig. 2) measured over a time period, from at least one sensor (e.g., sensor 20, as shown in Fig. 2) located in vicinity to at least one fruit tree (e.g., free 200, as shown in Fig. 2). Step S 1005 may be carried out by processor 10 (as described with reference to Fig. 2).

[0110] As shown in step S1010, the at least one processor (e.g., such as processor 2 of Fig. 1) may calculate a temperature fall score (TFS) (e.g., TFS 10B, as shown in Fig. 2) based, at least in part, on the received ambient temperature values (e.g., temperature values 20A, as shown in Fig. 2). Step S1010 may be carried out by processor 10 (as described with reference to Fig. 2).

[0111] As shown in step S1015, the at least one processor (e.g., such as processor 2 of Fig. 1) may adjust an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree (e.g., tree 200, as shown in Fig. 2), based at least on the calculated TFS (e.g., TFS 20B, as shown in Fig. 2), to control blooming time and fruit ripening time of the at least one fruit tree (e.g.,tree 200, as shown in Fig. 2). Step S1015 may be carried out by processor 10 and ambient temperature control system 30 (as described with reference to Fig. 2).

[0112] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, depicting a table of ambient temperatures required for different growing stages of lychee bees.

[0113] As can be seen in the provided table, various phenological stages of lychee growth, in order to be undergone thoroughly, require specific ambient temperature conditions providing for the highest quality and quantity of fruit yield. It is also shown that differentiation stage (or flower differentiation stage) is sensitive to the sufficient accumulation of time of the desired temperature (“cold autumn hours”), while other stages are not sensitive to that. Therefore, calculation of TFS (e.g., TFS 10B as shown in Fig. 2), as well as temperature control based thereon, are essential for FD stage (as described above), while other stages simply require temperature to be set to the desired value until the stage may be considered completed, and the time factor is not as essential as it is for FD stage.

[0114] According to some embodiments, system 100 (as described with reference to Fig. 2) may be further configured to adjust ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one tree (e.g., lychee tree) so as to comply with the requirements of each phenological stage, e.g., according to the table shown in Fig. 4.

[0115] It shall be understood that the table of Fig. 4 is provided only as a nonexclusive example, and system 100 (as shown in Fig. 2) may be configured to adjust ambient temperature in the vicinity of trees of other species, so as to comply with the requirements of phenological stages of their growth.

[0116] The concept suggested herein was tested and proved effective in accelerating the ripening of loquat and lychee in the greenhouses in Hula Valley, Israel, with trees blooming in winter due to geothermal water heating. The objective of the tests was to advance the flowering of lychee trees for very early fruit harvesting, enabling farmers to market the fruits "out of season" at higher prices. The tests involved heating trees in late-December to simulate higher temperatures, prompting early flowering and rapid growth.

[0117] Naturally, the differentiation to bloom stage occurs between November and January, requiring night temperatures below 14°C for 6-8 consecutive weeks. This process is crucial for optimal flowering and fruit quality. The Hula Valley's cold conditions, combined with geothermal heating, facilitated this stage, resulting in early blooming and high yields.

[0118] It has been proven that growing trees in greenhouses with the suggested ambient temperature control techniques (e.g., using geothermal heating) accelerates blooming by reducing the number of redundant accumulated "cold hours" (e.g., the extra months of cold weather, e.g., during January, that are not required for the FD stage, since the minimum required time to complete this stage was already accumulated in December) and preventing freezing. As tests demonstrated, heating lychee trees to 35 °C in late December, after cold hour accumulation, results in February blooming.

[0119] Initial results, particularly with lychee trees, were promising, but challenges arose, including the future unavailability of geothermal water. Consequently, it was considered to use solar thermal collectors to heat greenhouses and advance ripening without geothermal water.

[0120] In 2023-2024, the main lychee variety, "Hong Long," was tested for its cold hour requirements. Lychee trees were grown in greenhouses initially controlled using geothermal water from the "Shamir Water" drilling. Located in the coldest part of the Hula Valley, the greenhouses allowed exposure to low temperatures in late autumn for differentiation (<14°C in November and December). After differentiation, the greenhouse temperature was raised by hermetically sealing it, accelerating inflorescence emergence, even without using geothermal water.

[0121] One greenhouse was covered (sealed) after 500 cold hours, and another after 700 hours, testing the total duration of time required to complete the FD stage. The first greenhouse did not flower, while the second produced abundant and early flowering. Harvesting occurred two weeks earlier than in other commercial orchards, with high yield and quality (1.5 tons / dunam = 20 kg / tree). Despite the insufficiency of geothermal water supply, temperature increases were achieved by hermetically sealing the greenhouse, and the application of the suggested method successfully led to the expected results, benefiting farmers by enabling early fruit marketing.

[0122] It should be noted that the suggested technique also opens up possibilities for other agricultural crops, including lettuce and basil. The method's success with lychee trees highlights its potential for broader agricultural applications.

[0123] As can be seen from the provided description, the claimed invention represents a system and method for controlling ripening time of fruit which provide an improvement of the field of horticulture technology by increasing accuracy of determining and maintaininga temperature regime that positively affects fruit tree blooming and ripening, in particular, by providing for high quality and quantity of flowers and fruits, as well as for their early blooming and ripening respectively.

[0124] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Furthermore, all formulas described herein are intended as examples only and other or different formulas may be used. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed at the same point in time.

[0125] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0126] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of controlling ripening time of fruit, by at least one processor, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of ambient temperature values measured over a time period, from at least one sensor located in vicinity to at least one fruit tree; calculating a temperature fall score (TFS) based, at least in part, on the received ambient temperature values; and adjusting an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree, based at least in part on the calculated TFS, to control blooming time and fruit ripening time of the at least one fruit tree.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the TFS represents a ratio of (a) an accumulated duration of sub-periods of the time period, in which a respective ambient temperature value of the plurality of the ambient temperature values is below a first flower differentiation (FD) temperature threshold and (b) a total duration of time required to complete an FD stage.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said adjusting of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree further comprises, when the TFS reaches a predetermined score, adjusting the ambient temperature to trigger flower budburst of the at least one fruit tree.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said adjusting of the ambient temperature to trigger flower budburst of the at least one fruit tree is performed by increasing the ambient temperature up to a flower budburst temperature.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said adjusting of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree further comprises maintaining the ambient temperature in a range between a first flower differentiation (FD) temperature threshold and a second FD temperature threshold, until the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

6. The method according to claim 1-5, further comprising receiving an FD characteristic data element corresponding to a specific fruit tree species, the FD characteristic data element representing an association between an ambient temperatureand a total duration of time required to complete an FD stage of the specific fruit tree species; wherein calculating the TFS is further based on the received FD data element.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the TFS is determined as:wherein n represents a number of sub-periods of the time period in which a respective ambient temperature value tj is within the range; tj represents the respective ambient temperature value during an i-th sub-period of said n sub-periods; Pi represents a duration of the i-th sub-period; and Ptotai ( i) represents the total duration of time calculated according to the FD characteristic data element, for the respective ambient temperature value t[.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 and 7, further comprising determining, based on the FD characteristic data element, a temperature adjustment regime of an ambient temperature control system configured to adjust the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree, so as to shorten the total duration of time required to complete the FD stage; wherein said maintaining the ambient temperature in the range is performed by said ambient temperature control system using the determined temperature adjustment regime.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising receiving an ambient temperature forecast for the time period; wherein said determining of the temperature adjustment regime is performed further based on the received ambient temperature forecast.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, further comprising receiving a power consumption characteristic data element of the ambient temperature control system; wherein said determining of the temperature adjustment regime is performed further based on the received power consumption characteristic data element.

11. The method according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein said adjusting of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree further comprises increasing the ambient temperature to a flower budburst temperature, when the TFS reached the predetermined score.

12. The method according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein the flower budburst temperature is between 30°C and 35 °C.

13. The method according to any one of claims 5-12, wherein the first FD temperature threshold is between 5 °C and 15 °C, and the second FD temperature threshold is between 0°C and 2°C.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein said adjusting of the ambient temperature comprises changing the ambient temperature around at least a portion of the at least one fruit tree.

15. A system for controlling ripening time of fruit, the system comprising: an ambient temperature control system; at least one sensor located in vicinity to at least one fruit tree; and a non-transitory memory device, wherein modules of instruction code are stored, and at least one processor associated with the memory device, and configured to execute the modules of instruction code, whereupon execution of said modules of instruction code, the at least one processor is configured to: receive a plurality of ambient temperature values measured over a time period, from the at least one sensor; calculate a temperature fall score (TFS) based, at least in part, on the received ambient temperature values; and operate the ambient temperature control system to adjust an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the at least one fruit tree, based at least in part on the calculated TFS, to control blooming time and fruit ripening time of the at least one fruit tree.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the TFS represents a ratio of (a) an accumulated duration of sub-periods of the time period, in which a respective ambient temperature value of the plurality of the ambient temperature values is below a first flower differentiation (FD) temperature threshold and (b) a total duration of time required to complete an FD stage.

17. The system according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein the ambient temperature control system further comprises a heating unit; and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to operate the temperature control system to adjust theambient temperature by operating the heating unit to increase the ambient temperature up to a flower budburst temperature, when the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the heating unit comprises a geothermal water pump, configured to provide geothermal water to the at least one fruit tree, via a heat transfer unit.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises one or more thermally insulated pipes.

20. The system according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the heating unit comprises a water boiler.

21. The system according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein the heating unit comprises at least one of: (i) a solar thermal collector; and (ii) a solar photovoltaic (PV) water heating system.

22. The system according to any one of claims 17-21, wherein the flower budburst temperature is between 30°C and 35 °C.

23. The system according to any one of claims 16-22, said at least one fruit tree is positioned inside a greenhouse, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to operate the temperature control system to adjust the ambient temperature by automatically sealing the greenhouse and / or controlling the airflow therethrough to increase the ambient temperature up to a flower budburst temperature, when the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

24. The system according to any one of claims 16-23, wherein the ambient temperature control system further comprises a cooling unit; and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to operate the temperature control system to adjust the ambient temperature by operating the cooling unit to maintain the ambient temperature in a range between the first FD temperature threshold and a second FD temperature threshold, until the TFS reaches a predetermined score.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the cooling unit represents at least one of (a) thermally-driven adsorption air conditioning system; (b) controllable naturalventilation system; (c) evaporative cooling system; (d) fog or mist generation system; and (e) solar powered cooling system.

26. The system according to any one of claims 24-25, wherein the first FD temperature threshold is between 5 °C and 15 °C, and the second FD temperature threshold is between 0°C and 2 °C.

27. The system according to any one of claims 15-26, further comprising a power unit in operative connection with the ambient temperature control system, wherein the power unit is one or more of a solar power system, a wind power system, a battery, and a fossil fuel power generator.

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