System and apparatus for cultivating seed cubes in a hydroponics and guided horticulture system

Abstract

A modular horticultural support system and method are provided. Seeds in seedplugs are kept, identified and processed by the system and method. The system and method are processor controlled and guide users through timed steps and provides visual indicators regarding status and steps needed for best seed germination and plant growth.

Description

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CULTIVATING SEED CUBES IN A HYDROPONICS AND GUIDED HORTICULTURE SYSTEMRelated Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 605,122 entitled “Systems, Methods and Apparatus for Modular Hydroponics and Guided Farming Experiences”, filed on December 1, 2023, and is related to PCT Application No.PCT / US24 / 39265, filed on July 24, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present application generally relates to horticultural activities, and more specifically to guided agriculture and methods and systems for facilitating the same.Background

[0003] Plants can be cultivated for food supply and / or recreational purposes, which we generally refer to herein as agriculture. Traditionally, food-providing plants are planted, maintained and harvested in suitable outdoor fields, farms, or indoor facilities such as greenhouses. Typically, these growing facilities and fields provide for soil in which the plants can be grown and from which the plants can obtain water, nutrients and other needs, e.g., through plant root systems. The plants may be grown in open areas, or they may be placed in pots, beds and similar vessels. However, some forms of agriculture, especially those at smaller scales, are performed in environments without traditional soil.

[0004] Hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics and other methods deliver plant needs in water, mist, air, or other root media and can include artificial structures to hold and manage the plants during growth. Various artificial beds, trays, pods, tanks, racks, and towers have been used to house growing plants in these agricultural forms. Some such means enable compact horticulture in limited space and are well-suited for growing and harvesting food from plants in urban environments, environments unsuited for open farming, e.g., in harsh climate or arid conditions.

[0005] In addition to the logistical challenges of having and maintaining horticultural spaces, home-based or small-scale or hobbyist farmers may lack professional knowledge of the steps required to sustain and grow and harvest plants.

[0006] A need exists to service plant growers, especially those lacking industrial spaces, equipment and / or knowledge.Summary

[0007] The present disclosure applies to inventive modular horticulture systems, including hydroponics, that combine automation with guided farming experiences to allow virtually anyone to grow crops for consumption, even with little or no prior farming or agricultural experience. In various aspects, the inventive systems, apparatus and methods disclosed herein support the consistent growth of a diverse set of crops and readily adapt to changes in output needs, with easy and intuitive assembly and disassembly for cleaning.Example of crops that may be grown via the inventive systems, apparatus and methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, chard), herbs (e.g., cilantro, parsley, dill, rosemary, sage, thyme, basil, mint), vining and fruiting plants (e g., cucumber, tomato, hot and sweet peppers), as well as onions, shallots, carrots, chives, scallions, zucchini, eggplant and melons.

[0008] An aspect is directed to seed plug assembly comprising a seed growth matrix; a cavity in said seed growth matrix defining a seed placement volume and having an aperture on a surface of said seed growth matrix; a water-degradable sticker affixed to said surface and covering said aperture; wherein said sticker is scored with perforations that mechanically weaken said sticker at locations of said perforations.

[0009] An aspect is directed to system for germinating plant seeds, comprising a seed cartridge having a box shape configured and dimensioned to contain a plurality of seed plugs; a seed bank configured and dimensioned to contain one or more seed cartridges; a tray dock configured and arranged to hold one or more germination trays; wherein each of said one or more germination trays comprises a plurality of recesses to accommodate a corresponding plurality of seed plugs; wherein said tray dock comprises various processor-controlled means to establish and maintain an environment conducive to seed germination and growth, including insome optional embodiments a light source, a heat source and a water source; and a seed plug transport mechanism that programmably selects and transports seed plugs from said seed cartridge to said germination trays in said seed bank.

[0010] The present system may be a collection of modular assemblies that are interoperable, for example, a seed cartridge assembly that stores a plurality of seedplugs (seed plugs) for shipping and easy access and inventory; a traydock (tray dock) module that houses individual seed plugs for germination and initial growth, providing needed water, light and monitoring as suits an application; and an automated processor-controlled seed plug transport assembly that uses one or more electrical motors to controllably grasp, raise and / or translate seed plugs from the seed cartridge to the traydock.

[0011] The present system may further be integrated with the plant growth and harvesting shelf units described herein, and may be operated according to a method comprising steps of identifying and transporting and germinating said seed plugs within said system and beyond.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present technology, reference is made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary growing system comprising a structural frame assembly.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a section of a growing system, specifically indicating water flow circuit.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a section of a growing system, specifically an electrical / electronic network.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary nutrient control unit (NCU) subsystem and flow path.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smart shelf design.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary top view of a smart shelf.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates another view of a smart shelf, specifically a representation of electrical connections as disposed on or in or under a lid.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a smart shelf having a lid defining a plurality of grow sites.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary view of a grow cup disposed in a cross section of the smart shelf lid.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of some components of a smart shelf.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a smart shelf.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary view of a lid to basin mechanical interface.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary view of water circulation and passive drainage components.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system having a plurality of smart grow shelves.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary shelf unit comprising a plurality of smart shelves.

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary shelf unit with articulated retractable drawer.

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a shelf unit with upper lid and lower basin closed.

[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates a shelf unit with upper lid and lower basin opened.

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates a mechanical stiffening or strengthening aspect of the shelf lids.

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates embedded power connectors and features of an exemplary shelf lid.

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates visual service interval indicators on an exemplary shelf lid.

[0034] FIG. 22 illustrates a seedplug.

[0035] FIG. 23 illustrates a seedplug cartridge.

[0036] FIG. 24 illustrates a portion of a seedbank.

[0037] FIG. 25 illustrates a traydock.

[0038] FIG. 26 illustrates a portion of a traydock.

[0039] FIG. 27 illustrates placement of a ventilation fan.

[0040] FIG. 28 illustrates a light and camera bar.

[0041] FIG. 29 illustrates a germtray.

[0042] FIG. 30 illustrates an arrangement for a transport assembly.

[0043] FIG. 31 illustrates components for transporting seedplugs in a seedplug transport assembly.

[0044] FIG. 32 illustrates a seedplug grasping mechanism.

[0045] FIG. 33 illustrates a translating mechanism and a grasping mechanism.

[0046] FIG. 34 illustrates placing a multi-level traydock and a multi-level seedbank.Detailed Description

[0047] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, systems, apparatus and methods, for multisensory imaging for modular horticulture, hydroponics, and guided farming experiences. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in numerous ways. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations and alternatives apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0048] The figures and example implementations described below are not meant to limit the scope of the present implementations to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the disclosed example implementations may be partially or fully implemented using known components, in some instances only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present implementations are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the present implementations.

[0049] In the discussion below, various examples of systems, apparatus and methods for modular hydroponics and guided farming experiences are provided, wherein a given example showcases one or more particular features in a given context. It should be appreciated that one or more features discussed in connection with a given example may be employed in other examples according to the present disclosure, such that the various features disclosed herein may be readily combined in a given system according to the present disclosure (provided that respective features are not mutually inconsistent). Specifically, where an illustrative example is provided in the context of one method of growing, for example hydroponics, this is not exhaustive or limiting as to other growing methods or implementations available to users and makers of the present methods and systems.

[0050] In some aspects, the invention comprises multiple elements configured to deliver an intuitive, user-friendly, and consistent grow experiences, including: 1) an automated hydroponics infrastructure which maintains an appropriate environment for the growth of hydroponically growable crops; 2) a visual-audio guidance layer, which leads a user / farmer through the manual steps of a growth cycle in a fun and intuitive way; and 3) a control layer, which plans, compiles, and sequences a grow program based on a user’s consumption patterns.

[0051] Plants need a basic set of sufficient conditions to significantly grow and bear fruit or edible produce, which those skilled in the art understand to typically include water / humidity, lighting, nutrition, proper soil conditions, e.g., pH, environmental temperature, and germination conditions as applicable. A well-constructed growing system according to the present disclosure delivers these conditions consistently in simple, relatively inexpensive, and easy-to-clean ways. Specifically:

[0052] Water preferably is fresh, well-aerated, and free of pests, and may be delivered via an active pump pushing water from a reservoir through a water passage that doubles as the surface of growth, over which crops are planted, and recycled back to the reservoir to be pumped again.

[0053] Lighting preferably is well-adapted to the crop in question, of the appropriate amount and frequency, and may be delivered via LED strips.

[0054] Nutrition preferably is well-adapted to the crop in question, of the appropriate mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, among others, and may be delivered via nutrient titrators and dissolved in the water medium.

[0055] pH preferably is well-adapted to the crop in question, typically slightly acidic, regardless of the pH of the incoming water, and may be delivered via H+ titrators and dissolved in the water medium.

[0056] Temperature preferably is well -adapted to the crop in question, generally around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately room temperature, and may be delivered passively via glazed encapsulation of the hydroponics system (i.e., greenhouse), and actively via temperature conditioning units (e.g., heaters, HVACs, heat pumps).

[0057] Germination (i.e., nursery) where virtually all plants start out preferably is moist, well-aerated, and heated to the crop’s preference. A nursery may be kept separate from the growth environment, with its own water delivery system and grow surface. The need for plant maintenance is preferably limited, as the present system and method seek to minimize the effort and maximize the yield and effectiveness of the growing system. Still, the present systems and methods are viable plant and crop development environments and may still benefit from or advise crop dependent pruning and trellising as suits a given instance and crop.

[0058] In some aspects, the invention provides the above benefits in a modular form, out of which the system is constructed, easily scaled (e.g., to accommodate different yield needs), and easily taken apart and put back together (e.g., for regular cleaning).

[0059] Plants spend the majority of their growth cycle in maturation, in a space that accommodates their final form. As discussed, the invention accommodates specific needs of certain species in germination, such as soaking, scoring, or air blowing if required. Crops vary greatly in size of final form and thus the positioning of plants is to be considered. Additionally, crops that grow vining structures can use vertical support (e.g., trellises), and are be trained to weave themselves into these structures. The attention to and custom support of a crop can include and guide the actions of a user herein such as where some crops require pruning along the way to growth, or required additional steps in order to bear a harvest, e.g., pollination or shocking. Therefore, the present system and method can provide or assist in provision of monitoring to ensure consistent and improved harvests.

[0060] The present modular forms accommodate the foregoing various field-care needs by providing a lattice of power and structural attachments over or onto a framework, e.g., to bolt on lights such as LEDs, air fans, trellises, cameras or other accessories, sensors, and actuators. These pieces of the system can in turn be easily disassembled and reassembled for easy cleaning.

[0061] In some aspects, the present system and method provide guided farming for those users benefiting from advice and guidance regarding the steps and timing of acts needed to sustain or improve their horticulture. Growing and harvesting a diverse set of crops over multiple cycles involves thoughtful planning, careful tracking, and diligent work, as crops grow in different environments, mature at different rates, and call for different sets of manual intervention. It can therefore be seen as a linear algebra planning problem, for which computers are ideally suited.

[0062] While some aspects of growth can be automated (e.g., environment control), others require manual labor. Timing of germination to ensure a regular downstream schedule of harvest; transplanting and where plants should be set down to accommodate their final form and special needs on the way there; timing of harvest, and when plants must be discarded; and when plants should be checked for manual intervention, e.g., training, pruning, stunting, pollinating, etc. All structures that touch plants or water need to be periodically cleaned, without significant interruption to what is being grown elsewhere nearby.

[0063] The present system and method automate some parts of the growing process and guide the user / farmer through manual intervention acts via a configuration of audio and / or visual cues layered over its grow structures.

[0064] In an example, a grow site includes or corresponds to a visual cue (e.g., an optical source such as an LED light). A specific non-limiting example comprises a LED light in the form of or shaped into a ring shape (circular or arc) that encircles each plant growsite. The visual cue lights up for certain programmed acts, steps or conditions, for example for one or more of: transplant, picking, discarding, or various other needed manual interventions.

[0065] In other examples and aspects, a grow shelf (discussed in further detail below) features a LED light bar that lights up when a cautionary condition is detected, e g., if water is circulating, water is drained, or the shelf needs to be disassembled for cleaning or maintenance.

[0066] In yet other examples and aspects, a pipe connection (discussed in further detail below) may feature a LED ring that lights up when a condition is determined with respect to said connection, for example, if the connection is properly connected, it is dry, or water is passing through. Such sensors can be implemented using electrical, magnetic, electronic or mechanical sensor elements in one or two sides of a connection and having a sensor output coupled to an actuator that actuates said LED light. Those skilled in the art will understand that any number of sensors, actuators or output cues can be used, not just LED lights, but these are given here by way of example and illustration.

[0067] A control unit may be incorporated in some embodiments and may feature an electroacoustic transducer (i.e., speaker) that produces audio output cues as part of the guidance system, which can prompt, alert or guide a user of the system. Recorded or synthesized voice guidance or alert messages may also be used to achieve this end.

[0068] Some or all parts of the system, including hydroponics, environment controls, support structures, guided audio-visual cues, may be coordinated to deliver a desired pace and output of crops, i.e., according to a programmed or chosen or recommended user grow program. The present system and method may anchor to this program and compile a set of necessary or suggested or optimum actions - a grow schedule - to accommodate this program. The invention may then carry out what can be done automatically (depending on the level of equipment built into a given embodiment) and guides the user through what must be manually performed, namely, to optimally ensure an appropriate grow environment while significantly reducing use of electricity, water, and nutrient and pH banks. The system and method thus can automatically germinate at a best pace of future output. The system and method can, in some aspects, automatically adjust grow schedules in response to manual labor actually performed; and monitor through cameras (including in some embodiments using artificial intelligence (Al) and / or machine learning vision) for improper growth and confirmation of ripeness and rottenness.

[0069] The present system and method thus can provide a framework or paradigm for effective and enjoyable growing of plants, the framework or paradigm including a set of interchangeable, interoperable modular forms that deliver units of service in horticulture andhydroponics, environment control, and guided manual intervention. These modular forms can be fit together in ways that allow for easy cleaning, scaling, and packaging.

[0070] Referring to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments and features of the present system and method, we turn to several structural and mechanical aspects of the system.

[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary growing system 10 comprising a structural frame assembly 100, which can be in the form of stacked racks. The frame assembly 100 provides a solid platform for assembling various components of system 10 and coupling them to one another. This includes one or more smart shelves 110, which can be arranged in a modular stacked configuration (vertically) to save floor space and utilize the available growing space in three dimensions. In an embodiment, four such shelves are assembled as part of growing system 10 substantially above one another as illustrated, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that other numbers of shelves 110 can be configured without loss of generality (as suggested by the conceptual dots 111). Shelves 110 are coupled with shelf basins 112 in which circulate nutrientrich water in a suitable pan or drainage volume. The shelf basins 112 and shelves 110 are preferably mechanically mated to one another, e.g., through dimensional fittings, pressure snaps, threaded couplings or other mechanical securement means. The top part of the unit (e.g., shelf 110) may also be simply placed into a properly sized mating lower portion (e.g., basin 112) and rest there due to the weight of shelf 110.

[0072] In an example, the smart shelves 110 include a double layered plate construction. The plates may be constructed of a suitable water-resistant material such as a polymer, plastic, glass, acrylic, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar sheets. In another embodiment, one or more of the plates, and / or the lower basin of the system may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The plates and shelves can accommodate a plurality (e.g., several, dozens, or hundreds) of growth sites as will be described below. The plates and shelves can also accommodate placement of the growth sites in a staggered or geometrically laid out configuration, e.g., rectilinear, honeycomb, etc. The plates and shelves may be sized as desired, for example in two foot-by-four foot rectangular footprints. In one example, double layered plates comprise an upper light-permeable (e g., transparent or translucent) plate and a lower light-blocking (e.g., opaque) plate. The upper light-permeable or translucent material canprovide a visually pleasing glow for lighting elements disposed on, in or below said upper plate. The lower opaque plate may prevent unwanted algae growth below by blocking light to the lower portions of the shelf unit, especially where such an environment is wet or damp.

[0073] As will be explained further, the shelves and plates are adapted to house or accommodate visual cue elements associated with the plurality of grow sites thereon, for example LED lighted visual cue elements or rings surrounding each grow site to guide a user through timed steps of growing, cultivating, harvesting, germinating, removing or other acts.

[0074] The entire system 10 is provided with one or more reservoirs 120, which can serve as a catch basin and overall water storage volume. Reservoir 120 contains a submersible water pump 130 therein or can be coupled in other embodiments to a water transfer pump outside but in fluid communication with reservoir 120. The pump 130 provides hydraulic driving force to move water 125 up to the upper shelves 110 and circulate the water through system 10 as needed. Water 125 is drawn in via supply line 121 (through an inlet shutoff valve, not shown) and is discharged to waste or other recycling use as appropriate through outlet or discharge line 122 (also through an outlet shutoff valve, not shown). Isolation valves can regulate the amount or height of water in reservoir 120 and can be processor controlled or manually controlled. The water 125 may pass in some embodiments through a nutrient control unit that introduces and / or controls amounts of nutrients provided to the growing plants in system 10.

[0075] The frame assembly 100 can also support ancillary systems and accessories such as air fans that ventilate and provide fresh air and oxygen to the plants in system 10. In addition, trellises can be provided on or with the frame assembly 100 to enable climbing or securing of growing plant foliage, vining structures and other creeping plant extensions. Also, camera arrays and other sensor systems can be affixed to the frame over and / or around each smart shelf to monitor the condition of growth and / or the growth environment manually or by way of machine vision implements, e.g., using artificial intelligence (Al) techniques in connection with the same.

[0076] In another aspect, grow lights 140 may be disposed at one or more useful positions in system 10 so that the growing plants receive necessary light energy to grow and thrive in a growing space 145 above shelves 110 and below grow lights 140. The grow lights 140 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LED), which may be of a power (wattage) and frequency range, mix or band (wavelength) to optimize various growing effects of the lights.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates a section of growing system 10, specifically indicating water flow circuit or subsystem 20, which comprises fluid pipes, connections and inlets and outlets to supply water to plants growing in system 10 and to collect water therefrom. The arrows depict an exemplary flow path for water 125 as it is pumped through the circuit by water pump 130. A combination of electrical pumping (active) and gravity draining (passive) movement may be employed to achieve the water circulation through the flow circuit 20. Relative elevation (height) of drain points 220 can be used to control the water level in each shelf module 210. In addition, the interior bottom surface of the basin may be beveled or tilted or sloped with respect to a horizontal plane to facilitate complete gravity drainage of the water basin. Active electronically-controlled drain valves can be actuated (ON / OFF) to control the opening of the various water flow lines to fill and / or drain the parts of the system and water flow circuit 20. In one example, the system may be used in a cycle mode to circulate water for nutrification, filtration, aeration, temperature control, pH control, or other purposes. In a drain mode the system can drain dirty or expended water 125 from the water circuit. As mentioned, nutrient controls can be provided in some aspects to enrich the irrigation of the growing plants in said system.

[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates a section of growing system 10, specifically an electrical / electronic network or subsystem 30 comprising wired and / or wireless elements to sense, actuate, control, power or modulate various functions and electro-mechanical components thereof. A set of electrical connections 310 are used to power and control the afore mentioned grow lights or indicator LEDs. One or more solenoid or electrically controlled valves 320, 330 may be used to regulate or modulate the flow of water through the water flow circuit of the previous figure, e g., by opening or shutting a valve as determined by a controller and processor- controlled logic subsystem. Power and / or control signals may be conducted through an electrical bus 340, which can take a convenient form, e.g., suitable gauge wiring, ribbon connectors, cabling, coaxial conductors, fiber optic members, etc.

[0079] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary nutrient control unit (NCU) subsystem and flow path. Such exemplary embodiments are representative and are not provided by way of limitation, as persons skilled in the art can appreciate several equivalent or alternate configurations to substantially provide a same or equivalent function. A single NCU 40 canservice one or more (e.g., several) growth and recycling units (GRUs), each containing one or more smart shelves. Water may be received from an input source 400, e.g., a garden hose or water tubing or plumbing piping in fluid communication with a source of water, or from an external source 410. Water is received from the growth and recycling units (GRU) at 420. Water can exit the NCU 40 at 430 and 440. Water exiting at 430 returns to the selected GRU, while water exiting at 400 serves accessories that may require water, such as external faucets. Pump 450 provides fluid driving force to move the water through NCU circuit 40. Filter 480 removes unwanted contaminants from the water in the NCU subsystem 40. Dosing of nutrients and pH-adjusting chemicals is performed in a controllable way using one or more dosing pumps 460, each of which may be in fluid communication with reservoirs containing appropriate chemicals or agents. Each dosing pump 460 can provide nutrients, pH-altering chemicals or other water-borne substances as needed into the water flow cycle for return to a selected GRU via line 430. The NCU 40 may further comprise one or more onboard probes 470 for measuring key fluid indicators, including water temperature, electrical conductivity, and pH. Electrical conductivity is a measure of nutrient concentration in the water. The NCU subsystem 40 thus cycles in water from the reservoirs in each GRU, takes measurements, and adds nutrients or pH- adjusting chemicals to the water using dosing pumps before returning it to the GRU. The pumps in the GRUs then distribute the water to the smart shelves 110.

[0080] A water test cycle can be run repeatedly until all measurements are in balance. This cycle can run on a regular basis without human intervention and according to programmed automated instruction sets executed in a microprocessor unit. At installation, electrical conductivity and pH measurement probes may be calibrated using standard calibration solutions. These calibrations would ensure accuracy within a desired range, e g., 1-2%, and the probes may be re-calibrated from time to time, e.g., on a monthly or yearly basis.

[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smart shelf design 50 according to embodiments of the invention. As stated, these shelf units 50 can be duplicated and installed in a modular and / or stacked format in a GRU as desired to optimize the use of growing space in a home growing space or other compact farming environment. Stacked shelves 50 may thus efficiently share resources and functions such as lighting buswork, electrical and controls lines, ventilation fans, grow lights, trellis frames, cameras, sensor arrays, etc. The dimensions ofa smart shelf 50 may be constructed to take up a horizontal standard footprint unit, e.g., four foot-by-two foot in area. The smart shelf 50 comprises in this example a double layered shelf plate, surface or sheet of material functioning as a shelf lid 510. A plurality of plant grow sites 520 may be supported in a single shelf and lid as shown, and can be dimensioned and spaced as suitable for an intended growing scenario. A plurality of fastening points 530 may be used to secure the shelf lid 510 to the shelf basin 500, which may be opened apart for cleaning, inspection or other maintenance. To collect and circulate water and provide any needed growing medium, water volume, or nutrient flux, as well as micro-environment actuators (e.g., water aerators) the shelf basin 500 is disposed in a lower position on said shelf unit 50. Water lines 540, 550, 560 may be used to connect the shelf 50 to the watering and nutrient circulation circuits described herein, including interconnected to or through other such shelves and frameworks of a GRU. Water levels and depth (column height) can be controlled through a variety of sensors, actuators, or by mechanically setting the height of plumbing and drain line points 550, 560 as appropriate to allow gravity to determine such levels.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary top view of a smart shelf 60. The shelf 60 comprises an upper shelf lid 600 as mentioned before and a plurality of grow sites 610 for placing plants to be grown therein. Each grow site 610 may be provided with a visual cue element 620 such as a LED light, which can be regulated or controlled by a suitable processor controller and / or programmed instructions. In an aspect the visual cue LED 620 for each grow site 610 comprises a surrounding shaped LED element. For example, but not by way of limitation, the LED for a circular grow site 610 opening may be a circular shaped LED ring visual cue 620. A given LED ring 620 can thus be programmed to indicate or prompt or guide a user regarding a status of the corresponding or adjacent or enclosed grow site 610, and / or be used to instruct the user to upcoming or necessary conditions, steps to be taken and so on. The LED visual cue elements 620 may be programmed and configured to have adaptable light intensity, changing color, to blink (ON / OFF), or to deliver any useful visible output to achieve such indication and guidance functions.

[0083] The attachment points 601 may secure the lid surface 600 to the basin or other mechanical components of a smart shelf as described earlier. In an aspect, shown in exemplary cross section A- A, the attachment points 601 can provide for and comprise electrical wiring,buswork or other conductors 602 for delivering power (e.g., to the LED light rings 620) and / or logic signals in and / or out of the unit 50. In another aspect, the attachment points 601 may provide interlocking mechanical support or joining surfaces 604 as shown in cross section B-B.

[0084] FIG. 7 illustrates another view of a smart shelf 70, specifically a representation of electrical connections as disposed on or in or under a lid 700 thereof. Electrical wiring, connections, conductors or buswork 720 can deliver electrical signals to and / or from a plurality of addressable grow site visual indicating cue elements as described above. For example, each grow site can have its own LED visual cue that is controllably illuminated using an actuated or modulated lighting element 710, e.g., LED. A shelf or plate electrical connection point 730 may be disposed at one or more places to achieve connection of the shelf externally to the rest of the system or to a processor controller or power source. A light bar 740 may be used to indicate various states of the respective grow shelves, e.g., when the shelf is actively connected and needs to be serviced, drained, cleaned, and so on.

[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a smart shelf having a lid 800 defining a plurality of grow sites 810. The lid 800 may comprise a pair of substantially parallel polymer or plastic layers or sheets or plates 850, 855. Each grow site 810 is configured and dimensioned to contain a grow cup 830 which will house, contain and protect a respective plant 840 therein. As stated before, for a circular aperture grow site 810, the shelf 80 may include a respective circular visual cue or LED light ring 820 providing status information, feedback, guidance instructions or other cues to a user regarding the plant 840.

[0086] A grow cup 830 may be made of an expandable, elastic mesh that houses a plant or plant seed allowing for roots to grow down into the shelf basin. In an aspect, this may open like a clam shell to allow for root vegetables that grow longer than a typical crop (e.g., carrots) to push down into the shelf basin, and for girthy root vegetables (e.g., onions) to push out below the shelf basin. Its top portion may include a hand-and-groove mechanism that pairs with a grow site, and may include a magnetic actuator or magnet that activates a corresponding Hall effect sensor in the growsite sleeve, indicating its presence to the system. A grow cup may be mechanically inserted and twisted into position into a growsite for added security. The cups may gently snap and lock into place by respective magnets housed or attached in each grow cup which are attracted to corresponding metal or magnet points in a sleeve of the grow site they areplaced into. When a grow site is not occupied by a grow cup, a spring-fixed cover may be slid into position, covering that site opening in some embodiments. This may prevent unwanted light and contaminants from entering the shelf unit through said opening and avoid unwanted loss of water or moisture.

[0087] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary view 90 of a grow cup 900 disposed in a cross section of the smart shelf lid 910. An upper or top lid plate 912 and the lower or bottom lid plate 914 are substantially parallel to one another and the grow cup 900 passes through both plates 912, 914 in a grow site 902. The grow cup 900 and its corresponding grow site opening 902 may be circular in section (e.g., generally cylindrical, tapered cylindrical, conical) in some examples. A Hall sensor 930 may be provided to give an electrical output signal or a sensed field indication indicating the presence of grow cup 900 within grow site 902. This allows the processor- controlled system to identify or determine the presence of grow cup 900 and whether the grow site is occupied or empty. In an aspect, the system will input and store a signal or logic variable to a data storage device or memory location indicative of the state of placement of a grow cup in each grow site of a smart shelf. In another aspect, such an indication will cause a visual indicator, e.g., LED light, to illuminate or extinguish in a manner consistent with a user interface regarding the presence of grow cups in grow sites of the system.

[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of some components of a smart shelf 1000 in an exemplary embodiment. As described, the shelf unit 1000 generally comprises a double-layered lid or pair of such lid plates 1010 at the top of each shelf, which include a plurality of grow site openings for placement of respective corresponding grow cups and growing plants therein, represented schematically at 1020. The smart shelf unit 1000 also comprises a lower basin 1030, which collects and circulates nutrient-enriched water and drainage in a water circuit of the entire system as mentioned before. The shelf basin 1030 may have a sloped floor with one end 1032 at a higher elevation than another end 1034 so that the basin directs and drains water towards the lower end 1034. Thus, a passive drain 1040 can collect water and return it to waste or recycling locations. An overflow opening or pipe end 1045 is disposed at a determined height to capture and collect or drain water and prevent overflow.

[0089] The bottom of the basin is beveled or sloped or tilted so that water flows to its lowest point due to the action of gravity, at which two drainages may be located. The passivedrainage is a water-level regulator that drains excess water out of the basin above a specific water height, and may be implemented as a drainage hole located at a chosen height on the side wall of the interior space of the shelf basin. Water siphoned out of this drain flows down-and- backwards through an elbowed pipe fixed to the basin to an out-pipe that flows back down to the reservoir. The active drainage is a mesh-hole that drains all water out of the basin when its valve is open. Water drained out of this drain flows down-and-backwards through an elbowed pipe fixed to the basin to the out-pipe that flows out to a wastewater location.

[0090] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a smart shelf 1100. The shelf 1100 includes the double-layered top lid 1102 as discussed before but does not show the grow sites and grow cups therein as described previously for simplicity. The shelf 1100 comprises water fill and drainage and flow and level control piping assemblies 1120. These are in fluid communication with the various watering and drainage pathways for the shelf 1100. The following detail views illustrate exemplary features of the shelf system such as the lid-basin mechanical interface (1130), passive drain plumbing (1140) and processor-controlled water lines (1150), which are shown on the following figures as non-limiting illustrative examples.

[0091] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary view of a lid to basin mechanical interface 1130. The figure shows a portion of the top lid 1032 of a smart shelf mechanically interlocked with a portion of the lower shelf basin 1134 in an exemplary non-limiting example. These parts are removeable from one another for servicing and cleaning of the shelf system. In some embodiments, the mechanical interlocks can be electrically actuated (electro-mechanical) and may further be processor controlled, e.g., to automatically open or separate the shelf parts 1032 and 1134.

[0092] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary view of water circulation and passive drainage components 1040 that may be disposed within the volume of a smart shelf. In an aspect, a processor-controlled solenoid valve or plurality of valves 1050 are used to regulate and control water flow through the fluid circuits and plumbing of the system. One line may be used to provide fresh water while the other line may be used to drain and discharge depleted or dirty water and waste. Water flow controls can be manually operated, computer controlled, or a combination as best suits a purpose.

[0093] In some aspects, water may be aerated, tested, and nutrients may be delivered thereby. One or more modes of operation of the water cycle are possible. For example, a water cycle mode can provide continuous water and nutrient and aeration needs. A draining mode can empty the system for cleaning or servicing.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, each smart shelf level has a set of two water receiving pipes, one of which connects to the passive drainage on the shelf basin and flows down to the reservoir, while the other connects to the active drainage via an electronically controlled quick release and an electronically controlled valve (regulating its open / close), and flows down to a wastewater holding or processing location.

[0095] The present system and method may include processor or computer controls, which automate some tasks and / or provide user guidance, feedback and status indications. These features may include one or more of the following.

[0096] Electronic Control Center (ECC) - for example comprising a controller, e.g., a Raspberry PI (RPI) microcomputer maintains the database of all plants, seedlings and seeds. The RPI communicates with Raspberry PI Pico W microcontrollers (PICO) in the NCU and in the GRUs, giving appropriate instructions for all system operations. The ECC receives regular over- the-air updates as new crops become available, new functionality, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples and implementations provided herein are merely illustrative.

[0097] MQTT Communication Protocol - The RPI may communicate with the PICOs using the MQTT communication protocol, a robust standard for communication between devices in the “Internet of Things.” MQTT is a brokered subscribe and publish protocol that allows many devices to send and receive messages in real time.

[0098] As to a guided farming aspect: The RPI may follow a stored grow program, instructing the microcontrollers in the GRUs to light the appropriate LEDs to guide the user in all farming functions.

[0099] As to water flow controls: At the direction of the ECC, the NCU may add fresh water to the individual GRUs as needed and cycles water in from each GRU for measurement of key indicators and addition of nutrients and pH adjusting chemicals as required. A single waterpump in combination with a series of solenoid valves in the NCU and the GRUs allows computer control of all water flow functions.

[0100] As to germination guidance: A germ site for germination of seeds may comprise an LED or similar light ring around it, which lights up during transplanting to guide the user to transplant which germinated seed-smart cup assembly into which germ site on smart shelves for maturation.

[0101] A germ tray may be associated with a LED bar, which lights up during days when there are seeds to be transplanted. In an embodiment, germ trays are portable, and communicate with the control unit wirelessly using the MQTT communication protocol. Each germ tray and its LED rings and smart cup is controlled by an onboard PICO microcontroller. In an aspect, germ trays sit in the germinator when not in use, holding empty smart cups.

[0102] The present system and method may be controlled by the RPI in the ECC, located in the NCU. This control system can control multiple sub-systems by giving instructions to PICO microcontrollers in the NCU, the germination trays, and the GRUs. In one example implementation, software is custom designed using, e.g., the Python computer language, with communication between devices using the MQTT communications protocol.

[0103] We have mentioned previously the use of a water cycle in some embodiments. The ECC maintains a database of all GRUs including the number of shelves, their positions in the daisy chain, the types of nutrients required, and the range of permissible pH. Using the pumps and solenoid valves in the NCU and the GRUs, the ECC samples and tests the water in each GRU, makes adjustments using appropriate nutrients and pH adjusting chemicals, and tops off the water in the GRU reservoirs as needed to make up for evaporation and water consumption. Several cycles can also be used in connection with some embodiments, including:

[0104] A fill cycle: The NCU opens solenoid valves and runs its onboard pump to bring water from the source - either the internal reservoir or an external waterline - to the appropriate GRU. The target GRU opens the solenoid valve that allows water to flow into its reservoir.GRUs along the daisy chain between the NCU and the target GRU open solenoid valves to allow water to pass along the chain to the target. This can also be used as a “top-off’ cycle when water is lost to evaporation or consumption. This will normally be followed automatically by a flush cycle and a refresh cycle to bring nutrients and pH to desired levels.

[0105] A flush cycle: Each GRU has an onboard pump which pumps nutriated water from the reservoir to the grow shelves. Overflow from the grow shelves returns to the reservoir via the passive drain, creating a cycle that distributes water, nutrients, and pH-adjusting chemicals to the shelves as it aerates and replenishes the water on each shelf.

[0106] A refresh cycle: The NCU opens solenoid valves and runs its onboard pump to bring water in from the target GRU, running it through the testing probes. The water returns to the reservoir in the target GRU as in the fill cycle. Depending on the results of the tests by the probes, the NCU can add nutrients and pH-adjusting chemicals to the water returning to the GRU. GRUs along the daisy chain between the NCU and the target GRU open solenoid valves to allow water to pass along the chain to and from the target. A flush cycle is then run to distribute the nutrient and pH-balanced water to the grow shelves. If necessary, the refresh cycle can be repeated in a titration cycle until all measurements reach the desired levels.

[0107] A drain cycle: The target GRU opens a solenoid valve on the target shelf that allows water to flow out of the shelf to wastewater. This allows the shelf to be removed for cleaning.

[0108] Now that we have reviewed the construction and some features of embodiments of the invention, it can be appreciated how the invention is used and the benefits it can provide. For example, in an initial growth program, the user initially sets up a grow program based on a weekly schedule. Here, the user might want one head of lettuce, one head of spinach and some basil every week (an actual grow program may have more plants, depending on the user’s needs and the size of their installation). The user enters these choices into the program, which calculates the number of grow sites needed given the number and type of modules in the installation. It then creates a germination schedule and stores it in the database. Over time, the grow program will guide the user regarding when to move plants from a germination tray to the GRU, when to harvest or clear mature plants from the grow shelves in the GRUs, and when to take manual action to intervene, e.g., for trellising, pruning, or other manual actions.

[0109] When the user desires to make changes to the grow program, the software will aid them in making those changes. It some instances, plants may be added to utilize unused grow sites, but sometimes there may be decisions to make about which plants to delete from the grow program to make room for the desired changes. This is an interactive process in which the userand the software work together to create a new grow program. The software can make suggestions for how to reorganize the grow program and will help the user reach their desired goals. It can also make suggestions for new, untried plants that the user may not yet have tried, updated from a central database.

[0110] Plants germinate and mature on their own schedules, but the software can group actions together to create a “work rhythm.” The user may be comfortable working on whatever days plants are first ready for movement or harvest, but the software can group actions together for convenience. For example, the user may want to work only on certain days of the week, or 1, 2, or 3 days per week, and the software can group user actions accordingly.

[0111] The software attempts to place plants in the grow shelves or GRUs in order of harvest date rather than transfer date. This helps make the harvesting process simpler, and facilitates the smart shelf cleaning cycle. This can be considered as grow site planning.

[0112] The software further may schedule growth to match the user’s consumption pattern in a growth mode, producing a set number of mature plants on a weekly basis. In a yield mode, more suitable when farming to sell, the software grows as much produce as possible in the shortest amount of time.

[0113] Plant growth can be controlled, e.g., slowed or fully stopped (throttled) with careful management of environmental conditions. If temperatures are lowered below the optimum growing conditions, plant growth can be slowed for short periods of time (around two weeks). The software can enter “Stasis Mode” and update the grow program to account for the delay, allowing the user a short period without any human intervention.

[0114] The system and method may further employ machine vision and / or Al-based error detection, e.g., using data from camera arrays and / or sensors configured about or affixed to the GRUs. With the use of video inputs and Al -based algorithms, the system can detect the presence of discolored (e.g., brown or yellow) leaves and make judgements about plants that are not growing correctly, informing the user and making suggestions for actions to take (for example, clearing dead or diseased plants out of the GRU before normal harvest time).

[0115] The grow program and the current state of the GRUs and germ trays may be stored externally. In the case of an extended period of downtime, the software can detect thepassage of time and missed signals that the user would have taken had the system been running. It will then interact with the user on a plan of action potentially involving skipping or adding germination of certain plants and moving forward in the grow program and harvesting and / or clearing plants from the GRUs as necessary.

[0116] In an aspect, the system and method may provide a guided conveyance lighting and sound system, which provides a framework for the guided farming system, making germinating, growing and harvesting plants on a regular schedule a simple, easy and rewarding activity. The system keeps track of the user’s grow program, seeds, germinating seedlings, and all plants in the GRUs, cuing the user with easy-to-follow instructions via colored LEDs and auditory cues, and sensing the user’s actions with said smart cups and smart shelves.

[0117] Plants may need to be transferred from a germination tray to the GRUs. When seedlings have germinated and are ready for transfer to the GRU, blue lights on the portable germ tray will indicate which plant is ready to move. At the same time, a growsite in the appropriate GRU will light in a determined color (e.g., blue), indicating to which site the plant should be moved. Through the use of magnetic “Hall Effect” sensors, the system can track the user’s actions, from removing the smart cup from the germ tray to placement in the grow site in the GRU. The system responds to user interactions with firm audio-visual cues, and it is resilient in the face of user errors, such as placing the plant into the incorrect site or even the incorrect GRU, tracking and attempting to cue the user to correct any errors.

[0118] In yet another aspect, when plants are ready to be harvested, they will be indicated with a determined color light (e.g., green LEDs) and the system will cue the use to remove the plants from the GRU. Plants that have passed their recommended harvest dates will be marked in red for clearance. The system allows for a range of harvest dates rather than a single date and can account for plants that produce multiple crops before needing to be removed, for example vining plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Some herbs and leafy greens can be “partially harvested,” leaving the plants to continue to grow and produce, and the system accounts for this.

[0119] In still another exemplary aspect, the system and method can operate in a calendar mode. At the user’s option, the GRU can enter “Calendar Mode,” in which site-specific LED light rings or similar visual indicators on the grow shelves act as “countdown clocks” indicatingtime to harvest, or time to spoilage for plants that are ready to harvest. Before plants are ready to harvest, they will be lit with white lights, gradually increasing until the entire LED ring is lit just before harvest. Once the plant is ready for harvest, the lights will turn green and begin counting down to the date of spoilage. When the plant reaches that date, the LEDs will turn red indicating that the plant should be cleared from the GRU and discarded or composted.

[0120] As another option, the system and method can employ “Colorblindness Palettes”. The default colors in the system are red, green, blue and white. Alternative color palettes can be chosen by the user. Those skilled in the art will further devise useful cue techniques for use herewith.[00121 J The system and method may further include “work needed” and / or “work in progress” indications. The GRUs and germ trays may include external LED light strips that light up when there are actions to be performed. These count down as actions are performed and go completely dark when all actions are completed. Water lines may also have associated visual cues LEDs to indicate water flow, blockage or other conditions relevant to the water circuit.

[0122] The modular nature of the system and method allows for easy and intuitive assembly, use, and cleaning, and also enables on-the-run adaptation to changing needs and consumption patterns.

[0123] In a use example, embodiments of the invention can be distributed as separate parts and then assembled on site, or pre-assembled and distributed plug-and-play. Outlined below is an example of an assembly process for a grow chain of several (e.g., six) GRUs and a germinator.

[0124] First, connect an NCU to power and to running water, and plug in nutrient and pH tanks; position one or more GRU frames and connect them to power; for each GRU, adjust its shelf levels, comprising a pair of cantilevered arms, an in-pipe, two receiving pipes, and a bottom plate in rigid formation to desired heights depending on what’s being grown; to each pair of cantilevered arms, snap in a smart lid, taking care they join at the four corners (including the corner that buses electrical connection), and fits against the in-pipe; between the smart lid and bottom plate, attach a shelf basin, taking care it hangs to the smart lid at the four comers, and its two outgoing pipes snap into two receiving pipes on the GRU; connect the NCU’s out-pipe to the first GRU’s in-pipe, and each GRU’s out-pipe to its subsequent GRU’s in-pipe; connect the lastGRU’s out-pipe to wastewater; power on the NCU, and wait until its LED bar and the LED bars of all smart shelves are a pre-determined color, e.g., white, (or, without loss of generality, the ‘ready state’); next to the last GRU, place a germinator and connect it to power whereby the germ tray; all its germ sites should light up a determined color, e.g., red (or, without loss of generality, the ‘error state’); plug-and-twist a smart cup into each germ site until all the LED visual cue light rings are off; and place all germ trays into the germinator.

[0125] To initialize the system, a grow program may be defined. At initial setup, users can build a grow program through an interface to the software (likely a screen on the NCU) or be recommended a grow program given parameters (e.g., household size and ages). At least one GRU is connected to the NCU, and at least one of its smart shelves are in the ready state. These determine what the grow program may permit. The NCU may wirelessly detect the presence of at least one germ tray with at least one germ site not in the error state. Germ trays may (or may not) be in a germinator. When these conditions are met, the NCU starts the fill cycle.

[0126] The system and method can support manual transplanting. After germination, the LED bars of all germ trays (typically just one) with ready -to-transplant seeds or seeding units light up ‘white’ . The germ site (on the germ tray) and corresponding growsite (on a smart shelf) of the first transplant will light up together. The user is guided to untwist-and-lift the smart cup holding this transplant out of the germ site, and place-and-twist it into the corresponding growsite.

[0127] Also, the system and method enable manual harvesting. After transplanting, the LED rings of all grow sites in the GRUs with ready-to-harvest plants light up in a determined color, e.g., green, (or, without loss of generality, ‘ready to pick’). In an example, plants are flagged as ready to pick according to 1) a day count to maturation, principally, with 2) adjustments for modulation, and 3) confirmation via vision Al. To pick, a user untwists and lifts the plant’s smart cup out of its growsite, with its roots. The user harvests the edible portion, and composts the remaining organic material (including any leftover growth medium). The user washes the smart cup, which is reusable, and twists it into an empty position in a germ tray. Some plants can be partially harvested or just picked for edible material without completely uprooting the plan. A harvestable plant that is not fully uprooted remains in its growsite as ‘ready to harvest’.

[0128] In an aspect, simultaneously with harvesting, the LED rings of all grow sites containing plants that are past their harvestable period light up in a determined color, e.g., red (or, without loss of generality, ‘to clear’). Here, plants are flagged as past their harvestable period according to 1) day count from maturation, with 2) confirmation via vision Al. To clear, manual clearing can be used where a user does the same thing as in harvest, except the entire portion of the plant is recommended to be composted (not enforced).

[0129] Other steps of manual intervention are possible in some embodiments. When some other manual action must be taken on a plant on an active grow site, e.g., training, pruning, stunting, pollinating, etc., either via fixed day count to maturation, or via machine vision Al - the LED rings of its grow site will toggle on, corresponding to the action that are taken. The same audio-visual layer will be used to indicate these actions. After all steps have been completed, the LED rings and bars toggle off, and the grow lights toggle back on.

[0130] If the system and method operate in a calendar mode. The user can see at-a- glance the status of all active grow sites using their LED rings by toggling a mode. Rings with plants in maturation will fill ‘white’, how far along it is to harvest. Rings with plants in harvest will de-fill ‘green’, how long it will remain harvestable. Again, the specifics of these examples can be varied or substituted as desired by a given implementation.

[0131] The structures that touch plant or water run regular cleaning cycles can be cleaned, when they are detached from the system, cleaned, and reattached to the system, without affecting the growth of other parts of the system. Shelf basins are the most frequently cleaned structure, as they accumulate roots and other organic material. The standard setting is once every several harvests (e.g., 10 to 20 or 25 harvests). By construction, they can be removed for cleaning with plants still growing on the smart lid. A shelf basin that enters a cleaning cycle will be indicated by a ‘flashing red’ LED bar (without loss of generality) on its corresponding smart lid. A shelf basin that needs to be cleaned may automatically be drained by the control unit via its active drain, and then automatically unlocked from its attachment to the shelf lid or to the frame of the GRU. It is then ready to be slid out of its position like a drawer, to be wiped with a cloth and / or cleaning solution (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), and any accumulated debris removed. The bottom plate will catch dripping and other matter during the removal process and can bewiped down. After cleaning, the user may slide the shelf basin back into position, and the control unit will relock it in place, and activate a water fill cycle.

[0132] Smart lids may be cleaned from time to time or as needed, as stated, as they can slowly accumulate biological material on their backside. In an aspect, to clean a smart lid, it should be free of plants and smart cups; the grow program manager automatically plans transplanting to accommodate this cycle. A smart lid that enters a cleaning cycle will be indicated by a ‘solid red’ LED bar (without loss of generality). To clean a smart lid, first remove its shelf basin as per above for cleaning. The user can unsnap the smart lid from the four corners of its holding arms and power wash and wipe down its backside with hydrogen peroxide then reattach it to its arms as per assembly and reattach its smart basin.

[0133] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system 1700 having a plurality of smart grow shelves 1710 on a first (left) stack 1710 and a second (right) stack 1712 in one embodiment for compactness. The stacks 1710 and 1712 may be arranged back-to-back as shown and accessed respectively from the left and from the right of the overall frame of system 1700. The illustration shows an exemplary shelf 1720 having a plurality of grow sites 1730. Also, it shows an exemplary shelf support 1740 defining a shelf space 1745 in / out of which a shelf or shelf basin can be slid for maintenance and cleaning or repair.

[0134] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary shelf unit 1800 comprising a plurality of smart shelves. The basin of one such shelf 1810 is installed and stowed as shown, while another shelf basin 1820 is retracted or withdrawn, e.g., using slides, slots, rollers, bearings or similar drawer slide hardware 1830.

[0135] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary way of attaching a shelf basin 2001 onto a rack structure 2010 in a horticultural smart shelf-based system 2000 as described above. The nonlimiting example uses a two-part slider mechanism 2020, on either side of a sliding basin 2001. The drawer-style basin 2001 is retractable to pull out and is further able to drop down to open a space between the basin 2001 and a shelf lid above, e.g., for cleaning or maintenance. The basin 2001 rests on one or more diagonal rack members 2030, which act to lower and raise the basin during retraction and stowing so that the basin is accessible and open for cleaning and servicing in its retracted mode and compacted and up against its shelf lid when in the stowed condition where the basin is locked on to its lid as illustrated and mentioned earlier. In a non-limitingaspect, the basin’s movement and connection to the shelf lid can be accomplished manually and / or electronically as desired using mechanical and / or electromechanical actuators and tabs, e.g., at each of the four corners thereof. In an aspect, a shelf comprises the afore-mentioned top lid which couples to a basin below. The parts are mechanically coupled as described, e.g., with four releasable tabs at their corners, and said tabs can be electrically actuated to release the basin 2001 so that the shelf 2000 can be pulled outward (horizontally) but also to drop (lower) the basin to separate the basin and top shelf (vertically). In a specific non-limiting embodiment, horizontal drawer slide members 2020 for pulling a drawer out from frame 2010 are mounted on diagonal members 2030, which permit dropping and retracting the shelf and basin 2001.

[0136] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary smart shelf 2300 wherein the top lid 2310 and the bottom basin 2315 are coupled (e.g., snapped) together in the stowed or closed position, which is the primary mode of operation during growing plants in the shelf 2300. The drawing shows exemplary diagonal lowering members 2330.

[0137] FIG. 18 illustrates the shelf 2300 where basin 2315 is dropped (lowered) with respect to top lid 2310 and pulled outwardly (withdrawn) on slides 2320.

[0138] FIG. 19 illustrates an optional mechanical stiffening or strengthening aspect of the shelves discussed herein. In this example, a smart shelf 1900 comprises a solid (e.g., plastic or polymer) top surface or plate 1910, which is substantially planar, and which may be generally rectangular or have a functional or aesthetic shaped outline and corners. The top plate or surface 1910 has a plurality of grow sites (e.g., openings for grow cups) 1920. The plate or surface 1910 or the shelf 1900 may be supported on or include mechanical corner snaps or anchor attachment points at 1930. Furthermore, in this aspect, the shelf and surface plate 1920 may be etched or machined to include one or more slots or grooves 1940 into which a reinforcement strip or member such as an aluminum, steel, polymer or other rigid elongated strap can be inserted to add mechanical strength to the shelf. In an example, the etching depth for reinforcement member slots 1940 may be made to several (e.g., approximately 3) millimeters depth. This allows embedding a stiff mechanical reinforcement rod or square or rectangular cross sectioned reinforcement member within said slots 1940 to maintain lid rigidity and shape during use.

[0139] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary smart shelf lid panel 2100 having a plurality of plant grow sites 2110 distributed therein. Each grow site 2110 comprises an opening or aperturefor accepting a grow cup, and in the embodiment, each grow site 2110 also comprises an etched perimeter or ring 2120 around said aperture, etched to a depth of a few (e.g., three) millimeters, which is suited to house a low-profile LED light ring or similar visual indicator per the present invention, flush with the surface of the lid panel 2100. Conducting lines 2130 running between light rings 2120 and a source of power can similarly be embedded in or on said panel 2100 in etched grooves or passages in said panel. Therefore, the lid will present a tidy, safe and cleanable form factor during use.

[0140] Other features of some embodiments of the shelf lids may include one or more light sensors 2140 that detect an ambient light quality such as light intensity, energy, or wavelength. A wire harness, plug, connector or bus 2150 can be provided, e.g., at one end or corner of lid 2100 for coupling the electrical visual interface features of individual and / or collective sites 2110 to an electric power and control bus as appropriate, optionally over a power bus 2155 embedded in an etched slot or groove in said lid panel 2100. The connector 2150 may comprise a compact electric / electronic box housing a central field programmable gate array (FPGA) complex that distributes or multiplexes the internal power lines to the separate grow sites in an addressable or programmable way.

[0141] In addition, each grow site 2110 can be provided with a mechanically keyed profile opening to take a correspondingly shaped grow cup therein with a determined fitment and orientation, and to generate a signal to the system indicating that a grow site does contain a grow cup within it, for example using a magnetic sensor or Hall sensor coupling the grow site 2110 and a grow cup therein.

[0142] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view (edgewise) of a smart shelf double layered lid 2200. The lid 2200 thus comprises a pair of two panels as described including an upper lid panel 2210 and a lower lid panel 2220, which are substantially parallel and proximal to one another, and together form the solid shelf lid into which plant grow cups are placed as described above. Here we note an embodiment having a series of visual indicators 2230 disposed in or on the edge of one or both lid panels 2210, 2220. The lighted indicators 2230 may sequentially illuminate whereby the number of lights (e.g., LED elements) in said sequence communicate to the user the temporal progress of some activity within said shelf unit, or the proximity to a service interval, or the degree to which a cleaning is needed or other such progressive condition. For example, uponservicing and cleaning the shelf the indicators 2230 may be all extinguished (or all lighted in green), then, as the days or hours of use progress, sequential ones of said LED elements may light up or may change color (e.g., to red). When the shelf reaches a determined service or cleaning limit, all such indicator light segments 2230 can thus be illuminated (or all colored red for example) informing the user that this service or cleaning is now necessary. Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape, use, placement and other aspects of lighted indicators 2230 can vary and depend on a given need. For example, this lighted indicator 2230 can also be disposed on an upper surface of said lid 2200 (e.g., in an etched slot on the top of upper lid panel 2210).

[0143] Fig. 22 shows an exemplary seed plug 3230 assembly (“seedplug”) that can be used to start, germinate and develop plants according to aspects of the invention. As illustrated, one or more plant seeds 3210 are placed by a user or at a place of distribution into a special seedplug block 3200, which may be in the form of a cylindrical block, a rectangular block, cube, sphere or other form as suits an application. The seedplug block 3200 comprises a seed growth matrix that may be made of a material that enables germination and initial growth of seeds 3210 such as cococoir in a non-limiting example. In some aspects, the seedplug block 3200 is made of a porous or fluid-permeable material that allows for easy storage and shipping and also allows for wetting of the seeds 3210 when the time comes for germination. The seedplug block 3200 may be made of biodegradable, decomposable materials, recycled materials (e.g. recycled paper materials), or other materials that leave no waste or minimal waste after use. A cavity 3202 defines a seed placement volume and accessible by an aperture in an outer surface of the seed plug as may be provided in seed block 3200 to hold seeds 3210.

[0144] In an aspect, a thin film or layer or seedplug cover 3220 is provided to cover cavity 3202 and hold seeds 3210 therein. Seedplug cover 3220 may be a sticker and have an adhesive back to adhere to seedplug block 3200 and may be made of paper or other material that may include soluble or biodegradable materials in some examples, i.e., being generally water- degradable. In another optional aspect, the seedplug cover 3220 is provided with one or more scoring lines or perforations 3222 (e.g., a pair of intersecting perforation lines) that weaken said sticker and facilitate the tearing of the cover 3220 to allow a seedling to puncture the cover 3220 and emerge therefrom to continue its growth after germination.

[0145] In yet another optional aspect, an identification mark 3224 is provided on one or more locations of the seedplug 3230. For example, an identifying serial number, stock number, bar code or QR code or similar marking may be provided directly on the seedplug cover 3220. In another example, a printed identification or sticker may be affixed to said cover 3220. The mark 3224 may also be provided on any other portion of the seedplug block 3200. This marking can be machine readable and carry significance and information indicative of a date, a plant species, or other link to a data source, e.g., website or database connected to the present system over a data network. This data encodes what the seeds 3210 will grow into and / or steps or instructions on how the seedplug 3230 needs to be handled and managed to grow the plants from seeds 3210.

[0146] Fig. 23 shows an exemplary seedplug cartridge 3300 according to an aspect. This permits optional packing of a plurality of seedplugs 3320 into a format useful for storage, shipping and use. Seedplugs 3320 may be the same or similar to those described herein, e.g., in the previous example with respect to seedplugs 3230. The seedplug cartridge 3300 may be constructed generally in a convenient form, which in an example may be a rectangular form such as a box or crate or tray. The seedplug cartridge 3300 may thus have several sides or walls 3310. In an optional aspect, the seedplug cartridge 3300 may include a carry handle 3312 for ease of manipulation or insertion / removal from a germination system as described herein. The seedplugs 3320 may all be of a same plant species, or may comprise more than one species, optionally marked with a machine readable label or printed marking as described earlier. The packing of the seedplugs 3320 may be in a plurality of rows, columns and / or layers within cartridge 3300. An inventory, list or indication of the contents of seedplug cartridge 3300 may be printed directly on, or on a sticker label 3314, affixed to one or more locations on cartridge 3300. The seedplug cartridge 3300 may be constructed of cardboard, recycled materials or degradable material in some examples. In another aspect, the seedplug cartridge 3300 may be covered with a cover, e.g., a kraft paper or similar covering (not shown to reveal the internal features).

[0147] In one example, a seedplug cartridge 3300 is packed with many (dozens or even hundreds) of seedplugs 3320. The exact location and number of each species of seeds therein may be indicated as stated using a printed and / or machine readable label inventorying saidseedplug contents of the cartridge. The contents may be generic, according to a set program, or even particularized to a custom order by a user. In an example, at the time of manufacturing and packaging the seedplug cartridge 3300, seedplugs of given varieties of plants may be included and arranged spatially within said cartridge according to a grow program for the user and / or the expected rate of growth and development of the seeds. As an illustration, this may comprise a grow program in which more summer crisp lettuces are needed regularly which would advise a configuration in which an arrangement of seedplugs for said lettuces comprise a corresponding proportion of the seedplugs 3320 in each layer packed into cartridge 3300. The configuration and packing arrangement of a cartridge 3300 is thus informed by the expected need for seedplugs 3320 therein, for example as a human and / or machine arm is used to extract and plant the seedplugs into appropriate growing locations as discussed herein.

[0148] Fig. 24 illustrates a portion of a system according to embodiments hereof, including an exemplary placement of a seedplug cartridge 3310 within a seedbank 3400 of a system for germinating and / or growing seeds and seedlings according to the invention. As can be seen, more than one seedplug cartridge 3310 can be configured for placement into seedbank 3400, which may be stacked or slid into dimensionally corresponding slots such as a rack 3410. In an exemplary aspect, a visual indicator 3420 may be provided (e.g., an illuminator such as a LED light) to indicate the presence or status of a seedplug cartridge 3310 within a corresponding location of seedbank 3400.

[0149] Fig. 25 shows a tray dock 3500 as another non-limiting part of the present system, which houses and supports one or more germtrays 3501 as shown in the exemplary embodiment. In an aspect, the traydock 3500 has walls 3510 defining a traydock volume within which one or more germtrays 3530 are placed in suitable tracks or slots 3512 of corresponding size. A germtray 3530 and corresponding tray dock location can be mated or configured together so that the germtray 3530 can slide into its location within the traydock 3500, e.g., on tracks or rails 3512. The germtrays 3530 are configured and arranged to comprise a plurality of seedplug holding sites 3532. Each seedplug holding site 3532 can hold a seedplug 3540. Each germtray 3530 may comprise a grid of seedplug holding sites 3532 and may comprise a handle 3534 for moving and inserting / retracting a germtray. Once properly placed into a slot in tray dock 3500, a germtray 3530 may be in contact with an electrical charging contact point(s) at a selectedlocation thereon, and this proper placement may be indicated by the lighting of a configured LED indicator light or similar indicator 3536. If the seedplugs 3540 require a fresh water source to germinate or sustain their seeds, the system comprises a fresh water source, which may be a tap from a water line or hose coupled to the system. The germtrays 3530 can thus be flooded with a desired amount or depth of fresh water, which can be drained or circulated from said trays 3530. A separate source of fresh water can be provided by taps or water supply tubes 3502.

[0150] The tray dock 3500 may accommodate more than one germtray 3530 laterally, depth-wise and / or in stacked layers as suits a given implementation. In a non-limiting example, the tray dock 3500 may be configured and arranged beside or adjacent to the seedbank 3400 described earlier, possibly separated by a solid wall or divider 3520.

[0151] Fig. 26 illustrates a portion 3600 of a traydock 3500 situated behind the trays 3501. This example includes electronics block 3610 that houses circuits for managing the trays. Magnetic contacts 3612 allow the system to confirm the proper mechanical placement of trays 3501. Charge point contacts 3614 can also be provided to charge or power the electrical accessories in trays 3501.

[0152] Tray docks support, monitor and actively maintain a uniform germinating environment to ensure a safe and productive germination of plant seeds. For example, the tray dock may provide a needed level of light, temperature and humidity. To achieve this, a traydock or each level in the traydock may include one or more of: a germination light (LED strip or LED point lights or similar light sources); a light sensor; a temperature sensor; a humidity sensor; an infrared light; and a ventilation fan.

[0153] Fig. 27 illustrates how an exemplary optional ventilation fan 3700 could be situated in a wall (e.g., at the back) of the traydock. This fan can be used to controllably monitor the temperature and / or humidity within the tray dock volume. The temperature sensor 3720 and humidity sensor 3730 can be used to trigger a controller circuit to activate and deactivate fan 3700 in conjunction with infrared LED light bar 3710.

[0154] Fig. 28 illustrates an exemplary light and camera bar 3800 that can be included in each germtray area. In an example, such a bar 3800 can be placed between each level of germtrays such that illumination and cameras can be directed at the upper and the lower surfaces of the trays. This allows the cameras to view the progress of seeds germinating as well as toview the root area beneath. The system and method can determine the proper germination in some aspects when a certain programmed number of days elapsed, sufficient shoot material is detected beneath a germinating plant, and / or sufficient root material is detected.

[0155] Fig. 29 illustrates an exemplary front view 3900 of a germtray and a rear view 3910 of said germtray. The germtray has electrical and / or magnetic coupling points 3912 as described above when inserted properly into its traydock.

[0156] Fig. 30 illustrates an exemplary conceptual arrangement for a transport assembly 4000 in the present system. This assembly 4000 includes in an example a pair of rails or tracks 4010 and a moveable arm member. This assembly can shuttle seedplugs from one location to another, optionally based on programmed criteria. A two-axis (e.g., x-y) actuator can translate moving member 4010 using a motor. The transport assembly 4000 can span movement in and / or between the seedbank and the traydock.

[0157] Fig. 31 shows exemplary arrangements of components for transporting seedplugs in a seedplug transport assembly 4100. The assembly includes a motor (e g., a servo motor) 4110. The motor 4110 drives a set of drive gears 4120. These gears can then move corresponding teethed rails 4130 that result in translation of a load through a scissor mechanism 4140. The squeezing of the crossed scissors 4140 causes a linear (e.g., up / down) movement of a load.

[0158] Fig. 32 illustrates an exemplary seedplug grasping mechanism 4200 which can be used for grasping a seedplug or generally a seedcup or other load. A motor 4210 provides a driving force to move drive gears 4220 that are configured and arranged to move a set of radial arms that move inward or outward in a coordinated way to grasp the load.

[0159] Fig. 33 illustrates one way that the translating mechanism 4300 and the grasping mechanism 4310 may be coupled to grasp, raise and translate a seedplug, seedcup or other load. In an aspect, a seedplug may be gently lifted and moved among the various locations of the system. Placement of a seedplug into a corresponding smartcup can trigger the activation of the seedplug including to provide it with water and a suitable growing environment.

[0160] Fig. 34 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of placing a multi-level traydock 4400 beside a multi-level seedbank 4410. Individual seedplugs can thus be stored and moved among these areas, and then germinated and maintained as described above.

[0161] All parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is / are used. It is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented primarily by way of example and that, within the scope of the appended claims (if any) and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein.

[0162] In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of respective elements of the exemplary implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of a numerical range does not preclude equivalents that fall outside the range that fulfill the same function, in the same way, to produce the same result.

[0163] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in multiple ways. For example, embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on a suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers.

[0164] Further, it should be appreciated that a computer may be embodied in any of a number of forms, such as a rack-mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. Additionally, a computer may be embedded in a device not generally regarded as a computer but with suitable processing capabilities, including a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.

[0165] Also, a computer may have one or more input and output devices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, a computer may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible format.

[0166] Such computers may be interconnected by one or more networks in a suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network, an intelligent network (IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on a suitable technology, may operate according to a suitable protocol, and may include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks.

[0167] The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and / or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine. Some implementations may specifically employ one or more of a particular operating system or platform and a particular programming language and / or scripting tool to facilitate execution.

[0168] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may in some instances be ordered in different ways. Accordingly, in some inventive implementations, respective acts of a given method may be performed in an order different than specifically illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously (even if such acts are shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments).

[0169] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0170] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if any), unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0171] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if any), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0172] As used herein in the specification and in the claims (if any), “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims (if any), “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims (if any), shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0173] As used herein in the specification and in the claims (if any), the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allowsthat elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0174] What is claimed is:

Claims

Claims1. A seed plug assembly comprising: a seed growth matrix; a cavity in said seed growth matrix defining a seed placement volume and having an aperture on a surface of said seed growth matrix; a water-degradable sticker affixed to said surface and covering said aperture; wherein said sticker is scored with perforations that mechanically weaken said sticker at locations of said perforations.

2. The seed plug of claim 1, wherein said growth matrix comprises a cylindrical shaped plug having a given diameter and a given cylinder height shape.

3. The seed plug of claim 1, wherein said growth matrix comprises a recycled paper material.

4. The seed plug of claim 1, wherein said growth matrix comprises a cococoir material.

5. The seed plug of claim 1, wherein said surface comprises a flat face and said cavity is disposed proximal to said flat face of said growth matrix.

6. The seed plug of claim 5, wherein said cavity extends from said aperture disposed in said flat face into the seed placement volume.

7. The seed plug of claim 1, wherein said water-degradable sticker is scored with at least one line of perforations dimensioned and configured to facilitate rupturing of said sticker along said line upon wetting of said sticker and application of a force against said sticker.

8. The seed plug of claim 1, further comprising plant seeds within said seed cavity and comprising a machine-readable printed marking identifying said seeds.

9. The seed plug of claim 8, wherein said printed marking is disposed on an external surface of said water-degradable sticker.

10. A system for germinating plant seeds, comprising: a seed cartridge having a box shape configured and dimensioned to contain a plurality of seed plugs; a seed bank configured and dimensioned to contain one or more seed cartridges; a tray dock configured and arranged to hold a plurality of germination trays; wherein each of said one or more germination trays comprises a plurality of recesses to accommodate a corresponding plurality of seed plugs; wherein said tray dock comprises a light source suitable to promote seed germination and plant growth and further comprises a water source suitable to promote seed germination and plant growth; and a seed plug transport mechanism that programmably selects and transports seed plugs from said seed cartridge in said seed bank to said germination trays in said tray dock.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said tray dock further comprises an electrical connection to each germination tray therein to provide electrical power to said germination tray.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising electrical signal conductors to power a visible user interface in said germination trays.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said transport mechanism comprises a processor- controlled motor and electro-mechanical member configured and arranged to grasp and move a seed plug from one location to another within said system in a determined movement.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said motor comprises an electrical rotational driver coupled by gears to mechanical translation members for each of said grasping and translating movements.

15. The system of claim 10, further comprising an electrical ventilation fan and an infrared light source that control a temperature or humidity level within said tray dock.

16. The system of claim 10, further comprising one or more optical cameras directed towards one or more respective locations on said germination tray in said tray dock and providing images representing a germination condition of said respective seed plugs.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising an optical light source illuminating a portion of said tray dock.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein said tray dock accommodates a plurality of germination trays, each such germination tray slidably insertable therein, and wherein each said germination tray comprises a magnetic coupler and indication for coupling the germination tray into the seed bank and to indicate the presence of said germination tray in said seed bank.

19. The system of claim 10, said tray dock configured and arranged to hold a plurality of germination trays in respective levels one above the other in said tray dock.

20. The system of claim 10, wherein each germination tray comprises a basin that holds water, said basin having a bottom side made of an optically transparent material and permitting optical imaging from beneath said germination tray.

21. The system of claim 20, each of said seed plugs disposed in a corresponding smart cup and each said smart cup configured to removably interlock into a respective recess in an upper side of said germination tray basin.

22. The system of claim 10, further comprising an optical camera coupled to said transport mechanism and adapted to provide an output corresponding to printed markings on each of said seed plugs.

Images