Photoperiod Controller Automation for Adaptive Plant Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor farming methods require manual manipulation of photoperiod to meet the specific needs of different plant photoperiod classes, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A photoperiod controller system that automatically calculates and adjusts lighting schedules based on plant species, growth stages, and environmental conditions, using luminaires, sensors, and a user interface to optimize photoperiod exposure for efficient plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual manipulation of photoperiod is used to meet specific needs of different plant photoperiod classes, then plant growth can be optimized, but labor intensity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the photoperiod controller automatically monitor plant growth stages and environmental conditions, then autonomously adjust lighting schedules without requiring manual intervention. The controller reads sensor data, determines appropriate photoperiod settings, and executes them automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor plant conditions and environmental parameters, providing real-time data to the photoperiod controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust lighting schedules based on actual plant growth stages and environmental conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions automatically.
2Ease of operation
If automated photoperiod manipulation is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoperiod controller serves multiple functions within the agricultural system: it monitors plant growth stages, reads sensor data from multiple sources, determines appropriate photoperiod settings, controls lighting schedules, and adapts to environmental changes. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoperiod controller acts as an intermediary component that mediates between various system elements (sensors, actuators, control algorithms). This intermediary role allows the system to manage complexity centrally, where the controller coordinates information flow and control actions, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automated operation.
3Productivity
If photoperiod is adjusted based on plant growth stage, then plant development is optimized, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors that continuously monitor plant conditions to automatically determine growth stages. Sensors detect parameters such as plant height, leaf development, and other physiological indicators, providing feedback to the controller which translates this data into growth stage classifications. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual assessment while enabling precise photoperiod adjustment based on actual plant development.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automated photoperiod manipulation enhances plant growth efficiency by ensuring precise light exposure, reducing manual labor, and adapting to real-time environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
luminaires (1081 through 108n) connected to the photoperiod controller (100) to emit light
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors (118) connected to the photoperiod controller (100)
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods disclosed herein include an apparatus that includes a user interface configured to receive user input, and a photoperiod controller configured to calculate a photoperiod schedule for one or more plants based on the user input and generate control signals that adjust light output of at least one luminaire to implement the photoperiod schedule.