Indoor Grow Cabinet Imaging for Plant Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plant cultivation apparatuses lack efficient and cost-effective methods for identifying and correcting abnormal plant states through image analysis, relying on costly and time-consuming deep learning techniques.
Innovation Solution
A plant cultivation apparatus with a photographing unit inside the cabinet to capture images of the cultivation space, utilizing a controller to analyze the image for plant state determination, including modes for germination, hardness, and growth abnormalities, and adjusting environmental conditions to correct these states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deep learning is used to obtain plant development status information, then accuracy is improved, but cost and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive deep learning models with inexpensive traditional image processing algorithms. By using simple image analysis techniques such as color thresholding and contour detection, the system achieves sufficient accuracy for plant development status identification without the computational overhead and time requirements of deep learning, effectively using a cheaper, shorter-lived (simpler) technical approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential features needed for plant development status identification from the captured images, such as green pixel ratios and plant area proportions, rather than using comprehensive deep learning analysis. This selective extraction of critical information reduces processing time and computational resources while maintaining practical accuracy
2Measurement precision
If deep learning is used to obtain plant development status information, then accuracy is improved, but cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive deep learning infrastructure with affordable traditional image processing methods. By implementing simple algorithms for analyzing plant images (such as calculating green pixel ratios and detecting plant contours), the system achieves functional equivalence without requiring high-performance computing hardware or extensive training data, thereby significantly reducing system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses captured images as direct copies of plant appearance for analysis, processing them through simple algorithms rather than using complex deep learning models. This approach treats the image data itself as sufficient information source, eliminating the need for expensive model training and deployment while maintaining practical identification accuracy
3Ease of operation
If a photographing device is installed to provide growth information, then user convenience is improved, but the visual data cannot be used to control plant cultivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photographing device captures plant images, the controller analyzes these images to determine plant development status, and based on this analysis, automatically adjusts cultivation conditions. This closed-loop feedback system enables the visual data to directly control plant cultivation, transforming the photographing device from a passive observation tool into an active control element
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-control of plant cultivation by having the controller autonomously analyze captured images and adjust cultivation parameters without user intervention. The photographing device, controller, and cultivation environment work together as an integrated self-regulating system, where visual information automatically translates into control actions
Data Source
AI summary
A plant cultivation apparatus is disclosed. The plant cultivation apparatus includes a cabinet, a bed, a cultivation unit, a photographing unit, and a control unit. The bed is provided inside of the cabinet. The cultivation unit is seated on the bed and accommodates a medium in which at least a portion of a plant is embedded. The photographing unit is provided inside of the cabinet and captures an image of the cultivation unit. The control unit is configured to receive a captured image from the photographing unit. The cultivation unit includes a cultivation container and a cover unit. The cultivation container is seated on the bed, is provided to have an open upper portion, and accommodates the medium therein. The cover unit shields the open tipper portion of the cultivation container and includes a cover through-hole provided at a position corresponding to the medium. The image captured by the photographing unit includes a first area including the cover through-hole, and a second area surrounding the first area. The control unit is configured to determine, through the image, an abnormal state of the plant according to a ratio of an area occupied by the plant in at least one of the first area or the second area.