Leaf Color Pattern Creation via Segmented LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods in horticulture fail to effectively control the color shift of plant leaves to produce meaningful patterns or images, particularly in altering biochrome ratios to display predetermined patterns or alphanumeric symbols.
Innovation Solution
Exposing a portion of the leaf to a higher concentration of blue light and the remaining area to a balanced spectrum of light, which triggers a response in the plant to produce more anthocyanins, resulting in a darker red color, allowing for the creation of patterns and symbols through careful control of biochrome ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a higher concentration of blue light is applied to specific areas of the leaf, then the production of anthocyanins increases and darker red color patterns are formed, but the complexity of the lighting system and control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED modules that can be individually controlled to illuminate specific zones of the leaf. Each module contains LEDs emitting different wavelengths (blue, red, green) that can be activated independently to create precise color patterns on the leaf surface without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the leaf receive different spectral compositions tailored to produce specific color responses. Blue-enriched light is applied to areas where anthocyanin production is desired, while other regions receive balanced or red-enriched light to maintain green coloration, creating localized color patterns without affecting the entire leaf.
2Illumination intensity
If the spectrum of light is changed to increase blue photon count, then the red color intensity of leafy greens increases, but the ability to maintain healthy growth and typical green color is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system alternates between different spectral compositions during the growth cycle. Periods of blue-enriched light are applied to induce anthocyanin production and red coloration, followed by periods of balanced full-spectrum light to maintain healthy green growth and prevent excessive red pigmentation that could compromise plant health.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectral composition of the lighting is dynamically adjusted based on the growth stage and desired outcome. During vegetative growth, a balanced spectrum maintains green color and healthy development. When color enhancement is desired, the system dynamically shifts to blue-enriched spectra to trigger anthocyanin production, then returns to balanced spectra to maintain overall plant health.
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
This method enables the formation of geometric patterns, alphanumeric characters, and trademarked figures on leaves by altering biochrome ratios, enhancing the visual appeal and marketability of leafy greens, particularly in aeroponic systems where easy access allows for precise lighting control.
Implementation Method 1
The higher concentration of blue light triggers a response in the plant to produce more anthocyanins and the resultant cells have a darker red color. This darker red appearance is brought on by a shift in biochrome ratios with an increase in anthocyanins, a red biochrome.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for altering biochrome ratios in plant leaves is provided. The device and method generally include a light source; and means of directing the light source to deliver an altering spectrum to a group of cells. The altering spectrum alters the biochrome content of a group of cells to produce a contrasting color that creates a desired pattern on a leaf. The device may include a first light source that emits a main growth spectrum, a second light source that emits an altering spectrum; and means of directing the first and second light source to a group of cells, wherein the altering spectrum alters the biochrome content of a group of cells to create a desired pattern on a leaf. Methods of altering the biochrome ratio in a group of cells on a leaf generally involve aligning a surface of a leaf with a light source, activating the light source to produce an altering spectrum, and directing the altering spectrum towards the leaf to create a pattern, wherein cells of the leaf exposed to the altering spectrum exhibit a desired pattern.