Multi-Zone Plant Growing Control for Space-Limited Crop Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant growing systems are limited by space, restricting the number of plant types that can be grown simultaneously due to the constraints of multiple growing zones with independently controllable environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A plant growing system that includes a control apparatus and communication interface to manage multiple plant growing zones, a server for generating growth plans based on plant type characteristics, and user interface for inputting desired harvesting schedules, allowing for the optimization of environmental conditions and plant placement across zones to maximize yield and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple growing zones with independently controllable environmental conditions are used, then the ability to grow different plant types is improved, but the space constraint limits the number of plant types that can be grown simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures growing zones by allowing plants to be moved between zones based on their growth stage and environmental requirements. The control system continuously monitors plant development and automatically adjusts zone assignments, transforming static growing spaces into dynamic, adaptable environments that can accommodate different plant types at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the time dimension to the spatial arrangement of plants. Instead of allocating fixed zones for different plant types, the system schedules zone usage across time periods, allowing the same physical space to serve multiple plant types sequentially. This temporal dimension effectively multiplies the capacity beyond the physical space available.
2Productivity
If plants are frequently moved between growing zones to optimize environmental conditions, then growth efficiency is improved, but the complexity of management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated monitoring and control. Sensors continuously track environmental conditions and plant status, while the control system automatically determines optimal zone assignments and executes movements without human intervention. This automation eliminates the need for manual management while maintaining high growth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor plant growth stages and environmental conditions, the control system processes this data to determine optimal configurations, and actuators implement changes. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to self-optimize plant placement and environmental conditions, reducing management complexity while improving productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a plant growing system (100), comprising: a plurality of plant growing zones (122); a control apparatus (120) configured to control one or more environmental conditions in each of the plurality of plant growing zones (122); and a receiver (142) configured to receive input data indicating plant type characteristics of a plurality of plant types to be grown in a plant growing apparatus (120). Also disclosed is a plant growing apparatus (120) configured to grow a plurality of plant types, a method to control a plant growing apparatus (120) configured to grow a plurality of plant types, and a computer program including computer-readable instructions executable to perform a method to control a plant growing apparatus (120) configured to grow a plurality of plant types.