Plant Cultivation Imaging for Low-Cost Abnormal State 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 inefficient deep learning methods that require extensive data acquisition and are costly.

Innovation Solution

A plant cultivation apparatus with a photographing portion inside the cabinet that analyzes images to determine plant states, using region ratios and color differences to identify abnormalities, and adjusts environmental conditions like light and nutrient supply to correct these states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If deep learning methods are used to identify plant abnormal states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplant abnormal state identification accuracyVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive deep learning control devices with simple, low-cost image analysis algorithms that can be executed on basic processors. The solution uses straightforward image processing techniques rather than complex neural networks, achieving adequate accuracy without requiring sophisticated hardware or extensive training data infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes complex computational systems (deep learning) with simpler optical and algorithmic approaches. By using basic image processing on captured photographs rather than complex deep learning models, the system achieves plant state identification with reduced device complexity and lower computational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If deep learning methods are used to identify plant abnormal states, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive data acquisition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplant abnormal state identification accuracyVSAvoiddata acquisition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for extensive preliminary data collection and model training by using pre-configured simple image analysis algorithms. The system is ready to analyze plant images immediately upon installation, without requiring time-consuming data acquisition phases or model training periods that deep learning systems would need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent skips the lengthy data acquisition and model training phases inherent in deep learning approaches. By using straightforward image processing algorithms that don't require extensive training data, the system rapidly identifies plant abnormal states without the time investment needed for deep learning model development and validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Measurement precision

If deep learning methods are used to identify plant abnormal states, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplant abnormal state identification accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive image analysis algorithms and basic processing hardware instead of costly deep learning infrastructure. The solution uses simple computational methods that can be implemented on low-cost devices, eliminating the need for expensive GPUs, large-scale data collection systems, and specialized technical infrastructure required by deep learning approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive deep learning computational systems with simpler, more affordable image processing algorithms. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for high-performance computing hardware and complex software licenses while maintaining sufficient accuracy for plant health monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If photographing portion is installed inside the cabinet, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplant monitoring convenienceVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the photographing portion into the existing cabinet structure, allowing the same component to serve both as part of the enclosure and as the imaging device mount. This multi-functional design provides convenient plant monitoring while avoiding the addition of separate, complex external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the photographing portion with the cabinet structure, merging the imaging function into the existing framework. This integration approach simplifies the overall device by eliminating separate mounting structures and reducing the number of discrete components, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250311682A1Plant cultivation apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20250311682A1 patent drawing
  • US20250311682A1 patent drawing
  • US20250311682A1 patent drawing

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 upper 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.