Plant Light Exposure Control Using Sensor Feedback Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled lighting systems for plants struggle to determine optimal light quality and intensity for growth, leading to difficulties in identifying physiological states, stress, and economic returns, especially in greenhouse environments where seedlings are grown.
Innovation Solution
A smart lighting system that incorporates sensors to detect radiation reflected from plants and environmental conditions, using a controller to adjust irradiation settings based on optimal settings for various conditions, including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation sources, to optimize plant growth parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If empirical monitoring and control of plant environment parameters is used, then basic growth conditions can be maintained, but optimal photosynthesis and economic returns cannot be achieved due to inability to determine physiological states
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor plant physiological parameters (chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance) and feeds this information back to a controller that automatically adjusts lighting and environmental parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of plant growth conditions based on actual physiological states, transforming empirical control into precision control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual/empirical monitoring methods with automated sensor-based detection systems. Optical sensors measure chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters, while environmental sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. This substitution of mechanical/empirical methods with automated sensing and control systems enables continuous, precise measurement and adjustment of growth conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and control parameters are added to determine physiological states, then plant growth optimization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple plant parameters simultaneously. For example, the optical sensor system measures chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance using the same basic measurement platform. The controller integrates multiple environmental controls (lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2) into a single unified system, reducing overall complexity despite increased measurement capabilities.
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
The system effectively adjusts light exposure to enhance plant growth by optimizing radiation settings, improving growth parameters such as water, nutrient, and pesticide application, and determining optimal irradiation periods for different plant growth stages, thereby improving crop health and economic returns.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensor that detects radiation reflected from the surface of the plant
Implementation Method 2
a first set of radiation sources that irradiate the plant with visible radiation and infrared radiation; a second set of radiation sources that spot irradiate the plant in a set of locations with ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 3
Optimization of photosynthesis of crops or plant material can be achieved through careful and planned manipulations of growth conditions based on in-situ monitoring of relevant photosynthetic processes
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for controlling light exposure of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects of this approach involve using a first set of radiation sources to irradiate the object with visible radiation and infrared radiation. A second set of radiation sources spot irradiate the object in a set of locations with a target ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths. Radiation sensors detect radiation reflected from the object and environment condition sensors detect conditions of the environment in which the object is located during irradiation. A controller controls irradiation of the light sensitive object by the first and second set of radiation sources according to predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for various environmental conditions. In addition, the controller adjusts irradiation settings of the first and second set of radiation sources as a function of measurements obtained by the various sensors.