Wireless Horticultural Networks with Scalable Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor farming environments face challenges in connecting numerous devices efficiently and cost-effectively due to the complexity and high cost of wired networks, and existing wireless solutions struggle to scale with hundreds or thousands of devices, while proprietary networks are expensive to develop and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A wireless horticultural system using adapters and controllers that convert between native device protocols and a standard wireless protocol, enabling seamless communication and control of lighting, sensors, and actuators, with features like repeaters, buffers, and schedulers for flexibility and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired networks are used to connect devices in indoor farming environments, then reliability of connection is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Controllers and devices communicate via wireless signals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) instead of physical cables, eliminating the need for complex wiring infrastructure while maintaining reliable communication. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical connection system that caused installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication protocols and intermediate communication modules as mediators between devices and controllers. These intermediaries enable data transmission without direct physical connections, allowing reliable communication while avoiding the complexity of wired network installation and configuration.
2Reliability
If wired networks are installed in large facilities, then connection stability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive wired infrastructure with cost-effective wireless communication systems. By using wireless protocols and eliminating the need for cable installation, conduit work, and physical connection points throughout large facilities, the system achieves connection stability without the high installation costs associated with wired networks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary wireless networks are developed for horticultural systems, then adaptability to specific needs is improved, but development and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal, standards-based wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) that can be used across multiple applications and device types. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to various horticultural needs without requiring proprietary custom developments, thereby achieving versatility while avoiding high development and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard wireless communication intermediaries and protocol translators that enable different devices to communicate using established protocols. These intermediaries provide adaptability to specific horticultural requirements while leveraging existing, cost-effective wireless technology rather than requiring expensive proprietary solutions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standards-based wireless solutions like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are used, then scalability is improved, but ability to support large number of devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless network into multiple segments using mesh topology and intermediate relay nodes. Instead of requiring all devices to communicate directly with a central controller, the network is segmented into zones with local coordinators that manage device connections. This segmentation allows the system to support hundreds or thousands of devices by distributing the communication load across multiple network segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested network architecture where small wireless networks are nested within larger network structures. Individual device groups form local wireless networks that are then integrated into the overall facility-wide network. This nested approach enables scalable support for large numbers of devices while maintaining the benefits of standards-based wireless protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method disclosed herein include a wireless horticultural system, which includes a computer (102), an adapter (104, 200) configured to receive an input from the computer, in which the input is formatted in a first native communications protocol of the computer, convert the input from the first native communications protocol into a first wireless signal, and transmit the first wireless signal to one or more controllers (106, 300). The system further includes the one or more controllers (106, 300), in which a first controller in the one or more controllers (106, 300) is connected to the adapter (104, 200) and configured to receive the first wireless signal from the adapter (104, 200), and provide the input encoded in the first wireless signal to a device connected to the first controller (106, 300).