Expert system for controlling plant growth in a contained environment
US7617057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S47/06
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a system for optimizing crop growth, vegetation is cultivated in a contained environment, such as a greenhouse, an underground cavern or other enclosed space. Imaging equipment is positioned within or about the contained environment, to acquire spatially distributed crop growth information, and environmental sensors are provided to acquire data regarding multiple environmental conditions that can affect crop development. Illumination within the contained environment, and the addition of essential nutrients and chemicals are in turn controlled in response to data acquired by the imaging apparatus and environmental sensors, by an “expert system” which is trained to analyze and evaluate crop conditions. The expert system controls the spatial and temporal lighting pattern within the contained area, and the timing and allocation of nutrients and chemicals to achieve optimized crop development. A user can access the “expert system” remotely, to assess activity within the growth chamber, and can override the “expert system”.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.