HK40012299A - Systems and methods for managing a weight of a plant in a grow pod - Google Patents

Description

System and method for managing plant weight in a growth chamber

Cross-referencing

The present application claims priority from us non-provisional application 15/985,119 entitled "system and method for managing plant weight in a growth pod" filed on 21/5/2018, which claims priority from us provisional application 62/519,704 entitled "system and method for managing plant weight in a growth pod" filed on 14/6/2017, the respective contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.

Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate generally to systems and methods for managing plant weight in a growth pod, and more particularly to managing the weight of plant matter in an assembly line growth pod by changing the formulation of the plant matter based at least in part on measured plant weight.

Background

Although crop growth techniques have been developed for many years, many problems still exist in today's agricultural and crop industries. For example, while technological advances have improved the efficiency and yield of various crops, many factors can affect harvest, such as weather, disease, infestation, and the like. In addition, while the united states currently has adequate arable land to provide adequate food for the U.S. population, other countries and future populations may not have adequate arable land to provide adequate food.

The controlled environment growth system may mitigate factors that affect traditional harvesting. In such controlled environment growth systems, there is a need to monitor plant growth and to monitor the performance of the various mechanisms and systems within the controlled environment growth system. An increase and/or fluctuation in plant weight may be indicative of plant growth and/or performance of different mechanisms and systems within the controlled environment growing system.

Summary of The Invention

In one embodiment, an assembly-line growth pod comprises: a seeding area; harvesting the area; a track extending between the planting area and the harvesting area; a cart, the cart comprising: a tray for containing plant matter, and a wheel connected to the tray, wherein the wheel is engaged with the track; and a weight sensor located on the cart or the track, wherein the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter located within the cart.

In another embodiment, an assembly-line growth pod system comprises: a track; a cart, the cart comprising: a tray for containing plant matter; and a wheel connected to the tray, wherein the wheel is engaged with the track; a weight sensor located on at least one of the cart or the track, wherein the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter located within the cart; a watering system for dispensing a mixture to the plant matter located within the cart; and a controller communicatively coupled with the weight sensor, the controller comprising a processor and a set of computer-readable and executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receiving an identification of the plant matter type located within the cart; determining a weight of the plant matter located within the cart with the weight sensor; retrieving a preferred weight of the plant matter located within the cart based at least in part on the received identification of the plant matter type; comparing the determined weight of the plant matter with the retrieved preferred weight; changing a formulation of the plant matter located within the cart based at least in part on a comparison between the determined weight and the preferred weight; and instructing the watering system to dispense a mixture to the plant matter located within the cart in accordance with the changed formula.

In another embodiment, a method for managing plant matter growth in an assembly-line growth chamber includes: moving a cart along a track, the cart comprising a tray and wheels connected to the tray, wherein the wheels are engaged with the track; detecting a weight of plant matter located within the tray with a weight sensor, wherein the weight sensor is located on one of the cart or the track; comparing the determined weight of the plant matter to the preferred weight of the plant matter; changing the formulation of the plant matter located in the cart; and dispensing a mixture to the plant matter using a watering system based on the altered formula.

Drawings

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the disclosure. The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments can be understood in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts an assembly line growth pod according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a rear view of the assembly-line growth pod of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a side view of the plurality of carts in FIG. 1 on a track of an assembly line growth cabin according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts the computing device of the assembly line growth pod of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a flow diagram for determining a quantity of seeds in a cart based at least in part on detected seed weights, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts the plurality of carts of the assembly-line growth cabin of FIG. 1 with plant matter at different growth stages according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

fig. 7 schematically depicts a flow diagram for altering the formulation of plant matter based at least in part on the detected weight of plant matter according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

Detailed Description

Embodiments disclosed herein include assembly line growth pod systems and methods for managing plant matter weight in a growth pod. In an embodiment, an assembly line growth pod includes a track, a cart supported on the track, a weight sensor configured to measure a weight of a load on the cart, and a main controller. The main controller identifies plants in the cart, determines total simulated days of growth for the cart, retrieves a preferred weight for the plants from the total simulated days, compares the weight of the plants on the cart to the preferred weight, and changes the plant formula based on the comparison.

As used herein, the term "plant matter" may include any type of plant and/or seed material at any stage of growth, such as, but not limited to, seeds, germinated seeds, vegetative plants, and plants at the reproductive stage.

Referring first to fig. 1 and 2, fig. 1 and 2 depict front and rear views, respectively, of an assembly line growth pod 100. The assembly line growth pod 100 includes a track 102, the track 102 configured to allow one or more carts 104 to travel along the track 102. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the assembly line growth pod 100 includes an ascending section 102a, a descending section 102b, and a connecting section between the ascending section 102a and the descending section 102 b. The rails 102 at the rising portion 102a move upward in the vertical direction (i.e., + y direction as shown in the coordinate axes of fig. 1), so that the carts 104 moving along the rails 102 move upward in the vertical direction as they travel along the rising portion 102 a. The track 102 at the raised portion 102a may include a bend as shown in fig. 1 and may encircle a first axis generally parallel to the y-axis of the coordinate axes shown in fig. 1, forming a spiral shape about the first axis. The rails 102 at the lowered portion 102b move downward in the vertical direction (i.e., -y direction as shown in the coordinate axes of fig. 1), such that the carts 104 moving along the rails 102 move downward in the vertical direction as they travel along the lowered portion 102 b. The track 102 at the lowered portion 102b may be curved and may surround a second axis, generally parallel to the y-axis of the coordinate axes shown in fig. 1, forming a spiral shape around the second axis. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the rising portion 102a and the falling portion 102b may generally form a symmetrical shape, which may be mirror images of each other. In other embodiments, the rising portion 102a and the falling portion 102b may include different shapes that rise and fall in the vertical direction, respectively. The ascending portion 102a and the descending portion 102b may allow the rail 102 to extend a relatively long distance while having a relatively small footprint in the x-direction and z-direction of the coordinate axes shown in fig. 1 (as compared to an assembly line growth chamber that does not include the ascending portion 102a and the descending portion 102 b). Minimizing the footprint of the assembly line growth chamber 100 may be advantageous in certain applications, such as when the assembly line growth chamber 100 is located in a crowded city center or other location where space is limited.

Referring particularly to fig. 2, fig. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the assembly line growth pod 100. In an embodiment, the assembly line growth pod 100 generally includes a seeding system 108, a lighting system 206, a harvesting system 208, and a cleaning system 210. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the seed planting system 108 is located on the raised portion 102a of the assembly-line growth pod 100 and defines a seed planting area 109 of the assembly-line growth pod 100. In an embodiment, the harvesting system 208 is positioned on the lowered portion 102b of the assembly line growth pod 100. The capsule 100 is assembled and defines a harvesting area 209 of the assembly line growth capsule 100. In operation, the cart 104 may initially pass through the seeding area 109, travel up the ascending portion 102a of the assembly-line growth pod 100, travel down the descending portion 102b, and enter the harvesting area 209.

Illumination system 206 includes one or more electromagnetic sources to provide light waves of one or more predetermined wavelengths that may promote plant growth. The electromagnetic source of the illumination system 206 may be generally positioned on the underside of the track 102 such that the electromagnetic source may illuminate the plant matter in the cart 104 on the track 102. The assembly line growth pod 100 may also include one or more sensors positioned on the underside of the track 102 to detect growth and/or fruit output of plant matter within the cart 104 located on the track 102, and the one or more sensors may help determine when the plant matter located within the cart 104 is ready to be harvested.

The harvesting system 208 generally includes a mechanism adapted to remove and harvest plant matter from the cart 104 located on the track 102. For example, the harvesting system 208 may include one or more blades, separators, and the like configured to harvest plant matter. In some embodiments, the harvesting system 208 may cut a predetermined height of plant matter within the cart 104 as the cart 104 enters the harvesting area 209. In some embodiments, the tray 105 (fig. 3) of the cart 104 may be flipped over to remove the plant matter within the cart 104 and into a processing container for shredding, mashing, juicing, and the like. In some embodiments, the plant matter may be grown in the cart 104 without the use of soil, such as by hydroponics or the like. Thus, in such a configuration, little or no washing of the plant matter may be required prior to processing by the harvesting system 208. In some embodiments, the harvesting system 208 may be configured to automatically separate the fruit within the cart 104 from the plant matter, e.g., by shaking, combing, etc. Plant matter left on the cart 104 after harvesting may remain on the cart 104 if the remaining plant matter is reusable, as the cart 104 is reused in subsequent growth processes. If the plant matter is no longer used, the plant matter within the cart 104 may be removed from the cart 104 for disposal, or the like.

After the plant matter within the cart 104 is harvested by the harvesting system 208, the cart 104 is moved to the cleaning system 210. In embodiments where the remaining plant matter in the post-harvest cart 104 is not reused, the cleaning system 210 is configured to remove plant matter and/or other particulate matter remaining in the cart 104. The cleaning system 210 may include any one or combination of different washing mechanisms and may use high pressure water, high temperature water, and/or other solutions to clean the cart 104 as the cart 104 passes through the cleaning system 210. Once the particulate matter and/or plant matter remaining in the cart 104 is removed, the cart 104 is moved to a planting area 109, where the planting system 108 places seeds into the cart 104 for a subsequent growing process, as described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the assembly line growth pod 100 includes a watering system 107 and an air flow system 111. The watering system 107 generally includes one or more water lines 110 that distribute water and/or nutrients to the cart 104 at predetermined areas of the assembly line growth chamber 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1, one or more water lines 110 extend to the ascending portion 102a and the descending portion 102b (e.g., generally in the +/-y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 1) to distribute water and nutrients to the plant matter within the cart 104 on the track 102. As shown in fig. 1, the airflow system 111 includes one or more airflow lines 112 that extend throughout the assembly line growth chamber 100. For example, one or more airflow lines 112 may extend to the ascending portion 102a and the descending portion 102b (e.g., generally in the +/-y direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) to ensure proper airflow to the plant matter within the carts 104 located on the tracks 102 of the assembly line growth chambers 100. The gas flow system 111 may help maintain plant matter within the cart 104 on the track at an appropriate temperature and pressure, and to maintain atmospheric gases within the assembly line growth chamber 100 at appropriate levels (e.g., carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen levels).

In an embodiment, the assembly line growth pod 100 includes a master controller 106 communicatively coupled to one or more of the seeding system 108, the harvesting system 208 (fig. 2), the cleaning system 210, the watering system 107, the lighting system 206 (fig. 2), and the airflow system 111. In some embodiments, the master controller 106 may also be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors (not shown) located on the underside of the track 102 that may detect the level of growth of plant matter within the cart 104. The one or more sensors may be configured to detect whether growth of plant matter within a particular cart 104 indicates that the plant matter is ready to be harvested before the cart 104 reaches the harvesting area 209 (fig. 2). If the detected growth indicates that the plant matter within the cart 104 is ready for harvesting, the formulation of nutrients, water, and/or lighting provided to the plant matter within the cart 104 may be modified, such as by the watering system 107, the lighting system 206 (fig. 2), and/or the airflow system 111, until the cart 104 reaches the harvesting area 209. For example, the formulation of nutrients, water, and/or light provided to plant matter within the cart 104 may be altered to maintain the plant matter at a particular developmental stage ready for harvesting. Conversely, when the growth of plant matter within the cart 104 detected when the cart 104 reaches the harvesting system 208 indicates that the plant matter is not ready for harvesting, the main controller 106 may command the cart 104 to travel one revolution throughout the assembly line growth chamber 100 (i.e., up the ascending section 102a and down the descending section 102 b). The additional turn may include different doses of light, water, nutrients, etc., and the speed of cart 204 may be varied based on the development of plants on cart 204. If it is determined that plant matter on cart 104 is ready for harvesting, harvesting system 208 may remove the plant matter from cart 104 and cut or otherwise process the plant matter during harvesting.

As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the seed planting system 108 is communicatively coupled to the master controller 106. The seeding system 108 is configured to distribute seeds into one or more carts 104 as the carts 104 pass through a seeding area 109 of the assembly line growth bay 100. In some embodiments, each cart 104 includes a single section tray 105 for receiving a plurality of seeds. In other embodiments, one or more carts 104 may include a multi-section tray 105 for receiving a single seed in each section. In embodiments with a single-part tray 105, the seeding system 108 may begin laying seeds on the area of the single-part tray 105 as the cart 104 enters the seeding area 109. The seeds can be laid according to various criteria, such as desired seed depth, desired seed number, desired seed surface area, and the like. In some embodiments, the seeds may be pre-treated with nutrients and/or anti-buoyancy agents, as these embodiments may not utilize soil to plant the seeds. In embodiments where a multi-section tray 104 is used with one or more carts 104, the seeding system 108 may be configured to insert seeds individually into one or more sections of the tray. Also, the seeds may be distributed on the tray according to the desired number of seeds, the desired area that the seeds should cover, the desired depth of the seeds, etc.

As shown in fig. 3, a plurality of carts 104 move through a planting area 109. Each cart 104 generally includes a tray 105 and one or more wheels 103 coupled to the tray 105. Wheels 103 are rotatably connected to the tray 105 and are engaged with the rails 102 and/or engageable with the rails 102 such that the cart 104 moves along the rails 102 in the + x direction as shown by the coordinate axes of fig. 3. In an embodiment, the tray 105 is generally configured to contain plant matter.

The cart 104 includes a weight sensor 310 that detects the weight of the plant matter contained within the tray 105 of the cart 104. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the weight sensors 310 are positioned in the trays 105 of the individual carts 104, and each cart 104 includes a plurality of weight sensors 310. In embodiments where the cart 104 includes a plurality of weight sensors 310, the weight sensors 310 may be positioned at different locations within the tray 105 such that each weight sensor 310 may detect the weight of plant matter at a different location within the tray 105. In some applications, it may be desirable to grow different types of plant matter within a single tray, such as where tray 105 includes different and discrete portions. In these applications, different weight sensors 310 may detect the weight of different types of plant matter at different locations within the tray 105. Although the cart 104 shown in fig. 3 includes multiple weight sensors, it should be understood that each cart 104 may include a single weight sensor 310, or alternatively, may not include any weight sensors 310.

Each cart 104 also includes a cart computing device 312. The cart computing device 312 may be communicatively coupled to the weight sensor 310 and configured to receive a signal indicative of the detected weight from the weight sensor 310. The cart computing device 312 may be communicatively coupled to the master controller 106 through a network 850.

In some embodiments, one or more weight sensors 311 may be placed on or above or below the track 102. The weight sensor 311 is configured to measure the weight of the cart 104 on the track 102 and send a signal indicative of the detected weight to the main controller 106. In an embodiment, the master controller 106 may determine the weight of plant matter on the cart 104 based on the detected weight from the weight sensor 311 and the known weight of the cart 104 (i.e., the weight of the cart 104 without plant matter).

As shown in fig. 3, in an embodiment, the cart 104 may optionally include additional sensors, such as an environmental sensor 313 and a location sensor 315. The environmental sensors 313 may include one or more sensors that detect moisture within the cart 104, water level within the cart 104 (e.g., when the assembly line growth pod 100 utilizes a hydroponic growth method), and the like. The amount of water within the cart 104 may affect the weight detected by the weight sensors 311 and 310. Thus, knowing the amount of water within the cart 104 (as indicated by the water level within the cart 104) may be helpful in determining the weight of plant matter within the cart 104 as detected by the weight sensor 311 and the weight sensor 310. The environmental sensor 313 is communicatively coupled to the main controller 160 and may send a signal indicative of the growing environment of the cart 104. The location sensor 315 may include one or more sensors that detect the location and/or speed of the cart 104, such as a global positioning sensor or the like. The position sensor 315 is communicatively coupled to the main controller 106 and may transmit a signal indicative of the position of the cart 104 within the assembly line growth cabin 100 and/or the speed at which the cart 104 is moving within the assembly line growth cabin. The position and travel speed of the cart 104 within the growth chamber 100 may be indicative of the time elapsed for the cart 104 to have planted plant matter within the assembly-line growth chamber 100, and thus, may be used to monitor the progress of plant matter growth within the cart 104. Further, in some embodiments, the position sensor 315 may detect when the cart is at different locations on the track 102, and the weight sensor 310 may detect the weight of plant matter in the cart 104 at different locations on the track 102. For example, the position sensor 315 may detect when the cart 104 is at a first position on the track 102, such as at the raised portion 102a (fig. 1), and the one or more weight sensors 310 may detect the weight of plant matter in the cart at the first position. The position sensor 315 may detect when the cart is at a second location on the track downstream of the first location, such as at the lowered portion 102b (fig. 1), and the one or more weight sensors 310 may detect the weight of plant matter in the cart at the second location. By comparing the weight of plant matter detected at the first and second locations, the growth of plant matter in a particular cart 104 may be monitored.

The master controller 106 may include a computing device 130. Computing device 130 may include a memory component 840 that stores system logic 844a and plant logic 844 b. As described in more detail below, the system logic 844a may monitor and control the operation of one or more components of the assembly line growth pod 100. For example, the system logic 844a may monitor and control the operation of the lighting system 206 (fig. 2), the watering system 107, the airflow system 111, the harvesting system 208 (fig. 2), the cleaning system 210 (fig. 2), and the seeding system 108. Plant logic 844b may be configured to determine and/or receive a stored recipe for plant growth, and implementation of the recipe may be facilitated by system logic 844 a. In some embodiments, the detected weight of plant matter may be stored in plant logic 844b to determine a trend of the detected weight of plant matter, and the determined or stored plant growth recipe may be based at least in part on the determined trend. For example, if a trend determined based on detected plant matter weight indicates that plant matter is consistently below a desired plant weight, the stored formulation for that particular type of plant matter may be altered to improve plant growth in future growth cycles.

The master controller 106 is coupled to a network 850. Network 850 may include the internet or other wide area network, a local network, such as a local area network, a near field network, such as a bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) network. The network 850 is also coupled to user computing devices 852 and/or remote computing devices 854. The user computing device 852 may include a personal computer, portable computer, mobile device, tablet, phablet, mobile device, etc., and may serve as an interface with a user. As an example, the seed detected weight within each cart 104 may be sent to the user computing device 852, and a display of the user computing device 852 may display the weight of each cart. The user computing device 852 may also receive input from a user, for example, the user computing device 852 may receive input indicating a type of seed to be placed in the cart 104 by the seeding system 108.

Similarly, the remote computing device 854 may include a server, personal computer, tablet, mobile device, server, etc., and may be used for machine-to-machine communication. As an example, if the master controller 106 determines the type of seed (and/or other information, such as environmental conditions) being used, the master controller 106 may communicate with the remote computing device 854 to retrieve a previously stored formula (i.e., a predetermined preferred growth condition, such as water/nutrient requirements, lighting requirements, temperature requirements, humidity requirements, etc.). Thus, some embodiments may utilize an Application Program Interface (API) to facilitate this or other computer-to-computer communication.

FIG. 4 depicts a computing device 130 of a master controller 160 according to embodiments described herein. As shown, the computing device 130 includes a processor 930, input/output hardware 932, network interface hardware 934, a data storage component 936 (which stores system data 938a, plant data 938b, and/or other data), and a memory storage component 840. Memory component 840 can be configured as volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and thus can include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, Secure Digital (SD) memory, registers, Compact Discs (CDs), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), bernoulli cartridges, and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable media may be located within computing device 130 and/or external to computing device 130.

The memory component 840 may store operational logic 942, system logic 844a, and plant logic 844 b. As an example, each of the system logic 844a and the plant logic 844b may include a number of different logic blocks, where each logic block may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware. Computing device 130 also includes a local interface 946, which may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communications between components of computing device 130.

Processor 930 may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions, such as from data storage component 936 and/or memory component 840. The input/output hardware 932 may include and/or be configured to interface with a microphone, a speaker, a display, and/or other hardware.

The network interface hardware 934 may include and/or be configured to communicate with any wired or wireless network hardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, a WiMax card, a ZigBee card, a bluetooth chip, a USB card, mobile communication hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. Through this connection, communication between the computing device 130 and other computing devices (e.g., the user computing device 852 and/or the remote computing device 854) can be facilitated.

The operating logic 942 may include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of the computing device 130. As described above, system logic 844a and plant logic 844b may be located in memory component 840 and may be configured to perform functions as described herein.

It should be understood that although the components in FIG. 4 are located within computing device 130, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more components may be located external to computing device 130. It should also be understood that although computing device 130 is shown as a single device, this is also merely an example. In some embodiments, the system logic 844a and the plant logic 844b may remain on different computing devices. By way of example, one or more of the functions and/or components described herein can be provided by the user computing device 852 and/or the remote computing device 854.

Additionally, although computing device 130 is illustrated with system logic 844a and plant logic 844b as separate logic components, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, a single logic (and/or several linked modules) may cause computing device 130 to provide the described functionality.

As described below, the main controller 160 can utilize the detected weights from the weight sensors 310 and 311 to verify the operation of the various components of the assembly line growth pod 100, and the detected weights from the weight sensors 310 and 311 can change the growth conditions of the plant matter in the cart 104.

Fig. 5 depicts a flow diagram for determining a quantity of seeds in the cart 104 (fig. 3) based on a detected weight of seeds within the cart 104 according to embodiments described herein. At block 510, the master controller 106 (fig. 3) identifies a seed type on the cart 104 (fig. 3). For example, the master controller 106 (fig. 3) may receive user input via the user computing device 852 (fig. 3) indicating a seed type that needs to be grown in the cart, the master controller 106 receiving the input seed type from the user computing device 852. In another example, one or more sensors in communication with the master controller 106 (fig. 3) can provide signals to the master controller 106 indicative of the type of seed located within the sowing system 108 (fig. 3).

At block 520, the master controller 106 (fig. 3) receives a signal indicative of the detected weight of plant matter (i.e., seeds) on the cart 104 (fig. 3). For example, the weight sensor 310 and/or the weight sensor 311 detects the weight of plant matter on the cart 104, as shown in fig. 3, and sends a signal indicative of the detected weight to the master controller 106 via the network 850.

At block 530, the master controller 106 (fig. 3) determines the number of seeds on the cart based at least in part on the detected seed weight. For example, the master controller 106 (fig. 3) may retrieve from the vegetation logic 844b (fig. 3) an average weight of the type of seed located in the cart 104 based on the identified seed type, divide the detected weight of plant matter in the cart 104 (fig. 3) by the average weight to obtain the number of seeds on the cart 104.

At block 540, if the number of seeds in the cart is less than a predetermined value, the master controller 106 (fig. 3) provides an alarm message. The predetermined value may be the number of seeds to be sown per cart. For example, if the number of seeds in the cart 104 (fig. 3) is 300 and the predetermined value is 500, the main controller 106 (fig. 3) may send an alert message (fig. 3) to the user computing device 852 to notify the cart 104 (fig. 3) that the seeds are not fully loaded, which may indicate a problem with the planting system 108 (fig. 3). In this manner, the weight sensors 310 (fig. 3) and 311 (fig. 3) can help identify operational problems with the seed planting system 108 (fig. 3).

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 shows a plurality of carts 104 with weight sensors 310 carrying plant matter at different stages of growth according to embodiments described herein. For example, the carts 104 may be located at different positions on the track 102 (fig. 1), and the plant matter in each cart 104 may have experienced different growth times (i.e., different times since the seeds were placed in the carts 104). Without being bound by theory, as the plant matter within the cart 104 grows, the mass of the plant matter increases and thus the weight detected by the weight sensor 310 may correspondingly increase. As the plant matter within the cart 104 grows, the weight detected by the weight sensor may indicate the progress of the growth, and the detected weight may be used to alter and optimize the growth conditions of the cart 104.

For example, referring to fig. 6 and 7, fig. 6 and 7 show a flow chart of changing the formulation of plant matter (i.e., predetermined preferred growth conditions, such as water/nutrient requirements, lighting requirements, temperature requirements, humidity requirements, etc.) according to the cart 104 described herein and based at least in part on the detected weight of plant matter in the cart 104, respectively. At block 710, the master controller 106 receives a signal indicative of the type of plant matter on the cart 104. For example, the user computing device 852 may receive a user input indicating a type of plant matter to be grown in the cart 104, the master controller 106 receiving the type of plant matter from the user computing device 852. In another example, the master controller 106 may obtain an identification of the plants within the cart 104 from a planting system 108 (fig. 3) that plants in the cart 104. In some embodiments, one or more sensors located on the assembly line growth pod 100 may detect the type of plant matter growing in the cart 104 and may send a signal to the master controller 106 indicating the detected type of plant matter. In some embodiments, such as when the cart 104 includes different types of plant matter located at different locations of the cart 104, the master controller 106 may obtain an identification of each different type of plant matter within the cart. For example, the master controller 106 may obtain a first identification of plant matter located within a first portion of the cart 104 and a separate second identification of plant matter located within a second portion of the cart 104.

At block 720, the master controller 106 receives a signal from the weight sensor 310 and/or the weight sensor 311 indicating the detected weight of plant matter on the cart 104. In some embodiments, the master controller 106 may communicate with the environmental sensor 313 and calculate the weight of the water and/or other additives within the cart. The main controller 106 may calculate the actual weight of the plant matter by subtracting the detected weight of water and/or other additives from the weight detected by the weight sensor 310/311.

At block 730, the master controller 106 determines the growth time experienced by the cart. In some embodiments, the master controller 106 may determine the simulated days of growth of plants on the cart based on the detected current location of the cart on the track 102 (e.g., from the location sensor 315). For example, in a growth configuration, the cart 104 will traverse the length of the track 102 within 6 days, and if the detected position of the cart 104 indicates that the cart 104 has traveled a distance that exceeds 5/6 of the total distance of the track 102, the master controller 106 may determine that the plant in the cart 104 is on the 5 th day of growth. In another example, if the detected position of the cart 104 indicates that the cart 104 traveled a distance greater than 3/6 of the total distance of the track 102 but less than 4/6 of the total distance of the track 102, the master controller 106 may determine that the plants in the cart 104 are on day 3 of growth.

At block 740, the master controller 106 retrieves a preferred weight of plant matter located within the cart based on the elapsed growth time. For example, plant logic 844b may store the preferred weight of plant matter at day 5 of growth, and master controller 106 retrieves the preferred weight of plant matter from plant logic 844 b. In some embodiments, such as when the cart 104 includes different types of plant matter located at different locations within the cart 104, the master controller 106 may retrieve a preferred weight for each of the different types of plant matter located within the cart 104. For example, the master controller 106 may retrieve a first preferred weight of a first plant matter located within a first portion of the cart 104 and a separate second preferred weight of a second plant matter located within a second portion of the cart 104.

At block 750, the master controller 106 compares the detected weight of plant matter on the cart to the retrieved preferred weight. At block 660, the master controller 106 changes the plant recipe based on the comparison. In an embodiment, if the detected weight of plant matter in the cart 104 is below the preferred weight, the main controller 106 may adjust elements of the plant recipe (e.g., lighting, nutrients, temperature, pressure, etc.) to encourage further growth. For example, the master controller 106 may increase the red light level of the lighting formulation of the plant matter to further promote the growth of the plant matter through the track 102 of the assembly line growth pod 100. In another example, the master controller 106 may increase the nutrient mix provided to the cart 104, such as through the watering system 107 (fig. 1). In some embodiments, for example, when the cart 104 includes different types of plant matter located at different locations of the cart 104, the master controller 106 may change (or not change) the recipes of the different types of plant matter within the cart 104. For example, the master controller 106 can change the formulation of a first plant matter located in a first portion of the cart 104, and can make the same or different changes to the formulation of a second plant matter located in a second portion of the cart 104.

As noted above, various embodiments for managing plant weight in a growth pod are disclosed herein. These embodiments provide a solution for miniature vegetables and other plants that results in fast growth, small footprint, chemical free, low labor. These embodiments may generate and/or receive a formula that indicates the time and light wavelengths, pressure, temperature, water, nutrients, molecular atmosphere, and/or other variables that optimize plant growth and output. The formulation may be strictly implemented and/or modified based on the results of a particular plant, tray or crop.

Thus, embodiments according to the present disclosure include an assembly line growth pod including a cart on a track, and a weight sensor that measures the weight of plant matter within the cart. The weight detected by the weight sensor may be used to detect operation of a seeding system of an assembly line growth chamber and may be used to change the growth conditions of the plant matter within the cart, change the light, nutrients and water provided to the plant matter in real time.

While particular embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Further, although various aspects have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the embodiments shown and described herein.

It should be understood that embodiments disclosed herein include systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for managing plant weight. It should also be understood that these examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. An assembly line growth pod, comprising:

a seeding area;

harvesting the area;

a track extending between the planting area and the harvesting area;

a cart, the cart comprising:

a tray for containing plant matter, an

A wheel connected to the tray, wherein the wheel is engaged with the track; and

a weight sensor located on the cart or the track, wherein the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter located within the cart.

2. The assembly line growth chamber of claim 1, wherein the weight sensor is positioned on the tray of the cart.

3. The assembly line growth pod of claim 2, wherein the weight sensor is a first weight sensor, and further comprising a second weight sensor positioned on the cart or the track.

4. The assembly line growth pod of claim 1, further comprising an environmental sensor located in the tray of the cart, wherein the environmental sensor detects a water level in the tray of the cart.

5. The assembly line growth pod of claim 4, wherein the environmental sensor and the weight sensor are communicatively coupled with a master controller.

6. An assembly-line growth pod system, comprising:

a track;

a cart, the cart comprising:

a tray for containing plant matter; and

a wheel connected to the tray, wherein the wheel is engaged with the track;

a weight sensor located on at least one of the cart or the track, wherein the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter located within the cart;

a watering system for dispensing a mixture to the plant matter located within the cart; and

a controller communicatively coupled with the weight sensor, the controller comprising a processor and a set of computer-readable and executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

receiving an identification of the plant matter type located within the cart;

determining a weight of the plant matter located within the cart with the weight sensor;

retrieving a preferred weight of the plant matter located within the cart based at least in part on the received identification of the plant matter type;

comparing the determined weight of the plant matter with the retrieved preferred weight;

changing a formulation of the plant matter located within the cart based at least in part on a comparison between the determined weight and the preferred weight; and

instructing the watering system to dispense a mixture to the plant matter located within the cart in accordance with the changed formula.

7. The assembly line growth pod system of claim 6, wherein the weight sensor is a first weight sensor positioned on the tray of the cart, and further comprising a second weight sensor positioned on the cart or the track.

8. The assembly line growth pod system of claim 7, wherein:

the second weight sensor is located on the pallet of the cart at a different location than the first weight sensor; and is

The set of executable instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to detect a weight of plant matter located at a first portion of the tray with the first weight sensor and a weight of plant matter located at a second portion of the tray with the second weight sensor.

9. The assembly line growth pod system of claim 8, wherein the set of executable instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

receiving a first identification of a plant matter type located within the first portion of the cart;

receiving a second identification of a plant matter type located within the second portion of the cart;

retrieving a first preferred weight of the plant matter located within the first portion of the cart based at least in part on the received first identification of the plant matter type;

retrieving a second preferred weight of the plant matter located within the second portion of the cart based at least in part on the received second identification of the plant matter type;

comparing the determined weight of the plant matter located within the first portion of the cart to the first preferred weight;

comparing the determined weight of the plant matter located within the second portion of the cart to the second preferred weight;

altering a formulation of at least one of the plant matter located within the first portion of the cart and the plant matter located within the second portion of the cart based at least in part on the detected weight of the plant matter located within the first portion and the second portion of the cart in comparison to the first preferred weight and the second preferred weight; and

instructing the watering system to dispense the changed formula to the plant matter located within at least one of the first portion of the cart and the second portion of the cart.

10. The assembly line growth pod system of claim 6, wherein the set of executable instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

detecting a weight of the cart with the weight sensor;

retrieving a known weight of the cart; and

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart based at least in part on the detected weight of the cart and the known weight of the cart.

11. The assembly line growth pod system of claim 6, wherein the set of executable instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

detecting a water level in the cart with an environmental sensor;

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart based at least in part on the detected water level in the cart.

12. The assembly line growth pod of claim 6, wherein the set of executable instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

determining when the cart is located at a first location on the track;

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart when the cart is located at the first location on the track;

determining when the cart is located at a second location on the track different from the first location; and

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart located at the second location.

13. The assembly line growth pod of claim 6, wherein the set of executable instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

storing the determined weight of the plant matter;

determining a trend in the determined weight of the plant matter; and

changing the stored formula of the plant matter located within the cart based at least in part on the trend of the determined weight.

14. A method for managing plant matter growth in an assembly line growth chamber, the method comprising:

moving a cart along a track, the cart comprising a tray and wheels connected to the tray, wherein the wheels are engaged with the track;

detecting a weight of plant matter located within the tray with a weight sensor, wherein the weight sensor is located on one of the cart or the track;

comparing the determined weight of the plant matter to the preferred weight of the plant matter;

changing the formulation of the plant matter located in the cart; and

dispensing a mixture to the plant matter using a watering system based on the changed formula.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting the weight of the plant matter comprises: detecting a weight of the cart, and determining the weight of the plant matter based at least in part on the detected weight of the cart and a known weight of the cart.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

detecting a water level in the cart with an environmental sensor;

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart based at least in part on the detected water level in the cart.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the preferred weight of the plant matter is based at least in part on a growth time experienced by the plant matter within the cart.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: detecting a distance traveled by the cart along the track, and determining the elapsed growth time based at least in part on the detected distance traveled by the cart.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

placing a plurality of seeds in the cart;

detecting a weight of the plurality of seeds within the cart; and

determining a number of seeds on the cart based at least in part on the detected weights of the plurality of seeds and a known average weight of seeds in the plurality of seeds.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

determining when the cart is located at a first location on the track;

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart when the cart is located at the first location on the track;

determining when the cart is located at a second location on the track different from the first location; and

determining a weight of the plant matter within the cart located at the second location.