WO2020034009A1 - Système agricole commandé par ordinateur - Google Patents

Système agricole commandé par ordinateur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020034009A1
WO2020034009A1 PCT/AU2019/050861 AU2019050861W WO2020034009A1 WO 2020034009 A1 WO2020034009 A1 WO 2020034009A1 AU 2019050861 W AU2019050861 W AU 2019050861W WO 2020034009 A1 WO2020034009 A1 WO 2020034009A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
computer
agriculture system
fertiliser
controlled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2019/050861
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven Mansur
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Manski Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Manski Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2018903025A external-priority patent/AU2018903025A0/en
Application filed by Manski Pty Ltd filed Critical Manski Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2020034009A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020034009A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B79/00—Methods for working soil
    • A01B79/005—Precision agriculture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C21/00—Methods of fertilising, sowing or planting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C21/00—Methods of fertilising, sowing or planting
    • A01C21/005—Following a specific plan, e.g. pattern
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C21/00—Methods of fertilising, sowing or planting
    • A01C21/007—Determining fertilization requirements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
    • A01G25/16—Control of watering
    • A01G25/167—Control by humidity of the soil itself or of devices simulating soil or of the atmosphere; Soil humidity sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14—Greenhouses
    • A01G9/16—Dismountable or portable greenhouses ; Greenhouses with sliding roofs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/243—Collecting solar energy
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/247—Watering arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/28—Raised beds; Planting beds; Edging elements for beds, lawn or the like, e.g. tiles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to agriculture systems and in particular to a computer-controlled agriculture system. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.
  • a computer-controlled agriculture system comprising:
  • a body adapted to support a plurality of modules, the modules comprising: at least one cultivation module adapted for cultivating one or more varieties of vegetation, the cultivation module including at least one sensor configured to collect environment data from the at least one cultivation module and generate an environmental sensor signal; and
  • control module configured to receive the environmental sensor signal and to generate and display control data based on the environment data.
  • the computer-controlled agriculture system further comprises a fertiliser module located between the control module and the at least one cultivation module, configured to receive waste organic material and decompose the material into a fertiliser.
  • the fertiliser module includes a worm farm.
  • the fertiliser module preferably includes a container adapted for containing the waste organic material and a cover adapted for engaging with the container.
  • the cover includes an inner and an outer layer.
  • the container includes insulated walls.
  • the fertiliser module preferably includes a misting module on an underside of the cover, configured to be controlled by the control module.
  • the fertiliser module includes a harvesting zone for harvesting fertiliser from the fertiliser module. More preferably, the harvesting zone includes a conveyor belt configured to facilitate movement of the fertiliser away from the fertiliser module.
  • the conveyor belt is preferably disposed on a lower region of the container.
  • the harvesting zone includes a shaving mechanism configured to facilitate movement of the fertiliser away from the fertiliser module.
  • the shaving mechanism is preferably disposed on a lower region of the container.
  • the computer-controlled agriculture system includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor and an imaging sensor. More preferably, the fertiliser module includes at least one sensor. Preferably, the imaging sensor is an overhead camera.
  • the computer-controlled agriculture system comprises a nutrient delivering system configured to be controlled by the control module to selectively deliver nutrients to the cultivation module.
  • the nutrient delivering system includes at least one irrigating module configured to deliver water to the cultivation module.
  • the nutrient delivering system preferably includes at least one fertigation module configured to deliver fertiliser to the cultivation module.
  • the irrigating module includes a drip irrigation system. More preferably, the irrigating module includes an overhead spray system.
  • the computer-controlled agriculture system preferably includes a power module configured to provide power to the system. More preferably, the power module comprises at least one solar panel. Preferably, the solar panel is disposed on top of the control module. In a preferred form, the control module is configured to monitor power input and output of the power module.
  • the computer-controlled agriculture system preferably includes a water storage module, configured to provide water to the system.
  • the water storage module includes at least one storage tank located underneath the cultivation module. More preferably, the water storage module is configured to be plumbed into an external water source. In a preferred form, the water storage module includes a float valve.
  • control module is configured to receive third party data. More preferably, the control data is generated based on the environment data and the third party data.
  • the third party data is preferably meteorological data.
  • At least one of the plurality of modules are formed integrally with the body. More preferably, at least one of the plurality of modules are releasably supported by the body.
  • Figure 1 is a data flow process diagram of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 4 is a first schematic end view of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 5 is a second schematic end view of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 7 is a second perspective view of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment.
  • Figure 8 is a view of an example user interface of the computer-controlled agriculture system according to a preferred embodiment.
  • the system 1 has a body 2 adapted to support a plurality of modules.
  • the modules include at least one cultivation module 3 adapted for cultivating one or more varieties of vegetation 21 , the cultivation module 3 having at least one sensor 4 configured to collect environment data 5 from the cultivation module 3 and generate an environment sensor signal 6, and a control module 7 configured to receive the environmental sensor signal 6 and to generate and display control data 8 based on the environment data 5.
  • the system may further include a fertiliser module 9, a power module 27, a water storage 28 module and a nutrient delivering system 29.
  • Varieties of vegetation that are capable of being cultivated in system 1 include any type of plants, flowers, trees, fungi, vegetables, fruits, herbs, indigenous plants, crops, seedlings and the like.
  • Figures 1 to 4 show a computer-controlled agriculture system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the system 1 has a substantially rectilinear body 2 adapted to support a plurality of substantially rectilinear modules, including modules 3 and 7. At least one of the plurality of modules 3 and 7 may be formed integrally with the body 2. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the plurality of modules 3 and 7 may be releasably supported by the body 2 so as to allow any modules to be added and/or removed from the system.
  • the body 2 can be in the form of a rigid frame or housing which support at least one of the plurality of modules 3 and 7.
  • the body 2 can be made from any suitable material such as steel, wood, plastic (including recycled plastic) or the like. As shown in Figure 2, in its preferred form the body is substantially rectangularly prismatic shaped. However, the body 2 is not limited to this shape, and it will be appreciated that a number of other shapes and configurations for the body 2 can be used to accommodate a variety of different shaped modules, layouts, sizes, and uses for the system as well as providing additional functionality.
  • the body 2 may further include an integrally formed or attachable support structure 10 to support covering material 1 1 such as shade cloth, clear plastic sheeting, greenhouse glass, netting or the like.
  • the support structure 10 may cover the cultivation module, or a plurality of modules in the system.
  • the covering material 1 1 may cover all of or a portion of the support structure 10.
  • the body 2 may be configured to fit onto a trailer 208 or may be integrally formed with a trailer such that the system 1 is portable and can easily be moved between locations. Further, the body 2 may further include at least one of a storage module 200, a fold down door 201 , and an access door 202. As shown in Figure 4, one end of the body which houses the control module 7 includes an upper storage chamber 203, fold down doors 204 and 205, and access doors 206 and 207.
  • the fold down doors may be hingedly attached to the body 2 and provide access to the control module 7, including the at least one built-in computer 701.
  • the fold down doors may be configured to provide a substantially horizontal work surface 208 when opened.
  • Additional fold down doors 213 and 214 may be disposed on either side of the control module to provide additional work surfaces or provide access to the built in computer 701 , the body or other modules or equipment, including, but not limited to, scales or microscopes.
  • the fold down doors 204 and 205 may utilize concealed hinges, folding brackets, chains, flap stays, gas-filled struts or other such mechanisms to support the doors 204 and 205 in a horizontal position.
  • the fold down doors 204 and 205 may be configured to be locked into position by a latching or locking mechanism to form a substantially horizontal work surface 208 or may fold down completely. When opened the fold down doors 204 and 205 may be configured to slide into a slide track such that the folding doors are stored within the body 2 when in an open position.
  • the access doors 206 and 207 are disposed on a lower region of the body 2. The access doors 206 and 207 may provide access to the body 2, or to other modules such as an aeration module 30 or an injection unit 26.
  • the fold down doors may instead be fold up doors, the fold up doors configured to pivot upwards and be locked into an open position by a latching or locking mechanism to provide a shade cover or surface which provides shade for an area adjacent to the control module 7.
  • the open position may be defined by the fold up doors being substantially perpendicular to a side surface of the control module 7.
  • one or more substantially horizontal work surfaces may be disposed beneath a lower part of the fold up doors within the control module 7 on a slide track.
  • the substantially horizonal work surfaces may be in the form of one or more retractable trays which can be pulled outwards from the control module and locked into an open position to define the work surface.
  • the retractable trays may then be pushed inwards to the control module and locked into a storage position such that the work surface is stored within the body 2 when not in use.
  • the fold up doors may cover the access point to the work surfaces, such that access to the work surfaces is only available when the fold up doors are in an open position.
  • the body is adapted to support a plurality of modules, including the cultivation module 3, the control module 7 and other modules described below.
  • the body may also include a fertiliser module 1 1 , disposed between the control module and the cultivation module.
  • the at least one cultivation module 3 is adapted for cultivating one or more varieties of vegetation 21 .
  • the at least one cultivation module may be in the form of a garden bed 100.
  • the at least one cultivation module 3 may have a plurality of cultivation regions or cultivation zones. These cultivation regions may be in the form of a plurality of garden beds.
  • the cultivation module 3 includes four separate, individual garden beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104, each defined by an encompassing wall 12.
  • the garden beds are positioned adjacent to each other at one end of the system.
  • the garden beds may be separated by another module or a central channel 14. Varying configurations for placement of the beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104 within the system are possible.
  • Each of the garden beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104 may be adapted to receive at least one removable divider 13 to enable division of the beds into a subset of smaller beds 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12, such as the configuration shown in Figure 3.
  • the individual garden beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104 are substantially rectangular and measure 800 mm by 1 ,200 mm (or 1 square meter).
  • the at least one removable divider 13 could be used to divide each of the four garden beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104 of the preferred embodiment into eight separate beds 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12 measuring 800 mm by 600 mm.
  • the garden beds may be of any shape such as square, rectangular, oval, circular, polygonal or the like and may have any appropriate measurements depending on the layouts, size and uses for the system.
  • Each individual garden bed may further include a transparent viewing window 15 forming at least a portion of the outer facing side 16 of the encompassing wall 12.
  • the viewing window 15 extends below a soil level 17 to allow a user to observe characteristics of the garden bed including, but not limited to, changes in soil moisture and root growth of the cultivated vegetation 21 , as well as water uptake and soil health.
  • the window may be made out of plexiglass or any other suitable transparent material.
  • the viewing window 15 may form part of the body 2 of the system.
  • the viewing window 15 may be a single window 18 which is formed integrally with and extending lengthwise across the body 2 to allow observation of a plurality of garden beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104.
  • one side of the body which houses the cultivation module 3 further includes fold down doors 209, 210, 21 1 and 212 on either side of the body 2.
  • the fold down doors may be hingedly attached to the body 2 and provide access to the viewing windows 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g, and 15h.
  • the fold down doors are also configured to provide a substantially horizontal work surfaces 213, 214, 215, and 216 when opened.
  • the fold down doors 204 and 205 may utilise concealed hinges, folding brackets, chains, flap stays, gas-filled struts or other such mechanisms to support the doors 209, 210, 21 1 and 212 in a horizontal position.
  • the fold down doors 209, 210, 21 1 and 212 may be configured to be locked into position by a latching or locking mechanism to form a substantially horizontal work surfaces 213, 214, 215, and 216 or may fold down completely such that they are parallel to the side surface of the body.
  • the fold down doors 209, 210, 21 1 and 212 may be configured to slide into a slide track such that the folding doors are stored within the body 2 when in an open position.
  • the individual garden beds 101 , 102, 103 and 104 may also be configured to accommodate fitted insert trays 19 and/or seedling tubes 20 to enable propagation of vegetation 21 in the form of native seedlings.
  • the fitted insert trays 19 or seedling tubes 20 may utilize snap fit mechanisms, clips or a slide track disposed within the bed.
  • At least one sensor 4 is provided in the system 1 to collect environment data 5 from the cultivation module 3.
  • each garden bed includes at least one sensor 4.
  • the sensor 4 may be disposed within the garden bed 100 or outside of the garden bed 100.
  • the system 1 has a plurality of sensors 400 which collect varying types of environment data 5.
  • the collected environment data 5 can be stored in a memory 23, a database 24, or an external server 25.
  • the collected environment data 5 is aggregated and processed to generate an environmental sensor signal 6, which is transmitted to the control module 7.
  • the sensors 400 may be in the form of temperature sensors 401 , moisture sensors 402, soil sensors 403, imaging sensors 404, location sensors 405, optical sensors 406, quality sensors 407, electrochemical sensors 408, mechanical sensors 409, airflow sensors 410, weather sensors 41 1 or any other smart agricultural sensor.
  • Temperature sensors 401 may include digital or electronic thermometers, temperature probes, infrared thermometers, thermocouples, semiconductor-based sensors, Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) or the like.
  • Location sensors 405 may include GPS or IPS, Relative Signal Strength (RSS) using beacons or wireless signals, or manual location input.
  • the imaging sensor 404 may be in the form of a camera 414. The camera may be disposed overhead to detect a plurality of modules or may focus on a single cultivation module 3. The system may include a plurality of cameras to monitor multiple garden beds.
  • a plurality of camera views 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721 , 722 may be shown on a user interface 709 of the computer 701.
  • the imaging sensor may be configured to track growth of the vegetation by comparing historical data obtained by the imaging sensor 404.
  • the optical sensor 406 uses light to measure soil properties within the cultivation module.
  • the optical sensor 406 may measure different frequencies of light reflectance in near-infrared, mid-infrared, and polarized light spectrums.
  • the optical sensor may be configured to determine environmental data 5 in the form of organic matter, soil reflectance, moisture content of the soil and plant colour data.
  • Moisture sensors 402 may be in the form of dielectric soil moisture sensors which provide environmental data 5 by measuring a dielectric constant in the soil to determine moisture content.
  • Quality sensors 407 may include air quality sensors or soil quality sensors.
  • Soil quality sensors may be in the form of probes which utilize coaxial impedance dielectric reflectometry (CIDR), frequency domain refiectometry (FDR), time domain refiectometry (TDR) or Time Domain Transmissometry (TDT).
  • CIDR coaxial impedance dielectric reflectometry
  • FDR frequency domain refiectometry
  • TDR time domain refiectometry
  • TTT Time Domain Transmissometry
  • Alternatively, other methods could be used to determine soil quality such as gypsum blocks to measure soil water tension, or gravimetric soil moisture methods of measurement.
  • Neutron probes may also be used to measure soil moisture content.
  • the electrochemical sensors 408 may provide environment data 5 in the form of pH and soil nutrient levels by detecting specific ions in the soil through the use of sensor electrodes.
  • the mechanical sensors 409 may provide environment data 5 in the form of soil compaction measurements or mechanical resistance.
  • the mechanical sensor may be in the form of a probe that penetrates the soil and records resistive forces through use of load cells or strain gauges.
  • the airflow sensors 410 may provide environment data 5 by measuring soil air permeability by determining the pressure required to push a predetermined amount of air into the soil at a predetermined depth.
  • the environment data 5 may be in the form of an identifiable signature determined from the required pressure to provide compaction measurements, soil structure, soil type and/or moisture levels of the soil.
  • the weather sensors 41 1 may provide environment data 5 in the form of weather information.
  • the weather sensor 41 1 may be in the form of a weather station 412 which includes a combination of sensors that provide environmental information on air temperature, soil temperature, rainfall, wetness, wind speed, dew point temperatures, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind direction, humidity and the like.
  • the weather station 412 may be a self-contained unit.
  • the sensors 400 may be configured to record information at predetermined intervals of time, or on demand by a user.
  • the sensors 400 may be disposed at varying positions in the system and may be wired to the control module or configured to wirelessly connect to the control module.
  • sensors may be disposed within the garden beds 100 (below or above the soil), on the body 2, on the control module 7 or on the fertiliser module 9.
  • the sensors 400 may be placed in a sled 22 to resist interference.
  • Sensors 400 may also be disposed overhead of the modules by being attachably connected to the support structure 10.
  • sensors 400 may be disposed outside the body on a third party structure or device, such as on a building adjacent to the system.
  • the system 1 is controllable by a user based on information obtained from the environment data 5.
  • a control module 7 is provided to receive the environmental sensor signal 6.
  • the control module is located at one end of the system 1.
  • the signal 6 may be transmitted to the control module 7 either through a direct wired communication or wirelessly using a wireless communication protocol such as WiFiTM or BluetoothTM, or as packet data over a 3G, 4G or 5G data communication network.
  • the control module then generates and displays control data 8 based on the collected environment data 5.
  • the control data 8 may be in the form of instructional data or guidance data for a user.
  • the control data 8 may selectively display options to a user for controlling the system based on the type of vegetation 21 being cultivated or other determined factors.
  • the control data 8 allows a user to input instructions to control the system 1.
  • the control module 7 has a built-in computer 701.
  • the computer may be a touchscreen computer 702.
  • the control module 7 can be remotely accessed through the use of a terminal device 703 such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart watch or the like.
  • a user may input operation data to the control module 7 via the computer 701 and 702 or the remote device 703 to operate and control the system 1.
  • the control module 7 is able to log all user input and system operations and store these as historical data.
  • the historical data may be stored on an external server 704 or an internal server 705 within the built-in computer 701 .
  • the control module further includes a user interface 709.
  • the user interface may form a part of the computer 701 , or may be separate for example, the user interface 709 may be in the form of a display screen. Alternatively, the user interface may form part of a terminal device 703 such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart watch or the like.
  • the user interface 709 is configured to display information received from the control module 7.
  • the user interface may be a control and monitoring interface 710.
  • the user interface may be only a monitoring interface 71 1 or a control interface 712.
  • Figure 8 provides an example of a control and monitoring interface 710 which provides an overview of the system.
  • control and monitoring interface may display camera views 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721 , 722, module monitoring information 723, water module monitoring information 724, a control panel 725, an irrigation schedule 726 and irrigation setting controls 727.
  • the user interface 709 displays environment data and monitored data that enables monitoring and viewing of real time data collected by the system. Users can customise charts, add notes and upload photos, optimise irrigation and crop requirements based on environment data and historical data, and monitor power consumption and water consumption.
  • the control module is also configured to control and monitor other modules within the system including the fertiliser module 9, the power module 27, the water storage module 28 and the nutrient delivering system 29. Additionally, the control module is configured to receive third party data 30.
  • the third party data can be aggregated with the environmental data 5 to generate control data 8.
  • the third party data can include, for example, meteorological data from external weather stations or websites.
  • the control module could be configured to selectively access such third party data within a failsafe mode such as communication failures or the like in the system 1. For example, if a signal cannot be received from the temperature sensor, the control module may access a third party weather station to determine temperature based on proximity to the weather station or a predetermined location.
  • the control module 7 outputs control data 8 based on the processing of environment data 5 in the form of an environmental sensor signal 6.
  • the environmental sensor signal 6 may be aggregated with third party data 30 as well as additional user defined data 706.
  • the user defined data 706 may be in the form of manual user specified input data 707, which could include location, temperature, plant type, plant growth or any other such features which the control module 7 may use. Further, the user defined data 706 may include other data to guide the user such as teaching modules 708, programs or applications which are able to prompt and guide the user based on the environment data 5 determined by the sensors.
  • the teaching modules 708 may be preinstalled on the built-in computer 701 of the control module 7, installed separately or may be added to the functionality of the control module 7 in the form of applications installed on a terminal device 703.
  • a remote device 703 may be configured to remotely connect to the control module 7 using an installed application, web access via a web application or other installed software.
  • Remote web access to the control module 7 may be provided using a unique password and login, or a unique link, web address or uniform resource locater (URL).
  • URL uniform resource locater
  • remote access may only be allowed for a terminal device 703 which carries a unique identifier.
  • remote access of the control module 7 may only be provided to the system 1 if the terminal device 703 is a school-issued tablet computer or laptop.
  • remote access may be limited by geographical means.
  • the control module 7 may only be remotely accessible by terminal devices 703 which are located within a certain area such within the school grounds or within an apartment complex.
  • Remote devices may be configured to control only a subset of the system. For example, a user may have remote access via their computer or login to control the irrigation connected to a single garden bed within the cultivation module 3.
  • the system further includes a fertiliser module 9. As shown in Figure 2.
  • the fertiliser module is located between the control module and the cultivation module. Flowever, it will be appreciated that the fertiliser module can be provided in a variety of configurations within the system.
  • the fertiliser module 9 is configured to receive waste organic material 901 and decompose the material 901 into a fertiliser 902.
  • the fertiliser module is in the form of a worm farm 903. Flowever, the fertiliser module 9 may also include a compost bin or composting zone in place of, or in addition to, a worm farm.
  • the fertiliser module has a container 904 adapted for containing the waste organic material and a cover 905 adapted for engaging with the container.
  • At least one sensor may be disposed in the fertiliser module 9.
  • a plurality of cameras may be disposed above the worm farm 903 to provide a view of the worm farm which can be monitored through the control module 7.
  • it may provide camera views 713 and 714 to be displayed on the control and monitoring interface 710, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the cover 905 preferably has an inner layer 906 and outer layer 907.
  • the inner and outer layer may define a 2-layered skin for providing insulation to the worm farm 903.
  • the inner layer 906 may have one of more apertures 926 disposed on its surface to allow ventilation of the worm farm 903.
  • the inner layer 906 and outer layer 907 may further define a ventilation cavity 927 which forms a passage between the worm farm and outside the system to allow air flow therethrough.
  • the container 904 may further include insulated walls 908.
  • the container may include ventilated walls 928.
  • the ventilated walls 928 may include a plurality of wall ventilation apertures 929 to allow air flow therethrough.
  • the wall ventilation apertures 929 may be formed by a suitable mesh material.
  • the wall ventilation apertures 929 may be provided in substantially parallel gaps between other solid wall materials on the container 904.
  • the cover 905 may be hingedly connected to the body 2 or hingedly connected to the container 904 by a hinge 909.
  • the cover 905 may be hingedly divided to define two individual covers 910 and 91 1 .
  • the individual covers 910 and 91 1 can be operated separately to facilitate access to each end of the word farm 903.
  • the cover 905 or each of the individual covers 910 and 91 1 may be fitted with gas-filled struts or other locking mechanisms which enable the covers to be held in an open position.
  • the cover 905 or the individual covers 910 and 91 1 have a misting module 1 100 located on the underside of the cover 905 or each of the individual covers 910 and 91 1.
  • the misting module 1 100 is configured to be controlled by the control module 7.
  • the misting module is adapted to receive water from the water storage module 28 and disperse water into the fertiliser module 9.
  • the misting module 1 100 may include an actuator 1 101 to define a variety of predetermined misting patterns.
  • the fertiliser module 9 may further include a harvesting zone 912 for harvesting fertiliser 902 produced by the fertiliser module.
  • the harvesting zone 912 has a conveyor belt 913 configured to facilitate movement of the fertiliser 902 away from the fertiliser module 9.
  • the conveyor belt 913 is disposed in the lower region 914 of the fertiliser module 9.
  • the location of the conveyor belt 913 in the lower region prevents the creation of disturbances to any worms 915 within the worm farm 903.
  • the conveyor belt 913 may form at least a portion of the base 916 of the container 904. Movement of the conveyor belt 913 loosens the produced fertiliser 902 and moves it away from the base 916.
  • the conveyor belt may be controlled manually by a crank disposed on the outside of the body 2.
  • the conveyor belt may also be controllable by the control module 7.
  • the base 916 may include a gridded grate 933.
  • the harvesting zone 912 has a shaving mechanism 930 configured to facilitate movement of the fertiliser 902 away from the fertiliser module 9.
  • the shaving mechanism is disposed in the lower region 914 of the fertiliser module 9.
  • the shaving mechanism 930 is configured to move along the base 916 of the lower region 914 to shave a layer of produced fertiliser from the base 916.
  • the shaving mechanism may be operatively associated with a crank, pulley, or a hydraulic system activated by small motors.
  • the shaving mechanism 930 may be in the form of an elongate blade 931 .
  • the blade is pulled over the surface of the grate 933, shaving off produced fertiliser 902.
  • the shaving mechanism may be a breaker bar 932.
  • the system may include a shaving mechanism 930 in combination with a conveyer belt 913.
  • the harvesting zone 912 may also include a collecting tray 917 located below the base 916 in a collecting zone 919 for collecting the fertiliser 902.
  • the harvesting zone may include a collecting bucket 920 instead of a tray.
  • the tray 917 sits in a horizontally planar manner underneath base 916 and is configured to slide out from the body 2 such that fertiliser 902 which is collected on the tray 917 can be accessed by a user.
  • the collecting zone 919 may include a sloped platform 221 or chute 222 which enables the fertiliser 902to be collected and moved away from the collecting zone 919 onto another collecting tray 923 or collecting bucket 924 which may be located on another part of the body 2.
  • the system may further include an aeration module 30 in the form of an air pump 31.
  • the aeration module 30 can be provided within the control module 7.
  • the aeration module can be used to aerate worm tea 918 which is formed by mixing the collected fertiliser 902 from the worm farm 903 with water. Aeration of the worm tea 918 enables activation of microbes and can be used to promote plant growth, provide essential soil probiotics and reduce the need for chemicals and pesticides.
  • water could be provided to the collected fertiliser 902 automatically or by use of the control module 7 to form worm tea 918. This could be done within the harvesting zone 912 or in a separate worm tea mixing module 925 via the control module 7.
  • the worm tea mixing module 925 or the harvesting zone 912 may be connected to the aeration module 30 to easily enable aeration of worm tea.
  • the worm tea mixing module 925 or the harvesting zone 912 may be configured to connect to the nutrient delivering system 29 such that the worm tea 918 could then be fed directly into the nutrient delivering system 29.
  • the system 1 may also be provided with a nutrient delivering system 29.
  • the nutrient delivering system is located on the body 2 such that it has access to each cultivation region in the cultivation module.
  • the nutrient delivering system 29 has access to each of the individual garden beds 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12.
  • the nutrient delivering system may include an irrigation module 32 for providing water to the plants and a fertigation module 33 for providing fertilisers, soil amendments, water amendments and other nutrients to each garden bed 100.
  • the irrigation module 32 and the fertigation module 33 may be provided in the same system or in individual systems.
  • the irrigation module 32 is configured to be controlled by the control module 7.
  • the irrigation module may be in the form of a drip irrigation system 34.
  • the irrigation module may be in the form of an overhead spray system 35.
  • the irrigation module 32 may include both a drip system 34 and an overhead spray system 35.
  • the fertigation module 33 is also configured to be controlled by the control module 7.
  • the fertigation system is connected to an injection unit 36.
  • the injection unit 36 is configured to receive fertilisers or other water-soluble nutrients.
  • the fertigation system is then configured to deliver the nutrients from the injection unit to the garden bed 100.
  • there may be a plurality of injection modules provided in the system such that fertilisers can readily be mixed, or the nutrient delivering system 29 can alternate between different types of fertilisers based on input from the control module 7.
  • the nutrient delivering system 29 is configured to deliver nutrients to each of the individual garden beds 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12.
  • the nutrient delivering system may be disposed to provide access to each cultivation region of the cultivation module 3.
  • the nutrient delivering system may also be located along the central channel 14 such that sections of the nutrient delivering system 29 can be selectively activated by a user via the control module 7 to provide nutrients or water to a selected cultivation region or garden bed.
  • a plurality of nutrient delivering systems may be provided for each cultivation module 3. In this case, the plurality of nutrient delivering systems may each be connected to an individual injection unit 36 and may be separately controlled by the control module 7.
  • the system 1 may further include a power module 27, configured to store and provide power to the system.
  • the power module includes at least one solar panel 37.
  • the solar panel 37 is provided with a battery and is disposed in a planar manner on the top of the control module 7.
  • the power module 27 is a solar powered 12 V universal system so as to be suitable for both local and international usage.
  • the solar panel 37 could be located in a variety of different positions.
  • the solar panel 37 could be located on top of the support structure 10.
  • the solar panel 37 may lie flat or it may be sloped to increase exposure to the sun.
  • the power module 27 may be configured to be plugged into an external power source 42.
  • the external power source may provide a back-up system or a primary power system for the computer-controlled agriculture system 1.
  • the power module 27 may also be configured to hold a minimum power level for the system 1.
  • the control module 7 is configured to monitor the power input and output of the power module 27.
  • the power usage can be tracked and monitored by a user in real time or by generating a report at a predetermined time.
  • the control module 7 logs and stores historical data relating to operations of the system, the control module 7 will be able to monitor the power input and output for specific operations and modules of the system 1 .
  • Water storage module
  • a water storage module 28 may also be included in the system 1.
  • the water storage module is configured to provide water to the system 1. More specifically, modules such as the nutrient delivering system 29, misting module 1 100 or worm farm 903 are connected to the water storage module and configured to receive water from the water storage module.
  • the water storage module 28 is in the form of a storage tank 38 or reservoir situated underneath the cultivation module 3.
  • the water storage module includes a rainwater collection system 39 for collecting rain water.
  • the rainwater collection system may be disposed on an external structure, such as a building rooftop, and be connected to the storage tank 38. Alternatively or additionally, the water storage module may be plumbed into an external water source. This may provide the primary water source or allow rainwater to be collected and provides a back-up system.
  • the backup system may have a predefined capacity at which to hold the tank.
  • the tanks may be held at a minimum of 20% full at all times to ensure that the system 1 has access to water.
  • any minimum capacity for the tanks could be defined.
  • the water storage module 28 has a float valve 40 to determine a water level or prevent further storage when the tanks have reached maximum capacity.
  • any other form of valve could be used.
  • the capacity of the tanks can be measured and the capacity may be communicated to the control module 7 for monitoring.
  • the control module 7 may also be used to control and/or adjust water flow rates.
  • a water storage sensor 41 may be provided in the storage tank 38 to monitor water input and output from the tank 38.
  • the water usage can be tracked and monitored by a user in real time or by generating a report at a predetermined time.
  • the control module 7 logs and stores historical data relating to operations of the system as well as water usage, the control module 7 will be able to monitor the water input and output for specific operations and modules of the system 1.
  • the above described computer-controlled agriculture system provides a tool to educate people about sustainable food production in a meaningful and inspirational way.
  • the computer controlled agriculture system may be a computer-controlled agriculture apparatus including a body adapted to support a plurality of modules, the modules comprising at least one cultivation module adapted for cultivating one or more varieties of vegetation, the cultivation module including at least one sensor configured to collect environment data from the at least one cultivation module and generate an environmental sensor signal; and a control module configured to receive the environmental sensor signal and to generate and display control data based on the environment data.
  • controller or “processor” may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory.
  • a “computer” or a “computing machine” or a “computing platform” may include one or more processors.
  • the methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein.
  • Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included.
  • a typical processing system that includes one or more processors.
  • Each processor may include one or more of a CPU, a graphics processing unit, and a programmable DSP unit.
  • the processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.
  • a bus subsystem may be included for communicating between the components.
  • the processing system further may be a distributed processing system with processors coupled by a network. If the processing system requires a display, such a display may be included, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. If manual data entry is required, the processing system also includes an input device such as one or more of an alphanumeric input unit such as a keyboard, a pointing control device such as a mouse, and so forth.
  • the processing system in some configurations may include a sound output device, and a network interface device.
  • the memory subsystem thus includes a computer-readable carrier medium that carries computer-readable code (e.g., software) including a set of instructions to cause performing, when executed by one or more processors, one or more of the methods described herein.
  • computer-readable code e.g., software
  • the software may reside in the hard disk, or may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the RAM and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the computer system.
  • the memory and the processor also constitute computer-readable carrier medium carrying computer-readable code.
  • any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others.
  • the term comprising, when used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter.
  • a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.
  • Coupled when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only.
  • the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.
  • the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means.
  • Coupled may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, electrical or optical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système agricole commandé par ordinateur (1). Le système (1) comprend un corps (2) adapté pour maintenir une pluralité de modules. Les modules comprennent au moins un module de culture (3) conçu pour cultiver une ou plusieurs variétés de végétation. Le module de culture (3) comprend au moins un capteur (4) configuré pour recueillir les données de l'environnement à partir d'au moins un module de culture (3) et générer un signal de capteur environnemental (6). Un module de commande (7) est configuré pour recevoir le signal de capteur environnemental (6) et pour générer et afficher les données de commande (8) basées sur les données de l'environnement.
PCT/AU2019/050861 2018-08-17 2019-08-16 Système agricole commandé par ordinateur Ceased WO2020034009A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2018903025 2018-08-17
AU2018903025A AU2018903025A0 (en) 2018-08-17 A computer-controlled agriculture system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020034009A1 true WO2020034009A1 (fr) 2020-02-20

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WO (1) WO2020034009A1 (fr)

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CN114885711A (zh) * 2022-04-25 2022-08-12 水利部牧区水利科学研究所 一种农业气象干旱模拟试验观测装置
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KR102494234B1 (ko) * 2021-08-09 2023-02-06 주식회사 효림솔루션 스마트팜 시스템
DE102022000201A1 (de) 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Christopher Lucas Kling Hochbeet mit automatisiertem Bewässerungssystem
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US11559008B2 (en) * 2020-07-13 2023-01-24 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Hydration system for an indoor garden center and a method of operating the same
KR102494234B1 (ko) * 2021-08-09 2023-02-06 주식회사 효림솔루션 스마트팜 시스템
CN113632628A (zh) * 2021-08-12 2021-11-12 湖北省地质局地球物理勘探大队 一种富硒茶叶优质高效施肥方法
CN113632628B (zh) * 2021-08-12 2022-05-06 湖北省地质局地球物理勘探大队 一种富硒茶叶优质高效施肥方法
US20240365733A1 (en) * 2021-09-10 2024-11-07 Jacques Mauritz VAN BUUREN Climate control chamber
DE102022000201A1 (de) 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Christopher Lucas Kling Hochbeet mit automatisiertem Bewässerungssystem
CN114885711A (zh) * 2022-04-25 2022-08-12 水利部牧区水利科学研究所 一种农业气象干旱模拟试验观测装置
CN114885711B (zh) * 2022-04-25 2023-06-13 水利部牧区水利科学研究所 一种农业气象干旱模拟试验观测装置
KR102493230B1 (ko) * 2022-07-13 2023-01-30 그린씨에스(주) 양액 공급 제어 시스템

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