Patent Application
20230380351
The present disclosure relates to sensing systems and, more particularly, to a three-dimensional (3D) printed housing that contains electronic sensors configured to report data on air temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), relative humidity, and lighting intensity levels for use in environmental control and automation.
The problem the present disclosure (colloquially known as “The Birdhouse”) solves is the inaccessibility of environmental data in commercial horticulture environments for use in an open-source automation system.
A shortcoming in prior art sensor devices is that they do not report the environmental data in an open-source accessible format for use in full automation systems. Most sensors only record some of the data points and require the use of a proprietary software app that must be licensed through them. These devices do not work well due to their limitations related to data accessibility for use in different automation and data reporting systems. Another shortcoming in prior art sensor devices is that they require translation and integration of multiple devices for computation of vapor-pressure deficit (VPD), which is an important factor in regulating greenhouse and other environment containing live plants.
What is needed is an environmental monitoring suite that provides open-source accessibility that can communicate data in a single format to a processor for environmental regulation.
In aspects, the present disclosure is related to an apparatus for sensing air temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), relative humidity, and lighting intensity levels for use in environmental control and automation, and, in particular, a three-dimensional (3D) printed housing that contains electronic sensors configured to report the aforementioned data.
One embodiment according to the present disclosure includes an apparatus for providing/reporting environmental data, including an enclosure that has a roof; a plurality of walls connected to the roof, wherein the plurality of walls comprises at least: a first wall with a first plurality of openings; a second wall with a second plurality of openings; and a third wall disposed opposite the first wall with a third plurality of openings; and a fourth wall disposed opposite the second wall; where the first plurality of openings is disposed opposite the third plurality of openings to form an air flow path through the interior of the enclosure; and a base connected to the plurality of walls. Also included in the apparatus are a processor disposed on the base inside the enclosure; a communications module disposed on the base inside of the enclosure and in electrical communication with the processor; a sensor module disposed inside the enclosure and in electrical communication with the processor, including a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a carbon dioxide sensor; wherein the processor is configured to organize data received from the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor in an open-source accessible format and transmit the data to the communications module; and where the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor are positioned proximate to the air flow path. The roof may include an opening configured to allow light to enter the enclosure, and the apparatus may further include a light sensor positioned proximate to the opening in the roof and in electrical communication with the processor; wherein the processor is configured to organize data from the light sensor in the open-source accessible format. One or more fans may be disposed in or on enclosure and adjacent to at least one of the openings in the first wall. At least one filter may be disposed to cover the openings in the first wall and at least one filter covering the openings in the third wall. A plurality of communications connectors may be disposed in the second plurality of openings. The enclosure is isolated from air in the ambient environment except for the first plurality of openings and the third plurality of openings.
Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a system for regulating environmental conditions that includes a sensor apparatus, that includes an enclosure made up of at least a roof with an opening configured to allow light to enter the enclosure; a plurality of walls connected to the roof, wherein the plurality of walls comprise at least: a first wall with a first plurality of openings; a second wall with a second plurality of openings; and a third wall disposed opposite the first wall with a third plurality of openings; and a fourth wall disposed opposite the second wall; where the first plurality of openings is disposed opposite the third plurality of openings to form an air flow path through the interior of the enclosure; and a base connected to the plurality of walls. The sensor apparatus also includes a processor disposed on the base inside the enclosure; a communications module disposed on the base inside of the enclosure and in electrical communication with the processor; a sensor module disposed inside the enclosure and in electrical communication with the processor, including a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a carbon dioxide sensor; wherein the processor is configured to organize data received from the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor in an open-source accessible format and transmit the data to the communications module; and where the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor are positioned proximate to the air flow path; a computer in data communication with the communications module and configured to receive the data from the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor in the open-source accessible format; and at least one environmental regulation subsystem in data communication with the computer and configured to respond to a computer instruction to modify an environmental parameter based on the received data. The at least one environmental regulation subsystem may include one or more of: a damper, a heater, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a circulation fan, an exhaust fan, and an irrigation source. The system may include a transmitter, where the computer is in electrical communication with the transmitter. The roof may include an opening configured to allow light to enter the enclosure, and the sensor apparatus may include a light sensor positioned proximate to the opening in the roof and in electrical communication with the processor; wherein the processor is configured to organize data from the light sensor in the open-source accessible format. The at least one environmental regulation subsystem may include a light source that can be controlled based on the information from the light senor. The sensor apparatus may include one or more fans disposed in enclosure and adjacent to at least one of the openings in the first wall. The sensor apparatus may include at least one filter covering the openings in the first wall and at least one filter covering the openings in the third wall.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method The method of operating an environmental system, the method including the steps of: receiving environmental data from at least one sensor, where the at least one sensor is selected from: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and a light sensor; converting the environmental data into open-source accessible data; and transmitting the open-source accessible data. The method may also include a step of operating at least one environmental regulatory system based on the open-source accessible data, wherein the at least one environmental regulatory system is one of a damper, a heater, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a circulation fan, an exhaust fan, and an irrigation source. The method may also involve the at least one sensor including the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor; and including the step of calculating a vapor pressure deficit using the open-source accessible data.
Examples of the more important features of the disclosure have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the contributions they represent to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.
For a detailed understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals, wherein:
Generally, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses for an environmental sensor suite configured to report environmental data in an open-source accessible format. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. They are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. The figures may show exaggerated thicknesses of some of the elements so that all the elements are easily viewable.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the present invention since the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an open-source system for providing/reporting environmental data.
The present disclosure solves the data accessibility problems discussed above by utilizing open-source programming and sensors to provide the environmental data in an industry-standard format that could be used by any automation system in the world. Any open-source programming language, for example, Python, may be used as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The custom and attractive design of the present disclosure allows for all sensors to be combined in an easily mountable enclosure and have the data report back to the automation system. Thus, a single data collection suite can be packaged and used with a single communication protocol and easy data integration since all of the sensors “speak” the same language.
The present disclosure eliminates the requirement of using third-party software to see and use environmental data. By not requiring third-party stand-alone software, the environmental data is accessible and usable by any automation system to automate the environmental control devices and log all data for use in reporting. Now, all of the environmental data can be available to a data control device, such as a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and other computer devices, which may use this information to modify or regulate the environment, such as initiating changes in temperature, regulated moisture levels, operating sprinklers or misting devices, air conditioning, louvers, and other environmental devices and systems as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
The present disclosure is an improvement over other environmental devices, in part, by providing the full package of required sensors in a single ornamental enclosure. The data is then available for use with any automation system to control lights, blackout curtains, exhaust and/or circulation fans, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers, CO2 concentration levels, and the like. Full facility automated control with any automation system is achievable using embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring now to
The sensors 620, 660 all use the open-source accessible communications. The sensors 620, 660 may use the same or a different communications language as long as they remain open-source accessible. All of the sensor data may provide real-time data and be used for automation and data logging/reporting.
In general, the first apparatus 100 (see
As shown, the enclosures 101, 201 may be embodied as a custom-designed and (for example) 3D printed housing to match the style of a traditional birdhouse that will be installed in the growing environment amongst the plants. The design has custom mounting locations for the sensors 620660 and the processor 610 to allow for a secure permanent fit.
The processor 610 may be embodied as a non-proprietary processor to process the sensor data for temperature, carbon dioxide, lighting, and relative humidity received from the respective sensors 620, 660.
The suite of sensors 620, 660 works as a complete environmental sensor product. The apparatus 100, 200 may include all the sensors 620, 660, fans 420, processor 610, and communication module 630 installed and pre-programmed and tested. The user simply needs to hang it in the environment to be sensed and plug it into the automation and/or data collection network. The apparatus 100, 200 may be configured to use an embedded webpage that allows for viewing of data on any internet device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. All set up for the user is simple and teachable. When the apparatus 100, 200 is to be integrated into an automation system, it behaves consistently with any other sensor being added to a control network.
As those with skill in the art will appreciate, while some embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in the form of a birdhouse for aesthetics, it may be embodied in various appropriate shapes. Further, any appropriate processing unit may be used as well as different sensors than the ones specifically mentioned to gather environmental data. The web interface may also take various forms.
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be used as follows. The first and most simple use of the present invention is simply to hang it in the environment, plug in an ethernet cable that goes back to a POE-enabled network router, and then the user can monitor all the sensor data on their phone, tablet, or computer. Of course, those with skill in the art will appreciate that, rather than a wired connection, wireless communication of the data values may also be employed. The current design requires an ethernet connection to transmit the data to an automation system because wireless data is not as secure as hardwired data. However, utilizing a wireless connection is certainly envisioned as a possibility.
Taking this a step further, a user can also integrate the present invention into an automation system. This would involve utilizing the automation person/company programmer to add the present invention to their existing or new automation network. They would add the present invention as a network device to their network. They could then capture the sensor data from the present invention for use within their automation program to control all of the environment devices.
The present invention can be used in any environment, not just in the horticulture industry. An example is that it could be used in any industrial or medical environment to aid in environmental alarming due to increased carbon dioxide levels by automatically controlling an exhaust fan or bringing in fresh air to the environment. This could also apply to monitoring lighting, temperature, and humidity for automatic control in large-scale building environments or correctional facilities. Other such uses are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be made and assembled as described above and as follows. If someone were to make the present invention on their own, they would first need to custom design and 3D print the enclosure. They would need to find non-proprietary and accurate sensors that can provide the data in the correct format. They would need to find and program the processor to read the sensor data and make it available using the automation industry-standard communication protocol. They would need to design the user interface and any formatting for automation and/or data reporting.
All elements in the present invention are necessary for this product's design and functionality. The sensor module 620, when including the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the carbon dioxide sensor, may provide real-time data that may be used to determine whether a VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) is present in the environment. VPD is a critical value for plant growth optimization. Based on the VPD determination, the system 800 may be activate or deactivate one or more of the environmental regulation subsystems 840-875 to eliminate the VPD condition.
Receiving environmental data using at least one of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the carbon dioxide sensor, and the light sensor. Converting the environmental data into an open-source readable format; transmitting the open-source readable data to an external system.
While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many other implementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and are all within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the preceding describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of applying the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the claims directed to the present invention.
While apparatuses and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions consistent with this specification should be adopted. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63364125 | May 2022 | US |
