NUTRIENT RELEASE FOR HYDROPONIC GROWING SYSTEM

The apparatus for providing nutrients to plants in a hydroponic plant growing system contains a nutrient release capsule and a capsule holder. The nutrient release capsule is a sustained release nutrient product comprising a hydroponic plant fertilizer center with a biopolymer outer coating to slow the release of the nutrients into the liquid (e.g., water). The capsule holder consists of a modifiable structure that can exist in multiple configurations to deliver different release dosage behaviors into and in response to the liquid for the hydroponic plant fertilizer.

BACKGROUND

Plants need certain nutrients in order to grow and be healthy. Plant nutrients typically are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients are sometimes divided into primary macronutrients and secondary macronutrients. Examples of primary macronutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Examples of secondary macronutrients include sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. Examples of micronutrients include iron, molybdenum, boron, copper, manganese, sodium, zinc, nickel, chlorine, cobalt, aluminum, silicon, vanadium, and selenium. When plants are grown in soil, the soil provides many, if not all, of the needed nutrients. In some cases, fertilizer may be added to the soil to provide nutrients. Plants also need oxygen and hydrogen, which may be provided by air and/or water.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without the use of soil. A hydroponic plant growing system may use water containing plant nutrients to facilitate plant growth. Herein, the plants nutrients that are delivered in water may also be referred to as hydroponic nutrients. It can be challenging to provide sufficient nutrients to plants in a hydroponic plant growing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The proposed apparatus for providing nutrients to plants in a hydroponic plant growing system contains a nutrient release capsule and a capsule holder. One embodiment of the nutrient release capsule is a sustained release nutrient product comprising a hydroponic plant fertilizer center with a biopolymer outer coating to slow the release of the nutrients into the liquid (e.g., water). One embodiment of the capsule holder comprises a modifiable structure that can exist in multiple configurations to deliver different release dosage behaviors into and in response to the liquid for the hydroponic plant fertilizer.

In some embodiments, the capsule holder consists of a modifiable enclosing that can exist in multiple states to deliver three (or more) different release dosage behaviors: modified release dosage, sustained release dosage, and diminishing release dosage. Two example structures for the capsule holder include one that engages the water (or other liquid) at various heights (the Ladder) and another with a floating mechanism with gates to let in different volumes of water (The Floating Gate). The user will fill up and configure their capsule holder with the one or more capsules in response to instructions from a software application as to which configuration/position inside the reservoir they should place/set their capsule holder (e.g., including what size opening to set). Once these are set in place, the nutrients will be slowly released over time so that the user can enjoy a semi-automated dosing of hydroponic nutrients to their hydroponic plant growing system. The user will be alerted to refill, or change the configuration of their capsule holder, based on the plants they are growing.

Some embodiments disclosed herein include or may be part of a continuous flow hydroponic system suitable for the indoor growing multiple crops/plants of different types at the same time. The hydroponic system can include a single layer or multiple layers of growing trays arranged over a pump. The pump directly supplies the top-most tray with water including from a tank, with each of the lower trays being supplied from drainpipe of the tray above. The bottom tray drains back to the tank.

A hydroponic system may re-circulate water that contains plant nutrients. The hydroponic system may contain multiple different types of plants (also referred to a crops), which may need different plant nutrients. The hydroponic system may potentially expose these multiple types of plants to the same water, and hence the same nutrients. It can be difficult for a user to determine suitable nutrients to add to the water in the hydroponic system in view of the wide range of nutrient needs of the various types of plants. This problem is made more difficult due to the possibility that plants may be in different growth stages, thereby affecting the nutrient needs. Embodiments disclosed herein determine suitable nutrients to add to a hydroponic system that recirculates water that is exposed to multiple types of plants that have different nutrient needs.

One embodiment disclosed herein includes a central controller that may determine suitable plant nutrients to add to a hydroponic system. The central controller may provide this information to numerous remote electronic devices (e.g., application on cellular phones) such that a user in control of the remote electronic device may learn what nutrients to add to their hydroponic system, including which capsules to add to the capsule holder and which configuration to implement for the capsule holder to obtain the appropriate release dosage behavior. In one embodiment, the central controller collects plant observations from the user of the hydroponic systems. These plant observations may include the amount of time that a certain type of plant to reach a specific growth stage. The central controller uses these plant observations to modify how the central controller determines what plant nutrients that the users should add to their respective hydroponic systems, and which configuration to implement for the capsule holder to obtain the appropriate release dosage behavior.

FIG.1is a high-level diagram of one embodiment of a hydroponic system100. One or more trays101are arranged to each hold one or more plants suspended above a layer of water so that roots of the plants can absorb the water and nutrients in the water. The content of the water and nutrients, or “water profile,” can be chosen based upon the plants being grown and their stages of development. Above each tray a light source103can be provided over the tray. In an outdoor use, natural lighting can be used, but the light sources103can be used to augment or replace natural lighting in situations with insufficient natural lighting. The following will mainly consider embodiments for indoor usage and include a light source103above each tray101.

To provide the water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) to the trays, a water re-circulation system is used. The water re-circulation system can include a pump113to supply the water and plant nutrients from a water reservoir or tank111. The pump113is connected to the water tank111to supply trays101and can supply one or more of the trays101directly or a tray can be supplied from another tray. In the embodiments mainly presented in the follow discussion, the trays101are arranged vertically so that the pump113will supply the top-most tray101directly, which will in turn supply a lower lying tray101in a gravity fed arrangement. For example, as illustrated inFIG.1, a top-most tray101-1is fed directly, that will feed a lower tray101-2, that will in turn feed a lower lying tray, and so on to the lowest lying tray101-n.FIG.1shows the pump113feeding a series of multiple trays, but other embodiment may have only a single tray, in which case the lowest lying tray101-nwill be the only tray and fed directly from the113. In other embodiments, a single water re-circulation system can feed more than one series of trays, each series having one or more trays and where the number of trays in the different series can differ.

In addition to the pump113and tank111, the water re-circulation system includes the plumbing to deliver the water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) from the tank to the trays101from the tank111and deliver the water back to the tank111. In the multi-tray, gravity fed series arrangement illustrated inFIG.1, the pump113supplies the top-most tray101-1from the tank111with a supply tube115. For example, the supply tube115can be plastic or other flexible tubing, or PVC or metal piping. The following embodiments will mainly describe a flexible plastic tubing, as this is often convenient and easy to install. The diameter of the supply tube115can be chosen based upon the capability of the pump113and height of the tray101-1that it is supplying directly.

In the embodiment ofFIG.1, the supply tube115runs up though a pipe119that extends upward through the vertically arranged trays101to the top-most tray101-1, serving as a conduit for the supply tube115and also as an auxiliary or overflow drainpipe. For this purpose, the conduit/auxiliary drainpipe119is arranged so that any of the water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) that flows into conduit/auxiliary drainpipe119will flow back into the water tank111. When the trays101are arranged vertically one over the other, the conduit/auxiliary drainpipe119can be a set of straight pipe sections, such as formed of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), stacked one above the other as a vertical column. In other embodiments, the supply tube115need not use the auxiliary drainpipe119as a conduit, in which case the pipe119may be eliminated; or the pipe119may serve only as a conduit for the supply tube115, without serving as an auxiliary drain pipe for overflow protection; however, the following discussion will mainly refer to embodiments using a combined conduit and auxiliary drainpipe function for the pipe119, as this can provide overflow protection as well as provide a convenient path from the pump113to the top-most tray101-1. In the following, the pipe119will mainly be referred to as an auxiliary or overflow drainpipe.

Each tray101will have a (primary) drain opening to which is connected a drainpipe117. For the lower-most tray101-n, the corresponding drainpipe117-ncan drain directly back into the tank111. For the higher trays, the drain pipe of each tray can supply the tray of the next lower level in a gravity fed series arrangement, so that, for example, the drainpipe117-1from tray101-1supplies tray101-2and the lower-most tray101-1can be supplied by the drain pipe117-(n−1) of the preceding tray of the series. The drainpipes can again be made of PVC pipe sections, such as a straight pipe section that ends in an elbow when supplying an underlying tray. In a single layer embodiment with only one tray, the single tray would be supplied directly from supply tube115and then its drainpipe would flow directly back to the tank111.

Embodiments of the hydroponic system100can include control circuitry121of varying levels of automation. For example, the control circuitry121can be connected for controlling the pump113and lighting elements103. The system can also include a water level sensor125to monitor the level of water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) in the tank111. The system100can include a user display and interface123to provide user information, such as the water level in the tank111, and receive inputs, such as to turn the lighting elements103or pump113on or off. Depending on the embodiment, the control circuitry can also communicate with a user over a wireless link to a smartphone, for example, or to back-end processing (e.g., central controller1902) located remotely.

In some embodiments, the hydroponic system100can also include sensors131to monitor the water profile in one or more of the trays or the tank111. For example, the sensors131can include a pH monitor and an electrical conductivity (EC) monitor in one of the trays that can be used to monitor the water profile by the control circuitry121. In other embodiments, these values can alternately or additionally be determined manually. Based on the monitoring, the water profile can be adjusted manually or automatically by adding nutrients and pH agents. In some embodiments, based on the monitoring the control circuitry121can automatically adjust the water profile by use of pumps135connected to supply the tank111from reservoirs133for nutrients and pH agents. The control systems are discussed in more detail below, including the balancing of the water profile for the concurrently growing multiple crops of different types in the same hydroponic system100.

FIGS.2A-2Dpresent views of the hydroponic system100ofFIG.1incorporated into a rack or cabinet for support. More specifically,FIGS.2A-2Drespectively present a front view, a side view, a cut-away rear view, and an oblique view of a 2-level hydroponic system, where the lower level of this double tray embodiment has a tall lower level and a short upper level. Such an arrangement could be used an indoor vegetable smart garden to grow a mixture of crops such as peppers, tomatoes, herbs, spices, and lettuces year-round.

In the front viewFIG.2A, the upper tray101-1is held in a housing105-1and illuminated from above by a light fixture103-1. The lower tray101-2is held in a housing105-2and illuminated by a light fixture103-2that can be integrated into the housing105-1. The power cord for the light103-1and103-2can run up the back side of the one of the support legs, for example. The upper tray101-1can be supplied by the water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) by a supply tube running up the auxiliary drainpipe119from the water re-circulation system located in the cabinet section201of the support structure. The lower tray101-2is fed by the upper level drainpipe117-1and drains by the lower level drainpipe117-2into the tank located in the cabinet201. The cabinet201can include doors for covering the water re-circulation system, control systems, and also be used for storage. In the arrangement ofFIGS.2A-2D, the trays are supplied and drained from the same side, such that in front view ofFIG.2Athe one obstructs the other. For example, the drainpipes117-1,117-2may located in front of the auxiliary drainpipe119, or vice-versa.

By placing the supply and drain for the trays on the same end of the trays, they can both be placed over the tank, so that both the (primary) drainpipes117-1,117-2and supply conduit and auxiliary drainpipe119can flow directly down into the supply tank111for both normal drainage and overflow drainage. Under this plumbing architecture, the water re-circulation system can be grouped to the one side (the left side in this example) of the cabinet201, leaving the other side available for control elements and storage. In contrast, if the trays were fed from one end drained from the other, the plumbing components would be less compact and spread across both sides of the structure.

FIG.2Bis side view of the hydroponic system shown from the front inFIG.2B. From the side view, both of the drainpipes117-1,117-2and supply conduit and auxiliary drainpipe119can be seen.FIG.2Bshows a cut line at A-A, where the rear view ofFIG.2Cis taken at this cut line.

In the cut-away rear view ofFIG.2C, a longitudinal cross-section of the trays101-1and101-2can be seen, as well as a cross-section of the light fixtures103-1and103-2. In the example here, the drainpipes117-1and117-2are shown as they are in front of the A-A cut line. Inside of the cabinet is shown the tank111, where the other objects shown can be various elements of the pump and control systems shown inFIG.1or other objects stored there.

FIG.2Dis an oblique view from the front and above of the hydroponic system100ofFIG.1incorporated into a rack or cabinet. From above the top of the trays101-1and101-2can be seen to be covered by a set of removable lids109that can used to hold the plants. A number of different lid configurations can be used, both as far as the number of lids covering a tray and configuration of the lids. In the example ofFIG.2D, each tray is shown to be covered by three lids having cup openings, into which net cups can be placed for holding plants, along with a smaller lid along the left (as represented in the figure) edge that is a separate service cover for the drain and supply regions. As discussed in more detail below, a number of arrangements can be used for the removable lids109. AlthoughFIG.2Dshows holes for holding net cups that would be used for many crops, arrangements more suitable for root vegetables or microgreens are also discussed below.

The embodiment illustrated inFIGS.2A-2Dhas two tray levels, but the hydroponic system ofFIG.1has a modular structure allowing to the system to be configured, or reconfigured, to a greater or fewer number of number of layers. In multi-layer embodiments, the vertical spacing of the layers can be the same or different.

FIGS.3A and3Brespectively illustrate a 3-level embodiment and a single layer embodiment for a hydroponic system. In the 3-level example ofFIG.3A, two short levels are arranged over a taller bottom layer. In a single layer embodiment such asFIG.3B, the supply line directly feds the single tray, which can then directly drain back into the supply tank.

FIGS.4A and4Brespectively show a top and bottom view of the housing, including the covering lids on top and a light source mounted on the bottom.FIG.4Cshows an underlying tray, including an elbow for receiving an upper level's drainpipe. The outer housing105serves as an external tray to support the tray101and attaches to the frame or rack to hold the trays in a vertical arrangement, such as is shown inFIGS.2A-2D. InFIG.4A, the underlying tray101is largely obscured, being covered by the tray lids109and the service lid or door108. In the shown embodiment, the tray is covered by three lids109, but other embodiments can use a lesser or greater number of lids109. In the shown embodiment, each lid has four holes or cup openings, such as illustrated at145, for holding a net cup that is configured to hold a net cup that can in turn hold a plant suspended above the underlying tray. Depending on the embodiment, differing numbers, arrangements and sizes of the cup openings145can be used. For example, the cup openings145may be lined up along the back of the tray101, rather than staggered, to take advantage of a trellis along the back of the structure in the case of vining plants. In other variations, some of the cup openings145may be sized to hold a smaller cup for the growing of herbs, for example. One or more of the lids109can include an opening147for the insertion of a sensor or sensors, where these can be inserted by a user to manually test the pH, electrical conductivity, or other properties of the water profile, or hold sensors connected to the control systems to automatically monitor the water profile. The lids109can also include finger holes or openings149along the edges to make it easier to remove the lids109.

Referring now to the bottom view ofFIG.4B, if the tray101is to be positioned above another tray101, the lower surface of the housing105can include a light source103. In one set of embodiments, the light source103can include a number of LEDs, such as a mix of white, red, and blue LEDs to provide spectral content suitable for plant growth. The intensity of the light source103may be fixed or adjustable in intensity, and the relative intensities of the different LED types may also be adjustable in some embodiments to allow the spectral content to be varied according to the plant selection, for example. The array of LEDs can be covered by a grid of baffles or louvers to direct the light downward and avoid light straying from the underlying tray101to where it could shine in the eyes of people or fade furniture and carpets, for example.

As also shown inFIGS.4B, the underside of the housing105has a pair of openings143that could each have a female grommet fitting and a male slip fitting for the attachment of the tray's drainpipe117and auxiliary drainpipe119. Referring again to the top view ofFIG.4A, the service door or lid108covers the end region of the tray101where the tray's drain and auxiliary drain openings are located, leaving an opening where the drainpipe and auxiliary drainpipe from the overlying layer attach. For example, an elbow141is shown that can include a female slip fitting to which a drainpipe for the above tray can be connected to supply water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) to the tray101in the sort of gravity fed series arrangement of trays described above.FIG.4Cillustrates one embodiment for the tray101and location of the elbow141in the tray101. The elbow141can be a PVC elbow, for example, and is positioned to direct the incoming water to the region above and to the right (as represented inFIG.4C) of the lateral barrier running lengthwise in the rectangular tray101. (The structure of the tray101is discussed in more detail below.)

FIGS.5A-5Cshow a cross-section taken transversely (the short direction across the rectangular structure) ofFIG.4A, whereFIGS.5B and5Care detail ofFIG.5A. The housing105forms an outer tray to hold the tray101for the aqueous hydroponic nutrient. The vertical element at the center is the lateral barrier203of the tray101and is discussed in more detail below. Over the top of the tray101is the lid109, and recessed into the bottom of the housing105is the light source103. InFIG.5Athe interior floor or bottom of the tray is indicated at241and can either be flat or slope from the input towards the drain. In the embodiments primarily discussed here, the floor241is flat and at the same level as the drain, so that the floor241is at the same height both to the left and to the right of the lateral barrier203. In a sloping floor embodiment, the floor241on the side closer to the input (to the right of the lateral barrier203as represented inFIG.5A) would be higher than the floor on the drain side (to the left). The walls243can either be sloped or vertical, depending on the embodiment. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures here, the longer front and back side walls243seen inFIG.5Aboth slope outwards, while the shorter side walls (not seen in the cross-section ofFIG.5A) are vertical.

The detail ofFIG.5Bis an expanded view of the correspondingly marked region ofFIG.5A. The edge or lip of tray101is stepped for fitting into the supporting housing105, being cut to fit closely to the housing, as indicated at157.

The detail ofFIG.5Cis an expanded view of the correspondingly marked region ofFIG.5A. As indicated at155, the bottom of tray101can be supported by resting on vertical flanges of the housing105. When the housing105includes a light fixture103, the light fixture103can be recessed into the bottom of the housing105. The light panel151can be formed of an array of LEDs recessed into the housing105, which is covered with the louver153that can be flush with the bottom of the surrounding housing105.

FIGS.6A and6Billustrate the structure of an embodiment for the tray101, whereFIG.6Bis a detail ofFIG.6A. In the embodiment ofFIG.6A, the tray101is a rectangular shape, extending the x, or lateral, direction for a length of several times the width in the y, or transverse, direction. Other shapes can be used for alternate embodiments, but the configuration ofFIG.6Ais suited to the sort of rack or cabinet for indoor use that was described above with respect toFIGS.2A-2D. The tray can be formed of molded plastic, such as thermoformed high impact polystyrene for example.

The water can be fed in (as marked by the IN arrow) by a supply tube (e.g.,115ofFIG.1) at opening209for a top level, or single level embodiment, tray101, or from a drainpipe from a higher level that would connect to an elbow (141ofFIG.4A or4C) that can rest in the curved recessed region208that can be shaped as a “half-pipe” area that is configured to hold the elbow. For either source, the input is provided from an area raised above the tray bottom, from which it will flow to one side of lateral barrier203running most of the length of the tray101in the x direction. The water will drain from the tray101at a drain opening207(mostly obscured in theFIG.6A), flowing toward the drain (as indicated by the OUT arrow).

In the embodiments illustrated here inFIGS.4C,5A,6Aand related figures, the tray101has a rectangular shape with the longer front and back side walls running in the lateral direction sloping outward, and the shorter front and back side walls being vertical. The interior floor or bottom241is flat and at the same level as, or somewhat above, the drain opening207, with the main portion of the floor (with the lateral barrier203and the region over which the plants are placed). The main region or portion of the floor241, over which the plants are located and suspended in the net cups in the cup openings145of the lids109, is separated from the dam region by the dam205with a lower region233that is raised relative to the main region or portion of the floor241, but lower than the opening209and region208that are used for the input and auxiliary overflow. The opening209and region208that are used for the input and auxiliary overflow are in turn lower than the lateral barrier203, so that any input of water from these elements will be directed to the input side. As noted, both of the drain opening207and the opening209and region208are located off to the same side of the tray relative to the main region or portion of the floor241.

In a top (or single) level tray, the supply tube will enter at opening209, while for lower levels an auxiliary drainpipe segment will attach at opening209, extend upward to attach below the overlying tray and act as a conduit for the supply tube. From the drain opening207, a drainpipe section is connected to return the water to the tank (for the bottom-most tray) or to supply an underlying tray. The drainpipe section extending from the drain hole of the overlying can be aligned with the drain opening207, but fit into an elbow fitted into the region208so that it will be directed to the input side.

InFIG.6A, both the input and the output for the water are located along the upper left (as represented in the figure) shorter side of the tray101. As discussed above, this allows for the plumbing of the water re-circulation system to all be arranged along the one side for convenience. This means that the water to flow from the input to the drain opening and, so that all of the plants suspended over the tray101to be supplied, to flow across the full surface of the tray bottom. To direct the flow, a lateral barrier203can be included to provide the flow as indicated by the arrows. The lateral barrier can also serve a support function for the tray lids. In the embodiment ofFIG.6A, the lateral barrier separates the input region around opening209above and to the right (as represented inFIG.6Afrom the drain region around opening207, extending laterally most of the length of the tray101, but with a gap at the end opposite the input and output regions. This allows the flow from the input to travel toward the far end of the tray101on the one end, loop around the end of the lateral barrier and flow back towards drain207, covering the bottom of the tray. It will be understood thatFIG.6Ais just particular embodiment and that, in addition to changes of relative dimensions, left-right, front-back, or both can be swapped around. The lateral barrier203can also have other shapes and provide more than two channels: for example, in the case of a square shape for the tray101, the lateral barrier203could be formed of several sections to direct the flow from the input to the far end in a first channel toward the far, redirect the flow back to the input end in a second channel, redirect the flow back again toward the far end in a third channel, before finally directing it back to the dam205in a fourth channel.

To affect the flow along the tray101as illustrated by the arrows inFIG.6A, the bottom of the tray101can be slopped downwards toward the drain opening207, use a dam, or a combination of these. The embodiment ofFIG.6Auses a flat bottom and a dam205. The dam205extends from the lateral barrier203to the side wall to limit the flow as indicated at the OUT arrow to the drain207. The height of the dam205will set the water level in the tray101. The use of a dam205to maintain a water depth in the tray101will make the flow less sensitive to how level the tray is within the supporting structure of a rack or frame for small angles.

FIG.6Bprovides detail on the corresponding region circled inFIG.6A, including the dam205, drain opening207, and the auxiliary drainpipe/input opening209. The dam205includes a lower region233that acts as a weir and sets the water height in the tray101, and a raised barrier region231that can inhibit root incursion into the area around the drain opening207. The height of the lower dam region233can vary based upon the embodiment to allow for different water heights in the tray and can be of a fixed height, as shown inFIG.6B, or user adjustable for allow for the water height to be user-set or allow for the tray101to be drained without its being removed.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.6A and6B, the lateral barrier203curves around into the dam region205, but in other examples, these could meet at a right angle or with a diagonal region. The curvature allows space for the “half-pipe” region208that is configured to locate the pipe elbow141as shown inFIG.4Cwhere the overlying tray's drainpipe can connect to supply the tray101.FIG.6Balso shows detail for the opening209. Around the opening209, the tray can include an annular region of a recessed step as indicated at221that can locate and support an auxiliary drainpipe connected to the bottom of the overlying tray. Relative to the level of the recessed step as indicted at221, a region223can be further stepped down. For the top-most tray, the stepped channel at223can hold an elbow or other end of the supply tube115so that it can provide the input flow of the water and plant nutrients provided by the water re-circulation system from the tank111as illustrated inFIG.1. For lower level trays, which will have an auxiliary drainpipe mounted into the recessed step221, this provides an overflow gap into which water can flow down the auxiliary drainpipe119to drain off an excessive water level and reduce the likelihood that a tray will overflow.

Considering the relative heights of the lower dam region233, the raised barrier231, and stepped channel223of the opening209, the lower dam region233is the primary outflow channel from the tray101and acts as a weir to set the level of liquid in the tray101. The stepped channel223is set higher than lower dam region233and provides overflow if the drain opening207becomes blocked or sufficiently obstructed (such as by roots, for example) so that it cannot keep up with the inflow rate, or if the lower dam region233is blocked. The raised barrier region231can be at an intermediate height between that of the stepped channel223and the lower dam region233and serve an alternate spillway-like function when the drain opening207is still draining, but the lower dam region233is obstructed.

FIGS.6C and6Dillustrate the use of the region of the opening209for supplying the tray101and providing overflow protection for a top-level tray and a lower level tray, respectively. In the case of a top-level tray shown inFIG.6C, the supply tube115ofFIG.1runs up the conduit and auxiliary drainpipe119into the opening209and ends in an elbow or nozzle fitting235to feed the tray101. The elbow or nozzle fitting235can be lodged in the stepped channel223to hold it in place, while still leaving room around sides in the opening209so that it can provide the overflow function if the drain opening207becomes obstructed.FIG.6Dshows the situation for a lower tray that is supplied by the drainpipe117from over-lying tray that ends the elbow141. The auxiliary drainpipe119sits in (and obstructs the view of) the annular region of step221around the opening209ofFIG.6B, providing a conduit for the supply tube115going up to, and auxiliary drainage coming down from, the over-lying tray. The stepped channel223provides a gap (circled in the figure) for overflow drainage, where the gap provided by the step channel223can be augmented or replaced by cutting into the auxiliary drainpipe119for this purpose.

Returning toFIG.6A, the edges of the tray101can include features to accommodate tray lids109and the service lid108as shown inFIG.4A. A pocket indicated at211can allow the service lid108to rest vertically over the tray101. A set of bumps, such as indicated at213can locate the tray lids109and the service lid108on the tray101. The “shelves” along the side, such as indicated at215, can support the tray lids109and the service lid108over the tray101. In between the “shelf” segments along the edge of the tray101can be finger holes, such as indicated at217to facilitate lifting of the lids.

FIGS.7A and7Bare bottom views of the tray embodiment ofFIG.6A. On the underside of tray101as shown inFIG.7A, along the upper left edge, are a downspout244for connection of the (primary) drainpipe117and the auxiliary drainpipe119.FIG.7Bis a detail showing the circled region ofFIG.7A.

Referring back toFIGS.2D and4A, the trays101of the hydroponic system100are covered by lids109having cup openings145that are configured for holding net cups that hold the plants.FIG.8Ashows one example of a net cup.

FIG.8Aillustrates an embodiment of a net cup301for holding a plant as part of a hydroponic system. The net cup301can be made of plastic, such as injection molded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and fits into a cup opening145of a lid109to suspend a plant over an underlying tray. The net cup301is sized to fit the cup opening145and can vary depending on the embodiment, but can be 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) across, for example, to hold a typical plant. The net cup301can include a lip303to lap over the edge of cup opening145and have a set of tabs305to allow the net cup301to snap in place and be held securely, where the tabs305can be pinched in to remove the net cup301. As shown in the detail ofFIG.8B or8C, some embodiments of the net cup301can also include a side slot or groove325or325′ around the edge that can be used to hold a support for plants, as discussed in more detail below. In the embodiment ofFIG.8B, the circular arc of groove325is configured to hold a support between the groove and a lid109into which it is place. For the embodiment ofFIG.8C, the groove is a side slot325′ is a semi-circular recess to hold the support

The net cup301is configured to hold soilless growth medium, such as perlite, gravel, peat, coir (coconut fiber) or other inert medium, into which seeds or young plants can be placed. The embodiment ofFIG.8holds a peat plug309extending down into the net cup301and having a top that is more or less flush with the top of the cup. The net cup301extends downward, so that when placed into a lid109over a tray101the bottom of the net cup301will be above the bottom of the tray101but extend into the water (e.g., aqueous hydroponic nutrient) enough so that the peat plug309can wick up the water and plant nutrients. The cup301has a net section in that it has openings307around its sides, bottom, or both to allow the water in and, as the plant grows, the roots out. Variations on the cup's structure for different crops are discussed in more detail below.

FIG.9illustrates an embodiment of the hydroponic system100with plants in place.FIG.9shows the same view asFIG.2A, but with net cups installed and plants growing in the cups. As illustrated, a number of different crops can be grown concurrently, where, as described in more detail below, the water profile of the system can be based on the composition and state of development of the plants. The embodiment ofFIG.9has a taller lower shelf, that can hold taller plants and an upper shorter shelf. For example, the lower shelf could be used for vining crops, such as tomato plants. For vining plants or other plants that can benefit from support, a trellis or other supports can be introduced to the hydroponic growing system. Depending on the embodiment, a plant can be provided with an individual support, a lattice or other support can be common to several plants, or a combination of these.

FIG.10is a diagram of an environment in which embodiments may be practiced.FIG.10depicts several hydroponic systems100, several electronic devices1910, and a central controller1902. The central controller1902may also be referred to herein as a “backend.” The hydroponic systems100may be implemented by any of the hydroponic systems100disclosed herein, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, a hydroponic system100contains one or more sensors131to collect information about the water in the hydroponic system100. Examples of the one or more sensors131include a pH sensor, a water level sensor, and an EC sensor. The hydroponic systems100may be configured to report the information collected by the sensors to an electronic device1910. In one embodiment, wireless communication is used. For example, a hydroponic system100and an electronic device1910may each have Bluetooth capability. The one or more sensors131are not required, as a user could make measurements manually.

The electronic devices1910comprise a hydroponic client1908, which may be software that is executed on the electronic device1910. The electronic devices1910have a display/interface123that may be used to display information to a user, as well as allow the user to input information. The electronic devices1910could be a device such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, desktop computer, or a personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, the hydroponic clients1908are configured to collect information about the plants in the hydroponic systems100and report that information to the central controller1902. In one embodiment, the hydroponic client1908receives information such as what types of plants are being grown in a hydroponic system100, as well as the stages of plant growth. Examples of stages of plant growth include, but are not limited to, germination, mid growth, flower, fruit, and harvest. A user may provide this information by way of an interface provided in a display screen123of the electronic device1910. In one embodiment, the hydroponic client1908receives plant observations by way of the interface. An example of a plant observation is how long it took a plant to reach a certain growth stage. Another example plant observation is leaf condition (e.g., leaf color, leave drop). The hydroponic client1908is configured to provide the information it collects to the central controller1902. For example, each electronic device1910and the central controller1902may communicate by means of one or more communication networks1912such as the Internet. The one or more networks1912allow a particular computing device to connect to and communicate with another computing device. The one or more communication networks1912may include one or more wireless networks and/or one or more wireline networks. The one or more networks1912may include a secure network such as an enterprise private network, an unsecure network such as a wireless open network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and/or the Internet. Each network of the one or more networks1912may include hubs, bridges, routers, switches, and wired transmission media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection.

The central controller1902stores plant tables2000, which contain information such as nutrient needs of plants, target pH, target amount of light, etc. In one embodiment, there is a separate table for each of several plant growth stages. The water profile calculator1904is configured to calculate a water profile for a hydroponic system100based on the information received from an electronic device1910, as well as information in the plant tables2000. The central controller1902provides the water profile to the electronic device1910, such that the hydroponic client1908can either control the hydroponic system100to achieve the water profile, or provide instructions to a user as to what nutrients and/or pH adjustments to make to achieve the water profile. Note that an electronic device1910can also have a water profile calculator1904, wherein the electronic device1910could calculate the water profile without the assistance of the central controller1902.

The central controller1902has a plant observation aggregator1906that is configured to aggregate the plant the observations from the electronic devices1910. The central controller1902is configured to modify the information in the plant tables2000, in an embodiment. For example, the plant observation aggregator1906could modify the nutrient needs of a certain type of plant, based on the collected observations. The plant observation aggregator1906is further configured to determine a value for a parameter that is used by the water profile calculator1904. For example, based on the plant observations, the plant observation aggregator1906may determine that the time that it takes a certain type of plant to reach a certain growth stage should be adjusted from 60 days to 58 days. This may cause the water profile calculator1904to access a different plant table2000, in some cases.

A net impact is that this change in parameter value may result in a different water profile from the water profile calculator1904for a given set of data. For example, the data may include the amount of time that has passed since a given type of plant (e.g., tomato plant) was started in a hydroponic system100. The plant may have different nutrient requirements after it reaches this growth stage. Thus, the change from 60 days 58 days to reach the growth stage means that the water profile will change at 58 days instead of at 60 days. Therefore, by aggregating plant observations from many users the accuracy of the water profile can be improved.

The central controller1902may be implemented with a computer system having a processor and non-transitory memory. The water profile calculator1904and plant observation aggregator1906may be implemented by software that is stored in the non-transitory memory and executed on the processor. In one embodiment, the central controller1902is referred to as a web server.

FIG.11is table2000that defines example conditions and nutrient needs of various types of plants that might be grown in a hydroponic system100. The table2000is for one particular growth stage. There may be a similar table for other growth stages. For example, table2000could be for the harvest stage. There may be similar tables for germination, mid-growth, flower, and fruit stages. The table2000has a row for each of numerous types of plants (which may also be referred to as “crops”). The rank multiplier is a factor that indicates how much weight is given to the plant in that row during a calculation of a water profile for a hydroponic system100that contains multiple types of crops, and will be discussed in more detail below. The pH is a target water pH for the plant in that row, for this stage of plant growth. This example is simplified in that different plants may have a different target pH. The EC (electrical conductivity) is a maximum water EC for the plant in that row, for this stage of plant growth. This example is simplified in that different plants may have a different target EC. Note that the pH and the EC refer to the water that recirculates in the hydroponic system100.

The columns labeled “A”, “B”, and “C” are for different plant nutrient mixtures. Each nutrient mixture provides a different mix of plant nutrients. In one embodiment, one of the plant nutrient mixtures contains at least one plant nutrient not found in the other two plant nutrient mixtures. For example, one of the plant nutrient mixtures may contain magnesium, whereas the other two do not. In one embodiment, two of the plant nutrient mixtures contain the same plant nutrients, but the concentrations of at least some of the plant nutrients are different. For example, one of the mixtures may provide a much larger amount of potassium than the other. In one embodiment, the plant nutrient mixtures are hydroponic nutrient solutions. A hydroponic nutrient solution is a concentrated aqueous solution that contains plant nutrients.

In one embodiment, two of the plant nutrient mixtures provide Fe, N, Ca, and K. However, the concentration (in ppm) of at least some of these plant nutrients is different. For example, the concentration of N and Ca might be higher in nutrient mixture A than in nutrient mixture C; however, the concentration of K might be higher in nutrient mixture C. It is not required for all of the plant nutrients to have different concentrations. For example, the concentration of Fe might be the same in nutrient mixture A and nutrient mixture C.

In one embodiment, one the plant nutrient mixtures provides Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, Na, K, and P. For example, nutrient mixture B might contain these plant nutrients, whereas plant nutrient mixture A and plant nutrient mixture C might not contain any of these. However, plant nutrient mixture A and/or plant nutrient mixture C could contain one or more of Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, Na, K, and P.

There could be more than three different plant nutrient mixtures. In one embodiment, only two different plant nutrient mixtures are used. There are a multitude of ways that plant nutrient mixtures may be formulated such that each plant nutrient mixture provides a different mix of plant nutrients.

The values in the rows in the plant nutrient mixture columns may be referred to herein as “Nutrient Ratios.” The Nutrient Ratio is expressed as A/B/C, in one embodiment. For example, the nutrient ratio in table2000for lettuce is 1/1/0. In this example, the nomenclature “Nutrient Ratio A” will be used to refer to the value of “A”, “Nutrient Ratio B” will be used to refer to the value of “B”, and “Nutrient Ratio C” will be used to refer to the value of “C.” For example, for lettuce, Nutrient Ratio A has a value of 1, Nutrient Ratio B has a value of 1, and Nutrient Ratio C has a value of 0. As noted above, the plant nutrient mixtures in table2000are hydroponic nutrient solutions, in one embodiment. When the plant nutrient mixtures are hydroponic nutrient solutions, these nutrient ratios may be referred to as “ratios of hydroponic nutrient solutions.”

The pH, EC, and “Nutrient Ratios” in table2000are one way to specify a water profile. The values in each row of table2000are one example of a water profile for each crop. In some embodiments, a single water profile is determined for all of the crops in a hydroponic system100.

The column labeled “lights” indicates a target amount of light for the plant in that row. The value is a number of hours of light per day, in one embodiment. The nature of the light (e.g., intensity, color) may also be specified.

FIG.12is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process2100of providing a water profile for plants in a hydroponic system100. The process2100is implemented by the central controller1902, in one embodiment. Step2102includes the central controller1902receiving plant observations from electronic devices1910. The plant observations are provided by a user of a hydroponic system100, in an embodiment. In one embodiment, the plant observations include data on how long it took a type plant to reach a certain growth stage. For example, the plant observations from one user may include data of how many days it took a tomato plant to reach the fruit stage. If the user has multiple tomato plants, the user might provide data for each plant. Another example observation is leaf conditions. For example, if a user notices that a plant has leaves that brown, this may be an indication of a problem with the water profile (e.g., the plant nutrients or pH). If many user's report such problems, this may be an indication that the central controller1902should change the water profile it provides, at least for hydroponic systems100that might be impacted by the foregoing problem with leaves turning brown.

Step2104includes the central controller1902modifying a technique for determining a water profile of one of more types of plants are determined based on the collective observations. One way in which the water profile may be specified is by table2000(or a similar table for other plant stages). With respect to table2000, the water profile may include some or all of pH, EC, Nutrient Ratio A, Nutrient Ratio B, Nutrient Ratio C. The water profile could be specified in another manner, such as ppm of various plant nutrients. One way to modify the technique for determining the water profile is to change one or more values in table2000(or a similar table for other plant stages). Another way to modify the technique for determining the water profile is to change what table2000is selected. For example, the central controller may determine that, based on the collective observations, tomato plants are reaching the fruit stage sooner than expected. Thus, the central controller1902may access a different plant table2000to determine the nutrient needs of tomatoes. As another example, the collective observations may be that a certain type of plant being grown in hydroponic systems100are exhibiting brown leaves, which may be an indication that the nutrition for that plant is not correct. Thus, the central controller1902may modify the nutrient needs (e.g., the values in columns labeled “A”, “B” and/or “C”) in table2000to correct the nutrient problem.

Step2106includes providing a water profile for plants grown in a hydroponic system100to at least one of the electronic devices1910based on the modified technique for determining the water profile for the specified type of plant. The water profile may be specified in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the water profile is specified as a first amount of Nutrient mixture A, a second amount of Nutrient mixture B, and third amount of Nutrient mixture C. In this example, the amount of one or two of the nutrient mixtures may be zero. The water profile could be specified in terms of ppm of various plant nutrients. The water profile could be specified in terms of amounts of various salts that provide the plant nutrients.

FIG.13is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process2200of providing a water profile for plants grown in a hydroponic system100. Process2200is implemented by a control circuit, in one embodiment. Any combination of control circuitry121, electronic device1910and/or central controller1902may be considered to be a control circuit for performing functionality described herein. Steps2204-2208of process2200are implemented by the central controller1902, in one embodiment. Steps2204-2208of process2200are implemented by the hydroponic client1908that executed on an electronic device1910, in one embodiment.

Step2202includes re-circulating an aqueous nutrient solution in one or more trays101in a hydroponic system100. Step2202includes re-circulating the water containing plant nutrients (e.g., an aqueous nutrient solution), using a water re-circulation system, in one embodiment.

Step2204includes accessing a list of different plants (or crops) in the tray(s)101. The plants have different water profiles for optimum health, in one embodiment. For example, tomatoes may have different nutrient needs than lettuce. In one embodiment, the step2204also includes accessing a growth stage of at least some of the plants. The nutrient needs of at least some of the plants may depend on the growth stage.

Step2206includes determining a single water profile for the different plants in the hydroponic system100. In some embodiments, step2206includes determining a weighted average of the nutrient needs of the various plants in the hydroponic system100. Further details of embodiments of determining a single water profile are described below.

Step2208includes determining an adjustment to the aqueous nutrient solution based on the single water profile. In one embodiment, the central controller1902provides the water profile to an electronic device1910(that executes the hydroponic client1908). In one embodiment, the hydroponic client1908has a user interface123that provides instructions for a user to make water adjustments. For example, the instructions tell the user how much of Nutrient A, Nutrient B, and/or Nutrient C to add to the water that is re-circulated in the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, the hydroponic client1908automatically makes the water adjustments by causing various nutrients to be added to the water that is re-circulated in the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, user interface123that provides instructions for a user to load nutrient capsules in a capsule holder and instructs the user as to the physical configuration to implement for the capsule holder, as described below with respect toFIGS.18-30.

FIG.14is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process2500of adjusting a water profile for plants grown in a hydroponic system100. The hydroponic system100includes a water re-circulation system that recirculates water that contains plant nutrients (e.g., an aqueous nutrient solution), in one embodiment. Process2500is one embodiment of process2200. Process2500is implemented by the control circuit, in one embodiment.

Step2502includes confirming a list of different plants in the tray(s)101. Step2504includes instructing the user to measure the pH and the EC of the aqueous nutrient solution that is being re-circulated in the hydroponic system100. Step2506includes receiving the pH and EC measurements. For example, the hydroponic client1908accesses the pH measurement from field2412. The EC measurement may be obtained in a similar manner. Step2508includes determining a single water profile for the different plants. Step2508is performed by the hydroponic client1908. In one embodiment, the hydroponic client1908sends information to the central controller1902, which determines the water profile and sends the water profile to the hydroponic client1908. Step2510includes instructing the user to add specific amounts of pH adjustment to the aqueous nutrient solution that is being re-circulated in the hydroponic system100. Step2512includes instructing the user to add specific amounts of Nutrient A, Nutrient B, and/or Nutrient C to the water that is re-circulated in the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment of step2512, user interface123provides instructions for a user to load nutrient capsules in a capsule holder and instructs the user as to the physical configuration to implement for the capsule holder, as described below with respect toFIGS.18-30. Step2514includes instructing the user to add a specific amount of water to the water that is re-circulated in the hydroponic system100. This water could be tap water, bottled water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, etc.

FIG.15is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process2600of determining an amount of nutrients to add to the hydroponic system100. The process2600may be used in one embodiment of any of steps2206,2306, and/or2508. Process2500is implemented by the control circuit, in one embodiment.

Step2602includes a list of crops (or plants) in the hydroponic system100. The user may enter/modify a list of crops at any time. The list of crops may be stored for future reference. In one embodiment, list is stored on the electronic device1910. In one embodiment, the list is stored on the central controller1902.

Step2604includes accessing crop stages. The crop stages are determined based on days from germination or planting, in one embodiment. For example, the user may provide the date that a specific crop was planted in the hydroponic system100. This information can be provided at any time. In one embodiment, this date is stored with the list of crops.

Step2606includes running a ranking algorithm. The ranking algorithm is used to determine what nutrients to add based on assigning different weights to different plants. The ranking algorithm determines a relative amount of each of Nutrient A, Nutrient B, and Nutrient C, in one embodiment. For example, the ranking algorithm may determine that the relative amounts of the three nutrients respectively should be: 0.5/1/0.25. Herein the value in this relationship is referred to as its “Nutrient Ratio.” For example, Nutrient A may be assigned a Nutrient Ratio of 0.5, Nutrient B may be assigned a Nutrient Ratio of 1.0, and Nutrient C may be assigned a Nutrient Ratio of 0.25.

Each crop is assigned a rank multiplier, in one embodiment. With reference toFIG.11, each crop has a rank multiplier of 2 for the crop stage in that table2000. However, different crops could have different rank multipliers for the same crop stage. Also, the rank multiplier for a given crop depends on the crop stage, in one embodiment. The ranking algorithm also determines a target EC, in one embodiment. One embodiment of a ranking algorithm is depicted inFIG.16.

Step2608includes access the current EC of the water in the hydroponic system100. This may be accessed automatically by the hydroponic client1908. This may be accessed based on user input, as in step2504ofFIG.14.

Step2610includes a determination of whether the target EC is less than the current EC. Note that the target EC is determined by the ranking algorithm, in one embodiment. If the target EC is less than the current EC, then the process continues at step2614. However, if the target EC is not less than the current EC, then no nutrients are added to the hydroponic system100at this time (step2612).

Step2614includes determining the current water level in tank111of the hydroponic system100. Step2614may include accessing a measurement of the water level in the tank111. In one embodiment, water level sensor125is used to monitor the current water level in the tank111. In one embodiment, the user observes the water level in the tank111and reports it in an interface.

Step2616includes determining a volume of water to add to the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, this is based on the level in the tank111. If the level in the tank111is at a sufficient level, then it is not required that any water be added. In one embodiment, a calculation is made of the difference between a “full level” in the tank111, and the present level. The user is instructed to add enough water to reach the full level, in one embodiment.

Step2618includes determining the total water volume in the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, the volume of water in each tray101is known based on the physical configuration of the tray (e.g., length, width, water level due to dam height). The total water volume in the hydroponic system100may be determined by adding the water volume in each tray101and the tank111.

Step2620includes determining a total volume of nutrient to add to the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, a weighted average equation is used to determine the total volume of nutrient to add. Equation 1 is an example weighted average equation.

In Equation 1, Volnis the total volume of nutrient to add. In Equation 1, ECsis the current EC of the water in the system100(before adding water or nutrients), Vols is the total water volume in the hydroponic system100(before adding water or nutrients), EC, is the EC of the water that is added to the system100, Volwis the water volume added to the system100. In Equation 1, the summation of the ratios refers to the summation of the nutrient ratios that were determined by the ranking algorithm. ECA, ECB, and ECCare EC change constants. These change constants are based on the EC of the Nutrients A, B, and C. In Equation 1, ECFis the target EC, which is provided by the ranking algorithm.

Step2622includes determining a volume of each nutrient to add to the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, this is determined by multiplying the volume of nutrient to add (Voln) by the respective nutrient ratios, as indicated by Equations 2-4. The nutrient ratios are provided by the ranking algorithm ofFIG.16, in one embodiment.

FIG.16is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process2700of a ranking algorithm. The process2700may be used in one embodiment of step2606inFIG.26. Process2700is implemented by the control circuit, in one embodiment. Process2700in general loops through a calculation in which one crop/stage is processed at a time. A crop/stage refers to a crop in the hydroponic system100at a specific stage of development. If a type if crop (e.g., tomatoes) have plants at two or more stages of development in the hydroponic system100, each stage can be processed in a separate loop. The crops and their stages may be learned in steps2602and2604of process2600.

Step2702includes selecting first crop/stage in the hydroponic system100. Based on the stage, an appropriate plant table2000is selected, in step2704. For example, a fruit stage table2000is selected if the plant is at a fruit stage.

Step2706includes multiplying the EC value in the plant table2000by the rank multiplier for this crop. Table2000shows an example in which each crop has a rank multiplier. Step2708includes multiplying nutrient values in the plant table2000by the rank multiplier for this crop. The nutrient values are listed in the columns labeled “A”, “B”, and “C.” Thus, this produces a value for each Nutrient. Step2710includes multiplying the pH value in the plant table2000by the rank multiplier for this crop. The amount of the crop in the hydroponic system100may also be factored into the calculations in steps2706-2710. For example, the number of tomato plants, the number of net cups containing tomato plants, the number of lids containing tomato plants, or some other measure may be factored in as another multiplier in steps2706-2710.

Step2712includes adding the nutrient, EC, and pH values from steps2706-2710to a weighted list. Step2714is a determination of whether there are more crop/stages to process. The process then returns to step2702to process the next crop/stage. Each time through the values for the nutrient, EC, and pH values from steps2706-2710are summed with the existing values. Thus, the weighted list produces a sum of the values for each crop/stage.

After all crop/stages have been processed, step2716is performed. Step2716includes calculating a target EC. In one embodiment, the target EC is the arithmetic mean of the values from step2706. The mean may be determined from the weighted list of step2712. The target EC may be used in step2610of process2600. The target EC may also be used in step2620of process2600.

Step2718includes calculating Nutrient Ratios (e.g., Nutrient Ratio A, Nutrient Ratio B, Nutrient Ratio C). In one embodiment, the Nutrient Ratios are the arithmetic means of the values from step2708. The mean may be determined from the weighted list of step2712. The Nutrient Ratios may be used in steps2620and2622of process2600.

Step2718includes calculating a target pH. In one embodiment, the target pH is the arithmetic mean of the values from step2710. The mean may be determined from the weighted list of step2712.

FIG.17is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process2800of pH correction. For example, the process determines an amount of pH correction solution to add to the hydroponic system100. Process2800is implemented by the control circuit, in one embodiment. Step2802includes accessing a target pH. In one embodiment, the target pH is taken from step2720of process2700. Step2804includes accessing the present pH of the water in the hydroponic system100. The present pH could have been determined in step2304of process2300, or2504of process2500. If the present pH is less than 4 (step2806=yes), then no pH correction is performed. Thus, the volume of pH correction solution is set to zero, in step2808. If the pH is not less than 4, then the process goes on to step2810. In step2810, the water volume added (or to be added) to the hydroponic system100is accessed. The water value to add may be determined in step2616of process2600.

Step2812is a determination of the pH correction solution to add to the water in the hydroponic system100. In one embodiment, the volume of water that is added is divided by a factor to determine the volume of pH correction solution to add. The factor will depend on the impact of the pH correction solution.

To provide nutrients to plants in the hydroponic plant growing system, a nutrient release capsule and a capsule holder are used.FIG.18depicts one example of a capsule holder3002, which is a physical structure that holds one or more capsules in the correct position to be dissolved into the water (or other liquid) of a hydroponic plant growing system. The user will be able to remove and clean all components of the capsule holder3002with ease. In one embodiment, capsule holder3002contains several chambers to allow for the combination of capsules where the chemical composition may impact how many capsules a user adds to their system.

FIG.19depicts one embodiment of a capsule3020, which (in one embodiment) includes a powdered hydroponic fertilizer center (or content)3022with a biopolymer outer coating (or enclosure)3024to slow release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer when the capsule is in contact with water (or other liquid). In one embodiment, the capsule content3022is a mixture of nutrients salts that is specifically designed to grow hydroponic plants. In one embodiment, this is a single part nutrient formula that will grow plants at any stage and of any variety. In one example, there are three unique core formulas, one for sprouting plants, one for flowering and one for fruiting. In one embodiment, this capsule center is completely water soluble and dissolves without residue.

In one embodiment, the capsule content3022includes an array of pre-mixed and fully homogenized fertilizer salts that contain macro and micro nutrients with the following contents: Iron, Zinc, Sulfur, Boron, Molybdate, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Manganese, and Magnesium. This also may include but is not limited to: bulking powder to increase the volume of the product, binding agents to hold them together, flowing agents for passing through machinery, and thickening agents to keep chemicals together.

In one embodiment, the enclosure3024is a physical or chemical outer enclosure that holds onto the capsule center and is entirely water soluble. This structure may contain elements of time staggered solubility to aid in mixing and reducing precipitates, or aid in user handling of the capsule.

In one embodiment, the capsule enclosure3024is made up of a starch-based biopolymer that can be derived from several different products, including food-grade tapioca (or other starch-based product). The biopolymer is treated with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) in order to produce a gelatin material that will act as a hydrophobic matrix, decreasing the rate of dissolution into the water reservoir of the indoor hydroponic garden. Citric acid is used as a crosslinker in order to change the pH of the material for better bonding between the starch and the PVOH. This is adhered to the capsule content3022to create a coating.

The methods in which the capsule enclosure3024is bonded to the capsule content3022may include, but are not limited to: rotary drum method, immersion method, or a fluidized bed method.

FIG.20depicts capsule holder3002positioned in the hydroponic plant growing system, and housing multiple capsules3020. Capsule holder3002interfaces directly with the plumbing system of the hydroponic plant growing system such that system's water (or other liquid) dissolves and dissipates the capsule center evenly throughout the entire hydroponic plant growing system.

FIG.21is a graph of nutrient uptake (from one or more capsules) by the plants of the hydroponic plant growing system versus time, and can be a nutrient uptake map as a function of how the garden's nutrient levels should be managed given a set time. The nutrient uptake map ofFIG.21shows three different release dosage behaviors: modified release, sustained release, and diminishing release. During the period of modified release, the plants experience an increasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule. During the period of sustained release, the plants experience a constant rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule. During the period of diminishing release, the plants experience a decreasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule.

The nutrient uptake map ofFIG.21is a theoretical model that is fed into a software based algorithm (running on Central Controller1902or Electronic Device1910) in order to predict the behavior of a hydroponic plant growing system's plants in terms of how much nutrients they will need over x amount of time. The algorithm outputs a nutrient profile based on the number of plants in a hydroponic plant growing system, the variety of those plants, and the ages of those plants. When a nutrient profile is generated, calculating the rate of change over time x provides the nutrient uptake rate for that hydroponic plant growing system for that period of time. This is possible because the system knows from user input exactly what each plant is and at which stage of growth it is in. Additionally, the system knows which plants will enter the system in the future because the user has started them in their Nursery (prior to inserting into the hydroponic plant growing system), which means they are planning to put them into the hydroponic plant growing system (garden). All of these factors contribute to the volume of nutrients needed to grow that specific arrangement of plants which is the output of the algorithm. Collecting that value over x time provides the rate. This rate is then matched with the nutrient uptake map, to see which release dosage behavior is desired to obtain: modified release, sustained release, or diminishing release dosage. This information is compiled and communicated to the user (e.g., via a user interface on the software application) as a setting for the capsule holder.

FIG.22depicts one embodiment of a capsule holder3100configured to hold multiple capsules3020. Capsule holder3100comprises an enclosure3101. Inside enclosure3101is an interior space3102for housing the capsules3020. Enclosure3101includes apertures in the enclosure to allow for transmission of a liquid (e.g., water) between outside of enclosure3101and interior space3102.FIG.22only labels one of the apertures3104to keep the drawing easy to read, but it is contemplated that enclosure3101includes many apertures. Lining the inner wall of enclosure3101is a filter3106that is configured to filter the liquid flowing through the apertures. Filter3106also allows for filtering of any and all of the fillers, binders, coatings, and other undissolved material that is left behind after the capsules3020have completed their cycles. One drawback of some powdered, tablet, or coated plant fertilizer products, and even biopolymers is that they will not always dissolve 100% over the course of their cycle. With the continued usage of this product, filtering ensures that physical buildup does not occur within the reservoir or the plumbing of the hydroponic plant growing system. In one embodiment, filter3106is made of metal or mesh.

In one embodiment, enclosure3101includes one or more connectors that connect to any one or more of a set of connectors mounted at different vertical positions of tank111such that the capsule holder (including enclosures3101) can be positioned at three different vertical positions of tank111(i.e., three different configurations). The connectors can be any suitable type of connector known in the art. No specific connector structure is required. In one embodiment the connectors includes male/female connectors that snap together. In this manner, the capsule holder is configured to have multiple physical configurations corresponding to the vertical position of enclosure3101. This embodiment is depicted inFIG.23, which shows tank111having three sets of connectors, including connectors3120and3122that connect to connectors (not depicted) on enclosure3101to hold enclosure3101at position A on tank111, connectors3124and3126that connect to connectors (not depicted) on enclosure3101to hold enclosure3101at position B on tank111, and connectors3128and3130that connect to connectors (not depicted) on enclosure3101to hold enclosure3101at position C of tank111. Positions A, B and C are at different vertical positions on tank111.

When operating the hydroponic plant growing system discussed above, a user will be periodically instructed (e.g., every two weeks, every month, etc.) by the software on electronic device1910to fill tank111with water. Between fillings, the water level will slowly dissipate. By connecting enclosure3101to positions A, B or C, the appropriate release dosage behavior is obtained (e.g., modified release, sustained release, or diminishing release—seeFIG.21). In other embodiments, more or less than three positions can be used.

In the embodiment ofFIG.23, the capsule holder3100is placed into the water reservoir of the hydroponic plant growing system discussed above where it can interact with the changes to the water level. The specific and calculable changes in the water level allow for the mapping of the three nutrient uptakes (e.g., modified release, sustained release, or diminishing release—seeFIG.21) to the physical system. The three physical configurations of the capsule holder comprise the mounting at the pre-determined heights inside the water reservoir: A, B, and C. Note that in one embodiment, capsule holder3002ofFIG.18can include connectors to connect to any of connectors3210-3130.

FIG.24depicts tank111with capsule holder3100mounted at the three above-described three positions (A, B and C) at different water levels. Examples3200a,3200b,3200cand3200dshow capsule holder3100mounted to tank111at position A, with the water level becoming lower from3200ato3200d. Examples3200e,3200f,3200gand3200hshow capsule holder3100mounted to tank111at position B, with the water level becoming lower from3200eto3200h. Examples3200i,3200j,3200kand3200lshow capsule holder3100mounted to tank111at position C, with the water level becoming lower from3200ito3200l.

Position A maps to the Diminishing Release Dosage (seeFIG.21) where the capsule holder is fully submerged and allowed to dissolve its nutrients into the water. Then as the plants drink up the water, the capsule holder3100loses contact with the water, resulting in a decrease in the nutrient concentration.

Position B maps to the Sustained Release Dosage of nutrients where the balance between the initial dissolution and the rate of that dissolution (controlled by the layer thickness of the starch biopolymer) matches the water uptake rate, without allowing for buildup of nutrient concentration with the last two stages of time being out of the water this leads to a continual level of nutrients that does not go up or down with time.

Position C maps to the Modified Release Dosage where the combination of continual contact with capsule holder3100releases nutrients at a faster rate than the plants are initially taking up, resulting in an amplification of the nutrient concentration.

In one embodiment, the connectors3120-3130are directly mounted on the tank. In another embodiment, the connectors3120-3130are mounted at different vertical positions on a vertically elongated post3302having a flange3304at a top end such that the flange3304is configured to wrap around the top of tank111and removably support the post3302inside tank111, as depicted inFIGS.25A and25B.FIG.25Cshows the front face of post3302, indicating positions A, B and C. The connectors on capsule holder3100(e.g., the connectors on the outside surface of housing3101) are configured to be coupled to the any of the multiple connectors mounted at different vertical positions on the vertically elongated post.FIG.25Ashows post3302fully inserted into tank111.FIG.25Bshows post3302pulled up out of tank111so that the user can easily retrieve capsule holder3100without contacting the nutrient dense water (causing contamination of the water from contaminants on the user's hand and/or getting the user dirty). The user can rinse out the filter, and refill capsule holder3100before setting to the capsule holder3100to the correct height (e.g., positions A, B or C) and adding it back to their hydroponic plant growing system.

FIGS.26-29Cdescribe another embodiment of a capsule holder in the form of a floating vessel that, instead of engaging with three different heights of the water, stays in constant contact with the water but allows the mapping of the three nutrient uptakes to happen through rotating a gate that opens and closes apertures on the sides of the capsule holder. The floating mechanism allows for easy retrieval of the capsule holder, minimizing the interaction between the user's hands and the nutrient dense water

FIG.26shows capsule holder3502, which includes a buoyant head3504attached to the top of the body3506, where the body3506includes a cavity for housing one or more capsules3020. In one embodiment, body3506is the same (or similar) structure as enclosure3101(including apertures3104and filter3106).FIG.26shows capsule holder3502floating at water level3508such that buoyant head3504is above water level3508and all or most of body3506is below water level3508.

The user will fill the inner chamber of the enclosure with capsules, place it into the water. When nutrient is complete, capsule holder3502will be removed so the filter can be cleaned, stopping any undissolved material from entering the reservoir. The capsule holder3502floats on the surface of the water so that the user can easily extract, clean and refill the device.

FIG.27depicts tank111with capsule holder3502floating at different water levels. Examples3520a,3520b,3520cand3520dshow the water level progressively becoming lower, thereby lowering capsule holder3052. In example3520d, the water level is so low that a portion of body3506is above water level3508. Thus, the floating capsule holder allows for continuous release of nutrients at all but very low water levels.

FIGS.28A-Cshow a top cross sectional view of body3506at three different physical configurations.FIGS.29A-Cshow a side view of body3506at the same three physical configurations. Mounted underneath buoyant head3504is a rotating gate3602and rotating gate3604. In one embodiment rotating gate3602and rotating gate3604are separate structures. In one embodiment rotating gate3602and rotating gate3604are connected to form one structure. In one embodiment, rotating gates3602/3604have three positions (corresponding to the three different physical configurations of the capsule holder). In a first position (first physical configuration), corresponding toFIG.28AandFIG.29A, gates3602and3604cover all of the apertures. However, the seal between the gates3602/3604and the enclosure is not water tight so that some small amount of liquid will leak in or out. This position allows for only the slightest amount of water to pass through the gates which leads to less nutrients being released into the water than the plants can take up over time x. This maps to the Diminishing Release Dosage.

In a second position (second physical configuration), corresponding toFIG.28BandFIG.29B, gates3602and3604cover some (e.g., half) of the apertures. This position maps to the Sustained Release Dosage where the volume of water let into the chamber, in combination with the release rate of the Nutrient Release Capsule, provides the same concentration of nutrients to the system over time x. This means it is dispensing nutrients at the same rate as the plants are taking them up.

In a third position (third physical configuration), corresponding toFIG.28CandFIG.29C, gates3602and3604do not cover any of the apertures. This position maps to the Modified Release Dosage where the Nutrient Release Capsule releases all of its nutrient, faster than the plants can absorb, yielding an amplification of the nutrients.

For the embodiment ofFIGS.26-29C, user twists to open more perforations. The top view shows the water entering and the nutrients exiting as the water interacts with the capsule at the center of the chamber. The dotted line depicts the removable filter that catches undissolved materials.

FIG.30is a flow chart describing one embodiment for operating the capsules and capsule holder discussed herein to provide nutrients to plants in the above-described hydroponic plant growing system. The process ofFIG.30can be performed for any of the structures depicted inFIGS.18-29C.

Step4002includes attaching a one or more capsules (e.g., capsule3020) to a capsule holder (e.g.,3100or3502) to achieve one of multiple physical configurations for the capsule(s) and capsule holder. The capsules comprise one or more plant nutrients and are configured to provide a timed release of the one or more plant nutrients into and in response to a liquid. The release is said to be in response to the liquid because the coating for the nutrients is water soluble such that the nutrients are not released until the capsule is in contact with the liquid. Each of the multiple physical configurations (see e.g., positions A, B, C ofFIG.23or Positions1/2/3ofFIGS.28A/B/C and29A/B/C) delivers different release dosage behaviors (see modified release, sustained release, or diminishing release ofFIG.21) into and in response to the liquid for the one or more plant nutrients of the capsules. The adding of the capsule to the capsule holder is performed outside of the liquid and prior to timed release of the one or more plant nutrients from the capsules.

One example embodiment of step4002includes inserting the one or more capsules into an enclosure (e.g.,3101) and coupling the enclosure to any of multiple connectors (e.g.,3120-3130) mounted at different vertical positions on a vertically elongated post (e.g.,3302).

One example embodiment of step4002includes inserting one or more capsules into a cavity of a body having apertures that provide access to the cavity and twisting one or more gates (e.g.,3602/3604) to cover all or a subset of the apertures.

Step4004includes, after attaching the capsules to the capsule holder, adding the capsule holder to the liquid to enable the start of the timed release of the one or more plant nutrients from the first capsule.

In one embodiment, the process ofFIG.30is performed in response to, or as part of, step2208of the process ofFIG.13and/or step2512of the process ofFIG.14.

A more efficient and improved manner for providing nutrients to plants in a hydroponic (or other type of) plant growing system has been disclosed.

One embodiment includes an apparatus, comprising: a capsule comprising hydroponic plant fertilizer, the capsule configured to provide a timed release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer into and in response to a liquid; and a capsule holder configured to support the capsule, the capsule holder is configured to have multiple physical configurations each of which delivers different release dosage behaviors into and in response to the liquid for the hydroponic plant fertilizer.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder is configured to have three physical configurations including a first configuration for delivering an increasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule, a second configuration for delivering a constant rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule and a third configuration for delivering a decreasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder is configured to be able to change configurations without being in contact with the liquid.

In one example implementation, the capsule comprises a powdered hydroponic fertilizer center with a biopolymer outer coating to slow release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer.

In one example implementation, the capsule comprises a capsule enclosure and capsule content; the capsule enclosure comprises a starch-based biopolymer derived from tapioca; and the capsule content comprises an array of pre-mixed and fully homogenized fertilizer salts that contain macro and micro nutrients with any one or more of the following contents: Iron, Zinc, Sulfur, Boron, Molybdate, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Manganese, and Magnesium.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder is configured to support multiple capsules that comprise hydroponic plant fertilizer.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder comprises an enclosure with apertures in the enclosure to allow for transmission of the liquid and a filter configured to filter the liquid flowing through the apertures.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder comprises an enclosure for housing the capsule and multiple connectors configured to be mounted at different vertical positions of a tank, the enclosure is configured to be coupled to the any of the connectors such that the enclosure can be positioned at different vertical positions of the tank.

In one example implementation, the enclosure is configured to be coupled to the any of the connectors such that the enclosure can be positioned at three different vertical positions of the tank including a first vertical position, a second vertical position and a third vertical position; and the capsule holder is configured to have three physical configurations including a first configuration corresponding to the enclosure being positioned at the first vertical position for delivering an increasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule, a second configuration corresponding to the enclosure being positioned at the second vertical position for delivering a constant rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule and a third configuration corresponding to the enclosure being positioned at the third vertical position for delivering a decreasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder comprises: a vertically elongated post having a flange at a top end, the flange is configured to wrap around a top of a tank and removably support the post inside the tank; multiple connectors mounted at different vertical positions on the vertically elongated post; and an enclosure for housing the capsule, the enclosure including a connector configured to be coupled to the any of the multiple connectors mounted at different vertical positions on the vertically elongated post.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder comprises a body and a buoyant head attached to the top of the body, the body includes a cavity for housing the capsule.

In one example implementation, the body comprises a set of apertures that provide access to the cavity and a gate that can be moved to different positions that cover or expose different amounts of the apertures.

In one example implementation, the different positions comprise a first position, a second position and a third position; and the capsule holder is configured to have three physical configurations including a first configuration corresponding to the gate being at the first position for delivering an decreasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule, a second configuration corresponding to the gate being at the second position for delivering a constant rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule and a third configuration corresponding to the gate being at the third position for delivering an increasing rate of release of the hydroponic plant fertilizer from the capsule.

In one example implementation, the apparatus further includes (or is part of) a hydroponic plant growing system, the capsule holder is configured to fit in the hydroponic plant growing system.

In one example implementation, the hydroponic plant growing system comprises a water re-circulation system, the capsule holder is configured to fit in the water re-circulation system.

In one example implementation, the hydroponic plant growing system includes a liquid re-circulation system, comprising: a pump; a tank; and plumbing connected to the pump and tank, the plumbing is configured to carry the liquid from the tank to plants in the hydroponic plant growing system in response to the pump, the capsule holder is configured to fit in the tank.

In one example implementation, the capsule holder comprises an enclosure for housing the capsule and multiple connectors configured to be mounted at different vertical positions of the tank, the enclosure is configured to be coupled to the any of the connectors such that the enclosure can be positioned at different vertical positions of the tank.

In one example implementation, the hydroponic plant growing system includes: a plurality of trays, each of the trays having a floor with a drain opening and a second opening raised from a level of the floor, the floor having a main region configured for placement of plants and where the drain opening and the second opening are located in a region of the tray on a first side of the main region of the floor; a rack configured to hold the plurality of trays in vertical arrangement of the trays, including a top-most tray and a bottom-most tray; and a liquid re-circulation system, comprising: a pump; a tank; and plumbing. The plumbing includes: one or more auxiliary drainpipe segments configured, for each of trays except the bottom-most tray, to connect between the bottom of the second opening thereof and the top of the second opening of an underlying tray; a supply tube configured to be connected to the pump, routed up the auxiliary drainpipe segments and supply the top-most tray with liquid from the tank; and one or more drainpipe segments configured, for each of trays except the bottom-most tray, to connect to the bottom of the drain opening thereof to supply the underlying tray with liquid drained therefrom, the capsule holder is configured to fit in the tank.

In one example implementation, the apparatus further includes a plurality of tray lids configured to be placed over main region of one of the trays and each having one or more openings configured to hold a plant; and one of more net cups, each configured to fit into one of the tray lid openings and suspend a plant over an underlying tray.

In one example implementation, the apparatus further includes a software application that is configured to determine which configuration of the multiple physical configurations to implement at a given time for a current set of plants in the hydroponic plant growing system.

One embodiment includes an apparatus, comprising: a capsule comprising one or more plant nutrients, the capsule configured to provide a timed release of the one or more plant nutrients in response to a liquid; and means for causing different release dosage behaviors in response to the liquid for the one or more plant nutrients of the capsule. In some examples, the means for causing different release dosage behaviors can include the structures depicted in any ofFIGS.18,20,22, and23-29C performing the process ofFIG.30.

One embodiment includes a method, comprising: attaching a first capsule to a capsule holder to achieve one of multiple physical configurations for the first capsule and capsule holder, the first capsule comprises one or more plant nutrients and is configured to provide a timed release of the one or more plant nutrients into and in response to a liquid, each of the multiple physical configurations delivers different release dosage behaviors into and in response to the liquid for the one or more plant nutrients of the capsule, the adding of the capsule to the capsule holder is performed outside of the liquid and prior to timed release of the one or more plant nutrients from the capsule; and after attaching the first capsule to the capsule holder, adding the capsule holder to the liquid to enable the start of the timed release of the one or more plant nutrients from the first capsule.

One example implementation further comprises: attaching additional capsules to the capsule holder, in conjunction with the attaching of the first capsule to the capsule holder, to achieve one of the multiple physical configurations, the adding the capsule holder to the liquid is performed with the capsule holder holding the additional capsules.

In one example implementation, the attaching the first capsule to the capsule holder to achieve one of multiple physical configurations comprises inserting the first capsule into a cavity of a body having apertures that provide access to the cavity and twisting a gate to cover a subset of the apertures.

In one example implementation, the attaching the first capsule to the capsule holder to achieve one of multiple physical configurations comprises inserting the first capsule into an enclosure and coupling the enclosure to any of multiple connectors mounted at different vertical positions on a vertically elongated post.

It is understood that the present subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this subject matter will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the subject matter is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present subject matter, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without such specific details.

For purposes of this document, each process associated with the disclosed technology may be performed continuously and by one or more computing devices. Each step in a process may be performed by the same or different computing devices as those used in other steps, and each step need not necessarily be performed by a single computing device.