Progress 08/01/00 to 07/31/05
Outputs
The key issues of controlled environment plant production systems, with regard to the consideration for automation, include: (1) there is a need to manage and utilize resources to produce marketable plant materials while ensuring a sustainable operation, (2) the system requires laborious operations under conditions not conducive to human productivity, (3) advancement of technologies in other industries inevitably increases the threat of attracting labor forces away from the agricultural/horticultural business, (4) market demand for product quality is increasing, (5) modernization of operations by adopting emerging technologies is necessary, and (6) employing human intelligence and machine power in a technologically workable and economically viable manner is highly desirable. The specific challenges faced by greenhouse automation are as follows: making return on investment attractive; optimizing systems by properly integration of automation; culture, and environment
(i.e. the ACESYS concept); balancing fixed automation and flexible automation (i.e. identifying appropriate level of necessary machine intelligence); considering multiple use of machine or parts of machine; dealing with the limited market demand and acceptance; and continuously improving research and development capabilities. On the other hand, the following opportunities do exist today: a higher technology readiness level; past success of agricultural mechanization to be built upon; excellent communication systems and platforms; an improved economic picture; better market acceptance; and potential spin-off technologies. Therefore, the list of researchable topics should include: Intelligence - sensing technologies that are targeted at providing information critical to the system operation, as well as information processing techniques in support of decision making and task planning/execution. Mechatronics - generic or specialized mechanisms and end-effectors equipped with effective
control algorithms for performing various physical tasks. System Integration - addressing the issues of fixed versus flexible automation, component/subsystem interactions and compatibilities, single function/use versus multiple function/use, and local versus global optimization (e.g. engineering economics). Fresh produce is important for long-term space missions. It provides valuable nutritional needs and psychological boost for mission crews. Labor requirements to grow and harvest the crops, however, must be reduced through automation to allow the crew to perform other tasks. A robotic tomato harvester was developed for continuous, selective picking of mature tomatoes. The goal of this project was to develop a sensing unit and a robotic hand unit that could be integrated with a commercial robotic manipulator for the automated tomato harvesting task. The sensing and picking capability of the units has been demonstrated in laboratory and commercial greenhouse environments. Success
rates of tomato fruit sensing and picking were better than 95% and 85%, respectively.
Impacts
Plant based engineering systems have evolved from simple structure for plant protection to sophisticated forms for optimizing the productivity of plants and human labor. In developing decision support to aid in the analysis of such complex systems, an automation-culture-environment oriented systems (ACESYS) analysis concept has been perceived. The ACESYS concept has been used in guiding the process of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming in the development of computerized systems analysis tools. The implementation of these systems analysis tools accompanied by information gathering interfaces on the internet enables the decision support functions to be made available in a real-time fashion. This concurrent science and engineering (CS&E) platform is expected to encourage broad user participation and effective information integration within the scientific and engineering communities.
Publications
- Ling, P.P., Ehsani R., Ting, K.C., Chi, Y.T., Ramalingam, N., Klingman, M.H., and Draper, C. 2004. Sensing and end-Effector for a robotic tomato harvester. Paper Number 043088, ASAE Annual International Meeting, August 1-4, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Ting, K.C., Ling, P.P., Ehsani, R., and Short, T.H. 2004. Fundamentals of greenhouse automation. SNA 2004 Greenhouse Mechanization Workshop, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Controlled environment bio-production systems frequently exhibit the integration of automation, biological culture requirements, and environmental control (i.e. the concept of ACESYS). Examples include plant factories, biomass production units for space journeys, transplant production systems, mass-rearing of silkworms, food procession, waste processing and resource recovery, and composting. The ACESYS concept has been used in guiding the process of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming in the development of computerized systems analysis tools. A binocular stereovision system incorporating two digital cameras and two computers was developed, based on a pixel stereological algorithm, to analyze the aggregate growth variable of a plug tray of transplants. An article was published to provide overview of artificial neural networks and their application to process control. A series of activities in systems studies of phytomation systems have been conducted in
recent years. The ultimate goal is to develop and sustain an information system and computational platform, namely Concurrent Science and Engineering (CS&E) for phytomation systems. The SUBSTOR crop growth model was adapted for controlled-environment hydroponic production of potato under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Object-oriented techniques have been adopted to develop a dynamic top-level model of an advanced life support (ALS) system capable of supporting human life for long-duration space missions. Controlled environment plant production systems (CEPPS) provide a strong foundation for a larger scope plant based engineering systems, namely phytomation. A paper was published in the proceedings of an international conference to present recent and current engineering research activities, related or applicable to CEPPS (following the ACESYS concept), at The Ohio State University.
Impacts
Plant based engineering systems have evolved from simple structure for plant protection to sophisticated forms for optimizing the productivity of plants and human labor. In developing decision support to aid in the analysis of such complex systems, an automation-culture-environment oriented systems (ACESYS) analysis concept has been perceived. The ACESYS concept has been used in guiding the process of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming in the development of computerized systems analysis tools. The implementation of these systems analysis tools accompanied by information gathering interfaces on the internet enables the decision support functions to be made available in a real-time fashion. This concurrent science and engineering (CS&E) platform is expected to encourage broad user participation and effective information integration within the scientific and engineering communities.
Publications
- He, D.X., Matsuura, Y., Kozai, T., and Ting, K.C. 2003. A binocular stereovision system for Transplant growth variables analysis. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 19(5): 611-617.
- Chao, K. and Ting, K.C. 2003. Neural network. Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering: 691-696.
- Ting, K.C., Fleisher, D.H., and Rodriguez, L.F. 2003. Concurrent science and engineering for phytomation systems. Journal of Agricultural Meteorology 59(2): 93-101.
- Fleisher, D.H., Cavazzoni, J., Giacomelli, G.A., and Ting, K.C. 2003. Adaptation of SUBSTOR for controlled-environment potato production with elevated carbon dioxide. Transactions of the ASAE 46(2):531-538.
- Rodriguez, L.F., Kang, S., and Ting, K.C. 2003. Top level modeling of an ALSS utilizing object oriented techniques. Advances in Space Research 31(7):1811-1822.
- Ting, K.C., Short, T.H., Ling, P.P., Zhao, L.Y., and Hansen, R.C. 2003. Engineering research on controlled environment plant production systems at The Ohio State University. Proceedings of 2003 International Forum on Bio-environmental and Bio-energy Engineering, November 21-23, Beijing, China: 166-178.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Controlled environment bio-production systems frequently exhibit the integration of automation, biological culture requirements, and environmental control (i.e. the concept of ACESYS). Examples include plant factories, biomass production units for space journeys, transplant production systems, mass-rearing of silkworms, food procession, waste processing and resource recovery, and composting. The ACESYS concept has been used in guiding the process of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming in the development of computerized systems analysis tools. A top-level overall Advance Life Support Systems (ALSS) model has been developed by integrating the subsystem models of Crew, Biomass Production, Food Processing and Nutrition, and Waste Processing and Resource Recovery. The purpose of ALSS is to support human lives during long duration space exploration missions. ALSS system requirements, candidate technologies, mission scenarios, and relevant databases are linked
to the ALSS model to enable system simulations. This Java based top-level model may be implemented on the internet. An article was published on a microcomputer software development to provide design and operational guidelines for commercial rhizofiltration systems (a phytoremediation process that uses plants to remove heavy metals from contaminated waters). A process model based on the Michaelis-Menton equation was developed to quantify the ability of plants to accumulate and remove toxins within the rhizofiltration system. The system model couples physical components of the phytoremediation system-plant nursery, the rhizofiltration system, pre and post treatment of water, and post harvesting plant biomass-with engineering aspects of system design including processes, operations, facilities, and system integration. An engineering economic analysis tool within the software allowed for analysis of the impact of critical design variables on system efficiency.
Impacts
Plant based engineering systems have evolved from simple structure for plant protection to sophisticated forms for optimizing the productivity of plants and human labor. In developing decision support to aid in the analysis of such complex systems, an automation-culture-environment oriented systems (ACESYS) analysis concept has been perceived. The ACESYS concept has been used in guiding the process of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming in the development of computerized systems analysis tools. The implementation of these systems analysis tools accompanied by information gathering interfaces on the internet enables the decision support functions to be made available in a real-time fashion. This concurrent science and engineering (CS&E) platform is expected to encourage broad user participation and effective information integration within the scientific and engineering communities.
Publications
- Fleisher, D.H., Ting, K.C., and Giacomelli, G.A. 2002. Decision support Software for Phytoremediation Systems Using Rhizofiltration Processes. Transactions of the CSAE 18(5):210-215 .
- Rodriguez, L.F. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.). 2002. A dynamic object-oriented top-level advanced life support system model. Ph.D. Dissertation, Rutgers University.
- Ting, K.C. 2002. Research and development in controlled environment bioproduction systems: implementation of phytomation programs using ACESYS and CS&E concepts. Forum on Agricultural & Biosystem Engineering Development Strategy, Yangling, China: 204-207.
- Ting, K.C. 2002. Concurrent science & engineering for advanced life support systems. Proceedings of OCAPA Symposium 2002, Columbus, OH: 33-39.
- Ting, K.C. 2002. Concurrent science and engineering approach to decision support for controlled environment plant production. Proceedings of International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses, Acta Horticulturae 578:35-43.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Controlled environment bio-production systems frequently exhibit the integration of automation, biological culture requirements, and environmental control (i.e. the concept of ACESYS). Examples include plant factories, biomass production units for space journeys, transplant production systems, mass-rearing of silkworms, food procession, waste processing and resource recovery, and composting. The ACESYS concept has been used in guiding the process of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming in the development of computerized systems analysis tools. A Visual Basic software program, PACCS, was developed to aid NASA personnel in planning, design, and operating biomass production components for advanced life support systems (ALSS). PACCS integrates mathematical crop models of simulated controlled environment hydroponic production of wheat, soybean, and white potato with scheduling and analysis tools. Analysis options allow for studies on the feasibility of growing
multiple crops in shared environmental zones and sensitivity of off-nominal environmental conditions on desired crop production schedules. A model-based predictive controller was included in PACCS to compensate for environmental disturbances in the production system. An effort has been made to develop a top-level model of a food processing and nutrition (FPN) subsystem within ALSS. The FPN model was designed to make use of existing nutritional data, menu cycles, and related food processing information to study the effectiveness of the FPN subsystem. The main performance indicators for a FPN subsystem are the required mass and volume, the amount of ingredient usage, crew time requirements, waste generation, energy consumption, and heat generation from food processing. The model is useful for studying "what-if" type scenarios. The model has been implemented using JAVA programming platform. The ACESYS concept has also been used to develop computer models for other ALSS subsystems
including crew and waste processing/resource recovery. A top-level overall ALSS model is currently under development by integrating all the subsystem models.
Impacts
The automation-culture-environment systems (ACESYS) concept is very useful in determining the "abstraction" (in the form of foundation classes and objects) for bioproduction systems. This systems abstraction technique may be applied to many bioproduction systems. This systems abstraction procedure has been used to model and analyze many bioproduction scenarios. This ACESYS structured approach has been recognized as an efficient method in developing decision support tools for systems design, management, and operation.
Publications
- Fleisher, D.H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2001. Crop modeling for multiple crop production and control for advanced life support systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Rutgers University.
- Fleisher, D.H., Baruh, H., and Ting, K.C. 2001. Model-based predictive control for biomass production in advanced life support. Proceedings of the 2nd IFAC-CIGR Workshop on Intelligent Control for Agricultural Applications, Bali, Indonesia, August 22-24:198-203.
- Fleisher, D.H., Kang, S., and Ting, K.C. 2001. Software for multiple crop production in advanced life support systems. Paper Number 01-4084, ASAE Annual International Meeting, July 30-August 1, Sacramento, CA.
- Hsiang, H., Kang, S., Both, A.J., and Ting, K.C. 2001. Analysis tool for food processing and nutrition (FPN) subsystem in advanced life support system. Paper Number 01-3020, ASAE Annual International Meeting, July 30-August 1, Sacramento, CA.
- Hsiang, H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2001. Top-level modeling of a food processing and nutrition (FPN) component of an advanced life support system (ALSS). M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University.
- Ting, K.C. 2001. Concurrent science and engineering approach to decision support for controlled environment plant production. Proceedings of International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses, Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan:85-94.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Controlled environment bioproduction systems frequently exhibit the integration of automation, biological culture requirements, and environmental control (i.e. the concept of ACESYS). Examples include plant factories, biomass production units for space Journeys, transplant production systems, mass-rearing of silkworms, food procession, waste processing and resource recovery, and composting. An object-oriented approach was taken to analyze controlled environment plant production systems. The purpose was to develop a set of foundation classes that could be used to effectively describe the components of closed plant production systems. Eight foundation classes were developed as the result of the object oriented analysis, namely: Automation, Culture_Plant, Culture_Task, Culture_Facility, Environment_Rootzone, Environment_Aerial, Environment_Spatial, and Shell. An object-oriented model representing closed plant production systems was subsequently developed. The first
version of the model is a crop production model for systems study of biomass production units within an advanced life support system for long duration human exploration of space. This JAVA based computer model is capable of calculating crop yield, inedible plant material, transpiration water, power usage, labor requirement, automation advantages, etc. over time for various crop mixes and scheduling scenarios. This biomass production model can be modified for simulating other controlled environment plant production systems. The ACESYS concept was also used to develop computer models for advanced life support sub-systems including food processing and waste processing/resource recovery. A top-level advanced life support system model is currently under development based on the similar concept.
Impacts
The automation-culture-environment systems (ACESYS) concept is very useful in determining the "abstraction" (in the forms of foundation classes and objects) for bioproduction systems. This systems abstraction technique may be applied to many bioproduction systems. The major difference will be the "culture" classes and objects. Following this systems abstraction procedure, many specific scenarios may be modeled and analyzed. This structured approach is an efficient method in developing decision support tools for systems design, management, and operation.
Publications
- Fleisher, D.H., Cavazzoni, J, Giacomelli, G.A. and Ting, K.C. 2000. Adaptation of SUBSTOR for hydroponic, controlled environment white potato production. ASAE Paper Number 004089, ASAE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Fleisher, D.H. and Ting, K.C. 2000. Object-oriented analysis and modeling of closed plant production systems. Transplant Production in the 21st Century, Kubota, C. and Chun, C., eds, Kluwer Academic Publishers:53-58.
- Fleisher, D.H. and Ting, K.C. 2000. Scheduling and control of crop production for advanced life support. Agricontrol 2000, Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, The Netherlands: 8-15.
- Hsiang, H., Kang, S., Ting, K.C. 2000. Simulation of food processing and nutrition in advanced life support system. ASAE Paper Number 006002, ASAE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Hsiang, H., Rodriguez, L.F. and Ting, K.C. 2000. Top-level modeling of food processing and nutrition (FP&N) component of advanced life support system (ALSS). Paper series no. 2000-01-2262, the 30th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Toulouse, France. SAE International, Warrendale, PA.
- Kang, S., Ozaki, Y, Ting, K.C. and Both, A.J. 2000. Identification of appropriate level of automation for biomass production systems within an advanced life support system. ASAE Paper Number 003075, ASAE, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
- Kang, S., Ting, K.C. and Both, A.J. 2000. Systems studies and modeling of advanced life support systems. Proceedings of International Conference on Agricultural Machinery Engineering . The Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery, Seoul, Korea.
- Ting, K.C. 2000. Automation-culture-environment oriented systems analysis (ACESYS) for controlled environment bio-production. Research for the Utilization of Insect Properties, National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Tsukuba, Japan:23-29.
- Ting, K.C. and Sase, S. 2000. Object-oriented analysis for controlled environment agriculture. Environmentally Friendly High-Tech Controlled Environment Agriculture, National Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Tsukuba, Japan:101-109.
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