WO2022047143A1

WO2022047143A1 - Integrated plant-based social platform and plant care utility

Info

Publication number: WO2022047143A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/047925
Authority: WO
Inventors: Taylor VIGNALI; Lana PAPPAS; Leslie Mullins
Original assignee: Plant Life Inc.
Priority date: 2020-08-27
Filing date: 2021-08-27
Publication date: 2022-03-03

Abstract

A social platform and plant care utility is described where users can: (a) Monitor their plants using technology; (b) Share their plant journey with friends; (c) Shop for plants and connect with brands in a fun new way. The system includes an integrated plant monitoring system comprising at least a portable device, a soil stick, a plant with a soil stick installed therein, and a watch device. Either the portable device and the watch device may monitor and control various aspects of the plant via the soil stick installed therein.

Description

INTEGRATED PLANT-BASED SOCIAL PLATFORM AND PLANT CARE UTILITY

PRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following provisional application incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/070,982 filed on August 27, 2020.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the coming years, social media will move towards passion-based platforms such as: Plants, Pets, Cars, Travel, Knitting, Hiking & Camping. Media reports on this include:

[0003] 1. “ The One Thing Millennials Haven’t Killed Is Houseplants”. Record demand for Instagram-ready flora has sent ‘plant parents’ scouring the web for fiddle-leaf figs.

[0004] 2. “Gardening Reaches an All Time High. Your ‘Typical’ Gardener is Younger These Days - And Has a LOT of Questions!”: Overall, American gardeners reported a record average household spend of $503 - up nearly $100 over the previous year.

[0005] 3. “Meet the Plantfluencers”: Instagram and other social networks are booming with plant love. In a world of climate change, creating a biome of one’s own has an appeal.

[0006] People are spending more time at home and of those individuals now working full-time, only 1 in 10 say they want to return to their workplace exclusively. Millennials and Gen Zers are waiting longer to start families because of economic head winds on their lives. Some simply prefer the freedom and flexibility of a childfree lifestyle or would rather prioritize career and travel. 7 in 10 millennials are ‘plant parents,’ but 67% say it’s more of a challenge than they bargained for. They need help understanding their new hobby. Nearly half (40M+) don’t own plants because they are afraid they will kill them.

[0007] The plant industry is famously analog. E-commerce has been slow because it’s incredibly tricky to send plants through the mail. Digital natives need digital tools. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an integrated plant monitoring system.

[0010] Figure 2 shows a system of plant monitoring neural pathways.

[0011] Figure 3 shows a home-based plant control system.

[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] I. PLANTLIFE

[0015] The invention is a social platform and plant care utility where users can: (a) Monitor their plants using technology; (b) Share their plant journey with friends; (c) Shop for plants and connect with brands in a fun new way. We are a tool for people who want to green up their space. Our products include: (a) PlantStudio [AR Plant Shopping Delivery Service]; (b) PlantFeed [A Runway for Your Plants Marketplace]; (c) PlantTech [Plant Care Ecosystem, Hardware & Sensors],

[0016] Users: We are building for the following users: (a) Plant Lovers [PlantFeed, AR PlantStudio, Sell or Trade Plants, Sensors for Plants, Plant Care Modules, Plantfluencer Rankings, Tree Tracker, Plant Filters, Plant Clubs+]; (b) Plant Pros [Buyers; Selling Tools; Influencer Tools, Sell or Trade Plants, Pickup or Delivery, Boutique Retail, Community Gardens, Podcasts, Subscriptions]; (c) Brands [Shopify Integration, Content Partnerships, Engagement & Activation, Community Briefs, Video Content, How To’s, Recommenders, Lifestyle & Home Life Analytics],

[0017] How Our Business Makes Money: (a) Plant Lovers [We make an average of $xx per order in our AR Plant Studio. We project $xx in profit on each 4pk of our Soil Sticks. We project we will be able to monetize users beginning at $xx per year and drive that number up over time. We make a xx% service charge on all plant sales on the platform.]; (b) Plant Pros [We make a xx% service charge on all plant sales on the platform. We make a $xx monthly subscription fee for Plant Pros that unlocks powerful commerce features for their business. Our framework provides them a local pickup and delivery model.]; (c) Brands [Brands pay us to boost and develop brand engagement around their stories. When using the platform, brands can partner with us to offer AR Shopping. A small service charge is applied to sales, or a partnership deal is reached. Our Analytics support their outreach.

[0018] Engagement Model: (a) PlantStudio, Hardware, Care Schedules, Plant Content, Medical Chart, Profile; (b) Plant Care & Shopping; (c) Session Time / Unlock Plant Equity; (d) Plantfeed; (e) Community, Brands, DIY Talk Shows, Sell or Trade Plants, Plant Pro’s, Training Modules, Local Nurseries. Goals include: We are interested in improving plant care and building community tools; Using technology to care for plants. Sharing your plant journey with friends. We provide a local pickup and delivery framework for Plant Pros and Nurseries to start processing orders online and begin capturing delivery revenue. They can either plumb in their existing Shopify assortments or build their own assortments within the app.

[0019] PlantStudio: A new way to shop for plants, virtually, including Mobile Plant Builder; AR Plant Shopping; Sustainable Delivery Service; MVP.

[0020] PlantFeed: Non-toxic social media for plant lovers, including Plant Pro Tools, PlantHappy, Plant Filters. Topics include: Tomatoes, Flowers, Bonsai, Herbs, Cacti, Succulents, Orchids, Roses, Grasses, Leafy Greens, Vegetables, Botanicals, Yuccas, Palms, Shrubs, Trees, Tropical, Sunflowers, Berries, Nightingales, Conifers, +more.

[0021] PlantTech: Monitor your plants with digital tools, including Plant Database, Care Schedule & Chart, Plant Care Digital Ecosystem. We stop your plants from dying. Anyone who has downloaded the PlantLife app will be able to scan and pull up the plant’s profile: Temperature, Placement, Care Schedules, Push Notifications, Water Alerts possibly using NFC or RFID.

[0022] Community Topics: (a) Plants, Patio, Outdoor, Garden, Yard Care, Vegetables; (b) Home & Garden, Feng Shui & Allergens, Home Care, Healthy Living, Green Living, Design & Decorating, Interiors; (c) Mental Health, Wellness, Self Care, Spirituality, Life Coaching, Meditation, Balance; (d) Lifestyle, Organic Living, Nature Photography, Community, Food & Recipes, Travel, Joy, Planting Basics.

[0023] Reality Television Programming: We want to develop a 30-minute show that focuses on Plantfluencers and their lives. Also, we would like to engage with DIY Plantfluencers to build a series of 3-minute talk shows that help people learn about plant care on our platform.

[0024] Children’s Programming: We want to develop content IP for kids to learn about plants and give them gardening activities to do with the family.

[0025] II. SOIL STICKS

[0026] We’re creating the Baby Monitor for Plant Parents. Remember a time before the baby monitor? Now you can ask ‘Hey Siri, how are my plants doing?” You can also keep your plants company with Apple Music Playlists. And most importantly you will be able be able to schedule care to ensure your plants never go thirsty.

[0027] Our entire company is built on the belief that we can do things sustainably and live in balance with mother earth. The ‘Nest for Plants’ element of the PlantLife story aspires to be a “clean tech” solution that is biodegradable, non-toxic, carbon neutral and compostable. The product must live by mother nature’s rules. If you threw it in the ocean and fish ate it, there would be no effect on marine life ecosystems. It should end its life as soil.

[0028] The solution may require cradle-to-cradle thinking, where a portion of the device is removed before the end of its life. We’d like to push this idea as far as possible even if it means defining a new product category. Avoid plastic.

[0029] This product should be developed in partnership with the manufacturers who have the capabilities to support our quality standards. Any carbon from shipping or manufacturing should be calculated and knowable so that it can be offset in the final price.

[0030] Turning to Figure 1, shown is an integrated plant monitoring system comprising a portable device 110, a soil stick (both sides) 120, a plant 130 with a soil stick 120 installed therein, and a watch device 140. Bothe the portable device 110 and the watch device 140 may monitor and control various aspects of the plant 130 via the soil stick 120 installed therein. [0031] Considerations of this product include:

[0032] Naming: The soil sticks need both a point of view on naming & brand; as well as ID and Product design that will work together on the platform to create a joyful user experience. This should align with the broader brand nomenclature defined by the team: PlantStudio, PlantFeed and PlantTech, et al. PlantLife should be a seamless experience and a brand with a clear point of view. Special attention should be paid to the branding at the top of the stick. It should be happy and lovable.

[0033] Materials: Wood is not the optimal material; we expect to find a wood pulp or similar eco source like bamboo. The product should feel organic and timeless, not futuristic or trendy. Think of the simple elegance in a paperclip. We should aim for a universal size that looks good and functions in a wide variety of pot sizes.

[0034] Indoor vs. Outdoor: For reference, Nest relies upon your thermostat being constantly connected to the network. We think this approach is too battery intensive. Instead, we’d like to embrace the idea of a small daily ping. We would like to develop a strategy that embraces outdoor Wi-Fi boosters for the full experience. We look to partner with a company that specializes in this and sell their accessories along with our products in our store. Small plugs that bring you online. In the future, we will look into expanding the product line for a more outdoor or Bluetooth driven model that does not require Wi-Fi for the industrial market.

[0035] Power Source: We would like to support a 3 year battery life if possible. 5 years would be better. It could also be a small solar panel. Plants must have light. Another suggestion has been to plug in and charge. If this is necessary it should be infrequent. Once a year? We must design a way for users to reset and reassign their soil sticks to different plants. Likely app driven, however click and hold might also be worth pursuing.

[0036] The Daily Ping: To limit battery drain, we would like to limit connectivity to a single numeric daily ping. It is beautiful in its simplicity. This daily cadence gives us all sorts of ways to build analytics around the health of a plant. Every plant in PlantOS will be required to have an optimal moisture level or range assigned to its care profile. Some plants are arid and prefer less water. Others like to be wet all the time. Our platform knows what level your plants should be for optimal health and when the plant should be watered. A three year battery should be able to send 1095 or more daily pings. 5 years would be 1825 pings. The daily ping should enable us to calculate the dry curve for every plant on a sensor. From this data we can tell you if the plant is positioned properly with the right source of light. PlantOS should express this information intrinsically. Measuring soil temperature may be a worthy data point to consider. It would mean inserting a tiny thermometer into the hardware. Wet soil vs air temperature may help us determine any useful metrics. The daily ping in future versions will be expanded to include additional data points not yet known.

[0037] PlantLife OS or PlantOS: We are developing an entirely new operating system that functions to expand the interface between plants and humans. It will be a global universal system with its own SDK and API. The Soil Sticks must align with and interface with PlantOS standards. PlantOS looks at all of the inputs and outputs throughout a plant’s life cycle.

[0038] PlantOS is an operating system with a series of inputs and outputs. Its goal is to track plant health and open up the interface between plants and humans. It is expressed over time as a series of daily pings. It’s a matrix that builds over time and grows with the life of the plant. Data points include: 01/Jan/2025, 12pm; Moisture Level: 2; Soil pH: 7.0; Temperature: 72 °F/22 °C; Mineral Panel: ABCDEFG, etc.; Thumbnail/Photos jpg/png; Latin Name lorem ipsum; Common Names lorem ipsum; Origin country Difficulty Level 0-10; Description lorem ipsum; Preferred Light s/i/d/fs/t; Preferred Soil Type lorem ipsum; Personal Name: Cuddle Bear; Bloom Time 0- 12 range; Optimal Moisture Level 0-10; Current Moisture Level 0-10; Suggested Watering Frequency 0-31; Primary Use indoor/outdoor; Special Considerations lorem ipsum; Hardiness Zones 0-12 range; Current Zone 0-10; Avg Adult Size cm³/in³; Growth Rate s/m/f/vf ; Lifespan 0-5000 years; Suggested Outdoor Spacing in/cm; Optimal Temperature Range a-b; Current Temperature °F/°C; Optimal Soil Nutrient Levels panel+; Current Soil Nutrient Levels panel+; Pet Friendly y/n; Air Cleaner y/n; Child Friendly/Non-toxic y/n Drainage lorem ipsum; Pot Material lorem; Optimal Pruning 0-365; Optimal Fertilization 0-365; Rankings 0-x; Planting Instructions lorem ipsum; Estimated Birth year/unknown; Therapeutic Properties lorem ipsum. [0039] Soil Diagnostics: We can tell that plants are in too much light because their dry curves will drop below the optimal dry times defined for that plant. Some plants prefer to go completely dry before being watered again. Others like being wet all the time. Our app knows the difference and proper care for each plant. [0040] Packaging: We can tell that plants are in too much light because their dry curves will drop below the optimal dry times defined for that plant. Some plants prefer to go completely dry before being watered again. Others like being wet all the time. Our app knows the difference and proper care for each plant. The goal for this packaging is to develop a green solution for transporting plants in the mail from point A to point B domestically anywhere in America. We are considering whether to grow the plants in the forms in a shippable state (which might mean working up to this level). Moving plants from a nursery pot to another container requires a one- month adjustment time before plants can be shipped. This amount of time is required for the plant to be ready for the trauma of being sent through the mail.

[0041] The packaging must be sustainable and push the boundaries on what is possible. Compostable is the goal. It should return to dirt faster than other packaging available and feel good when the box arrives at your door. It should educate the buyer why it’s cutting edge in its sustainability. Someone suggested seeds being implanted in the outer shell so that it can be planted. The unboxing experience should feel magical and immersive. Fully branded. The packaging should be enforced in all the right ways so that a living specimen can survive and thrive along the journey. Lightweight but strong. The mushroom pods can hold 5-7 days of water. Breathability should be just right. As well, a small amount of light should be allowed inside to minimize trauma and keep the plant connected to the sun (white reflective material?). We are limiting our size because young, hearty plants are best equipped to survive a journey through the mail. The packaging should be modular enough to service circular pots 4-6 inches in size. If special inserts are required to maximize cushioning, they can be considered.

[0042] The Networked Home: We would like to build on Alexa, Google and HomeKit so that users can choose which home base station they operate from. For users without a home base station, we would like to offer a low cost plugin for their security.

[0043] We’re creating a full ecosystem of Smart Home care that enables users to name, monitor and receive push notifications to stay connected to their Plant Care needs. Anyone who has downloaded the PlantLife app will be able to scan and pull up the plant’s profile. You won’t need SmartHome devices to monitor and care. Using RFID and NFC technology built into the PlantLife App, Plant Parents will be able to place their phone next to a PlantLife Soil Stick to get a status of their moisture, pH balance, and light. [0044] Turning to Figure 2, shown is a system of plant monitoring neural pathways. A portable device 210 and a plant 220 with a soil stick installed therein. These products interface to a Cloud Server 250A, 250B, 250C via Wi-Fi 225 (either through Apple HomeKit & Devices 230 or a PlantLife plug 235) or via SIM or Broadband 240. The App Functionality 260 also interfaces with the Cloud Server 250A, 250B, 250C.

[0045] The Neural Pathways for this system include: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Signal Transmitted once daily; 4 in 1 Soil Analysis (Moisture, Temperature, Light, pH Tester); Multi-Depth Soil Analysis; Built-in solar cell extends life of CR battery; Sustainable materials that can be detached to recycle separately; 10k+ species with PlantOS Care Schedules; 10k+ PlantLife OS Smart Care Guide; Retail Price Estimate $xx - $xx each; Product Life 3-5 years.

[0046] The maximum battery life in days:

2032 Coin Cell Two AAA Two AA

(210 mAh) (1000 mAh) (2400 mAh)

Wi-Fi CC3230S 0.71 mA 59 mA

BLE 5 NRF522832 0.05 mA 5.3 mA

LoRa SX1262 0.002 mA 8.0 mA

[0047] Power analysis for wireless products:

Connected Rx Tx

Ref Chipset Daily Usage Max Range

Current Current Current

Wifi CC3230S 0.71 mA 59 mA 223 mA 17.3 mAh NA

BLE 5 NRF522832 0.05 mA 5.3 mA 7.5 mA 1.2 mAh 900 ft

LoRa SX1262 0.002 mA 8.0 mA 15 mA 0.07 mAh 5000 ft Passive

NFC

RFID

[0048] Figure 3 shows a home-based plant control system using Lora as a network setup option. Shown is a Sensor 310 connected via Lora to a Lora Gateway 320, which is connected via Wi-Fi to a Modem/Wi-Fi Router 325. A Cloud Server 330 is connected to a User Device 335 via TCP/IP and to the Modem/Wi-Fi Router 325 via TCP/IP. The Modem/Wi-Fi Router 325 is connected to the User Device 335 via TCP/IP.

[0049] For this implementation a custom LoRa to Wi-Fi gateway will need to be developed the gateway will be developed. This gateway will provide the always on functionality required for HomeKit allowing the sensor to be in sleep mode to preserve energy.

[0050] Assortment of sales plans include: individually; a set of Hub + 3 sticks; Expand product line to include Smart Pots, etc.

[0051] Initial Requirements:

[0052] • must measure the water level on a scale from 0 to 10 and transmit once daily;

[0053] • three-year minimum lifespan, but longer is better;

[0054] • use RFID and NFC technologies, or Bluetooth for an outdoor line at a later date;

[0055] • carbon neutral and ground-breaking in environmental thinking;

[0056] • Push notifications will provide plant-related updates.

[0057] Deliverables: Hardware Design & Source Files, Sourcing Assistance, Manufacturing Recommendations, Supplemental UX in Product Experience, Brand Guidance.

[0058] Standards, Methods And Data:

[0059] Specification Goals:

[0060] • Battery lifespan of the Stick 3 years.

[0061] Allow user to detect plants upon approach without having to be "always on" using power.

[0062] Stick to provide sensor data to app.

[0063] Use Cases:

[0064] 1. Report Sensor Data: Stick periodically reports moisture via network or other method and minimizes battery usage. [0065] 2. Identify: When you approach a plant with a Stick, the app should identify the plant, bring up the plant's profile, history, owner, care instructions, etc.

[0066] Standards/Methods/Data :

[0067] We need to capture sensor data via the app from Stick(s), periodically, and this can be accomplished through a variety of methods. Each method has pros/cons, different power consumption profiles and usability impact:

[0068] WIFI

[0069] Power intensive requires WIFI chip on Stick (which increases cost and power drain) but provides the most consistent, flexible reporting. Could be leveraged for more uses in future phases: Plant-to-plant networking, more data throughout the day, updating firmware on chip, etc. [0070] Requires setup for each Stick to attach to the network.

[0071] Requires power. Power options:

[0072] Battery powered: Easy to use, installed in manufacturing process, no effort from user, device is "powered" at delivery which can improve setup experience. Nick note: "Lifespan of best micro-batteries closer to one year than three."

[0073] Rechargeable batteries: Extends lifespan of the Stick but there is still a lifespan for battery due to "battery recharge fatigue". Increases size of product. Will add cost, complexity and effort to the consumer. However, very common with users today.

[0074] Interchangeable batteries (button cell/ AA / AAA): Extends the lifespan of the Stick indefinitely. Increases size of product. Requires user effort and extra steps in setup process. Ongoing cost to user.

[0075] Wired/Plug-in: Logistically challenging as plant would need to be near plug. Extends the lifespan of the Stick indefinitely. Increases size of product. Requires user effort and extra steps in setup process. Ongoing cost to user.

[0076] Bluetooth/LE

[0077] Requires selecting/naming the Stick from list of nearby BL devices. "Crowded" BT home/work space due to so many consumer products using BT. Auto-connect an issue with BL. [0078] Same issues as WIFI (network connectivity and power)

[0079] Longer range than NFC. Defined, mature standard for BT includes extra features (peer- to-peer, multi-connect, data sharing, file transfer, etc.). Consumer knowledge of BT is high. [0080] NFC: Works powered & unpowered, requires HF (High Frequency) RFID tags, iOS and Android SDKs support NFC, data and file sharing, works for both use cases (Sensor Data and Identify plants).

[0081] • QR code: Least complex "Identify" solution. Does not solve for sensor data reporting.

[0082] Solution for Use Cases:

[0083] - Use a "passive" RFID (unpowered) tag to Identify the plant

[0084] - Use "active" RFID, always on, but with minimal power state, to report data [0085] - Alternative: QR Code instead passive RFID will work for Identify use case only [0086] - Alternative: Use both an "active" RFID (a smart powered sensor with WIFI chip) + passive RFID

[0087] III. CONCLUSION

[0088] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. [0089] Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0090] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. The plant system as shown and described.