WO2023021508A9

WO2023021508A9 - Pollination device

Info

Publication number: WO2023021508A9
Application number: PCT/IL2022/050889
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thai (ELGRABLI) SADE; Avi Keren; Ido-Ad SENESH
Original assignee: Bloomx Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-16
Filing date: 2022-08-16
Publication date: 2023-04-13
Also published as: WO2023021508A1; WO2023021508A8

Abstract

A pollination device is provided, constituted of: one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism to generate a vibration sequence; and a trellis portion in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism. A method of promoting pollen release from a flowering plant in a greenhouse environment is provided, the method constituted of: providing one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism secured to a greenhouse trellis; and actuating the vibration mechanism in accordance with sensor data captured from the greenhouse environment.

Description

POLLINATION DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICTION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application S/N 63/260,290 filed August 16, 2021, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to the field of artificial pollination. More specifically, the invention relates to novel systems and methods for pollination management of greenhouse plants.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Growing produce in greenhouses have multiple advantages. It can be an effective and economical for early production of warm-season fruiting vegetables, and for winter production of cool-season leaf and root vegetables, as the greenhouses provide a controlled and protected environment for plants. The downside, however, is that greenhouses are also “protected” from natural pollination. Moreover, the humidity in the greenhouse should be strictly regulated in such a way, that relative humidity remains between 50 to 80 percent to prevent pollen from being too dry to stick to the female part of the plant, or too sticky to fall away from the male part of the plant.

[0004] Since the early 1960’s, growers and manufacturers have sought technologies that can solve the aforementioned pollination problem by means of artificial pollination. Artificial pollination is a solution to help in overcoming difficulties caused by the lack of natural pollination in a controlled and efficient way, thus providing an increase in crop yields and quality.

[0005] Today, despite significant progress in the field of agriculture technology, known as agritech, providing a universal, scalable, cost-effective, well-controlled and easy- to-use systems and methods for artificial pollination of greenhouse plants remains a long and unmet need.

1

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) SUMMARY

[0006] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present examples to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. This is provided by a pollination device comprising: one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism to generate a vibration sequence; and a trellis portion in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism.

[0007] In on example, the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism is implemented as a vibration motor. In one example the trellis portion comprises a trellis wire.

[0008] In one example, the pollination device further comprises a controller in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism, the controller to actuate the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism at least partially responsive to a threshold environmental condition.

[0009] In one example, the controller is at least partially responsive to thermal sensor data. In one example, the controller is at least partially responsive to humidity data. In one example, the controller is at least partially responsive to time data.

[00010] In one example, the vibration motor is secured to a trellis support structure. In one example, the pollination device further comprises a controller in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism, the controller to actuate the vibration motor at least partially responsive to a threshold environmental condition and at least one sensor.

[00011] In one example, the at least one sensor is selected from a group consisting of temperature sensor, humidity sensor, sound recorder, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a light sensor. In one example, the controller is further configured to actuate the vibration mechanism in accordance with a time of day.

[00012] The examples provide for a method of promoting pollen release from a flowering plant in a greenhouse environment, the method comprising: providing one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism secured to a greenhouse trellis; and actuating the vibration mechanism in accordance with sensor data captured from the greenhouse environment.

[00013] In one example, the vibration mechanism is implemented as a haptic buzzer. In one example, the haptic buzzer is secured to a trellis wire. [00014] In one example, the sensor data includes humidity data. In one example, the sensor data includes timer data characterizing a time delay from a threshold greenhouse humidity.

[00015] In one example, the sensor data includes temperature data. In one example, the vibration mechanism is implemented as a vibration motor. In one example, the vibration motor is secured to a trellis support structure. In one example the method further comprises stopping the vibration mechanism after a predetermined time period.

[00016] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00017] For a better understanding of certain embodiments and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[00018] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[00019] Fig.l is a schematic presentation of an example pollination device;

[00020] Fig.2 is a schematic presentation of an example pollination system;

[00021] Fig.3 is a schematic presentation of an example pollination system;

[00022] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a vibration mechanism in communication with a controller; and

[00023] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example pollination method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00024] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[00025] Fig.l is a schematic presentation of an example pollination device 100, comprising a pair of trellis support structures 110, which may be implemented as stanchions 110, a plurality of pairs of support wires 112, which may be implemented as guy wires 112, a first trellis portion 115, a second trellis portion 117, and a plurality of vibration mechanisms 120. Vibration mechanisms 120 are electrically-powered vibration mechanism, but are termed vibration mechanisms 120 for simplicity. A first trellis support structure 110 is supported by a respective pair of support wires 112 and a second trellis support structure 110 is supported by a respective pair of support wires 112. First trellis support structure 110 is laterally displaced from second trellis support structure 110. First trellis portion 115 is connected between first and second trellis support structures 110 at a first height, and second trellis portion 117 is connected between first and second trellis support structures 110 at a second height. Pollination device 100 may be located within a greenhouse, and the combination of trellis support structures 110, first trellis portion 115 and second trellis portion 117 may be considered a greenhouse trellis.

[00026] A plurality of plants 108 are illustrated for a clear understand of the operation. Plants 108 are supported by first trellis portion 115 as they grow and reach at least the first height, and are supported by second trellis portion 117 as they grow and reach at least the second height. The respective pair of support wires 112 are on opposing sides of first and second trellis support structures 110 opposite first and second trellis portions 115, 117.

[00027] First and second trellis portions 115, 117 may be implemented as trellis wires, separated by respective separators to maintain a predetermined distance between individual trellis wires over the majority of the distance between first and second trellis support structures 110.

[00028] A respective vibration mechanism 120 is provided, coupled to first trellis portion 115, such that first trellis portion 115 is in communication with the respective vibration mechanism 120. A plurality of respective vibration mechanisms 120 are provided coupled to second trellis portion 117, such that second trellis portion 117 is in communication with the respective vibration mechanisms 120. In another example, a single vibration mechanism 120 may be secured to multiple trellis portions, e.g., to both first trellis portion 115 and to second trellis portion 117, without limitation. There is no limitation to the number of trellis portions, and more than 2 trellis portions, or a single trellis portion may be provided without exceeding the scope.

[00029] Respective vibration mechanisms 120 are electrically powered, and as described further below, generates a vibration sequence, which is communicated to the respective trellis portion 115, 117. As used herein, the term “vibration” refers to a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed. Electrical power for respective vibration mechanisms 120 may be provided by a battery, a battery powered by solar panel, a solar panel, or electrical cable, without limitation.

[00030] Vibration mechanism 120 may be clamped or otherwise secured to a horizontally extending trellis wire of the respective trellis portion 115, 117. Vibration mechanism 120 may be removably clamped, or removably secured, to a horizontally extending trellis wire of the respective trellis portion 115, 117. Vibration mechanism 120 may be implemented by a piezoelectric mechanism or a haptic buzzer. Vibration mechanism 120 may be implemented by an unbalanced motor, which may be termed a vibration motor.

[00031] Plants 108, may be flowering plants, and in particular may be buzz- pollinated plants. As used herein, the term “buzz-pollinated plant” refers, without limitation, to a plant having an anther shape compared to other flora. In buzz pollinated plants, buzz pollination happens if pollinators visit the flowers to extract pollen. The flower morphology of buzz pollinated plants is different from other flora that do not use this type of pollination. The anthers are completely sealed except for a small pore at the top or have very small slits that open along the sides. The pores and slits are small enough that insects cannot easily enter the anther, but large enough that pollen can exit. Because of this shape, they are often referred to as poricidal anthers. Poricidal anthers are able to release pollen when vibrated at a specific frequency. The stigmas of these flowers are often located below the anthers.

[00032] A non-limiting list of buzz-pollinated plants includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and kiwi. The examples herein are not limited to the above, and may be utilized for any crop which may benefit from the device and/or pollination system according to the examples herein. As used herein, the term “greenhouse” refers, without limitation to a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, such as glass, in which plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown. These structures may range in size from miniature to small sheds and up to industrial-sized buildings. The interior or a portion of a greenhouse is exposed to sunlight and becomes significantly warmer than the external temperature, protecting its contents in cold weather.

[00033] Vibration of the first and second trellis portions at least partially perform pollination since the vibrations cause pollen to exit, i.e. the vibration causes a release of the pollen.

[00034] Fig. 2 is a schematic presentation of an example pollination device 200, comprising a pair of trellis support structures 110, which may be implemented as stanchions 110, a plurality of pairs of support wires 112, which may be implemented as guy wires 112, a first trellis portion 115, a second trellis portion 117, and a vibration mechanism 125 secured to at least one of the pair of trellis support structures 110. A first trellis support structure 110 is supported by a respective pair of support wires 112 and a second trellis support structure 110 is supported by a respective pair of support wires 112. First trellis support structure 110 is laterally displaced from second trellis support structure 110. First trellis portion 115 is connected between first and second trellis support structures 110 at a first height, and second trellis portion 117 is connected between first and second trellis support structures 110 at a second height. Vibration mechanism 125 is an electrically-powered vibration mechanism, but is termed vibration mechanism 125 for simplicity.

[00035] Pollination device 200 may be located within a greenhouse, and the combination of trellis support structures 110, first trellis portion 115 and second trellis portion 117 may be considered a greenhouse trellis.

[00036] A plurality of plants 108 are illustrated for a clear understand of the operation. Plants 108 are supported by first trellis portion 115 as they grow and reach at least the first height, and are supported by second trellis portion 117 as they grow and reach at least the second height. The respective pair of support wires 112 are on opposing sides of first and second trellis support structures 110 opposite first and second trellis portions 115, 117.

[00037] First and second trellis portions 115, 117 may be implemented as trellis wires, separated by respective separators to maintain a predetermined distance between individual trellis wires over the majority of the distance between first and second trellis support structures 110. There is no limitation to the number of trellis portions, and more than 2 trellis portions, or a single trellis portion may be provided without exceeding the scope.

[00038] At least one vibration mechanism 125 is provided, secured to a respective one of the pair of trellis support structures 110. Vibration mechanism 125, in operation, vibrates the respective one of the pair of trellis support structures 110, and thus communicates its vibration to first and second trellis portions 115, 117. Thus, first trellis portion 115 is in communication with vibration mechanism 125 and second trellis portion 117 is in communication with vibration mechanisms 125. In one example a plurality of vibration mechanisms 125 are provided, respectively secured to one of the pair of trellis support structures 110.

[00039] Vibration mechanism 125 is electrically powered, and as described further below, generates a vibration sequence, which is communicated to the respective trellis portion 115, 117. Electrical power for vibration mechanisms 125 may be provided by a battery, a battery powered by solar panel, a solar panel, or electrical cable, without limitation.

[00040] Vibration mechanism 125 may be clamped to the respective trellis support structures 110, screwed thereto, or bolted thereto without limitation. Vibration mechanism 120 may be removably clamped to the respective trellis support structures 110. Vibration mechanism 125 may be implemented by a piezoelectric mechanism or a haptic buzzer. Vibration mechanism 125 may be implemented by an unbalanced motor, which may be termed a vibration motor.

[00041] Fig. 3 is a schematic presentation of an example pollination device 300, comprising a pair of trellis support structures 110, which may be implemented as stanchions 110, a plurality of pairs of support wires 112, which may be implemented as guy wires 112, a first trellis portion 115, a second trellis portion 117, at least one vibration mechanism 120, and a vibration mechanism 125. A first trellis support structure 110 is supported by a respective pair of support wires 112 and a second trellis support structure 110 is supported by a respective pair of support wires 112. First trellis support structure 110 is laterally displaced from second trellis support structure 110. First trellis portion 115 is connected between first and second trellis support structures 110 at a first height, and second trellis portion 117 is connected between first and second trellis support structures 110 at a second height. Vibration mechanisms 120, 125 are electrically-powered vibration mechanisms, but are termed vibration mechanisms 120, 125, respectively, for simplicity. [00042] Pollination device 300 may be located within a greenhouse, and the combination of trellis support structures 110, first trellis portion 115 and second trellis portion 117 may be considered a greenhouse trellis.

[00043] A plurality of plants 108 are illustrated for a clear understand of the operation. Plants 108 are supported by first trellis portion 115 as they grow and reach at least the first height, and are supported by second trellis portion 117 as they grow and reach at least the second height. The respective pair of support wires 112 are on opposing sides of first and second trellis support structures 110 opposite first and second trellis portions 115, 117.

[00044] First and second trellis portions 115, 117 may be implemented as trellis wires, separated by respective separators to maintain a predetermined distance between individual trellis wires over the majority of the distance between first and second trellis support structures 110.

[00045] At least one vibration mechanism 125 is provided, secured to a respective one of the pair of trellis support structures 110. Vibration mechanism 125, in operation, vibrates the respective one of the pair of trellis support structures 110, and thus communicates its vibration to first and second trellis portions 115, 117. Thus, first trellis portion 115 is in communication with vibration mechanism 125 and second trellis portion 117 is in communication with vibration mechanisms 125. In one example a plurality of vibration mechanisms 125 are provided, respectively secured to one of the pair of trellis support structures 110.

[00046] In another example, a single vibration mechanism 120 may be secured to multiple trellis portions, e.g., to both first trellis portion 115 and to second trellis portion 117, without limitation. There is no limitation to the number of trellis portions, and more than 2 trellis portions, or a single trellis portion may be provided without exceeding the scope.

[00047] A respective vibration mechanism 120 may be provided, coupled to at least one of first trellis portion 115, such that first trellis portion 115 is in communication with the respective vibration mechanism 120. A respective vibration mechanism 120 is provided coupled to second trellis portion 117, such that second trellis portion 117 is in communication with the respective vibration mechanism 120. More than one respective vibration mechanism 120 may be provided coupled to first trellis portion 115 or to second trellis portion 117. [00048] Respective vibration mechanisms 120, 125 are electrically powered, and as described further below, generate a vibration sequence, which is communicated to the respective trellis portion 115, 117. As used herein, the term “vibration” refers to a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed. Electrical power for respective vibration mechanisms 120, 125 may be provided by a battery, a battery powered by solar panel, a solar panel, or electrical cable, without limitation.

[00049] Vibration mechanism 120 may be clamped to a horizontally extending trellis wire of the respective trellis portion 115, 117. Vibration mechanism 120 may be removably clamped to a horizontally extending trellis wire of the respective trellis portion 115, 117. Vibration mechanism 120 may be implemented by a piezoelectric mechanism or a haptic buzzer. Vibration mechanism 120 may be implemented by an unbalanced motor, which may be termed a vibration motor.

[00050] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a vibration mechanism 120, 125 in communication with a controller 132. Controller 132 comprises a user interface 134, such as a touch screen or keyboard, a sensor 136, which may be an environment sensor, a processor 138, a transmitter/receiver 144 and a database 142. Processor 138 comprises a vibration scheme model 140, which may be computer readable instructions stored on an associated memory, which when read by processor 138 may generate a vibration scheme as described herein. User interface 134 and sensor 136 are in communication with processor 138. Transmitter/receiver 144 and database 142 are in communication with processor 138.

[00051] Controller 132, and particularly transmitter/receiver 144 of controller 132, is in communication with vibration mechanism 120, 125 via a communication channel 131. Communication channel 131 may be a wired system, such as an Ethernet network, a cloud server, the Internet, or a dedicated communication channel such as WiFi, LTE, or a wireless network, without limitation.

[00052] Vibration mechanism 120, 125 may comprise a vibrator transmitter/receiver 124, a vibration hardware 126, a securing hardware 128, and a vibration monitoring unit 130. Vibrator transmitter/receiver 124 is in communication with transmitter/receiver 144 of controller 132 via communication channel 131 to receive instructions from controller 132, and provide data from vibration monitoring unit 130 to controller 132.

[00053] Vibration hardware 126 may comprise a piezoelectric device, a haptic buzzer or a vibration motor without limitation. Securing hardware 128 may comprise a clamp, screws or other mechanisms for securing vibration mechanism 120 to a respective trellis portion 115, 117, or to secure vibration mechanism 125 to a respective trellis support structure 110.

[00054] Vibration monitoring unit 130 may sense vibration of vibration mechanism 130, and report vibration frequency, intensity, or both, via vibrator transmitter/receiver 124 to controller 132.

[00055] Controller 132 may be dedicated to a particular pollination device 100, 200, or 300, or to a particular vibration mechanism 120, 125. Controller 132 may be in communication with, and control, a plurality of pollination devices 100, 200 or 300, or a combination thereof, and controller 132 may located in-situ or remotely without limitation. Vibration monitoring unit 130 from respective vibration mechanisms 120, 125 may respectively report the state of actual vibration to controller 132 via communication channel 131. In such an example, controller 132 may track operation of each of the respective vibration mechanisms 120, 125 and may manage the pollination process. This may be particularly useful for large farmers where manual inspection is not feasible and a malfunction can cause dramatic issues in production.

[00056] Vibration scheme module 140 may provide a vibration scheme for operation of vibration hardware 126, which vibration scheme may be communicated to vibration mechanism 120, 125 via communication channel 131. Frequency of vibration may be controlled by vibration scheme module 140. In one example, the frequency of vibration may be between 0.001 Hz and 1000 Hz, and may be for a time duration of from 0.001 to 60 seconds.

[00057] Controller 132 may be programmable. Controller 132 is shown as having sensor 136 internal thereto, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In one example, a respective sensor 136 is provided associated with each pollination device 100, 200 or 300, the respective sensor 136 in communication with controller 132. In another example, a respective sensor 136 is associated with each respective vibration mechanism 120, 125. A combination of sensors 136 may be provided, without exceeding the scope.

[00058] Sensor 136 may provide thermal sensor data, humidity data, time data, location data, sound data, or light data. Thus, sensor 136 may selected from a group consisting of temperature sensor, humidity sensor, sound recorder, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a light sensor.

[00059] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example pollination method 500, which may be performed by processor 138 in cooperation with respective vibration mechanisms 120, 125. The method may promote pollen release from a flowering plant in a greenhouse environment. In stage 510, sensor data is captured, e.g., data from sensor 136 is captured. Sensor 136 may capture environmental data, such as one or more of: humidity, temperature. In such an example, sensor 136 may comprise one or more of a humidity sensor and a thermal sensor. Sensor 136 may further provide time information, or processor 138 may record the amount of time for which a particular environment condition persists. [00060] In state 520, the captured sensor data of stage 510 is compared to a threshold environmental condition. In the event that the captured sensor data of stage 510 does not meet the threshold environmental condition, stage 510 is repeated. The term meet in regards to the threshold environmental condition is meant to be inclusive of being above, or below, the respective threshold environmental condition, and is not meant to be limited to a strict “equal to” condition.

[00061] In one non-limiting example the threshold environmental condition may be a combination of humidity and temperature over time. Sensor 136 provides humidity and temperature information, which is recorded by processor 138 in database 142. In one particular non-limiting example, amount of time for which humidity is below a preset level, for example 70%, for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., after 2 hours of humidity under 70%. In one example, the sensor data includes timer data characterizing a time delay from a threshold greenhouse humidity.

[00062] There is no requirement that the threshold environmental condition be a fixed threshold environmental condition. In one example the threshold environmental condition varies over the course of the year. In one example the threshold environmental condition varies in accordance with mean environmental conditions. In one example, the time of day may be an additional factor to be taken into account in determining the threshold environmental condition. Thus, in one example, vibration, and resulting pollination, is prohibited during night hours, and is delayed until the next daytime period. [00063] In the event that in stage 520 the captured sensor data of stage 510 meets the threshold environmental condition, in stage 530 the vibration mechanism is activated, e.g., vibration mechanism 125, 130 are activated to provide a vibration sequence. In one example, processor 138 issues an instruction to the respective vibration mechanism 125, 130 via transmitter receiver 144 to enable vibration hardware 128 for a predetermined amount of time, thus providing the vibration sequence. Vibration mechanism 120, 125 may be provided with a local controller to enable/disable vibration hardware 126 responsive to the received instruction. Alternately, processor 138 may monitor the time, and send an initial start instruction, followed by a stop instruction at expiration of the predetermined amount of time.

[00064] In the event that vibration hardware 126 is controllable as regards frequency of vibration, stage 530 may further comprise an instruction regarding the frequency of vibration to be provided. A combination of frequencies over time may be provided without exceeding the scope. Thus, the vibration sequence may provide vibrations at more than one frequency over the predetermined amount of time.

[00065] In one example, the respective vibration mechanisms 120, 125 are enabled serially. Thus, for example referring to FIG. 1, stage 530 may enable vibration mechanisms 120 coupled to second trellis portion 117, and after expiration of the predetermined amount of time, stage 530 may enable vibration mechanism 120 coupled to first trellis portion 115 for a respective predetermined amount of time. As indicated above, there is no requirement that the predetermined amount of time for second trellis portion 117 be the same as the predetermined amount of time for first trellis portion 115.

[00066] In stage 540, functionality of vibration mechanism is captured. In one example, vibration monitoring unit captures the frequency, and optionally the amplitude of vibration of vibration mechanism 120, 125 and reports same via vibrator transmitter/receiver 124 and communication channel 131 to controller 132.

[00067] In stage 550, the captured functionality of vibration mechanism is compared with predetermined parameters. In one example the predetermined parameters may be a function of the frequency and time instructions provided in stage 530. In one example the predetermined parameters are pre-determined based on the type of vibration hardware 126. [00068] In the event that in stage 550 the captured functionality of vibration mechanism is within the predetermined parameters, stage 510 is repeated. In the event that in stage 550 the captured functionality of vibration mechanism is not within the predetermined parameters, in stage 560 a warning signal is issued indicated failure of operation. This may be an indication that cable tightening of support wires 112 are of trellis wires constituting first trellis portion 115 or second trellis portion 117 may be required.

[00069] In another example, sensor 136, or vibration monitoring unit 130, may monitor pollination activity.

[00070] As used herein, the term “sensor” refers, without limitation to a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure, or any other environmental input. Thus, sensor 136 may comprise more than one and/or a plurality of sensors, wherein the constituent sensors may be of the same or different types, may fulfill similar or distinct function, and may be operated manually and/or automatically. A non-limiting list of the constituent sensors of sensor 136 may include one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sound recorder, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an imaging sensor, an inertial measurement unit, a light sensor, or any other sensor that can be suitable for the pollination system described herein. The data provided by the sensor may be environmental data and/or data related to the state of the at least one flowering plant and/or pollination status of the flowering plant. The date may be real time data. The data provided by the sensor may be used for managing and/or monitoring of the pollination activities [00071] According to some embodiments, the above system is an autonomous system, a semi-autonomous system, and a non-autonomous system

[00072] According to some embodiments of the above method, the pollination system may increase a yield of a crop. As used herein, the term “yield” or "agricultural productivity" or "agricultural output" refers, without limitation, to the measure of the yield of a crop per unit area of land cultivation, and/or the seed generation of the plant itself. In the context of the invention, the increase in the yield can be measured according to any suitable parameter or technique known in the art and/or in-use by growers.

[00073] The environmental data of stage 520 may comprise data indicative of the flowering plant status. In one embodiment, the environmental data comprise data indicative of the pollination efficiency. As used herein, the term “environmental data” refers, without limitation, to any information and/or input related to the state of the environment and the impacts on ecosystems. The environmental data may be acquired by the sensor 136, and/or can be gathered from external sources, such as, without limitation, weather forecast, activity of insects, or any other information that might be of relevance. The data acquired by the sensor 136 may include, without limitation, health/disease state, yield estimations, flowering stage, and others.

[00074] According to some examples, environmental data may be sent to a remote server using wireless connection. Those in the art will understand that a server may be a single computer, a network of computers, either in the cloud or on a local machine; the server will process the data and will provide insights to the grower; the server will provide recommendations about necessary future actions for the grower to take, using the device “user interface” (for real time actions) and using the dashboards (for real-time and/or offline actions). Those in the art will understand that the data could be supplied on different platforms, such as website, mobile application, tablet application and other platforms available in the market. The insights and actions that the server may provide include, without limitation, pollination efficiency in the orchard; recommendation on areas to repollinate artificially due to inefficient pollination; reporting on pests and physical damages in orchard/field; water condition; temperature and humidity near the crops.

[00075] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[00076] According to some examples, the method comprises steps of applying a machine learning process with the computer implemented trained algorithm to determine the state of the plant. Thus, it is within the scope of the present invention that the algorithm (or computer readable program) is implemented with a machine learning process using a neural network with the processed data. The term “training” in the context of machine learning implemented within the system of the present invention refers to the process of creating a machine learning algorithm. Training involves the use of a deep-learning framework and training dataset. A source of training data can be used to train machine learning models for a variety of use cases, from failure detection to consumer intelligence. The neural network may compute a classification category, and/or the embedding, and/or perform clustering, and/or detect objects from trained classes for identifying state of an individual plant in the context of pollination. As used herein the term “class” refers, without limitation, to a set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality.

[00077] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts.

[00078] As used herein, the term "classifying" may sometimes be interchanged with the term clustering or tagging, for example, when multiple plant images are analyzed, each image may be classified according to its predefined feature vectors and used to creating clusters, and/or the plant images may be embedded and the embeddings may be clustered. The term “desired category” may sometimes be interchanged with the term embedding, for example, the output of the trained neural network in response to an image of a plant may be one or more classification categories, or a vector storing a computed embedding. It is noted that the classification category and the embedding may be outputted by the same trained neural network, for example, the classification category is outputted by the last layer of the neural network, and the embedding is outputted by a hidden embedding layer of the neural network.

[00079] The architecture of the neural network(s) may be implemented, for example, as convolutional, pooling, nonlinearity, locally connected, fully connected layers, and/or combinations of the aforementioned.

[00080] It is noted that the tagging and classifying of the plants in the images or the plant state characteristic targets may be manually or semi manually entered by a user (e.g., via the GUI, for example, selected from a list of available phenotypic characteristic targets), obtained as predefined values stored in a data storage device, and/or automatically computed.

[00081] The term "feature vector" refers hereinafter in the context of machine learning to an individual measurable property or characteristic or parameter or attribute of a phenomenon being observed e.g., detected by a sensor. It is herein apparent that choosing an informative, discriminating and independent feature is a crucial step for effective algorithms in pattern recognition, machine learning, classification and regression. Algorithms using classification from a feature vector include nearest neighbor classification, neural networks, and statistical techniques. In computer vision and image processing, a feature is an information which is relevant for solving the computational task related to a certain application. Features may be specific structures in the image such as points, edges or objects. Features may also be the result of a general neighborhood operation or feature detection applied to the image. When features are defined in terms of local neighborhood operations applied to an image, a procedure commonly referred to as feature extraction is executed.

[00082] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements components and/or groups or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups or combinations thereof. As used herein the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”. [00083] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all possible combinations or one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative ("or").

[00084] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and claims and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[00085] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on," "attached" to, "operatively coupled” to, “operatively linked” to, “operatively engaged” with, “connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting," etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, operatively coupled to, operatively engaged with, coupled with and/or contacting the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Whenever the term “about” is used, it is meant to refer to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, and is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.

[00086] It will be understood that, terms such as, for example, “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining”, “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer’s registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer’s registers and/or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes.

[00087] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and/or section, from another element, component, region, layer and/or section. [00088] Certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[00089] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. [00090] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

[00091] Whenever terms “plurality” and “a plurality” are used it is meant to include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term set when used herein may include one or more items. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

[00092] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description

[00093] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[00094] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[00095] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

1. A pollination device comprising: one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism to generate a vibration sequence; and a trellis portion in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism.

2. The pollination device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more electrically -powered vibration mechanism is implemented as a vibration motor.

3. The pollination device of claim 1, wherein the trellis portion comprises a trellis wire.

4. The pollination device of claim 3, further comprising a controller in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism, the controller to actuate the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism at least partially responsive to a threshold environmental condition.

5. The pollination device of claim 4, wherein the controller is at least partially responsive to thermal sensor data.

6. The pollination device of claim 5, wherein the controller is at least partially responsive to humidity data.

7. The pollination device of claim 6, wherein the controller is at least partially responsive to time data.

8. The pollination device of claim 2, wherein the vibration motor is secured to a trellis support structure.

9. The pollination device of claim 8, further comprising a controller in communication with the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism, the controller to actuate the vibration motor at least partially responsive to a threshold environmental condition and at least one sensor.

10. The pollination device of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from a group consisting of temperature sensor, humidity sensor, sound recorder, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a light sensor. The pollination device of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to actuate the vibration mechanism in accordance with a time of day. A method of promoting pollen release from a flowering plant in a greenhouse environment, the method comprising: providing one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism secured to a greenhouse trellis; and actuating the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism in accordance with sensor data captured from the greenhouse environment. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism is implemented as a haptic buzzer. The method of claim 13, wherein the haptic buzzer is secured to a trellis wire. The method of claim 14, wherein the sensor data includes humidity data. The method of claim 15, wherein the sensor data includes timer data characterizing a time delay from a threshold greenhouse humidity. The method of claim 16, wherein the sensor data includes temperature data. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more electrically-powered vibration mechanism is implemented as a vibration motor. The method of claim 18, wherein the vibration motor is secured to a trellis support structure. The method of claim 12, further comprising stopping the vibration mechanism after a predetermined time period.