Progress Journal

Light Control

Our first attempt at light control was to use two light sources. The first would be a white light that can be changed for different light intensities, and the second would be an LED light that is adjustable for light colors. However, available white lights are usually produced by combining multiple light colors, which negatively affects plant growth and interferes with light color control. To overcome this challenge, our product now employs a single light strip that enables both intensity and color adjustments in one.

Moisture and Temperature Detection

The moisture and temperature probes were originally placed in the surface soil layer. However, the data collected this way is disturbed by random fluctuations even in controlled conditions. We speculate the cause of these fluctuations to be biochemical reactions and microorganism activities within the soil. To avoid these confounding factors, we repositioned the two detection probes to a secure location near the plant roots, collecting data from right above the soil layer.

Securing Materials

Building a complete and functioning Noah’s Ark involves ordering various customized components, such as a wooden case, ceiling, and ring-shaped peripheries; metal canes for structural support and growth guidance; plastic pots and bases; and wheels that are attached to the bottom.

Online Platform

After the physical product took shape, we designed an online platform that linked various components together. This involved wiring all the detectors to a chip capable of uploading pictures and variables in real-time to the internet for analysis, visualization, and display. Then, an online platform was developed that allows the user to make moisture, light, and temperature adjustments from far away.

In the experimental phase, we recorded and analyzed data points at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM every day for over a month, using Ipomoea nil (also known as morning glory) as our main plant sample. We also did tests with Philodendron hederaceum and Ficus microcarpa. These data points allowed us to determine the effect various factors have on plant growth. Then, we compared our findings with existing research and gardening guides on climbing plants to make micro-adjustments and improve our system.

In the future, we hope to conduct cross-species experiments, make holistic tests on the assistance device, and improve the user interface of the online platform to improve user experience. Moreover, we hope to collect data on endangered pharmaceutical climbing plants (such as Apatophyllum constablei and Monimopetalum chinense) and use that data to implement an automatic crisis detection system to warn the user in emergencies.