For every HortControl release we aim to add direct value for our customers. This means new parameters, analytical possibilities or more usability. There are also many changes that are not visible to the user but improve the quality and safety of HortControl. Below a list of new features you should read about when you update HortControl from any version beyond 3.1.


HortControl 3.5



For each HortControl release we aim to incorporate desired wishes and requirements of our customers. In the latest version of HortControl – 3.5, this includes addition of machine learning mode and external barcode reader. Below is a detailed list of new features. If you are already familiar with the HortControl 3.4, you can skip directly to these new features’ sections.

 

Machine learning

With the machine learning module, we give the power of the data back to you! This module gives you the ability to build your own model for estimating custom plant parameters from a combination of our digital plant parameters. Your custom plant parameters can then be used in future experiments.  For example, create models to predict your experts:

·         Disease or health scorings

·         dry biomass measurements (non-destructive)

·         And many others parameters you measure

 

Live mode & barcode reader

In the experiment live module, you can manually control which block will be scanned next, without having to exchange metal barcodes anymore (4.3.3).

It is possible to assign your own block id’s or names to a system block id (4.6.1.4) and exclude the use of metal barcodes.

Use printed barcodes to represent your own id’s and scan them with a hand-held barcode scanners which optionally is integrated directly with TraitFinder or MicroScan. You can purchase one directly from Phenospex.  

 Other improvements

  • Diskguard option for mounted shares
  • Storage capacity of the shares is now visualized in the dashboard and top menu status
  • When refreshing data in the “data overview” module, the filters and zoom will remain as before
  • Input fields in the system layout module are adjustable
  • Unit position hover is added in Experimental Setup 3D view in experiment setup
  • And other minor improvements

 

Release notes HortControl

You can find all release notes from the previous versions on Phenospex.helpdocs.com

HortControl 3.4 


Correlation analysis module
Correlation analysis module is a new analytical tool, which enables comparison between the PSX data (generated by PlantEye) and external dataset (manual measurements). Simply import an external dataset to the experiment and search for correlation between two data sets. There are two modes to search for a correlation between both datasets:

  1.  One-to-one mode, for correlating a specific external variable to a specific PSX variable. This mode can be used to validate manual measurements.
  2. Explorer mode, to search for the best corresponding PSX variable over time to a specific external variable. By using this mode it will make it easy to find a good proxy for a manual measurement you want to automate.

Color segmentation
Color segmentation is a new signal processing tool of PHENA calculator. With this step you can specify which color indices for plant parameters to include within calculations. This is a handy tool to filter out unwanted objects or noise. Color segmentation can be set during experiment creation or adjusted during reprocessing of experiment data .

3D grid
A 3D grid is added to the 3D view for experiment creation and reprocessing to give a better sense of dimensions. It is highly recommended to use when splitting block into units.

Networking settings
It is now possible to adjust the network settings to integrate HortControl into your own network. By default the network is set to dynamic. You can now choose to set a static IP for HortControl.

Other improvements
  • Position information for each within Reprocessing tool.
  • Diskguard can be set for NFS mounts.
  • Downloaded experiment and analysis files now include corresponding experiment name



HortControl 3.3


New plant parameter
We added a new plant parameter: “ Height Max” which is designed to find the absolute highest point of the plant in millimeters, and is therefore very accurate. This parameter does not replace the current height parameter, but is an addition to the parameter set. The current height is focused on stability over accuracy, by minimizing the effect of small movements, as a result of wind or diurnal plant movements.

Data reprocessing tool
Experiments can now be reprocessed using new splitting and/or multispectral binning settings in the experiment board.

Extended dashboard features
The dashboard will now visualize the latest scan made by any scanner in the system. Additionally, you can review the latest scan made for every active block in your system.

Data “Snapshot” module for non-time series data
You can now calculate the absolute value for a plant parameter per unit within a certain time window. The resulting dataset can be downloaded or visually evaluated in a boxplot for any genotype and/or treatment effect.

Other improvements
  • Visualization and download of the unit 3D files in the data board offers a merged 3D file for dual scans instead of the master and slave scans separately.
  • The tooltip of the overview module in the data board is more informative.
  • Ply files are now removed from the system when an experiment is deleted in the system board. This will free up more space when removing an experiment.
  • Version info, contact details and a download link to the manual are provided in the top bar of all boards.
  • All the histograms of the units in the data board can be enlarged.



HortControl 3.2


Two new spectral indices
  • PSRI, Plant Senescence Reflectance Index ( Merzlyak et al. 1999)
  • NPCI, Normalized total Pigment to Chlorophyll ratio Index ( Penuelas et al. 1993)

Block splitting with 3D preview
Block splitting during experiment setup is made easier with the new 3D preview settings.

Experiment/ System Dashboard
See the status of the entire phenotyping system at a glimpse. This enables the user and support to spot malfunctions before they become a problem regarding the experiments.

Phena module in the system board
Phena calculates plant parameter from the raw 3D files created by PlantEye. The new module enables the user to fine tune Phena.  This includes bin settings for spectral indices like HUE and NDVI.

Other improvements

  • Refresh button in the data board to load new data real-time.
  • Current layout is visualized in the system board.
  • The drop-down list of parameters in the data board is categorized by plant parameter groups.