WO2024031066A1 - Système et procédés de croissance de plantes - Google Patents

Système et procédés de croissance de plantes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024031066A1
WO2024031066A1 PCT/US2023/071700 US2023071700W WO2024031066A1 WO 2024031066 A1 WO2024031066 A1 WO 2024031066A1 US 2023071700 W US2023071700 W US 2023071700W WO 2024031066 A1 WO2024031066 A1 WO 2024031066A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lens
plant
light
light source
plant growth
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/071700
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Brian Stancil
Andy RAPE
Original Assignee
Leaficient, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leaficient, Inc. filed Critical Leaficient, Inc.
Publication of WO2024031066A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024031066A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G7/00—Botany in general
    • A01G7/04—Electric or magnetic or acoustic treatment of plants for promoting growth
    • A01G7/045—Electric or magnetic or acoustic treatment of plants for promoting growth with electric lighting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G7/00—Botany in general
    • A01G7/04—Electric or magnetic or acoustic treatment of plants for promoting growth
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed indoor plant growth lighting systems and methods of assembly and use thereof.
  • the present invention is directed indoor plant growth lighting systems and methods of assembly and use thereof.
  • an indoor plant growth lighting system includes a light source comprising an LED light; at least one lens comprising a Fresnel lens wherein the lens is configured to focus light from the light source onto at least one plant comprising at least one grow area; an actuator coupled to at least one of the light source and the at least one lens wherein the actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the light source and the at least one lens by moving the light source, the at least one lens, or both in a direction perpendicular to a plane of at least one plant growth area from which the at least one plant is configured to grow; a sensor system configured to measure at least one plant growing below the indoor plant growth lighting system; and a controller configured to maintain a substantially constant photon flux on the at least one grow area during a growth cycle of the at least one plant and configured to control an intensity of the light source and the actuator; wherein the indoor plant growth lighting system is configured to focus the light source substantially on the grow area and substantially not on at least one area surrounding the grow area based on input from the sensor system.
  • the actuator is configured to adjust an angle between the light source and the at least one lens.
  • the controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source and the actuator based on input from the sensor system.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system is configured to focus the light source only substantially on photosynthetically active portions of the at least one grow area.
  • the light source further includes an LED light source including a plurality of LED lights. At least two of the plurality of LED lights emit light of at least two different wavelengths. The at least two different wavelengths are selected from approximately within the photosynthetically active region of light and approximately between 400 and 750 nanometers.
  • the sensor system includes at least one of a standard red-green-blue (RGB) camera, a hyperspectral imager, a chlorophyll fluorescence sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient humidity sensor, an ambient temperature and humidity sensor, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the actuator includes at least one of a piezoelectric actuator, a linear actuator, a MEMS actuator, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the sensor system includes at least one of an imaging system, a sensor system measuring distance to at least one of the at least one plant growth area and the at least one plant, and combinations thereof.
  • the sensor system is configured to measure the at least one plant in at least one of two dimensions and three dimensions.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system further includes an additional element.
  • the additional element includes at least one of a parabolic reflector, an optical filter, a collimator, a diffuser, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the at least one lens includes a focal length corresponding to an approximate distance between the at least one lens and the at least one plant growth area.
  • Certain embodiments include a method of growing at least one plant by providing an indoor plant growth lighting system including a light source, at least one lens comprising a Fresnel lens, an actuator coupled to the at least one lens, a sensor system, and a controller configured to maintain a substantially constant photon flux on the at least one plant during a growth cycle of the at least one plant and further configured to control an intensity of the light source and the actuator; providing at least one plant including at least one grow area below the indoor plant growth lighting system wherein the at least one lens comprises one lens for each grow area; modulating the actuator to change a distance between the at least one lens and the at least one plant by moving the at least one lens perpendicularly to a plane of at least one plant growth area from which the at least one plant is configured to grow such that the indoor plant growth lighting system focuses the light source substantially on the grow area below the indoor plant growth lighting system and not on the area surrounding the grow area; wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of the actuator and the intensity of the light source; and modulating the controller to
  • the actuator is configured to be coupled to the light source.
  • the method further includes adjusting an angle between the light source and the at least one lens.
  • the method further includes controlling an intensity of the light source and the actuator based on input from the sensor system. In embodiments, the method further includes focusing the light source only substantially on photosynthetically active portions of the at least one plant.
  • the light source includes an LED light source and the at least one lens further includes at least one of an Alvarez lens, a liquid lens, a gradient material lens, a plurality of materials, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the light source includes an LED light source including a plurality of LED lights. At least two of the plurality of LED lights emits light of at least two different wavelengths selected from approximately within the photosynthetically active region of light and approximately between 400 and 750 nanometers.
  • the actuator includes at least one of a piezoelectric actuator, a linear actuator, a MEMS actuator, or combinations of any thereof.
  • the sensor system includes at least one of an imaging system, a sensor system measuring distance to at least one of the at least one plant growth area and the at least one plant, and combinations thereof.
  • the sensor system is configured to measure the at least one plant in at least one of two dimensions and three dimensions.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system further includes an additional element.
  • the additional element includes at least one of a parabolic reflector, an optical filter, a collimator, a diffuser, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the at least one lens includes a focal length corresponding to an approximate distance between the at least one lens and the at least one plant growth area.
  • the sensor system includes at least one of a standard RGB camera, a hyperspectral imager, a chlorophyll fluorescence sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient humidity sensor, an ambient temperature and humidity sensor, and combinations of any thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a graph of light intensity measured at various distances from the at least one lens.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the at least one lens at various configurations relative to the at least one plant.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the indoor plant growth lighting system.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an array of light sources and an array of lenses coupled to at least one actuator.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of multiple plants when viewed from above.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) means joined to or placed into communication with, either directly or through intermediate components.
  • Embodiments of the present invention include an indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 configured to provide light to an at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one plant 100 may include one plant, multiple plants, an array of plants, multiple arrays of plants, a matrix of plants, multiple matrices of plants, an indoor rack of plants, multiple indoor racks of plants, and any other suitable configuration of one or more plants.
  • multiple indoor racks of plants may be arranged vertically, horizontally, or both.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may be configured to provide light to multiple indoor racks of plants, one rack out of multiple indoor racks of plants, a tray including multiple plants, or a subset of multiple indoor racks of plants.
  • the multiple indoor racks of plants may be supported on at least one tiered plant rack, wherein each at least one tiered plant rack has multiple shelves.
  • each shelf may include at least one tray, each tray including multiple plants.
  • the at least one plant 100 may include any one or more species of plant.
  • the at least one plant 100 may be configured to grow in at least one grow area 160.
  • the at least one grow area 160 may include a single plant growth area 150, an array of plant growth areas 150, multiple arrays of plant growth areas 150, a matrix of plant growth areas 150, multiple matrices of plant growth areas 150, and any combination thereof.
  • the grow area 160 may be preexisting, wherein the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 is fitted or retrofitted to suit the grow area 160.
  • the grow area 160 may be designed to suit the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the grow area 160 may be designed in combination with the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the at least one plant 100 may include at least one photosynthetically active portion 110.
  • the plant growth area 150 may include at least one non-photosynthetically active portion of the at least one plant 100.
  • the plant growth area 150 may include at least one area surrounding the at least one plant 100.
  • the plant growth area 150 may include at least one area surrounding the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one area surrounding the at least one plant 100 may include a surrounding grow rack or tray.
  • the at least one area surrounding the at least one plant 100 may include surrounding media, for example, including dirt.
  • the at least one area surrounding the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the at least one plant 100 may include a surrounding grow rack or tray.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET surrounding the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the at least one plant 100 may include surrounding media, for example, including dirt.
  • the at least one plant 100 may include a plant growth area 150 configured to substantially approximate a final size of the at least one plant 100.
  • the plant growth area 150 may be substantially similar to an area selected from a starting area, a current area, an estimated final size, or an actual final size of a plant.
  • a starting area may be set to a size that is optimal for a germinating seed, and then adjusted once the seed sprouts and breaks the surface of the media in which it is planted.
  • the estimated final size of the plant may be an estimated size of a plant once it has grown to its intended size for use, consumption, harvesting, or any other purpose.
  • the plant growth area 150 may comprise a generally two-dimensional shape, such as a circular shape, a generally rectangular shape, a generally square shape, or any other suitable shape, when viewed from above the plant.
  • the at least one plant 100 may include a plant surface area.
  • the grow area 160 may include the plant surface area.
  • the plant surface area may include a two-dimensional surface of the plant when viewed from above.
  • the at least one plant surface area may include a photosynthetically active portion of the at least one plant surface area.
  • the photosynthetically active portion of the at least one plant surface area may substantially include the leaves of the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one plant 100 may produce at least one bloom.
  • the at least one bloom may include a desired product of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000, including, but not limited to, at least one vegetable, at least one fruit, at least one flower, or at least one other desired product of the at least one plant 100.
  • Embodiments of the present invention include an indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may provide light to one or more plants 100, grow area 160, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, and photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant, disposed below, near, or within the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may provide, manipulate, shape, or direct light such that the light is directed substantially toward at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may further provide, manipulate, shape, and direct light such that the light is directed substantially only toward at least
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may further provide, manipulate, shape, and direct light such that the light is directed substantially away from areas surrounding at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant, such as a grow rack, tray, media, soil, and empty space.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 can be used to provide light to one plant, to a rack of plants, to a tray of plants, to rows of plants, and any other configuration of one or more plants.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 is used in any suitable indoor growth settings, including, but not limited to, greenhouses, hydroponics systems, horizontal farming systems, and vertical farming systems.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may also be used in suitable outdoor growth settings, including, but not limited to, outdoor farmlands requiring or benefiting from provision of artificial light.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may be used in any suitable growth setting and any combination thereof.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may be adapted for use with any suitable growth setting, custom built for use with any suitable growth setting, custom built for use with a custom-built growth setting, or may include a growth setting custom built for use with the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may include at least one of a light source 200, at least one lens 300, an actuator 400, a sensor system 500, and a controller 600, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may be a kit including each of the light source 200, the at least one lens 300, the actuator 400, the sensor system 500, and the controller 600.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may alternatively include a retrofit kit, where at least one of the light source 200, the at least one lens 300, the actuator 400, the sensor system 500, and the controller 600 was already in use and the other elements of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 are supplied and fitted to the preexisting element or elements.
  • one or more of the light source 200, the at least one lens 300, the actuator 400, the sensor system 500, and the controller 600 may be contained within one housing. In certain embodiments, two or more of the light source 200, the at least one lens 300, the actuator 400, the sensor system 500, and the controller 600 may be contained within one housing 1050. In certain embodiments, three or more of the light source
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes one light source 200, one lens 300, and one actuator, configured to provide light to one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes one light source 200 and one lens 300, configured to provide light to one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes multiple groupings of one light source 200 and one lens 300, each grouping configured to provide light to one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may provide light to at least one plant 100, the light originating from at least one light source 200.
  • the light from the at least one light source 200 may travel first to at least one lens 300 before the light reaches the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape, direct, modify, focus, concentrate, steer, adjust the photon flux, or otherwise affect the light from the light source 200 before the light reaches the at least one plant 100.
  • the configuration of at least two of the at least one plant 100, the light source 200, and the at least one lens 300 with respect to one another may be controlled by the actuator 400.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to modify the configuration of the at least two of the at least one plant 100, the light source 200, and the at least one lens 300 with respect to one another based on directions from the controller 600.
  • the controller 600 may base the directions provided to the actuator 400 based on information received from the sensor system 500.
  • the information from the sensor system 500 may be based on measurements taken by the sensor system of the at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes a fully closed loop system wherein the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 adjusts the light source 200 based on data regarding the growth of the at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes an open loop system wherein the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 adjusts the light source 200 based on data regarding typical or expected growth of plants.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) 1000 includes an open loop system wherein the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 adjusts the light source 200 based on data regarding typical or expected growth of plants and data regarding the actual growth of the at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 or a portion thereof may be mounted to, operatively connected to, coupled to, or configured in proximity to the plant growth area 150 of the at least one plant 100.
  • the plant growth area 150 may comprise any suitable growth structure, including but not limited to, growth racks, growth trays, or any combination thereof.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may be mounted to the plant growth area 150 with any suitable mounting system.
  • the mounting system may be a clamp.
  • the clamp may be a rigid clamp.
  • the clamp may be a universal clamp.
  • the clamp may be a bolt system.
  • the mounting system may be integral with the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the mounting system may be separate from the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 but provided in the kit of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the mounting system may be separate from and provided separately form the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may dynamically shape light such that it is rendered substantially at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may dynamically shape light such that it is not rendered substantially onto a grow rack or other media surrounding at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may use an actuated array of at least one lens 300 to dynamically control light intensity and three-dimensional projection area to substantially reduce the amount of photons that are wasted due to off-target projection.
  • the input power for growing plants may be reduced by more than 20- 90% using the plant growth lighting system 1000 compared to prior art systems, without sacrificing the growth rate or quality of the at least one plant 100. In embodiments, the input power for growing plants may be reduced by more than 30-80% using the plant growth lighting system 1000 compared to prior art systems, without sacrificing the growth rate or quality of the
  • the input power for growing plants may be reduced by more than 40-70% using the plant growth lighting system 1000 compared to prior art systems, without sacrificing the growth rate or quality of the plant. In embodiments, the input power for growing plants may be reduced by more than 50-60% using the plant growth lighting system 1000 compared to prior art systems, without sacrificing the growth rate or quality of the at least one plant 100. In embodiments, the input power for growing plants may be reduced by more than 50% using the plant growth lighting system 1000 compared to prior art systems, without sacrificing the growth rate or quality of the at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 may include a retrofit system.
  • This retrofit system may include at least one lens 300, optical filters, a camera and networked microcontroller.
  • the retrofit system may be designed to be adapted to an existing LED light bar system.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be rigidly mounted directly to linear grow trays (gutters, tubes, etc.) via vertical fixtures.
  • the at least one lens 300 may sits 1-2 inches above the plant grow area 160 and use linear actuators to move up and down.
  • the optics may include a mechanism to reduce multiple individual LEDs in a line into an array of single well-mixed focused spots.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes a light source 200.
  • the light source 200 may be included in a kit of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 or may be provided separately.
  • the light source 200 may include a light source 200 configured to provide light to one plant.
  • the light source 200 may include a light source 200 configured to provide light to at least one plant 100.
  • the light source 200 may include a unitary light source 200.
  • the light source 200 may include a plurality of light sources 200.
  • the light source 200 may be configured to emanate light substantially onto a plant, either through the function of the light source 200 or through focusing of the light using the at least one lens 300.
  • the light source 200 may be configured to emanate light substantially only onto at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant, either through the function of the light source 200 or through focusing of the light using the at least one lens 300.
  • the light source 200 may be configured to emanate light substantially away from areas 130 surrounding at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant, such as a grow rack, tray, soil, and empty space, either through the function of the light source 200 or through focusing of the light using the at least one lens 300.
  • the light source 200 may include a beam dimension (also known as focused light spot), including the cross-sectional area of the beam of light when it reaches the one or more plant 100 when the beam of light contacts the plant surface area of the one or more plant.
  • the beam dimension is circular, or oval shaped.
  • the beam dimension may be configured to substantially match the grow area 160 or areas of the at least one plant 100.
  • the beam dimension may be configured to substantially match only the surface of the one or more plant 100.
  • the beam dimension may be configured to substantially match the surface of the one or more plant that is photosynthetically active.
  • the beam dimension may be configured to substantially not match the areas 130 surrounding at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant, such as a grow rack, tray, media, soil, and empty space.
  • the light source 200 may include at least one of the following: at least one LED light, at least one incandescent light, at least one fluorescent light, at least one high- intensity discharge light, at least one halogen light, and at least one laser.
  • the light source 200 includes at least one LED light.
  • An LED light may include a light-emitting diode wherein the LED light emits light when current flows through the light-emitting diode.
  • the LED light may emit light at a different wavelength or of a different color depending on an energy requirement for electrons to pass through the light-emitting diode.
  • the LED may emit light at a wavelength in the ranges of at least one of broad spectrum radiation (approximately 400 - 700 nanometers), red light radiation (approximately 620 - 750 nanometers), blue light radiation (approximately 450 - 495 nanometers), far red radiation (approximately 700 - 780 nanometers), and UV-B radiation (approximately 280 - 315 nanometers), and combinations of any thereof.
  • broad spectrum radiation approximately 400 - 700 nanometers
  • red light radiation approximately 620 - 750 nanometers
  • blue light radiation approximately 450 - 495 nanometers
  • far red radiation approximately 700 - 780 nanometers
  • UV-B radiation approximately 280 - 315 nanometers
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) light source 200 includes a plurality of LED lights.
  • the plurality of LED lights may include at least a first LED light and a second LED light.
  • Each of the plurality of LED lights may emit light at a wavelength.
  • the wavelength emitted by the first LED light differs from the wavelength emitted by the second LED light.
  • the wavelength emitted by at least one of the plurality of LED lights is within the photosynthetically active region of light.
  • the photosynthetically active region of light may be between approximately 400 nanometers and 750 nanometers and may differ between different plant types.
  • the plurality of LED lights includes three or more LED lights.
  • the plurality of LED lights each emit light at a different wavelength from the other LED lights in the plurality. In embodiments, some of the plurality of LED lights emit light at the same or a similar wavelength as at least one of the other LED lights.
  • the lights source may further include high efficiency LED lights.
  • the light source 200 further includes a laser light source 200. The light source 200 may be used alone or in combination with other light sources 200, including, but not limited to, LED lights, lasers, non-LED lights, and the sun.
  • the light source 200 may include a custom light source 200 including at least one high-density laser wherein the at least one high-density laser may be dynamically turned on or off based on the size of the plant 100.
  • the at least one LED may emit light of at least one wavelength.
  • the at least one wavelength emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on data from the sensor system 500.
  • the at least one wavelength emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on at least one signal from the controller 600.
  • the at least one wavelength emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on movement of or direction from the actuator 400.
  • the wavelength emitted by the at least one LED may include a wavelength mix.
  • the wavelength mix may be a combination of at least two different wavelengths emitted from at least two different light sources.
  • the at least one wavelength emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on data from the sensor system 500.
  • the wavelength mix emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on at least one signal from the controller 600.
  • the wavelength mix emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on movement of or direction from the actuator 400.
  • the at least one LED may include a plurality of LED lights.
  • the plurality of LED lights may be controlled independently by the controller 600.
  • the independent control by the controller 600 of the plurality of LED lights may allow the wavelengths emitted by the plurality of LED lights to be controlled separately by the controller 600.
  • Independent control of the wavelengths emitted by the plurality of LED lights may allow the wavelengths emitted by each of the plurality of LED lights to be dynamically altered, allowing proportions of the wavelengths emitted by each of the plurality of LED lights to also be dynamically altered.
  • the at least one LED may emit light of at least one intensity. “Intensity” may also be known as the “amount of light,” “photon flux,” or other terms having the same or similar meanings.
  • intensity comprises the photon flux, or micromoles of photons emitted per second.
  • the at least one intensity emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on data from the sensor system 500.
  • the at least one intensity emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated by the controller 600.
  • the at least one intensity emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on movement of or direction from the actuator 400.
  • the intensity emitted by the at least one LED may include an intensity mix.
  • the intensity mix may be a combination of at least two different intensities emitted from at least two different light sources.
  • the at least one intensity emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on data from the sensor system 500.
  • the intensity mix emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated by the controller 600.
  • the intensity mix emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated based on movement of or direction from the actuator 400.
  • the at least one intensity emitted by the at least one LED may be modulated so as to provide a desired photon flux to the at least one plant 100.
  • the desired photon flux provided to the at least one plant 100 may be determined based on light intensity needs of the species of the at least one plant 100.
  • the desired photon flux provided to the at least one plant 100 may be approximately 50-1500 micromol/m 2 s.
  • the desired photon flux provided to the at least one plant 100 may be approximately 200-400 micromol/m 2 s.
  • the at least one intensity emitted by the at least one LED may be emitted based on expected losses to light intensity over the distance between the at least one LED and the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one LED may include a plurality of LED lights. The plurality of LED lights may be controlled independently by the controller 600. The independent control by the controller 600 of
  • the plurality of LED lights may allow the intensities emitted by the plurality of LED lights to be controlled separately by the controller 600. Independent control of the intensities emitted by the plurality of LED lights may allow the intensities emitted by each of the plurality of LED lights to be dynamically altered, allowing proportions of the intensities emitted by each of the plurality of LED lights to also be dynamically altered.
  • the light source 200 is powered by a power source.
  • the power source may include a circuit.
  • the circuit may include a cumulative power of approximately 100-300 watts per indoor plant growth lighting system 1000, that in some embodiments include one light source.
  • the light source 200 may be cooled.
  • the light source 200 may be cooled by a cooling element.
  • the cooling element may include any suitable cooling element, such as a fan or a heatsink.
  • the fan or heatsink may be positioned in any suitable manner with respect to the light source 200, the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000, and the at least one .plant growth area 150.
  • the fan may be any suitable fan.
  • the heatsink may be any suitable heatsink.
  • the heatsink may cool the light source 200 by directing heat away from the light source.
  • the light source 200 may include a dimmable LED WiFi controller.
  • the dimmable LED WiFi controller may modify the intensity of a COTS LED lighting system.
  • the dimmable LED WiFi controller may include at least one of an AC (using a TRIAC) and DC (PWM modulated) variations.
  • a dimmable LED WiFi controller with both AC (using a TRIAC) and DC (PWM modulated) variations may reduce power consumption and intensity of COTS LED light bars.
  • the dimmable LED WiFi controller may be used as a part of a closed loop system to raise or lower intensity of the light source 200 to maintain a desired intensity, photon flux, focus, shape, concentration, direction, or other feature of the light.
  • the light source 200 may include a grid of light sources.
  • the grid of light sources 200 may be arranged such that distances between the light sources of the grid may be expanded or contracted by the actuator 400.
  • the grid of light sources may be arranged on a substantially lattice-like structure configured to expand or contract upon application of a force on one or more sides of the lattice-like structure.
  • the lattice-like structure may be formed by a plurality of substantially linear segments which intersect with one another at intersection points.
  • the grid of light sources may include a plurality of light sources.
  • the plurality of light sources may be
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) located on a plurality of the intersection points of the substantially linear segments forming the lattice-like structure.
  • the grid of light sources may be arranged on a plane substantially parallel to a plane of the plant growth area 150.
  • the grid of light sources may be configured to expand in directions substantially parallel to the plane of the plant growth area 150.
  • the plurality of light sources may be disposed substantially above a plurality of plants 100 when the plurality of plants 100 are initially planted. In embodiments, each individual light source of the plurality of light sources may be disposed substantially above one of a plurality of plants 100 when the plurality of plants 100 are initially planted. In embodiments, each individual light source of the plurality of light sources may be disposed substantially vertically above one of a plurality of plants 100 when the plurality of plants 100 are initially planted. In embodiments, as the plurality of plants 100 grow, the plurality of light sources may be configured to be moved further apart by expansion of the grid of light sources 200 by the actuator 400. In embodiments, as the plurality of plants 100 grows, the plurality of plants 100 may be moved further apart from one another at least once.
  • the plurality of plants 100 may be placed first in a rack having a plant spacing dimension then placed in a second rack having a second plant spacing dimension greater than the first plant spacing dimension.
  • the second rack may be configured to be used with a first grid of light sources 200 having a plurality of light sources arranged on a grid configured to expand.
  • the second rack may be configured to be used with a second grid of light sources 200 having a plurality of light sources arranged on a grid having a second light spacing dimension greater than a first light spacing dimension of the first grid of light sources 200.
  • the plurality of plants 100 may be initially planted with a spacing sufficient to accommodate the growth of the plurality of plants 100 until such time that the plurality of plants 100 is harvested, and in those embodiments, one light source is disposed above each of the plurality of plants 100.
  • a plurality of light sources may be placed above a plurality of plants 100, and the controller is configured to turn each of the light sources on or off depending on if and when there is a plant underneath a particular light source.
  • excess light from the light source 200 for example light that falls outside of a plant growth area 150, may be directed to a photovoltaic cell.
  • the photovoltaic cell may convert
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the excess light from the light source 200 into electrical energy.
  • the electrical energy may be stored or used by the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes at least one lens 300.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be positioned between the light 200 and the plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape, direct, modify, focus, concentrate, steer, adjust the photon flux, or otherwise affect the light from the light source 200.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape, direct, modify, focus, concentration, steer, adjust the photon flux, or otherwise affect the light from the light source 200 such that the intensity, photon flux, focus, shape, concentration, direction, or other feature of the light at the at least one plant 100 or the photosynthetically active portion 110 or grow area 160 of the at least one plant 100 is at a desired level.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to change the intensity, photon flux, focus, shape, concentration, direction, or other feature of the light based on data from a sensor system 500.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to change the intensity, photon flux, focus, shape, concentration, direction, or other feature of the light based on a signal from a controller 600.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to change the intensity, photon flux, focus, shape, concentration, direction, or other feature of the light based on movement of an actuator 400.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to focus light from the light source 200 onto the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to focus light from the light source 200 onto a plant grow area 160 of the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to focus light substantially onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to focus light substantially only onto one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to focus light substantially onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to focus light substantially away from areas surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, tray, media, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to concentrate light substantially onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to concentrate light substantially only onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to concentrate light substantially onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) concentrate light substantially away from areas surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, tray, media, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to control the intensity of light onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to control the intensity of light onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to control the intensity of light onto at least one area 130 surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape light substantially onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape light substantially exactly onto a plant surface area or grow area 160.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape light substantially onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape light substantially only onto photosynthetically active portions of the at least one plant surface area.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to shape light substantially away from areas surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to steer a beam of light from the light source 200 onto the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to steer a beam of light from the light source 200 onto a plant grow area 160 of the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to steer a beam of light substantially onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to steer a beam of light substantially only onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to steer a beam of light substantially onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to steer a beam of light substantially away from areas surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to direct a beam of light from the light source 200 onto the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to direct a beam of light from the light source 200 onto a plant grow area 160 of the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to direct a beam of light substantially onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to direct a beam of light substantially only onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to direct a beam of light substantially onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • At least one lens 300 may be configured to direct a beam of light substantially away from areas 130 surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to maximize the amount of light, or photon flux, onto the at least one plant 100.
  • Photon flux may be defined by the number of photons per second per unit of area.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to maximize the amount of light or photon flux onto a plant grow area 160 of the at least one plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to maximize the amount of light or photon flux onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to maximize the amount of light or photon flux only onto a plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to maximize the amount of light or photon flux onto a photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be configured to minimize the amount of light or photon flux onto areas 130 surrounding the plant, such as a grow rack, soil, and empty space.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include at least one lens 300 for each plant 100.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include at least one lens 300 for each .plant growth area 150.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include at least one of a Fresnel lens, an Alvarez lens, a liquid lens, a freeform lens, or at least one mirror.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include a Fresnel lens.
  • a Fresnel lens may include a compact lens wherein the lens is divided into a plurality of substantially concentric annular sections.
  • a Fresnel lens may be configured to refract light.
  • a Fresnel lens may include an aperture and a focal length 340.
  • an Alvarez lens may include at least a pair of optical elements having complementary cubic surface profiles wherein optical power modulation results from relative lateral displacement between the at least a pair of optical elements in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis.
  • a liquid lens may include an optical-grade liquid in a center of a cell structure wherein the liquid is adjusted within the cell structure to adjust the lens. Adjusting the liquid lens may improve focusing speed and/or focal length 340.
  • a freeform lens may include at least one surface having a shape that lacks translational or rotational symmetry about axes normal to a mean plane of the at least one surface of the freeform lens.
  • a freeform lens may allow for miniaturization of the at least one lens 300 and reduction in the number of lenses required.
  • a freeform lens may be custom-built for the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • one mirror may be configured to alter a beam of light by changing at least one of the direction, the intensity, the photon flux, or the focus of a beam of light.
  • the at least one lens 300 includes a lens array.
  • the lens array includes a plurality of Fresnel lenses.
  • Fresnel lenses may be formed from at least one of an acrylic material, a vinyl material, and a polycarbonate material.
  • Fresnel lenses may have at least one groove on at least one surface of the lens.
  • Fresnel lenses may have at least one refracting surface.
  • Fresnel lenses may have at least two points on the lens at which light is focused. These two points may be called “conjugates.”
  • Individual Fresnel lenses may be at least one of a cylindrical shape, a prism shape, a hexagonal shape, a rectangular shape, and a lenticular shape. Fresnel lenses may have a negative focal length or a positive focal length.
  • Acrylic Fresnel lenses may have a thickness of approximately 0.060”-0.125”. Vinyl Fresnel lenses may have a thickness of approximately 0.010”-0.030”. Polycarbonate Fresnel lenses may have a thickness of approximately 0.010”- 0.125”. Individual Fresnel lenses may have a focal length of approximately -16.5”-24”. Individual Fresnel lenses may have an optically active portion dimension of approximately 0.19”-18”. Individual Fresnel lenses may have an optically active portion dimension of approximately 1.2” x 3.3” - 10.5” x 10.5”. Individual Fresnel lenses may have an overall dimension of approximately 7 - 14.5”. Individual Fresnel lenses may have an overall dimension of approximately 0.6” x 0.6” - 11” x 11”. Individual Fresnel lenses may have approximately 25
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses may have at least one refracting surface and at least one back (piano) surface.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses may include at least one of a cylindrical shape, a prism shape, a hexagonal shape, a rectangular shape, and a lenticular shape.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with lenticular shaped individual lenses may have a focal length of approximately 0.010” - 0.41”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with lenticular shaped individual lenses may have an optically active dimension of approximately 10” x 11” - 17” x 17”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with lenticular shaped individual lenses may have an overall dimension of approximately 9.75” x 10” - 17” x 17”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with lenticular shaped individual lenses may include approximately 3 - 142 lenses per inch.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with hexagonal shaped individual lenses may have a focal length of approximately 0.12”
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with hexagonal shaped individual lenses may have an
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) array size of approximately 6” x 6” - 8.05” x 10.5”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with hexagonal shaped individual lenses may have an overall size of approximately 6” x 6” - 8” x 11”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with hexagonal shaped individual lenses may have a thickness of approximately 0.06” - 0.12”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with hexagonal shaped individual lenses may be formed with individual hexagonal lenses having a mean diameter of approximately 0.09” - 0.94”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with hexagonal shaped individual lenses may have approximately 1.5- 714 individual lenses per square inch.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may have approximately 16 lenses per array. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may have an angle of minimum deviation of approximately 14° - 36°. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may have an array size of approximately 3.5” x 2.5” - 8.25” - 4”. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may have an overall size of approximately 3.7” x 2.5” - 8.4” - 4.2”. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may have a thickness of approximately 0.06”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may create an angle from each refracting surface, as measured against the piano side of the array, of approximately 28° - 60°.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with prism shaped individual lenses may include approximately 20 - 125 prism shaped individual lenses per inch.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses may have a focal length of approximately 0.6” - 1.65”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses may have an array size of approximately 2.8” x 2.8” - 6” x 6”.
  • Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses may have an overall size of approximately 3.5” x 3.5” - 6.5” - 6.5”. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses may have a thickness of approximately 0.06”. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses may have a groove depth. If the array of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses has a groove depth, the groove depth may be approximately 0.006” - 0.010”. Arrays of Fresnel lenses formed with rectangular shaped individual lenses may have a spacing between the rectangular shaped individual lenses of approximately 0.7” - 1.5”. In embodiments, the lens array includes a matrix of Fresnel lenses. The matrix of Fresnel lenses may be stacked vertically or horizontally with respect to one another. The lenses than form the matrix of Fresnel lenses may be geometrically
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) centered in a horizontal plane, or distributed throughout a horizontal plane.
  • a matrix of Fresnel lenses is arranged such that each Fresnel lens is above one plant, and optionally below one light source.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include a focus length wherein the focus length corresponds to an approximate distance between the at least one lens 300 or the light source 200 and the plant growth area 150.
  • the lens array includes a plurality of Alvarez lenses. In embodiments, the lens array includes a matrix of Alvarez lenses. In embodiments, the lens array includes a plurality of liquid lenses. In embodiments, the lens array includes a matrix of liquid lenses. In embodiments, the lens array includes a plurality of gradient material lenses. In embodiments, the lens array includes a matrix of gradient material lenses. In embodiments, the lens array includes a plurality of mirrors. In embodiments, the lens array includes a matrix of mirrors. The at least one lens 300 may further include a series of actuated micro-mirrors that reflect light emitted from the light source 200 to change the angle at which the micro-mirrors reflect light onto the at least one plant 100. In embodiments, the lens array includes a plurality of at least one type of lens. In embodiments, the lens array includes a matrix of at least one type of lens.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include a lens dimension.
  • the lens dimension may include at least one of a lens diameter and a lens width.
  • the lens dimension may be substantially similar to the dimension of plant growth areas 150 corresponding to the at least one plant 100.
  • the lens dimension may be substantially similar to inter-plant spacing distances between one or more plants 100.
  • the lens dimension may be any suitable size.
  • the lens dimension of multiple lenses may be different from one another or substantially the same.
  • the at least one lens 300 may include a center point. The center point of the at least one lens 300 may substantially align with a center point of a plant.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be included in a kit of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 or may be provided separately.
  • the at least one lens 300 may be exchanged for a different lens or may be retrofitted to an existing plant growth system. If the at least one plant 100 is exchanged for a different plant having a different plant growth area 150, the at least one lens 300 may be exchanged for a different lens having a different lens dimension suitable for the plant growth area 150 of the different plant.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes an actuator 400.
  • the actuator 400 may include at least one of piezoelectric actuator, a linear actuator, a microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator, an actuated tray, and manual actuation.
  • a piezoelectric actuator may include a transducer configured to convert electrical energy into a mechanical displacement based on a piezoelectric effect, namely, a phenomenon whereby a material produces an electrical charge proportional to a mechanical stress applied to the material and vice versa.
  • a linear actuator may include an actuator configured to convert rotational motion of a motor into linear motion.
  • An actuated tray may include a tray configured to be moved linearly by a linear actuator.
  • a MEMS actuator may include an actuator configured to use microelectromechanical systems to convert an electric current into a mechanical output using the principles of magnetism.
  • Manual actuator may include any method of moving any component of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 manually, for example with a crank.
  • the actuator 400 may be included in a kit of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 or may be provided separately.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to direct action taken by at least a portion of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 to change a characteristic of a light beam directed towards the at least one plant 100.
  • the actuator 400 may be coupled to the light source 200.
  • the actuator 400 may be coupled to the at least one lens 300.
  • the actuator 400 may be coupled to both the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to move at least one of the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 up and down.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to move at least one of the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 closer to and/or further from the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust a distance between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by moving the light source 200 perpendicularly to a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust a distance between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by moving the at least one lens 300 perpendicularly to a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust a distance between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by moving the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 perpendicularly to a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to move the lens along an axis perpendicular to the light source 200 to cause a focal point to move along the perpendicular axis, thus changing a shape of the light beam that contacts the at least one plant 100.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust an angle between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by changing the angle between the at least one lens 300 and a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust an angle between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by changing the angle between the light source 200 and a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust an angle between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by changing both the angle between the at least one lens 300 and a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150 and the angle between the light source 200 and a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust a position of the light source 200 by moving the light source 200 parallel to a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust a position of the at least one lens 300 by moving the at least one lens 300 parallel to a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust a position of the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 by moving the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 parallel to a plane of the at least one plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust only one lens 300.
  • the actuator may be configured to adjust only one light source 200.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust multiple lenses 300.
  • the actuator 400 may be configured to adjust multiple light sources 200.
  • the actuator 400 may be contained within a fixture or function in combination with a fixture.
  • the fixture may be a vertical fixture.
  • the fixture may be a smart mount.
  • the smart mount may include the actuator 400, the sensor system 500, as discussed below, a microcontroller, Wi-Fi configured to allow communication between the actuator 400 and the controller/microcontroller, and the at least one lens 300.
  • the smart mount may operate independently or may drive operation of one or more passive or actuated mounts.
  • the fixture may be an actuated mount.
  • the actuated mount may include the actuator 400, the microcontroller, Wi-Fi configured to allow communication between the actuator 400 and the controller/microcontroller, and the at least one lens 300.
  • the actuated mount may operate
  • the fixture may be a passive mount.
  • the passive mount may include the at least one lens 300.
  • the passive mount may be operated by the actuator 400.
  • the actuator may be configured to control at least one lens 300.
  • the actuator may be configured to control at least one light source 200.
  • the actuator may be configured to control at least one lens 300 and at least one light source 200.
  • the actuator 400 may include swarm robotics.
  • the swarm robotics may be configured to move at least one of the light source 200, the at least one lens 300, and the at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes a sensor system 500.
  • the sensor system 500 may be included in a kit of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 or may be provided separately.
  • the sensor system 500 may be configured to measure a metric of the at least one plant 100.
  • the sensor system 500 may be configured to measure a metric of one plant, a subset of plants in the growing area, or all of the plants in the growing area.
  • the metric of the at least one plant 100 measured by the sensor include, but are not limited to, the size of the at least one plant 100 in one dimension, the size of the at least one plant 100 in two dimensions, the size of the at least one plant 100 in three dimensions, the color of the at least one plant 100, the chlorophyll amount of the at least one plant 100, the amount of energy that is re-emitted from the chlorophyll of at least one plant 100 after absorbing a photon, the growth rate of the at least one plant 100, the temperature of the area surrounding the at least one plant 100, the humidity of the area surrounding the at least one plant 100, the presence or absence of disease or pests in or on the at least one plant 100, the shape of the at least one plant 100, the number of leaves of the at least one plant 100, the number of blooms, fruits or vegetables of the at least one plant 100, the size of the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant in two dimensions, and the size of the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant in three dimensions.
  • the sensor system 500 may include a camera. In other embodiments the sensor system 500 may include a standard red-green-blue (RGB) camera. In further embodiments, the camera may include a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. In some embodiments, the camera may include a lens. The lens of the camera may include a high resolution with a wide-angle field of view between approximately 90 and
  • the camera may be sensitive to light across the visible light spectrum. In other embodiments, the camera may be sensitive to light across any portion of the photosynthetically active radiation spectrum. In still further embodiments, the camera may be sensitive to at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.
  • the sensor system 500 may include an imaging system. In other embodiments, the sensor system 500 may include a hyperspectral imager. In still further embodiments, the sensor system 500 may include a chlorophyll fluorescence sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensor system 500 may include at least one of an ambient temperature sensor, and an ambient humidity sensor. In other embodiments, the sensor system 500 may include an ambient temperature and humidity sensor.
  • the sensor system 500 may further include an digital light processing (DLP) projection system or the like, wherein the shape of the at least one plant 100 is identified using an on-board camera and processing algorithm.
  • DLP projection system may include a set of chipsets and at least one digital micromirror device configured to generate a three-dimensional image of the at least one plant 100.
  • the sensor system 500 may include a ranging sensor.
  • a ranging sensor may measure the at least one plant 100 without requiring physical contact with the at least one plant.
  • a ranging sensor may measure at least one of a height of the at least one plant 100, a height of at least one portion of the at least one plant 100, for example a leaf, or a vertical orientation of at least one portion of the at least one plant 100, for example a leaf, or the entire plant.
  • the vertical orientation of at least one portion of the at least one plant 100 may be a measurement of an angular orientation of the at least one portion of the at least one plant 100 with respect to a horizontal plane of the growth area.
  • the at least one portion of the at least one plant 100 may be the photosynthetically active 110 portion of the at least one plant.
  • the photosynthetically active portion of the at least one plant may include at least one leaf of the plant.
  • the sensor system 500 may include a combination of at least two of a standard RGB, a hyperspectral imager, a chlorophyll fluorescence sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient humidity sensor, an ambient temperature and humidity sensor, and a ranging sensor. In other embodiments, the sensor system 500 may include at least two sensors such that a three-dimensional reconstruction of the plant geometry may be generated.
  • the sensor system 500 may be above, below, or laterally adjacent to the at least one plant 100, and combinations of any thereof In some embodiments, the sensor system 500 may capture an image of the at least one plant 100. In these embodiments, the measured metric of the at least one plant 100 may be determined from the image based on at least one of conventional image processing technology, machine learning technology, artificial intelligence, and a plant-growth algorithm.
  • the plant-growth algorithm may include at least one of image segmentation by color channel and convolutional neural networks.
  • the sensor system 500 may be configured to measure the metric of the at least one plant 100 at programmed intervals. These programmed intervals may be predetermined based on growth data for plants. These programmed intervals may be altered based on growth data of the at least one plant 100. These programmed intervals may be once per date, twice per day, or shorter or longer intervals.
  • the metric measured by the sensor system 500 may be used to generate an estimate of various characteristics of the at least one plant 100, including, but not limited to, the size of the at least one plant 100 in one dimension, the size of the at least one plant 100 in two dimensions, the size of the at least one plant 100 in three dimensions, the color of the at least one plant 100, the chlorophyll amount of the at least one plant 100, the amount of energy that is re-emitted from the chlorophyll of the at least one plant 100 after absorbing a photon, the growth rate of the at least one plant 100, the temperature of the area surrounding the at least one plant 100, the humidity of the area surrounding the at least one plant 100, the presence or absence of disease or pests in the at least one plant 100, the shape of the at least one plant 100, the number of leaves of the at least one plant 100, the number of blooms of the at least one plant 100, the size of the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant in two dimensions, and the size of the photosynthetically active portion 110 of the plant in
  • the data measured by the sensor system 500 may be used to determine action directed by the actuator 400 or controller 600 to change a characteristic of a light beam directed towards the at least one plant 100.
  • This characteristic of the light beam may be the focus of the light beam, the concentration of the light beam, the direction of the light beam, the amount (photon flux) of the light beam, or the presence or absence of the light beam.
  • the sensor system 500 includes a microcontroller 600. In embodiments, the microcontroller 600
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) includes a microprocessor that may perform image capturing, image processing, data storage, wireless interface management, or any combination thereof.
  • the microprocessor may utilize a cloud API.
  • a camera and microprocessor that may monitor a group of plants 100 at one time.
  • Computer vision software can be applied to isolate each plant within the image and estimate individual volume and shape characteristics. These volume estimates could then be used to actuate the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 and maximize light overlap within the estimated size of the at least one plant 100 in three dimensions.
  • Processing algorithms could also use color and more detailed 2D and 3D modeling to determine a grow stage and health of the plant 100 to customize light modulation.
  • the 2D and 3D model may include a digital twin of the least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes a controller 600.
  • the controller 600 may be included in a kit of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 or may be provided separately.
  • the controller 600 controls the light source 200, the lens array 300, the actuator 400, the sensor system 500, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to maintain a substantially constant photon flux on the at least one plant 100 during a growth cycle of the at least one plant 100.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control an intensity of the at least one light source 200.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the actuator 400.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to modulate the photon flux on the at least one plant 100.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to modulate the photon flux on the at least one plant 100 to maintain a desired photon flux level.
  • the desired photon flux level may depend on the growth of the at least one plant 100.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the focus of the light onto the at least one plant 100.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the focus of the light onto the at least one plant 100 based on input from the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to maintain a substantially constant photon flux on the at least one plant 100 during a growth cycle of the at least one plant 100 based on input from the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control an intensity of the at least one light source 200 based on input from the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the actuator 400 based on input from the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the intensity of light emanating from the light source 200 by modulating the input current into the light source 200.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the intensity of light emanating from at least one LED light by modulating the input current into the at least one LED light.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control the intensity of light emanating from at least one LED light array by modulating the input current into the at least one LED light array.
  • the controller 600 may include a standalone controller 600.
  • the controller 600 may include a Wi-Fi controller 600.
  • the controller 600 may rely on AC, DC, or a combination thereof.
  • the controller 600 may rely on both AC and DC variations.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to control light directed to one plant in the plant growth area 150, a portion of the plants in the plant growth area 150, or all of the plants in the plant growth area 150.
  • the more than one controller 600 may be configured to control light to one plant in the plant growth area 150, a subset of the plants in the plant growth area 150, or all of the plants in the plant growth area 150.
  • the more than one controller 600 may each be configured to control light to one corresponding plant in the plant growth area 150.
  • the controller 600 may control at least one lens 300 provided for a matrix of plants 100.
  • the controller 600 may control the at least one lens 300 such that each plant 100 in the matrix of plants receives the same beam dimension.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to be a part of a closed loop system.
  • the controller 600 may receive data from the sensor system 500 and control a characteristic of the light beam directed towards the at least one plant 100 based on the data from the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may be configured to be a part of an open loop system.
  • the controller 600 may receive data from the sensor system 500 and control a characteristic of the light beam directed towards the at least one plant 100 based on the data from the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may also receive standardized data based on growth information regarding plants, time settings, and other data not specific to the at least one plant 100 and control a characteristic of the light beam directed towards the at least one plant 100 based on the data not specific to the at least one plant 100.
  • the controller 600 may include a mechanical system.
  • the mechanical system may be configured to allow movement of at least one of the controller 600, the actuator 500, the at least one sensor 400, the at least one lens 300, and the light source 200, and combinations of any thereof.
  • the mechanical system may include at least one of the following: gearing, escapements, and springs.
  • the mechanical system may be configured to release energy accumulated in the mechanical system.
  • the mechanical system may be configured to release energy accumulated in the mechanical system at a rate. The rate of energy release may be determined based on growth data not specific to the at least one plant 100.
  • the growth data not specific to the at least one plant 100 may include time of day, duration of growth, estimated stage of growth of the at least one plant 100, light demands of the species of the at least one plant 100, and light demands of plants at a similar or the same growth stage as the at least one plant 100.
  • the rate of energy release may be changeable during operation of the system.
  • the rate of energy release may not be changeable during operation of the system.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 further includes at least one additional element.
  • the at least one additional element may include at least one of a parabolic reflector, an optical filter, a collimator, and a diffusor.
  • the additional element may be configured to perform at least one of collecting, collimating, and intensifying light.
  • a parabolic reflector may include a reflective surface configured to collect or project light.
  • the parabolic reflector may be configured to collect light from the light source 200 and direct the light collected towards the growth area.
  • the parabolic reflector may be a substantially circular paraboloid shape.
  • the parabolic reflector may be configured to collect light from the light source 200 and reflect the light towards at least one of one or more plants
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant.
  • the parabolic reflector may be placed behind, adjacent to, around, or partially between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300.
  • the parabolic reflector may include multiple parabolic reflectors.
  • the parabolic reflector may include multiple parabolic reflectors configured to be placed around bulbs of the light source 200.
  • an optical filter may include a device configured to selectively transmit light depending on the wavelength.
  • the optical filter may be placed between the light source 200 and the lens 300, and may be configured so as to only allow light within a certain wavelength range from the light source 200 through the optical filter.
  • the optical filter includes at least one optical filter wherein the at least one optical filter converts light from the light source 200 into well-mixed light, allowing the light to then be substantially uniformly focused and/or defocused by movement at least one component of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • Well-mixed light may be light having substantially no color gradient across a horizontal cross-section of the beam of light.
  • the optical filter includes a series of optical filters wherein the series of optical filters convert light from the light source 200 into columnated and diffused light.
  • a collimator may include a device configured to narrow a beam of light.
  • the collimator may be placed between the light source 200 and lens 300.
  • the collimator may be configured to collect light.
  • the collimator may be configured to collimate light.
  • the collimator may be configured to intensify light.
  • a collimator may have at least one curved surface configured to change angles of light beams entering the collimator.
  • a collimator may produce a collimated beam of light, which is a beam of light that maintains substantially the same size and shape over a long distance. This substantially the same shape of the light beam may be the result of each individual ray of light forming the light beam being substantially parallel to one another.
  • a diffuser may include a device configured to diffuse and or mix at least one beam of light.
  • the diffuser may be placed between the light source 200 and lens 300.
  • the diffuser may be used in combination with two or more light sources 200 and may function to mix and/or diffuse the light from the two or more light sources 200 such that, when the light reaches the at least one plant 100, the light is sufficiently mixed.
  • the diffuser may be configured to collect light. In embodiments, the diffuser may be configured to collimate light. In embodiments, the diffuser may be configured to diffuse light. A diffuser may be used to provide a more uniform beam of light across a larger cross section of at least one of one or more plants 100, plant growth areas 150, grow areas 160, plant surface areas, or photosynthetically active portions 110 of at least one plant.
  • At least one of the optical filter, the collimator, and the diffusor may be disposed between the light source 200 and the at least one lens 300 such that the additional element performs its function before the light reaches the lens 300.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 as described herein may be used to grow at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 includes a light source 200, at least one lens 300, an actuator 400, a sensor system 500, and a controller 600.
  • the method of growing at least one plant 100 includes providing the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000, providing at least one plant 100, and modulating the actuator 400 of the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000.
  • the controller 600 may modulate the actuator 400.
  • the actuator may change a distance between the at least one lens 300 and the at least one plant 100 in response to a change in a metric of a plant.
  • the actuator may change a distance between the at least one lens 300 and the at least one plant 100 in response to a change in a metric of a plant, modifying at least one of the photon flux, beam diameter, concentration, focus, intensity, shape, direction, wavelength, and wavelength mix of the light source 200, as the at least one plant 100 grows.
  • the actuator 400 may change a distance between the at least one lens 300 and the at least one plant 100 by moving the at least one lens 300.
  • the actuator 400 may change a distance between the at least one lens 300 and the at least one plant 100 by moving the at least one lens 300 perpendicularly to a plane of the plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may change a distance between the light source 200 and the at least one plant 100.
  • the actuator 400 may change a distance between the light source 200 one lens and the at least one plant 100 by moving the at least one lens 300 perpendicularly to a plane of the plant growth area 150.
  • the actuator 400 may change an angle between the at least one lens 300 and the at least one plant 100.
  • the actuator 400 may change an angle between the at least one lens 300 and the at least one plant 100 by moving the at least one lens 300.
  • the actuator 400 may
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) change an angle between the light source 200 and the at least one plant 100.
  • the actuator 400 may focus the light source 200 substantially on the at least one plant 100.
  • the controller 600 may control the intensity of the light source 200.
  • the controller 600 may control the intensity of the light source 200 based on input form the sensor system 500.
  • the controller 600 may maintain a substantially constant photon flux onto the at least one plant 100 during a growth cycle phase of the at least one plant 100.
  • the sensor system 500 may measure a metric of the at least one plant 100.
  • the indoor plant growth lighting system 1000 further includes at least one of a parabolic reflector, an optical filter, a collimator, and a diffusor.
  • the parabolic reflector, optical filter, collimator, or diffusor may alter the light from the light source 200.
  • the first experiment includes multiple lenses and a single plant species.
  • the second experiment includes multiple lenses and multiple plant species.
  • the third experiment includes a single lens and a single plant species.
  • the VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series TC600 600W LED Grow Light was selected because it had independent intensity controls for blue and red wavelengths and an integrated on/off timer that would allow for a repeatable experiment over multiple weeks.
  • the VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series TC600 600W LED Grow Light is an array of LED lights. The light was mounted to the top of the shelving unit and a plant container array (holding up to 12 peat pellets) was placed on the bottom shelf, approximately 55" from the light.
  • the plant selected for Experiment #1 was spinach, due to its short timeframe for germination and harvest and shallow planting depth for seedlings. Twelve seeds were planted within the control group and nine seeds were planted in the lens experiment group. The remaining 3 slots for plants on the lens group were removed to make space for a light meter sensor. This sensor was used to gauge the light intensity at the soil as the grow light was focused and defocused using the lens array.
  • the lens selected was a Fresnel lens array from Fresnel Technologies. See Fresnel Lenses Brochure [online], Fresnel Technologies, 2014 [retrieved on 8/3/2023], Retrieved from the
  • the array was supplied a single piece of acrylic with the sixteen Fresnel lens contained within the integrated unit.
  • the array was affixed to the frame using aluminum brackets.
  • the lenses were 53 inches from the light source, which we chose to optimize the concentration of light at the focal spot. This distance was set by controlling the height of the motorized frame relative to the fixed positioning of the LEDs (which were mounted on stationary rack).
  • the frame of a motorized standing desk was placed over the plant container array and a Fresnel lens array was mounted to the desk frame such that the height of the lens array could be controlled relative to the planting container.
  • the lens array and plant container array were selected such that the spacing of the peat pellets was similar to the lens array.
  • This rectangle is projected onto the soil rather than a single point of light that can be radially focused and defocused.
  • an opaque circular filter thin cardboard with a hole cut-out
  • This filter was placed approximate 3” from the LED light bar and blocked out all light emitting from the LEDs except for a 5" diameter circle. This allowed us to focus the light down to approximately 0.25" at the soil.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The procedure for this experiment was to plant seeds on both the control and lens experiment side within soil and moisture parameters.
  • the control light intensity on all wavelengths was set to 100% and measured the light intensity at the soil level using a light meter (483 lux).
  • the intensity controls on the VIPARSPECTRA control box (which allows for 0- 100% intensity control settings of both blue and red wavelengths)
  • the intensity of the lens experiment light was set such that the focused light at the soil on the experiment side was the same intensity directly under the lens array at the focal distance, as measured from a lux meter. Because the light was focused to a small point instead of uniformly distributed, an LED intensity of 42% yielded a similarly 483 lux at the soil compared to an LED intensity of 100% for the control.
  • Fans were set up to provide air circulation in the grow tent and used an opaque piece of material to isolate the light from the grow lights between the two sides of the experiment.
  • An environmental sensor was placed in the grow tent to monitor temperature and relative humidity.
  • the LED timers were set to stay on for 16 hours a day and turn off for the other 8 hours.
  • a small amount of potting soil was placed on the top of each of the pellets and monitored the moisture of the soil daily by feeling the top layer of soil and keeping it moist (but not water logged).
  • Both control and experimental seeds were germinated identically using conventional methods. After germination, plants were transferred to their respective grow chambers and monitored daily. As the plants on the lens experiment side grow, the plants were measured in terms of the cross-sectional area of photosynthesizing leaves and the light will be defocused to grow the focused light circle to keep the extent of the leaves within the light. As the light is defocused, the intensity of the lens experiment LEDs were increased to maintain an average light intensity at the soil that is equal to the control side measurements. The goal was to provide the lens experiment side plants with the same number of photons as the control side, but use the lens array to reduce the photons that are incident on the surrounding soil and grow infrastructure.
  • the plants on the lens experiment side were grown with a cumulative 47% of the intensity settings on the VIPARSPECTRA LED used on the control side.
  • the intensity (e.g. input current) settings for the VIPARSPECTRA LEDs (which contain a digital control panel to meter the input current) on the lens group side were cumulatively 47% of the settings that were used on the control group side.
  • Day 6-8 Seedlings break soil surface, lens group trailed control group by about a day
  • Days 8-10 Seedlings mostly grew straight up, ⁇ 0.5 inch a day Seedings 2-4 inches in height, stopped experiment b.
  • Experiment #2 Multiple Lenses Multiple Plant Species
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) lettuce, cabbage, and kale. These items were chosen due to the demand from the consumer market, their rapid grow cycles, lack of pollination needs, and the shape of the mature plant, which requires sufficient spacing between the individual plants (leading to larger wasted light resources in conventional systems).
  • Custom planting trays were 3D printed supporting this experiment on the lens experiment side to allow for a space for the light meter and two locations for visualizing the focused light at the soil level. These printed trays more closely aligned to the dimensions of the lens array used and allowed use of all 16 individual lenses within the array.
  • the plant varieties were divided among the two planting trays on lens experiment side and three planting trays on the control side. To better isolate the light within each experiment, all sides of each shelf were wrapped in an opaque material.
  • both the lens experiment and control side grow environments were captured with a timelapse video.
  • An environmental sensor was placed in the grow tent to monitor temperature and relative humidity.
  • the LED lights were set to stay on for 24 hours a day until the first sprouts grow out of the soil.
  • the LED timers were set for 16 hours a day and turn off for the other 8 hours.
  • the procedure for this experiment was largely identical to Experiment #1 described above.
  • the control light intensity on all wavelengths was set to 90% (down from 100%) and measured the light intensity at the soil level using a light meter (186 lux). This was less than 40% of the light intensity measured in Experiment #1. It is hypothesized that this large reduction in intensity at the soil was also due to wrapping the shelf with light absorbing material rather than the reflective material used to line the inside of the grow tent.
  • the intensity of the lens experiment light such that the focused light at the soil on the experiment side was the same intensity directly under the lens array at the focal distance. Because the light was focused to a small point instead of uniformly distributed, an LED intensity of 19% yielded a similarly 186 lux at the soil compared to 100% intensity on the control.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) of the plant at the highest concentration of light rather than simply trying to manage the light halo size at the soil level for the duration of the experiment.
  • This may include raising or lowering the lens relative to the plant to get the full leaf canopy (shown in red box) within the light halo.
  • the intensity of the light is shown as a blue gradient. Closer to the focal length, the intensity is higher.
  • the focal length may need to move above or below the plant. This requires the intensity of the light to be tuned to keep the average light intensity within the volume of the leaves (the photosynthetically active plant material) equal to the control side intensity.
  • the goal is to provide the lens experiment side plants with the same number of photons as the control side, but use the lens array to reduce the photons that are incident on the surrounding soil and grow infrastructure. Both control and experimental seeds were germinated identically using conventional methods. After germination, plants were transferred to their respective grow chambers and monitored daily.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) length of the lens and the necessary distance between the lens and the growth area of the plant. On day 8 there had been significant growth in a small timeframe which required a larger movement of the lens. Cumulatively over the experiment, only 26% of the light in the lens experimental group was used as compared to the control group.
  • the lighting and lens were used to facilitate a grow environment for a larger plant in Experiment #3.
  • the lens was a single Fresnel lens from Fresnel Technologies. See Fresnel Lenses Brochure [online], Fresnel Technologies, 2014 [retrieved on 8/3/2023], Retrieved from the internet: ⁇ https://www.fresneltech.com/fresnel-lenses>.
  • This lens was 10.5 x 10.5 inches and had a focal length of 9.2 inches. It had a thickness of 0.09 inches (fresneltech.com, product number 26).
  • a dimmable VITA grow light bulb from Soltech Solutions was used. The bulb is a 20W LED bulb that can produce 26 umol/sec of light within
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) the photosynthetic spectrum (440 - nm).
  • the plant was lettuce because it has the fastest time from seed to harvest of the plants from Experiments #1 and #2. This will allow faster results and iterate faster for future versions of the experiment.
  • Both the control and lens experiment grow environments were combined within a single shelving unit and blocked each out with opaque light absorbing material.
  • the single lens is rigidly mounted to the motorized desk frame and larger planting pots were used.
  • the light is set much higher than previous experiments. Instead of using a light sensor that measures lux (or light that can be seen by the human eye), a meter that measures Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) was used. The experiment was set to approximately - PPFD which has been reported as a reasonable range to grow lettuce. An outlet that measures power draw for each of the lights to capture the actual power usage directly rather than extrapolating from LED intensity settings was used.
  • PPFD Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density
  • the initial prototype developed to evaluate the feasibility of using adaptive optics for growing consisted of commercial off-the-shelf LEDs, a variable intensity LED driver, an optic for beam collimation, an optic for beam focusing, and a linear actuator.
  • the intensity of the light and the linear actuator were controlled using a WiFi-enabled microcontroller.
  • the system includes optical, control, and analysis components are integrated within a closed loop system. These core components were integrated into a single housing which can vary the intensity, color and shape of the beam based on analysis of images captured from an integrated camera.
  • the grow environment was within a grow tent equipped with an air temperature and humidity sensor as well as ventilation fans to ensure that the environmental conditions were consistent and ideal for growth.
  • the tent was divided into two parts separated by an opaque light barrier: a control which received constant illumination from a grow light and an experimental side in which lens arrays focused light on a peat-moss grow plug within each planting bay.
  • a deep water culture (DWC) hydroponic grow method was used with identical nutrient mixes to maintain uniformity of hydration and soil nutrition variables for the duration of the experiment.
  • DWC deep water culture
  • a linear actuator was used to move the lens array and modify the diameter of the focal spot on the soil so that the leaves were fully illuminated.
  • the intensity of the experimental grow light was modified such that the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) measured within the focused
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) spot was equal to that measured in the control group.
  • light was adjusted daily to maintain the smallest uniform lighting across the plant leaves.
  • the power utilization and uniformity of the light volume in the grow area 160 in the control and experimental case were assessed, as non-uniform light across the size of the at least one plant 100 in three dimensions can result in physiological and morphological abnormalities.
  • a control grow light approximately 48” above the grow plane was set up.
  • the control grow light measured the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) orthogonal to the light vector both at the grow plane and 6” above the grow plane. Due to the beam angle ( ⁇ 60 degrees), the PPFD was non-uniform in the vertical dimension. Additionally, PPFD becomes increasingly non-uniform at 6” above the grow plane.
  • PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density
  • PPFD was measured in the range of 200-400 uMol/m A 2/s with a power utilization of 19W.
  • the focusing optics were adjusted via the linear actuator such that spot sizes of various radius at the base of the plants’ grow plane (simulating the light required as the seedling grows) were achieved.
  • the intensity of the light was adjusted such that the PPFD range matched that observed in the control.
  • the PAR light flux density (PPFD) was measured at the grow plane and 6” above the illuminated volume for the control and varied spot sizes in the test light.
  • the adaptive optics setup Due to the light collimation of the adaptive optics design, a more uniform energy density was observed, as compared to the control, in the grow plane dimensions as well as the vertical dimension in the experimental setup for all spot sizes. Additionally, the adaptive optics setup used 20% to 70% of the control system’s power to achieve an equivalent PPFD depending on the spot size.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Ecology (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'éclairage de croissance de plantes d'intérieur pour fournir de la lumière à au moins une plante. Ce système comprend au moins une source de lumière, au moins une lentille, un système de capteur, un actionneur et un dispositif de commande. Ladite au moins une plante est située dans une zone de croissance de plantes. La source de lumière fournit de la lumière à ladite au moins une plante. Ladite au moins une lentille modifie la lumière provenant de ladite au moins une source de lumière. Le système de capteur mesure une métrique de ladite au moins une plante. Le dispositif de commande reçoit des informations en provenance du système de capteur et fournit une instruction à l'actionneur. L'actionneur déplace au moins l'un des éléments suivants parmi ladite au moins une source de lumière, ladite au moins une lentille et la zone de croissance de plantes.
PCT/US2023/071700 2022-08-04 2023-08-04 Système et procédés de croissance de plantes WO2024031066A1 (fr)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110115385A1 (en) * 2008-07-11 2011-05-19 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Illumination arrangement for illuminating horticultural growths
US20140098540A1 (en) * 2011-04-13 2014-04-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device and method for manipulating an emission characteristic of a light-emitting diode
CN104359049A (zh) * 2014-11-03 2015-02-18 中国农业科学院农业环境与可持续发展研究所 植物人工光栽培智能精准照明节能方法及其装置
CN107062025A (zh) * 2017-03-24 2017-08-18 海星海事电气集团有限公司 一种led可变角度准直发光系统
US20190368690A1 (en) * 2016-11-29 2019-12-05 Signify Holding B.V. Devices, systems and methods for varying beam structures

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110115385A1 (en) * 2008-07-11 2011-05-19 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Illumination arrangement for illuminating horticultural growths
US20140098540A1 (en) * 2011-04-13 2014-04-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device and method for manipulating an emission characteristic of a light-emitting diode
CN104359049A (zh) * 2014-11-03 2015-02-18 中国农业科学院农业环境与可持续发展研究所 植物人工光栽培智能精准照明节能方法及其装置
US20190368690A1 (en) * 2016-11-29 2019-12-05 Signify Holding B.V. Devices, systems and methods for varying beam structures
CN107062025A (zh) * 2017-03-24 2017-08-18 海星海事电气集团有限公司 一种led可变角度准直发光系统

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