Patents

Publication #: WO 2019023800 Publication Date: 07-Feb-19
A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.

Publication #: WO 2018227305 Publication Date: 20-Dec-18
Spectral irradiance distributions are calculated within a virtual environment based on arbitrary light source spectral power distributions. Architectural, horticultural and aquacultural lighting control systems use the calculated results to control both the intensity and spectral power distribution of the electric light sources. Energy consumption may be minimized while maintaining optimal occupant visual comfort and plant health.

Issue #: US9955552 Issue Date: 24-Apr-18
In an example, an expected sky condition is calculated for a geographic location, a time of day, and a date based on a mathematical model. A predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation within the environment is calculated based on the expected sky condition. Measurement data from one or more photosensors is obtained that provides measurements of an initial distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment, including radiation from solar and electrical lighting sources. A target distribution of direct and interreflected artificial electromagnetic radiation produced by electrical lighting is determined, based on the measurement data and the predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation, to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment. Output parameters are set to one or more devices to modify the initial distribution to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment.

Publication #: US 2018/0242429 Publication Date: 23-Aug-18
A predictive system and method thereof for indoor horticulture are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a set of input values identifying a geographic position of a physical structure enclosing an interior environment and a target distribution for environmental parameters for a selected plant occupant. The method further includes obtaining a virtual representation of the physical structure, and iteratively over time, updating the virtual representation based on actual plant growth or a predicted plant growth model for the selected plant occupant. The method further includes running a computational model to obtain a predicted distribution of the environmental parameters for the virtual representation, and determining a target distribution of artificially modulated environmental parameters. Based on the target distribution of the artificially modulated environmental parameters, the method includes setting output parameters for control devices to collectively control the actual distribution of the set of environmental parameters.