U.S. patent application number 15/499819 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for ultraviolet plant illumination system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alexander Dobrinsky, Michael Shur.
Application Number | 20170311553 15/499819 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60157715 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170311553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dobrinsky; Alexander ; et
al. |
November 2, 2017 |
Ultraviolet Plant Illumination System
Abstract
A solution for illuminating plants is provided. An illustrative
system can include: a set of visible light sources configured to
emit visible radiation directed at the plant; a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed
at the plant; and a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation.
Inventors: |
Dobrinsky; Alexander;
(Loudonville, NY) ; Shur; Michael; (Latham,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. |
Columbia |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sensor Electronic Technology,
Inc.
Columbia
SC
|
Family ID: |
60157715 |
Appl. No.: |
15/499819 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62330372 |
May 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/20 20130101; G01N
21/6486 20130101; G01N 2021/635 20130101; G01N 2021/6419 20130101;
A01G 7/045 20130101; Y02P 60/14 20151101; A01G 9/02 20130101; G01N
21/64 20130101; G01N 33/0098 20130101; G01N 2021/8466 20130101;
Y02P 60/146 20151101; A01G 7/06 20130101; G01N 2201/0627
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 7/04 20060101
A01G007/04; A01G 9/20 20060101 A01G009/20; A01G 7/06 20060101
A01G007/06; A01G 9/02 20060101 A01G009/02; G01N 33/00 20060101
G01N033/00; G01N 21/64 20060101 G01N021/64 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a set of visible light sources configured
to emit visible radiation directed at a plant; a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed
at the plant; and a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit
configured to compare the fluorescence due to the ultraviolet
radiation and the fluorescence due to the visible radiation to
determine an FT ratio and control the set of ultraviolet radiation
sources based on the FT ratio.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts
ultraviolet radiation emitted by the set of ultraviolet radiation
sources in order to maximize a flavonoid content of the plant.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an input/output
connector for adjusting a set of parameters for growing the plant,
wherein the set of parameters includes water, humidity, and carbon
dioxide levels.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of visible light sources
include a first visible light source configured to operate in a
blue spectrum with a peak wavelength of approximately 450
nanometers to approximately 490 nanometers and a second visible
light source configured to operate in a red spectrum with a peak
wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers to approximately 720
nanometers.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet radiation is time
shifted from the visible radiation.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stick, wherein the
set of ultraviolet radiation sources are located on the stick and
inserted in a support system adjacent to the plant.
8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a second stick,
wherein the set of sensors are located on the second stick and
inserted in the support system adjacent to the plant.
9. A system comprising: a set of visible light sources configured
to emit visible radiation directed at a plant; a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed
at the plant; a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation; and a control unit configured to
compare the fluorescence due to the ultraviolet radiation and the
fluorescence due to the visible radiation to determine an FT ratio
and, based on the FT ratio, adjust a set of parameters for the
plant to increase a flavonoid content.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the set of parameters includes a
set of attributes for the ultraviolet radiation, a set of
attributes for the visible radiation, a humidity level, a water
level, a temperature level, and a carbon dioxide level.
11. The system of claim 9, further comprising an input/output
connector for adjusting at least one of the set of parameters for
the plant.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one of the set of
parameters includes water, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the set of visible light sources
include a first visible light source configured to operate in a
blue spectrum with a peak wavelength of approximately 450
nanometers to approximately 490 nanometers and a second visible
light source configured to operate in a red spectrum with a peak
wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers to approximately 720
nanometers.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein the ultraviolet radiation time
shifted from the visible radiation.
15. The system of claim 9, further comprising a stick, wherein the
set of ultraviolet radiation sources are located on the stick and
inserted in a planter adjacent to the plant.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second stick,
wherein the set of sensors are located on the second stick and
inserted in the planter adjacent to the plant.
17. A planter comprising: a plant located in soil; a set of visible
light sources configured to emit visible radiation directed at the
plant; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to emit
ultraviolet radiation directed at the plant; a set of sensors,
wherein at least one sensor is configured to detect a fluorescence
emitted from the plant due to the ultraviolet radiation and a
fluorescence emitted from the plant due to the visible radiation;
and a control unit configured to compare the fluorescence due to
the ultraviolet radiation and the fluorescence due to the visible
radiation to determine an FT ratio and, based on the FT ratio,
adjust a set of parameters for the plant to increase a flavonoid
content.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the set of parameters includes
a set of attributes for the ultraviolet radiation, a set of
attributes for the visible radiation, a humidity level, a water
level, a temperature level, and a carbon dioxide level.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the set of visible light
sources include a first visible light source configured to operate
in a blue spectrum with a peak wavelength of approximately 450
nanometers to approximately 490 nanometers and a second visible
light source configured to operate in a red spectrum with a peak
wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers to approximately 720
nanometers.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the ultraviolet radiation is
time shifted from the visible radiation.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/330,372, filed on 2 May 2016, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to ultraviolet
illumination, and more particularly, to illuminating plants using
ultraviolet radiation.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Recently, new technological developments in the farming
industry resulted in farms moving indoors. For example, there is a
large interest in vertical farming, where buildings are used to
grow crops that may not be otherwise grown on land.
[0004] Growing crops within buildings and vertical farms requires
the use of powered lighting to provide essential light for plants
growing within the buildings. These "plant" lights or "grow" lights
may be electrically powered lights that emit a spectrum of light
used for photosynthesis. Examples of various "plant" light sources
include metal halide light, fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium
light, incandescent light and light emitting diodes (LEDs). The
vast majority of these lights were made to maximize the lumen
content or tailored toward the human eye response, the photopic
response. Plants generally do not respond optimally to the human
photopic vision curve, which emphasizes green light. Photosynthetic
chlorophylls, and other accessory pigments, respond better to blue
and red light. Green light is mainly reflected from plants and so
plants tend to exhibit various ranges of the color green.
[0005] LED lights are of particular interest for growing indoor
crops as LEDs provide for bright, cost-effective and long lasting
light that can emit various wavelengths of light that encourage the
photosynthetic process in plants. In addition to vertical farms,
LED lighting is suitable for a wide range of plant-growing
applications, e.g., algal cultures, tissue cultures, germination
and growth chambers, green houses, aquatic plants, supplemental
lighting in such facilities, and the like. Given the stimulating
response to red and blue light to plant growth, current LED
products for horticulture lighting focus primarily on the blue and
red spectrum.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects of the invention provide a solution for illuminating
plants using ultraviolet radiation. An illustrative embodiment of a
system includes: a set of visible light sources configured to emit
visible radiation directed at a plant; a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed
at the plant; and a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation. A ratio of the two fluorescence
values can be compared to determine the flavonoid content of the
plant.
[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a system
comprising: a set of visible light sources configured to emit
visible radiation directed at a plant; a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed
at the plant; and a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation.
[0008] A second aspect of the invention provides a system
comprising: a set of visible light sources configured to emit
visible radiation directed at a plant; a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed
at the plant; a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation; and a control unit configured to
compare the fluorescence due to the ultraviolet radiation and the
fluorescence due to the visible radiation to determine an FT ratio
and, based on the FT ratio, adjust a set of parameters for the
plant to increase a flavonoid content.
[0009] A third aspect of the invention provides a planter
comprising: a plant located in soil; a set of visible light sources
configured to emit visible radiation directed at the plant; a set
of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet
radiation directed at the plant; a set of sensors, wherein at least
one sensor is configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the
plant due to the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted
from the plant due to the visible radiation; and a control unit
configured to compare the fluorescence due to the ultraviolet
radiation and the fluorescence due to the visible radiation to
determine an FT ratio and, based on the FT ratio, adjust a set of
parameters for the plant to increase a flavonoid content.
[0010] The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to
solve one or more of the problems herein described and/or one or
more other problems not discussed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features of the disclosure will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description of the
various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings that depict various aspects of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a plant
according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a plant
according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative input/output connector
according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a plant
according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a plant
according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a plant
according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7A shows a feedback loop according to an embodiment,
while FIG. 7B shows illustrative peak wavelengths for ultraviolet
and visible radiation according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7C shows
an exemplary plot of changing input parameters according to an
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8A shows an illustrative flow diagram according to an
embodiment, while FIG. 8B shows the use of fluorescent measurement
to determine the amount of flavonoid in the plants.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows an illustrative flow diagram according to an
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative flow diagram according to an
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a
plant according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 12 shows an illustrative system for illuminating a
plant according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows an illustrative system utilizing a drone
according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative system according to an
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 15 shows an illustrative environment for a system
according to an embodiment.
[0027] It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The
drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the
invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the
scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents
like elements between the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a
solution for illuminating plants using ultraviolet radiation. In an
embodiment, such illumination can increase the flavonoid content of
plants grown indoors. An illustrative embodiment of a system
includes: a set of visible light sources configured to emit visible
radiation directed at a plant; a set of ultraviolet radiation
sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed at the
plant; and a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is
configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to
the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant
due to the visible radiation. A ratio of the two fluorescence
values can be compared to determine the flavonoid content of the
plant.
[0029] As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term "set" means
one or more (i.e., at least one) and the phrase "any solution"
means any now known or later developed solution. It is understood
that, unless otherwise specified, each value is approximate and
each range of values included herein is inclusive of the end values
defining the range. As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the
term "approximately" is inclusive of values within +/- ten percent
of the stated value, while the term "substantially" is inclusive of
values within +/- five percent of the stated value. Unless
otherwise stated, two values are "similar" when the smaller value
is within +/- twenty-five percent of the larger value. A value, y,
is on the order of a stated value, x, when the value y satisfies
the formula 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.10x.
[0030] Ultraviolet radiation, which can be used interchangeably
with ultraviolet light, means electromagnetic radiation having a
wavelength ranging from approximately 10 nm to approximately 400
nm. Within this range, there is ultraviolet-A (UV-A)
electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from
approximately 315 nm to approximately 400 nm, ultraviolet-B (UV-B)
electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from
approximately 280 nm to approximately 315 nm, and ultraviolet-C
(UV-C) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from
approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm.
[0031] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system
10 for illuminating a plant 12 (e.g., a seedling) according to an
embodiment. It is understood that the number of plants 12 in FIG. 1
and the other embodiments shown in the remaining figures is only
illustrative and that a system can include any number of plants 12.
The plant 12 can be planted within a planter 14 containing a
support system 16 (e.g., soil) for delivering nutrients to the
plant 12. If the system 10 includes more than one plant 12, each
plant 12 can be planted in a planter 14 or all of the plants 12 can
be planted in a single planter 14.
[0032] Regardless, the planter 14 can include a system 18 that is
configured to deliver water, carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), nutrients,
ventilation, heating, cooling, and/or the like, to the plant 12
through the support system 16 and electrical power to any of the
components of the system 10 though an input/output connection 20 of
a growth receptacle 26. In an embodiment, each plant 12 can have
the growth receptacle 26 with the input/output connection 20 that
allows the plant 12 to be plugged into a source (e.g., a growth
input unit 28) for water, CO.sub.2, nutrients, ventilation,
heating, cooling, power, and/or the like, for autonomous operation.
In an autonomous operation, at least one of the sensors in a set of
sensors 24A-E can include a visual camera to allow for monitoring
by a user from a remote location.
[0033] In another embodiment, the operation can be semi-autonomous
with minimal supervision from a user. For example, FIG. 2 shows an
illustrative system 10A according to an embodiment. The system 10A
includes all the features of the system 10 shown in FIG. 1 and
includes a control panel 25 that allows a user to adjust a set of
parameters for the system 10A. A user can adjust the set of
parameters directly on the control panel 25 or remotely. The set of
parameters can include one or more of: the attributes (e.g.,
wavelength, intensity, duration, direction, time, and/or the like)
of the radiation (e.g., visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and/or the
like), the input/output of water, CO.sub.2, heating, cooling,
nutrients, and/or the like. In an embodiment, this set of
parameters can be autonomously controlled by the system 10A. In an
embodiment, the set of parameters for the system 10A mimic the
attributes of the time of day (e.g., day or night) at a particular
geographic location and at a particular season for which growth of
the plant 12 is suitable. For example, the intensity of the
radiation may be lower at certain times to mimic the night
time.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an illustrative input/output
connection 20 of a growth receptacle 26 (FIG. 1) according to an
embodiment. The input/output connection 20 can have a plurality of
connectors 21A-E. For example, the input/output connection 20 can
include a CO.sub.2 connector 21A, a water connector 21B, a
ventilation connector 21C, an electrical power connector 21D, and a
data connector 21E. It is understood that these connectors are only
illustrative and that the input/output connection 20 can include
any number of connectors.
[0035] The growth receptacle 26 and the growth input unit 28 are
designed to be similar to an electrical receptacle and an outlet
found in a household. However, in addition to the electrical power
connector 21D (FIG. 3), the growth receptacle 26 includes the
connections for supplying water, minerals, necessary gas
environment (e.g., CO.sub.2), and/or the like to the plant 12. The
growth input unit 28 has as connectors that match the connectors
21A-E (FIG. 3) in the input/output connection 20 (FIG. 3) of the
growth receptacle 26. When receptacle growth receptacle 26 is
connected to the growth input unit 28, power can be delivered to
the visible LED system 22 and the set of ultraviolet radiation
sources 26A-C, the water and nutrients are delivered to the plant
12 through the appropriate connection, and the gas is delivered and
controlled within the environment surrounding the plant 12. Other
parameters of the plant growth can be regulated as well such as
humidity levels in the ambient as well as ambient temperature.
[0036] Returning to FIG. 1, the system 10 can include a visible LED
system 22 for illuminating the plant 12 with visible light to
encourage plant growth. The visible LED system 22 can include a set
of visible light sources (not shown) that are configured to
radiation at peak intensities for optimal plant irradiation. In an
embodiment, the peak intensities are in the blue and red spectra.
In a more particular embodiment, the blue wavelength has a peak in
the range of 450 nanometers to 490 nanometers, while the red
wavelength has a peak in the range of 650 nanometers to 720
nanometers. In an embodiment, the peak illumination can be at 430
nanometers and 650 nanometers with a large peak full width at half
maximum (FWHM), e.g., between 50 to 100 nanometers. In an
embodiment, the peak half width is approximately 10 nanometers to
approximately 80 nanometers.
[0037] In an embodiment, the wavelength of the peak is selected
based on the pigmentation of the plant 12. For example, for red
leaf plants, the peak wavelength position for illumination can be
substantially different that the peak wavelength position for the
green plants. For example, the intensity of green light
(approximately 510 nanometers) can be increased for red plants as
it can lead to a higher absorption of light. In an embodiment, the
peak position can shift throughout the plant growth, depending on
the changes in the pigmentation of the plant 12. In an embodiment,
the system 10 can include a set of sensors 24A-E and at least one
of the sensors 24A-E can be configured to detect reflected visible
light to determine the pigmentation of the plant 12, which can be
used to adjust the peak position wavelength of the visible light.
For example, due to irradiation by UV radiation, the plant 12 may
change color. In this case, the system can alter the output of the
visible LED system 22. In an embodiment, the visible LED system 22
can include a lamp comprising an array of LED dies. In an
embodiment, the visible LED system 22 can include a solar cell to
convert the energy of wavelengths that are not useful for the plant
12 into wavelengths that are useful for the plant 12. Although not
shown for clarity, it is understood that the visible LED system 22
can include active and passive cooling elements as known in the
art.
[0038] In an embodiment, the plant 12 may be growing in an
environment that has insufficient UV radiation. For example, the
plant 12 may be growing in a greenhouse that has walls that are not
transparent to UV radiation. In this case, the plant 12 can be
supplemented with UV radiation to obtain the nutritional content
comparable to a plant that is grown outdoors. To this extent, the
system 10 can include a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C
for illuminating the plant 12 with ultraviolet radiation.
[0039] The set of ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C can comprise
any combination of one or more ultraviolet radiation emitters.
Examples of ultraviolet radiation emitters can include, but are not
limited to, high intensity ultraviolet lamps (e.g., high intensity
mercury lamps), discharge lamps, ultraviolet LEDs, super
luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, and/or the like. In one embodiment,
the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C can include a set of
LEDs manufactured with one or more layers of materials selected
from the group-III nitride material system (e.g.,
Al.sub.xIn.sub.yGa.sub.1-x-yN, where 0.ltoreq.x, y.ltoreq.1, and
x+y.ltoreq.1 and/or alloys thereof). Additionally, the set of
ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C can comprise one or more
additional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, a component
for relocating and/or redirecting ultraviolet radiation emitter(s),
etc.) to direct and/or deliver the emitted radiation to a
particular location/area, in a particular direction, in a
particular pattern, and/or the like. Illustrative wave guiding
structures include, but are not limited to, a waveguide, a
plurality of ultraviolet fibers, each of which terminates at an
opening, a diffuser, a light guiding layer, a light diffusing
layer, and/or the like.
[0040] It is understood that the number of and locations of the
ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C illustrated in FIG. 1 and the
other embodiments depicted in the remaining figures are only
illustrative. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
system 10 can include any number of ultraviolet radiation sources
located in any of various locations. It is understood that the
number of ultraviolet radiation sources can be used to improve the
uniformity of distribution of UV radiation over the surface of a
plant 12.
[0041] The set of ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C can operate
at different wavelengths. In an embodiment, at least one of the
ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C is configured to operate in a
range designed to increase the nutritional content of the plant 12.
For example, at least one of the ultraviolet radiation sources
26A-C can operate in the range of approximately 280 nanometers to
approximately 310 nanometers at an intensity level needed for
nutritional content of the plant 12 to increase. In an embodiment,
at least one of the ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C can operate
in the range of approximately 280 nanometers to approximately 360
nanometers for plant growth. In another embodiment, at least one
ultraviolet radiation source 26A-C can be configured to operate at
a wavelength that is designed to reduce or eliminate the growth of
bacteria and/or fungi on the surface of the plant 12. For example,
at least one of the ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C can be
configured to operate in the range of approximately 250 nanometers
to approximately 280 nanometers.
[0042] The entire system 10 can be enclosed within an ultraviolet
absorbing container 30, which can prevent ultraviolet radiation
from exiting into the ambient. As described herein, the system 10
can include a set of sensors 24A-E. The set of sensors 24A-E can be
configured to detect and sense visible radiation, UV radiation,
infrared radiation, humidity levels, CO.sub.2 levels, temperature
levels, and/or the like.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative system 40 for illuminating a
plant 42 according to an embodiment. The plant 42 can be planted in
a planter 44 including a plant support system 46 (e.g., soil) for
delivering nutrients to the plant 42. The system 40 includes a
stick 48 that is inserted into the support system 46. The stick 48
can include a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 56A-C that are
configured to deliver UV radiation at the plant 42. The stick 48
can operate autonomously and be powered by batteries, rechargeable
batteries, wireless powering, and/or the like. In another
embodiment, FIG. 5 shows an illustrative system 40A where the stick
48 is powered by an electrical cord 50, which can provide power
from a power grid or remote power source (e.g., one or more
batteries). The set of ultraviolet radiation sources 56A-C can
operate at different wavelengths and move in at least two angular
directions, as shown on the first ultraviolet radiation source
56A.
[0044] In an embodiment, FIG. 6 shows an illustrative system 40B
that includes the stick 48 with the set of ultraviolet radiation
sources 56A-C and a sensor stick 58 with a set of sensors 54A-C.
The set of sensors 54-C can be configured similar to the set of
sensors 24A-E shown in FIG. 1. To this extent, the set of sensors
54A-C can include one or more sensors configured to detect
radiation (e.g., visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and/or the like),
humidity levels, temperature levels, CO.sub.2 levels, plant
pigmentation, and/or the like. As discussed herein, in any of the
embodiments shown in the figures, this data can be used as feedback
to adjust a set of parameters of the system.
[0045] As seen in the flow chart of FIG. 7A, it is understood that
input parameters such as visible light, UV light, water, CO.sub.2,
temperature, and/or the like, can be used in a feedback loop (e.g.,
feedback component 114 in FIG. 14) to detect the presence of
flavonoids, flavones, and/or the like, in the plant 12 (FIG. 1).
For example, as seen in FIG. 7C, in addition to ultraviolet
radiation and visible light, the input parameters can include
adjusting a humidity (water input), a temperature (air temperature
input), a concentration of gas (e.g., ethylene, carbon dioxide
(CO.sub.2), and/or the like) (CO.sub.2 input), using an
environmental control component 118 (FIG. 14). It is understood
that the input parameters can be changed according to a particular
configuration of sources and sensors implemented in a system.
[0046] The fluorescent signals from the plant 12 (FIG. 1) can be
measured and used by a computer system (e.g., computer system 120
in FIG. 14) to detect the presence of flavonoids, flavones, and/or
the like (e.g., flavonoids test). In an embodiment, a fluorescent
test (FT) can be used. As shown in FIG. 7C, the plant 12 (FIG. 1)
can be first radiated by ultraviolet radiation using the set of
ultraviolet radiation sources and then radiated by visible light
using the set of visible light sources.
[0047] In FIG. 7C, the UV radiation is shown as shifted in phase
with visible radiation. In an embodiment, the phase shift is chosen
to increase the flavonoid content of the plant 12 (FIG. 1). In an
embodiment, the input parameters of the water input, the air
temperature input, and the CO.sub.2 input are in time phase with
the UV and visible radiation. A first fluorescent signal from the
UV radiation can be sensed using the set of sensors 24A-E (FIG. 1)
and then a second fluorescent signal from the visible radiation can
be sensed using the set of sensors 24A-E (FIG. 1). The ratio of the
second and the first fluorescent signals (FT ratio) can be
calculated and used to determine the presence of flavonoids. Large
ratios indicate a larger presence of flavonoids, while smaller
ratios indicate a smaller flavonoid content.
[0048] As seen in FIG. 7B, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources
26A-C (FIG. 1) can include peak wavelengths at 275 nm and 295 nm,
while the set of visible light sources (e.g., visible LED system 22
(FIG. 1)) can include peak wavelengths at 430 nm and 650 nm. The UV
peak wavelengths can be selected to increase the nutrients of the
plant, and the visible light can be selected to promote
physio-chemical response in the plant such as photosynthesis.
[0049] FIG. 8A shows an illustrative flow diagram for determining a
type of ultraviolet radiation source to use according to an
embodiment. In this embodiment, a computer system (e.g., the
computer 120 in FIG. 14) can determine a type of ultraviolet
radiation for the plant 12 (FIG. 1) in order to determine the type
of UV radiation source (e.g., with appropriate spectral
distribution) required for optimal nutritional content within the
plant 12. The determination of optimal UV source can be accomplish
by irradiating the plant 12 with ultraviolet radiation using an
ultraviolet radiation source 24A (FIG. 1) of a first type to
increase the flavonoid contents within the plant 12. Then, the
fluorescent test is used to determine whether the ultraviolet
radiation source 24A of the first type is the optimal type of
ultraviolet radiation source. It is understood that the fluorescent
test can be administered with sufficient delay to allow the plant
12 to build up its flavonoid content. It is further understood that
the ultraviolet radiation can be administered over a given time
interval with a given variable intensity and in some cases, with
several ultraviolet wavelengths each having a variable intensity
over time. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source can
be chosen to have a constant peak wavelength. The fluorescent test
involves first irradiating the plant with the ultraviolet radiation
source 24A of a set wavelength and measure the first fluorescent
response intensity peak value, then irradiate the plant with the
visible source (e.g., the visible LED system 22 of FIG. 1) of a set
wavelength and measure the second fluorescent response intensity
peak value. Then, the first and second fluorescent response
intensity peak values are compared. The ratio of the second
intensity peak value to the first intensity peak values will
determine the flavonoid content of the plant leaves when compared
to the database having correlation between such ratios and
flavonoid content within the plant leaves. FIG. 8B shows the use of
fluorescent measurement to determine the amount of flavonoid in the
plants.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows an illustrative flow diagram for determining an
optimal UV spectral peak according to an embodiment. The set of
ultraviolet radiation sources 26A-C (FIG. 1) can be operated at a
set of peaks (e.g., between 280 nanometers and 360 nanometers) for
the flavonoids test. The FT ratios as a function of the wavelength
can be recorded. The peak providing the largest FT ratio can
correspond to the optimal UV radiation peak because larger FT
ratios indicate a larger presence of flavonoids.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative flow diagram according to an
embodiment. In this flow diagram, the flavonoids test can be
administered on different surfaces of the plant 12 to obtain a
series of peak UV wavelengths 60. The series of peak UV wavelengths
60 are averaged to obtain an average peak UV wavelength 62.
Although only four iterations of the flavonoids test are shown in
FIG. 10, it is understood that any number of iterations may be
performed. The average peak UV wavelength 62 can be used as a
statistically collected UV distribution for plant irradiation of a
particular kind. The determination of such peak UV wavelength is
used to choose an ultraviolet radiation source with the same peak
wavelength for subsequent illumination of plants of the same type.
It is further understood that similar to visible irradiation, the
UV irradiation can be changed with time depending on the plant
needs, pigmentation, and other environmental factors.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 11, an illustrative system 70 according
to an embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the system 70
includes a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 76A-B configured to
direct UV radiation at a plant 72. The set of ultraviolet radiation
sources 76A-B can be capable of changing orientation in order to
irradiate different parts of the plant 72. Each ultraviolet
radiation source 76A-B can be moved independent of the other
ultraviolet radiation sources 76A-B and can be operated at a
different intensity, wavelength, duration, time, and/or the like,
than that of some or all of the other ultraviolet radiation
sources. Although the system 70 only shows the set of ultraviolet
radiation sources 76A-B, it is understood that the system 70 can
include a set of visible light sources (e.g., the visible LED
system 22 in FIG. 1) and a set of sensors (e.g., the set of sensors
24A-E in FIG. 1) that are also capable of changing orientation.
[0053] In an embodiment, different surfaces of a plant can be
radiated to induce one or more other desired effects. For example,
surface(s) of a plant can be radiated in order to be detected by
bees and/or other insects for plant pollination. FIG. 12 shows an
illustrative system 80 according to an embodiment. The system 80
includes a plant 82 that is irradiated by a set of ultraviolet
radiation sources 86A-B. The set of ultraviolet radiation sources
86A-B radiate a set of areas 84 of the plant 82 so that a bee 89
can more readily detect the set of areas 84 (e.g., the
flowers).
[0054] Embodiments described herein are not limited to planters
and/or indoor growing environments. To this extent, FIG. 13 shows
an illustrative system utilizing a drone 90 according to an
embodiment. The drone 90 can include any of the embodiments
discussed herein in order to irradiate different plants in a field
92 with visible and/or ultraviolet radiation. To this extent, the
drone 90 can include a set of ultraviolet radiation sources that
are capable of irradiating a type of plant at a particular
wavelength, intensity, duration, time, and/or the like. The drone
90 can move to a different plant and adjust the parameters of the
UV radiation accordingly. In an embodiment, the drone 90 can
include a sensor (e.g., a visual camera) to determine the type of
plant and adjust operation of the ultraviolet emitters located
thereon accordingly.
[0055] FIG. 14 shows a schematic of a system 100 that can be
implemented with any of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and
11-13 and perform the flow diagrams depicted in FIGS. 8A-10
according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the system 100 is
shown including the ultraviolet radiation sources 26 and a feedback
component 114 that includes the set of sensors 24A-E (FIG. 1). In
any of the embodiments, the system 100 can include an alarm
component 115 which can include an ultraviolet radiation indicator
to show that the ultraviolet radiation sources 26 are turned
on.
[0056] As depicted in FIG. 14, the system 100 can include a control
unit 105. In one embodiment, the control unit 105 can be
implemented as a computer system 120 including an analysis program
130, which makes the computer system 120 operable to manage the
ultraviolet radiation sources 26, the feedback component 114, and
the alarm component 115 in the manner described herein. In
particular, the analysis program 130 can enable the computer system
120 to operate the ultraviolet radiation sources 26 to generate and
direct ultraviolet radiation towards a plant and process data
corresponding to one or more attributes regarding the plant, which
can be acquired by the feedback component 114, and/or an
ultraviolet radiation history stored as data 140. The computer
system 120 can individually control each ultraviolet radiation
source 12 and sensor in the feedback component 114 and/or control
two or more of the ultraviolet radiation sources and the sensors as
a group. Furthermore, the ultraviolet radiation sources 26 can emit
ultraviolet radiation of substantially the same wavelength or of
multiple distinct wavelengths.
[0057] In an embodiment, during an initial period of operation, the
computer system 120 can acquire data from at least one of the
sensors in the feedback component 114 regarding one or more
attributes of the plant and generate data 140 for further
processing. The data 140 can include information regarding an
amount of radiation (e.g., ultraviolet, infrared, visible, and/or
microwave) detected, a fluorescent signal, a pigmentation of the
plant, and/or the like. The computer system 120 can use the data
140 to control one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation
generated by the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12 during an
illumination period.
[0058] Furthermore, one or more aspects of the operation of the
ultraviolet radiation sources 26 can be controlled or adjusted by a
user 112 via an external interface I/O component 126B (e.g., the
control dial 25 in FIG. 2). The external interface I/O component
126B can be located on the exterior of the system 100, and used to
allow the user 112 to selectively turn on/off the ultraviolet
radiation sources 26.
[0059] The external interface I/O component 126B can include, for
example, a touch screen that can selectively display user interface
controls, such as control dials, which can enable the user 112 to
adjust one or more of: an intensity, scheduling, and/or other
operational properties of the set of ultraviolet radiation sources
26 (e.g., operating parameters, radiation characteristics). In an
embodiment, the external interface I/O component 126B could
conceivably include a keyboard, a plurality of buttons, a
joystick-like control mechanism, and/or the like, which can enable
the user 112 to control one or more aspects of the operation of the
set of ultraviolet radiation sources 26. The external interface I/O
component 126B also can include any combination of various output
devices (e.g., an LED, a visual display), which can be operated by
the computer system 120 to provide status information pertaining to
the illumination period of the plant for use by the user 112. For
example, the external interface I/O component 126B can include one
or more LEDs for emitting a visual light for the user 112, e.g., to
indicate a status of the illumination period. In an embodiment, the
external interface I/O component 126B can include a speaker for
providing an alarm (e.g., an auditory signal), e.g., for signaling
that ultraviolet radiation is being generated or that the plant had
been illuminated by ultraviolet radiation.
[0060] The computer system 120 is shown including a processing
component 122 (e.g., one or more processors), a storage component
124 (e.g., a storage hierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component
126A (e.g., one or more I/O interfaces and/or devices), and a
communications pathway 128. In general, the processing component
122 executes program code, such as the analysis program 130, which
is at least partially fixed in the storage component 124. While
executing program code, the processing component 122 can process
data, which can result in reading and/or writing transformed data
from/to the storage component 124 and/or the I/O component 126A for
further processing. The pathway 128 provides a communications link
between each of the components in the computer system 120. The I/O
component 126A and/or the external interface I/O component 126B can
comprise one or more human I/O devices, which enable a human user
112 to interact with the computer system 120 and/or one or more
communications devices to enable a system user 112 to communicate
with the computer system 120 using any type of communications link.
To this extent, during execution by the computer system 120, the
analysis program 130 can manage a set of interfaces (e.g.,
graphical user interface(s), application program interface, and/or
the like) that enable human and/or system users 112 to interact
with the analysis program 130. Furthermore, the analysis program
130 can manage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate,
organize, present, etc.) the data, such as data 140, using any
solution.
[0061] In any event, the computer system 120 can comprise one or
more general purpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g.,
computing devices) capable of executing program code, such as the
analysis program 130, installed thereon. As used herein, it is
understood that "program code" means any collection of
instructions, in any language, code or notation, that cause a
computing device having an information processing capability to
perform a particular function either directly or after any
combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language,
code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form;
and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 130
can be embodied as any combination of system software and/or
application software.
[0062] Furthermore, the analysis program 130 can be implemented
using a set of modules 132. In this case, a module 132 can enable
the computer system 120 to perform a set of tasks used by the
analysis program 130, and can be separately developed and/or
implemented apart from other portions of the analysis program 130.
When the computer system 120 comprises multiple computing devices,
each computing device can have only a portion of the analysis
program 130 fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 132). However,
it is understood that the computer system 120 and the analysis
program 130 are only representative of various possible equivalent
monitoring and/or control systems that may perform a process
described herein with regard to the control unit, the ultraviolet
radiation sources and the sensors. To this extent, in other
embodiments, the functionality provided by the computer system 120
and the analysis program 130 can be at least partially implemented
by one or more computing devices that include any combination of
general and/or specific purpose hardware with or without program
code. In each embodiment, the hardware and program code, if
included, can be created using standard engineering and programming
techniques, respectively. In another embodiment, the control unit
can be implemented without any computing device, e.g., using a
closed loop circuit implementing a feedback control loop in which
the outputs of one or more sensors are used as inputs to control
the operation of the cleaning treatment. Illustrative aspects of
the invention are further described in conjunction with the
computer system 120. However, it is understood that the
functionality described in conjunction therewith can be implemented
by any type of monitoring and/or control system.
[0063] Regardless, when the computer system 120 includes multiple
computing devices, the computing devices can communicate over any
type of communications link. Furthermore, while performing a
process described herein, the computer system 120 can communicate
with one or more other computer systems, such as the user 112,
using any type of communications link. In either case, the
communications link can comprise any combination of various types
of wired and/or wireless links; comprise any combination of one or
more types of networks; and/or utilize any combination of various
types of transmission techniques and protocols.
[0064] All of the components depicted in FIG. 14 can receive power
from a power source 150. The power source 150 can take the form of
one or more batteries, a vibration power generator that can
generate power based on magnetic inducted oscillations or stresses
developed on a piezoelectric crystal, a wall plug for accessing
electrical power supplied from a grid, and/or the like. In an
embodiment, the power source can include a super capacitor that is
rechargeable. Other power components that are suitable for use as
the power source can include solar, a mechanical energy to
electrical energy converter such as a rechargeable device, etc.
[0065] FIG. 15 shows an illustrative environment 200 in which the
system 100 depicted in FIG. 14 can be used to illuminate a plant
102. The environment 200 includes a computer system 120, which can
be configured to control the UV radiation source 12 and the visible
and/or infrared source 22 to direct ultraviolet radiation 113 and
visible and/or infrared radiation 125 at the plant 102. The
feedback component 114 is configured to acquire data used to
monitor the plant 102. As illustrated, the feedback component 114
can include a plurality of sensing devices 24, each of which can
acquire data used by the computer system 120 to monitor the plant
102.
[0066] In an embodiment, the sensing devices 24 can include one or
more sensors, each of which is configured to detect ultraviolet
radiation, visible radiation, infrared radiation, humidity levels,
temperature levels, CO.sub.2 levels, and/or the like. The sensing
devices 24 can also include a visual camera that allows a user to
remotely view the plant 102. The visual camera can also include a
fluorescent optical camera to detect a fluorescent signal emitted
by the plant 102 (e.g., for the FT ratio). However, it is
understood that these sensors are only illustrative of various
types of sensors that can be implemented. For example, the sensing
devices 24 can include one or more mechanical sensors (including
piezoelectric sensors, various membranes, cantilevers, a
micro-electromechanical sensor or MEMS, a nanomechanical sensor,
and/or the like), which can be configured to acquire any of various
types of data regarding the plant 102 and/or the environment of the
plant 102.
[0067] The feedback component 114 also can include one or more
additional devices. For example, the feedback component 114 is
shown including a logic unit 117. In an embodiment, the logic unit
117 receives data from a set of sensing devices 24 and provides
data corresponding to the plant 102 for processing by the computer
system 120. For example, the logic unit 117 can adjust the
operation of one or more of the sensing devices 24, operate a
unique subset of the sensing devices 24, and/or the like. In
response to data received from the feedback component 114, the
computer system 120 can automatically adjust and control one or
more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation 113 and/or the visible
and/or infrared radiation 125 generated by the ultraviolet
radiation source 12 and the visible and/or infrared source 22.
[0068] An environment for the plant 102 can be controlled by an
environmental control component 118. In an illustrative
implementation, the environmental control component 118 can
comprise a temperature control module, a humidity control module, a
CO.sub.2 control module, and/or a convection control module. During
normal operation of the environmental control component 118, a user
112 (FIG. 14) (e.g., using external interface component 126B) can
select a desired temperature, humidity, CO.sub.2 level, and/or the
like, to maintain for the plant 102. The environmental control
component 118 can subsequently operate one or more cooling/heating
components of temperature control module to maintain the desired
temperature, operate one or more humidifying/dehumidifying
components of humidity control module to maintain the desired
humidity, operate one or more air or fluid convection components
(e.g., fan, pump, vent, valve, etc.) of convection control module
to assist in maintaining a relatively even temperature/humidity for
the plant 102, and/or the like.
[0069] In an embodiment, the computer system 120 can be configured
to adjust one or more operating parameters of the environmental
control component 118 based on data received from the feedback
component 114. For example, the computer system 120 can adjust one
or more of: a temperature, a humidity, a CO.sub.2 level, and/or the
like for the plant 102. In an embodiment, such environmental
conditions can include a target temperature, a target humidity, a
target CO.sub.2 level, additional illumination by non-ultraviolet
sources (e.g., visible, infrared), air circulation, and/or the
like. Furthermore, one or more of the environmental conditions can
change over time.
[0070] In an embodiment, the computer system 120 can communicate
with one or more other computer systems, such as a user, using any
type of communications link. In either case, the communications
link can comprise any combination of various types of wired and/or
wireless links; comprise any combination of one or more types of
networks; and/or utilize any combination of various types of
transmission techniques and protocols. This communications link,
which can include a wireless or cable based transmission, can be
utilized to transmit information about the plant 102.
[0071] The foregoing description of various aspects of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many
modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and
variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are
included within the scope of the invention as defined by the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *