Photon analyzer device, installation for the development of a living organism comprising such a device, and method for controlling such an installation

Abstract

Photon analyzer device, installation for the development of a living organism comprising such a device and method for controlling such an installation. The invention relates to a photon analyzer device (17), comprising a spectroradiometer (21) for capturing light radiation and measuring a surface power density as a function of an emission wavelength between 350nm and 800nm, said radiation being emitted by a lighting system.According to the invention, the device comprises a housing (19) containing said spectroradiometer and an electronic board on which said spectroradiometer is integrated and comprising a computing unit (27) programmed to: - acquire, in real time, a measurement of surface power density from said spectroradiometer as a function of at least one emission wavelength, - convert, in real time, said measurement of surface power density into at least one value of the received photon flux density as a function of said emission wavelength. Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Photon analyzer device, installation for the development of a living organism comprising such a device and method for controlling such an installation. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of the development of living beings, in particular to the development of plants cultivated in greenhouses or in growth chambers.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a photon analyzer device.

[0003] The invention also relates to an installation for the development of a living being, comprising at least one photon analyzer device according to the invention, as well as a method for controlling such an installation. Previous technique

[0004] The development of a plant is carried out by photosynthesis, transforming light energy into chemical energy.

[0005] Photosynthesis takes place when the plant captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, when the plant is supplied with water and when it is exposed to a light source.

[0006] The plant absorbs CO2 through stomata. Light energy from the light source is captured by the plant via photosynthetic pigments, or assimilative pigments, present in plant leaves, notably chlorophylls, carotenoids such as 3-carotene, xanthophylls, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Finally, the plant absorbs water, for example, through its roots.

[0007] Thus, in the presence of light energy, the plant transforms CO2 and water into oxygen and glucose. Oxygen is released through the plant's stomata, while glucose provides the plant with the energy it needs to grow.

[0008] Photosynthetic pigments, which have light ray absorption properties, capture photons of certain wavelengths specific to each pigment.

[0009] It is known that wavelengths between approximately 400 nm and 700 nm constitute the range in which radiation is photosynthetically active, that is, the range in which photosynthesis occurs. Such radiation can be designated by the acronym "RPA" for "photosynthetically active radiation," also referred to by the acronym "PAR" for "photosynthetically active radiation." The range of wavelengths in which RPA operates can be designated by the "photosynthetically active band."

[0010] Also, photosynthesis also occurs over a range of wavelengths between about 700nm and about 780nm, corresponding to the far red.

[0011] There is also a hormonal influence of infrared and ultraviolet radiation on plants.

[0012] The efficiency of photosynthesis depends on the amount of light the plant receives over a predetermined period. Thus, the efficiency of photosynthesis increases with the amount of light received.

[0013] Thus, in the context of a horticultural operation, the light energy from natural light provided by the sun can be supplemented, or even replaced, by artificial light provided by an artificial lighting system.

[0014] In an effort to optimize the amount of light received by plants in a horticultural operation, it is known to use a pyranometer, which is a thermal flux sensor capable of measuring electromagnetic energy, expressed in Watts per square meter (W / m2).

[0015] This data is not directly usable by the grower, who needs to know the quantity of photons received by the plants on the horticultural farm, over a predetermined period.

[0016] In order to enable the producer to exploit the acquired data more directly, it is known to use a sensor called a "PAR sensor" or "PAR meter", which is capable of detecting a quantity of photons received in the photosynthetically active band of the plant, over an area of ​​one square meter, every second and at a certain distance from the source.

[0017] The PAR sensor measures a photosynthetic photon flux density, often referred to by the acronym PPFD for "Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density" in English and expressed in pmol per square meter per second (pmol / m2 / s).

[0018] However, the error rate of measurements made with a PAR sensor is relatively high, especially when the perceived light comes from an artificial lighting system based on blue and red, which are at the ends of the photosynthetically active band.

[0019] Also, while the PAR sensor allows the measurement of an overall quantity of photons received in the photosynthetically active band, it does not allow the determination of the quantity of photons received in intervals of ranges contained within the photosynthetically active range.

[0020] Thus, the PAR sensor does not allow the distribution of received photons to be determined according to the wavelength spectrum.

[0021] Now, as is known, plants possess photoreceptors, which are proteins activated by certain wavelengths of light.

[0022] Among plant photoreceptors, ultraviolet photoreceptors are called UVR8 and are sensitive to ultraviolet rays with wavelengths between 280 nm and 315 nm for so-called "UV-B" rays and between 315 nm and 400 nm for so-called "UV-A" rays. It is established that UVR8 photoreceptors have an impact on fruit, on stress, activate defenses, and inhibit pathogens.

[0023] Photoreceptors for violet light (wavelength between 400 nm and 440 nm) and blue light (wavelength between 440 nm and 460 nm) each contain two receptors: cryptochromes and phototropins. Activation of cryptochromes reduces the size of leaves and internodes, promotes anthocyanin synthesis, and encourages axillary development. Activation of phototropins orients the plant towards the light, a phenomenon called phototropism, and promotes root development.

[0024] The photoreceptors of red light (wavelength between 610nm and 700nm) and far-red light (wavelength between 700nm and 750nm) are the phytochromes and their activation leads to germination and flowering, affects the architecture of the plant, for example an etiolation reaction, a modification of its leaves, in particular their size, shape, number, chlorophyll level.

[0025] It is therefore understood that the characteristics of the light received by the plant are essential for its development, particularly depending on its stage of maturity and its physiological needs within a given time interval.

[0026] Thus, when a PAR sensor detects a quantity of photons received in the photosynthetically active band of the plant, this quantity may be seen as sufficient to allow a level of photosynthesis defined as acceptable by a producer, but may in reality prove insufficient for certain values ​​or wavelength ranges of the photosynthetically active band of the plant.

[0027] Consequently, the management of a horticultural park and the control of the lighting system via data from one or more PAR sensors is not very precise.

[0028] It is also known to use a spectroradiometer, which makes it possible to measure electromagnetic energy, in particular a surface power density of light radiation, expressed in Watts per square meter (W / m2).

[0029] Unlike the PAR sensor, which only measures the overall quantity of photons received in the plant's photosynthetically active band, the spectroradiometer allows the acquisition of data in value ranges contained within the plant's photosynthetically active band, as well as in wider ranges in the UV and far-red. In other words, the spectroradiometer allows data to be acquired as a function of wavelengths. which allows for the deployment of qualitative and quantitative analysis, unlike the use of the PAR sensor.

[0030] In addition, just like PAR sensors, the spectroradiometer only allows the measurement of electromagnetic energy received by a plant, expressed in watts per square meter (W / m²). Data taken at a given time T can be processed in pmol / m² / s (photons useful to the plant), but this is no longer possible when it is necessary to record measurements.

[0031] However, this data is not directly usable by the producer in the context of optimizing the lighting system of a horticultural operation.

[0032] Thus, when the producer acquires electromagnetic energy data over a predetermined time period, for example, a day, the producer sends this data to an external computer incorporating a data processing program in order to convert it into a quantity of photons (expressed in pmol / m² / s). This data processing is not trivial because each nanometer composing the visible (or non-visible) spectral band has its own conversion equation between W / m² and pmol / m² / s. Shorter wavelengths have a lower conversion.

[0033] Only once the data processing is complete can the producer use this data and control the lighting system for optimization purposes, for example by adjusting the emission frequencies or the intensity of the lighting system according to the physiological needs of the plants at the time in question.

[0034] Consequently, it is currently impossible for the producer to have data from a spectroradiometer representative of the density of photons received by a plant in real time. Description of the invention

[0035] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, relates to a photon analyzer device comprising a spectroradiometer designed to capture light radiation and to measure a surface power density of said light radiation as a function of at least one emission wavelength within an emission range of approximately 350 nm to approximately 800 nm, said light radiation being emitted by a lighting system capable of emitting natural light energy and / or artificial light energy, said photon analyzer device being notable in that it comprises a housing containing said spectroradiometer and an electronic board housed within said housing on which said spectroradiometer is integrated, said electronic board comprising at least one processing unit programmed to: - to acquire, in real time, at least one power surface density measurement from said spectroradiometer as a function of at least one emission wavelength within said emission range, - convert, in real time, said at least one measurement of surface power density into at least one value of received photon flux density as a function of said at least one emission wavelength.

[0036] Thus, by providing for the integration of a spectroradiometer into an electronic board mounted in a housing of the device of the invention, said electronic board comprising at least one computing unit programmed to acquire, in real time, at least one power surface density measurement from said spectroradiometer as a function of at least one emission wavelength included in said emission range and to convert, in real time, said at least one power surface density measurement into at least one photon flux density value as a function of said at least one emission wavelength, the photon flux density measurements are now obtained in real time unlike prior art devices which require externalization of the data acquired by the spectroradiometer.

[0037] Thus, when the device according to the invention is used in a horticultural operation, the data obtained can be directly used by a producer and can be used to control the operation's lighting system more precisely than with currently used tools. The action taken on the lighting system is therefore more direct than in the prior art.

[0038] Also, the fact of specifically using a spectroradiometer makes it possible to acquire data according to the wavelengths included in the emission range, unlike the PAR sensor which only makes it possible to measure an overall density of received photon flux.

[0039] Thanks to the present invention, it is therefore possible to combine qualitative and quantitative analysis and real-time data exploitation.

[0040] It is therefore now possible to adjust in real time the emission frequencies of the lighting system according to the physiological needs of the plants in the horticultural operation at the time in question, which makes it possible on the one hand to improve the development of the plants and, on the other hand, to control the electrical consumption of the lighting system.

[0041] According to optional features of the device according to the invention: - said light radiation is emitted by at least one artificial lighting system and said computing unit of said electronic board is further programmed to compare said at least one value of received photon flux density to at least one predetermined setpoint value as a function of said at least one length of emission wavelength and to emit at least one corrective control signal for said artificial lighting system when the difference between said at least one received photon flux density value and said at least one setpoint value for said at least one emission wavelength exceeds a predetermined threshold in absolute value. Thus, the device according to this feature of the invention further automates the control of the lighting system, eliminating the need for human intervention, thereby making the control of the lighting system even more direct. In this way, plant development is further improved and the electrical consumption of the lighting system is even more precisely controlled; - said electronic card includes a memory unit and said electronic card is programmed to record in said memory unit said at least one value of received photon flux density, which makes the device of the invention directly usable; - The said housing is made of a waterproof thermoplastic material and is designed to withstand an impact energy of approximately one Joule. Thus, the device of the invention is particularly suited to withstand the conditions of use in greenhouses or growth chambers.

[0042] The invention also relates to an installation for the development of a living being, comprising: - a lighting assembly capable of emitting light radiation over several wavelengths within an emission range between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm, said lighting assembly being capable of emitting natural light energy and / or being capable of emitting artificial light energy, - at least one photon analyzer device, said installation being remarkable in that said at least one photon analyzer device is according to the invention.

[0043] According to optional features of the installation according to the invention: - said lighting assembly includes an artificial lighting system comprising at least one lamp and said at least one control correction signal for said artificial lighting system is an extinction signal or an ignition signal for said at least one lamp of said artificial lighting system; - said installation includes a system for varying the light intensity of said at least one lamp and a proportional, integral, derivative corrector adapted to regulate the light intensity of said at least one lamp as a function of said at least one corrective control signal of said artificial lighting system; - said electronic card is programmed to record in said memory unit the characteristics relating to said corrective signal for controlling said artificial lighting system.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for controlling an installation for the development of a living being, said installation being according to the invention, said method being remarkable in that it comprises the following steps, implemented by at least one photon analyzer device according to the invention, and aimed at: - to capture light radiation emitted naturally and / or by said lighting system for at least one emission wavelength within an emission range between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm, - to measure a surface power density of said captured light radiation, - to acquire, in real time, at least one measurement of surface power density from said spectroradiometer as a function of at least one emission wavelength included in said emission range, - convert, in real time, said at least one measurement of surface power density into at least one value of received photon flux density as a function of said at least one emission wavelength, - compare said at least one value of received photon flux density to at least one predetermined setpoint value as a function of said at least one emission wavelength, - emit at least one corrective control signal for said artificial lighting system when the difference between said at least one value of received photon flux density and said at least one setpoint value for said at least one emission wavelength is greater in absolute value than a predetermined threshold. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an installation according to the invention for the plant development.

[0047] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the photon analyzer device according to the invention.

[0048] [Fig.3] shows a photon flux density curve as a function of wavelength.

[0049] [Fig.4] illustrates the steps of the process of controlling an installation according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0050] In the following description, elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference.

[0051] Reference is made to [Fig.1] schematically showing an installation 1 for the development of plants.

[0052] Installation 1 can for example equip a greenhouse or a growth chamber to allow the development of multiple plant species, for example vegetable production, perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants (designated by the acronym "PP AM"), flowers, etc.

[0053] By way of non-limiting example, greenhouses that can be equipped by installation 1 can be a glass greenhouse, a photovoltaic greenhouse, a tunnel greenhouse, etc.

[0054] Installation 1 includes a lighting assembly 3.

[0055] In a first embodiment, the lighting assembly 3 is capable of emitting natural light energy 5 from the natural light conferred by the sun 7.

[0056] In a second embodiment, the lighting assembly 3 is capable of emitting artificial light energy 9 from artificial light provided by an artificial lighting system 11, the artificial light energy 9 being emitted in addition to natural light energy 5.

[0057] In a third embodiment, when no natural light energy 5 from the natural light conferred by the sun 7 is received, for example when the installation 1 equips a growing room, only the artificial lighting system 11 conferring artificial light energy 9 makes up the lighting assembly 3.

[0058] Light energy is received by a set of plants 13 present in the greenhouse or growing chamber equipped by the installation 1.

[0059] The artificial lighting system 11 comprises several lamps 15. Alternatively, a single lamp 15 may constitute the artificial lighting system 11.

[0060] The lamps 15 of the artificial lighting system 11 can be LED lamps and / or high pressure sodium vapor lamps, frequently referred to by the acronym "HPS" for "High Pressure Sodium" in English.

[0061] The artificial lighting system 11 is capable of emitting light radiation over several wavelengths within a wide range of the visible spectrum, for example over an emission range between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm.

[0062] In particular, the artificial lighting system 11 is capable of emitting light radiation over several wavelengths within the photosynthetically active band, between about 400nm and about 700nm, as well as over a range of wavelengths between about 700nm and about 780nm corresponding to far-red.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the installation 1 may include a system (not shown) for varying the light intensity of the lamps 15 of the artificial lighting system 11.

[0064] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the installation 1 includes a photon analyzer device 17.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, several photon analyzer devices 17 can be fitted to the installation 1.

[0066] Reference is made to [Fig.2] showing a schematic representation of the photon analyzer device 17 according to the invention.

[0067] The photon analyzer device 17 comprises a single housing 19, containing a spectroradiometer 21 and an electronic board 23 on which the spectroradiometer 21 is integrated. The term "integrated" means the characteristic in which the spectroradiometer 21 is connected to the electronic board 23, for example via a USB cable. Communication between proprietary software programmed on the electronic board 23 and the spectroradiometer 21 is thus enabled.

[0068] The photon analyzer device 17 is designed to withstand the conditions of use in a greenhouse or in a growth chamber.

[0069] In this regard, in one embodiment of the invention, the housing 19 of the photon analyzer device 17 is made of a sealed thermoplastic material.

[0070] For example, the enclosure 19 may have an IP65 enclosure protection rating, as defined by standard NF EN 60529.

[0071] Also, the housing 19 is designed to withstand an impact energy of approximately one Joule. The housing 19 may, for example, have a degree of protection of IK06 as defined according to standard NF EN 50102.

[0072] In one embodiment, the housing 19 is for example made of a material comprising acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0073] Optionally, the photon analyzer device 17 can be coupled with an external agro-climate manager 25 shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 2]. The agro-climate manager 25 can be installed in a greenhouse or growth chamber and allows for the management, recording, and correlation of all data from the greenhouse or growth chamber. Communication between the photon analyzer device 17 and the agro-climate manager 25 can, for example, be achieved via a Modbus RS-485 or TCP / IP communication protocol, or by transmitting / receiving radio frequency waves, for example, on the 869 MHz band.

[0074] The spectroradiometer 21 is designed to capture light radiation from natural light from the sun 7 and from artificial light from the artificial lighting system 11.

[0075] Based on the light radiation captured, the spectroradiometer 21 is adapted to measure the surface power density of the light radiation, expressed in Watts per square meter (W / m2).

[0076] The surface power density of light radiation is obtained as a function of one or more emission wavelengths of the lighting assembly 3 included in the emission range of the artificial lighting system 11 between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm.

[0077] The surface power density of light radiation can also be obtained as a function of one or more wavelength ranges within the emission range of the artificial lighting system IL

[0078] The electronic card 23 includes a computing unit 27, comprising for example a microcontroller comprising at least one processor.

[0079] The photon analyzer device 17 can be powered by a battery (not shown) or can be connected directly to the mains.

[0080] Optionally, the electronic card 23 may include a memory unit 29 shown in dotted lines in [Fig.2], for example a removable digital data storage memory card of type “SD” (English acronym for “Secure Digital”), adapted to allow the recording of data that may come from the spectroradiometer 21.

[0081] According to the invention, the computing unit 27 of the electronic board 23 is programmed to acquire in real time the data measured by the spectroradiometer 21, i.e. the measurements of surface power density (expressed in W / m2) as a function of one or more emission wavelengths included in the emission range of the artificial lighting system 11, and to convert in real time these data into values ​​of photon flux density (expressed in pmol / m2 / s) as a function of the emission wavelength or emission wavelengths.

[0082] The conversion of surface power density data (expressed in W / m2) into photon flux density values ​​(expressed in pmol / m2 / s) is carried out in real time by a conversion algorithm programmed on the electronic board 23. The conversion algorithm includes conversion equations which are functions of wavelengths contained in the emission band between 350nm and 800nm.

[0083] The electronic card 23 can be programmed to record the values ​​of photon flux densities in the memory unit 29.

[0084] Similarly, the electronic card 23 can be programmed to record the power surface density values ​​in the memory unit 29.

[0085] In a first embodiment, the data thus converted can be transmitted in real time to the external agro-climatic manager 25 to whom the device photon analyzer 17 can be coupled and which displays the received data on a visualization interface 31.

[0086] The data thus received can be used in real time by a user, who can act on the artificial lighting system 11 of the installation 1, for example by adjusting the emission frequencies and / or the intensity of the artificial lighting system 11 according to the physiological needs of the plants 13 at the time in question.

[0087] Reference is made to [Fig.3] showing a photon flux density curve F as a function of wavelength X.

[0088] In one embodiment of the photon analyzer device 17, the computing unit 27 of the electronic board 23 can be programmed to compare the received photon flux density values ​​F; with the values ​​of a setpoint curve C; which are predetermined as a function of emission wavelengths Xi within an emission range between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm.

[0089] The computing unit 27 of the electronic board 23 is then programmed to emit at least one Scoir control correction signal of the artificial lighting system 11 when the difference between at least one of the received photon flux density values ​​F; and the setpoint value(s) Ci for the emission wavelength(s) X; is greater or less in absolute value than a predetermined threshold Si.

[0090] In the example shown in [Fig. 3], the received photon flux density Fi differs, relative to the setpoint Ci for the emission wavelength Xb, by a deviation Ap

[0091] When the deviation Ab, i.e. the difference between the received photon flux density Fi and the setpoint Ci for the emission wavelength Xb, is greater or less in absolute value than a threshold Si for the emission wavelength Xb, the calculation unit 27 of the electronic board 23 can further be programmed to emit a SCOIT corrective signal for controlling the artificial lighting system 11.

[0092] In the example shown in [Fig.3], the deviation Ai for the emission wavelength Xi is greater in absolute value than the threshold Si for the emission wavelength Xb. Thus, the calculation unit 27 of the electronic board 23 emits a SCOIT correction signal to control the artificial lighting system 11.

[0093] Thus, thanks to such an arrangement of the photon analyzer device 17, the control of the artificial lighting system 11 can be automated, so that human action to control the artificial lighting system 11 is not required.

[0094] In this way, the development of plants 13 is further improved and the electrical consumption of the lighting system is further controlled.

[0095] The values ​​of the thresholds Si can be predetermined and stored in the photon analyzer device 17 or can be adjusted by a user according to the identified need, in particular for example according to the physiological needs of plants 13 at the time considered.

[0096] Similarly, the setpoint values ​​Q of the setpoint curve can be predetermined and recorded in the photon analyzer device 17, or can be adjusted by a user.

[0097] In one embodiment, the SCOIT control correction signal of the artificial lighting system 11 is an extinction signal or an ignition signal of the single lamp 15 of the artificial lighting system 11 or, when the artificial lighting system 11 includes several lamps 15, the SCOIT control correction signal of the artificial lighting system 11 is an extinction signal or an ignition signal of at least one of the lamps 15.

[0098] Also, when the installation 1 includes a system for varying the light intensity of the lamps 15 of the artificial lighting system 11, the installation may include a proportional, integral, derived controller (frequently referred to by the acronym "PID") adapted to regulate the light intensity of the single lamp 15 of the artificial lighting system 11 or to regulate the light intensity of at least one of the lamps 15 of the artificial lighting system 11 when the artificial lighting system 11 includes several lamps 15.

[0099] In one embodiment, the electronic card 23 can be programmed to record in the memory unit 29 the characteristics relating to the Scoir control correction signal of said artificial lighting system 11.

[0100] For example, the history of emitted Scoir correction signals can be recorded in memory unit 29.

[0101] Reference is made to [Fig.4] showing the steps of the process of controlling an installation 1 according to the invention.

[0102] The method for controlling the installation 1 is implemented by the photon analyzer device 17 in its embodiment in which the calculation unit 27 of the electronic board 23 is programmed to compare the received photon flux density values ​​F; with the values ​​of the setpoint curve Q and to emit one or more corrective SCOIT signals for controlling the artificial lighting system 11 when the difference between the received photon flux density value F; and the corresponding setpoint value Ci is greater in absolute value than the corresponding predetermined threshold Si.

[0103] According to the invention, the piloting method comprises the following successive steps.

[0104] The process includes steps E1 and E2 implemented by the spectroradiometer 21 of the photon analyzer device 17 and steps E3 to E6 implemented by the electronic board 23 integrated into the photon analyzer device 17.

[0105] Step El aims to capture light radiation emitted by the sun 7 and / or the lighting assembly 3.

[0106] After capturing the light radiation emitted by the sun 7 and / or the lighting assembly 3, the spectroradiometer 21 measures at step E2 its surface power density (expressed in W / m2) as a function of emission wavelengths, within the emission range between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm.

[0107] Data can be acquired over ranges of values ​​contained within the emission range.

[0108] The spectroradiometer 21 acquires power surface density data for each nanometer of the emission range, which allows for a qualitative, and not just quantitative, analysis.

[0109] For example, the accuracy of the spectroradiometer 21 can be on the order of 0. Inm in order to allow control over the bandwidths desired by the producer.

[0110] For example, data can be acquired over intervals of 50nm around known plant photoreceptors, for example over the ranges between 355nm and 405nm, between 415nm and 465nm, between 635nm and 685nm and between 705nm and 755nm.

[0111] However, data can be acquired over wider spectral bands, for example over the PAR band with wavelengths between 400nm and 700nm or more broadly over the emission band between 350nm and 800nm.

[0112] During a step E3, the electronic board 23 of the photon analyzer device 17 acquires in real time the measurements of surface power densities acquired during step E2 by the spectroradiometer 21.

[0113] In a step E4, thanks to the conversion algorithm, the electronic board 23 performs in real time a conversion of the surface power density data into received photon flux density data F; (expressed in pmol / m2 / s).

[0114] During a step E5, the electronic board 23 compares the received photon flux density values ​​E with the values ​​of the setpoint curve Ci, the values ​​being predetermined as a function of emission wavelengths within the emission range.

[0115] Following the comparison step E5, the control method of the invention implements a step E6 aimed at emitting one or more SCOIT corrective signals to control the artificial lighting system 11 when the difference between the received photon flux density value(s) F; and the setpoint value(s) C; for the emission wavelength(s) is greater or less in absolute value than the corresponding predetermined threshold(s) Si.

[0116] The installation 1 and the photon analyzer device 17 have been described in the context of use for plant development. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the installation 1 and the photon analyzer device 17 can be used more broadly for the development of living organisms, in particular, for example, algae and soldier flies.

[0117] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this photon analyzer device, of this installation for the development of a living being comprising such a device and of this method of controlling such an installation, described above solely by way of illustrative examples, but on the contrary it encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A photon analyzer device (17), comprising a spectroradiometer (21) designed to capture light radiation and to measure a surface power density of said light radiation as a function of at least one emission wavelength (Xj) within an emission range between approximately 350 nm and approximately 800 nm, said light radiation being emitted by a lighting system (3) capable of emitting natural light energy (5) and / or artificial light energy (9), said photon analyzer device (17) being characterized in that it comprises a housing (19) containing said spectroradiometer (21) and an electronic board (23) housed in said housing (19) on which said spectroradiometer (21) is integrated, said electronic board (23) comprising at least one processing unit (27) programmed to: - acquire, in real time,at least one power surface density measurement from said spectroradiometer (21) as a function of at least one emission wavelength (Xj) within said emission range, - convert, in real time, said at least one power surface density measurement into at least one value of received photon flux density (Fj) as a function of said at least one emission wavelength (Xj).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said light radiation is emitted at least by an artificial lighting system (11), characterized in that said calculation unit (27) of said electronic board (23) is further programmed to: - compare said at least one value of photon flux density (F;) received to at least one predetermined setpoint value (Ci) as a function of said at least one emission wavelength (X;), - emit at least one control correction signal (Scoir) of said artificial lighting system (11) when the difference between said at least one value of photon flux density (Fi) received and said at least one setpoint value (Ci) for said at least one emission wavelength (X;) is greater in absolute value than a predetermined threshold (Si).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said electronic card (23) comprises a memory unit (29), characterized in that said electronic card (23) is programmed to record in said memory unit (29) said at least one value of received photon flux density (F;).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said housing (19) is made of a sealed thermoplastic material and in that it is designed to withstand an impact energy equal to about one Joule.

5. Installation (1) for the development of a living being, comprising: - a lighting assembly (3) capable of emitting light radiation over several wavelengths within an emission range of approximately 350nm to approximately 800nm, said lighting assembly (3) being capable of emitting natural light energy (5) and / or being capable of emitting artificial light energy (9), - at least one photon analyzer device (17), characterized in that said at least one photon analyzer device (17) is according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Installation (1) according to claim 5, wherein said lighting assembly (3) comprises an artificial lighting system (11) comprising at least one lamp (15), characterized in that said at least one corrective signal (Scoir) for controlling said artificial lighting system (11) is an extinction signal or an on signal for said at least one lamp (15) of said artificial lighting system (H).

7. Installation (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises: - a system for varying the light intensity of said at least one lamp (15), - a proportional, integral, derivative corrector adapted to regulate the light intensity of said at least one lamp (15) as a function of said at least one corrective signal (Scoir) for controlling said artificial lighting system (11).

8. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein said photon analyzer device (17) is according to claim 2 or according to any one of claims 3 or 4 combined with claim 2, characterized in that said electronic card (23) is programmed to record in said memory unit

9. (29) the characteristics relating to said corrective signal (SCOIT) for controlling said artificial lighting system (11). Method for controlling an installation (1) for the development of a living being, said installation (1) being according to any one of claims 6 to 8, said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps, implemented by said at least one photon analyzer device (17) according to claim 2 or according to any one of claims 3 or 4 combined with claim 2, and aimed at: - to capture (step El) light radiation emitted by said lighting assembly (3) for at least one emission wavelength (Xi) within an emission range between approximately 350nm and approximately 800nm, - measure (step E2) a surface power density of said captured light radiation, - acquire (step E3), in real time, at least one power surface density measurement from said spectroradiometer (21) as a function of at least one emission wavelength (Xi) included in said emission range, - convert (step E4), in real time, said at least one measurement of surface power density into at least one value of received photon flux density (E) as a function of said at least one emission wavelength (Xj), - compare (step E5) said at least one value of received photon flux density (F;) to at least one predetermined setpoint value (Ci ) as a function of said at least one emission wavelength (X;), - emit (step E6) at least one corrective signal (Scoir) for controlling said artificial lighting system (11) when the difference between said at least one value of received photon flux density (F;) and said at least one setpoint value (Ci) for said at least one emission wavelength (X;) is greater in absolute value than a predetermined threshold (Si).

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