Lighting system for vertical farms and growth monitoring system having the same

Abstract

In a lighting system for a vertical farm and a growth monitoring system including the same, the lighting system provides light to a vertical farm where crops are located and includes a lighting unit and a reflecting unit. The lighting unit provides light in the opposite direction to the crops. The reflecting unit is positioned adjacent to the lighting unit and reflects the light provided by the lighting unit toward the crops, and the incident surface on which the light is incident has a parabolic cross-sectional shape.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system and a growth monitoring system including the same, and more specifically, to a lighting system and a growth monitoring system including the same that is applied to a vertical farm where crop growth is induced in an indoor environment to provide more uniform light to the entire crop and to control the provision of light through monitoring of the growth status. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, smart farms that cultivate crops by providing lighting in an indoor environment are being introduced in various ways, such as in PCT Published Patent No. 2013-063739 and Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2588431, thereby enabling stable crop cultivation and improving crop productivity.

[0003] However, when providing lighting in an indoor environment, it is necessary to provide more uniform lighting to the entire crop, and this provision of uniform lighting is even more important, especially in vertical crop cultivation systems.

[0004] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1a, a system that provides light by moving a light source (2) in a vertical direction toward the crop (1) or a system that provides light by arranging a plurality of light sources (3) on the side of the crop (1) as shown in FIG. 1b is introduced.

[0005] However, in the case of a light supply system as shown in Fig. 1a, the proportion of light lost downward or outward is higher than the light supplied toward the crop (1) as illustrated, and in the case of a light supply system as shown in Fig. 1b, there is a problem that uniform light cannot be provided to all crops (1) arranged in a vertical direction.

[0006] In particular, in all light-providing systems of FIG. 1a as well as FIG. 1b, the light source (2, 3) must be positioned adjacent to the side of the crop (1), so there is a limitation in that it is difficult for a monitoring device to approach the crop (1) to monitor the growth status of the crop (1). Prior art literature

[0007] PCT Published Patent No. 2013-063739, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2588431 The problem to be solved

[0008] Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention is conceived from this point, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a lighting system that is applied to a vertical farm where crop growth is induced in an indoor environment, provides more uniform light to the entire crop, and provides sufficient space for crop monitoring, thereby enabling control of light supply through monitoring of the growth status.

[0009] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a growth monitoring system including the lighting system. means of solving the problem

[0010] A lighting system according to one embodiment for realizing the purpose of the present invention described above provides light to a vertical farm where crops are located, and includes a lighting unit and a reflecting unit. The lighting unit provides light in the opposite direction to the crops. The reflecting unit is positioned adjacent to the lighting unit and reflects the light provided by the lighting unit toward the crops, and the incident surface on which the light is incident has a parabolic cross-sectional shape.

[0011] In one embodiment, the reflector may have a part of the shape of an off-axis parabolic mirror.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lighting unit may be located at the focal point of the off-axis parabolic mirror.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lighting unit is positioned higher than the upper part of the vertical farm, and the lower part of the reflector may be positioned to partially overlap with the upper part of the vertical farm in a second direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the lighting unit includes a plurality of lighting units arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction, and each of the lighting units can simultaneously provide parallel light and oblique light to the incident surface of the reflector.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the lighting units may include a light-emitting part that emits light, and a refractive optical part that varies the path of the light into the parallel light and the oblique light and provides it to the reflector.

[0016] In one embodiment, the light emitted from the light-emitting part may include ultraviolet light.

[0017] In one embodiment, the refractive optical part may have a plurality of prism-shaped light conversion parts arranged in a third direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the light conversion units may include an emission surface through which the parallel light and the oblique light are emitted simultaneously, an extension surface extending horizontally from the emission surface toward the light-emitting unit, an oblique incidence surface extending obliquely from the emission surface toward the light-emitting unit, and a parallel incidence surface connecting the extension surface and the oblique incidence surface and extending parallel to the emission surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, light generated through the light-emitting unit can be varied into the oblique light by passing through the oblique incidence plane and provided as the parallel light by passing through the parallel incidence plane.

[0020] A growth monitoring system according to one embodiment for realizing another objective of the present invention described above includes the lighting system, the conveying system, and the measuring unit. The conveying system is provided between the lighting system and the crop. The measuring unit moves within the conveying system and monitors the condition of the crop.

[0021] In one embodiment, the transfer system may include lower and upper frames respectively provided at the lower and upper portions of the vertical farm, a mounting unit that moves in a third direction between the lower and upper frames and on which the measuring unit is mounted, and a wire portion connected to the mounting unit and providing driving force to the mounting unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the transfer system may include a drive roller that provides driving force to the wire portion, a lower roller portion that guides the wire portion to move at the lower part of the mounting unit, an upper roller portion that guides the wire portion to move at the upper part of the mounting unit, and a load application portion that transmits a predetermined load to the mounting unit through the wire portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the measuring unit may include a transfer unit mounted on the mounting unit and moved in a first direction relative to the mounting unit, and a measuring part fixed to the transfer unit and photographing the crop.

[0024] In one embodiment, based on the results of monitoring the condition of the crop, the position of the lighting unit, the position of the reflecting unit, the size of the reflecting unit, and the characteristics of the parallel light and oblique light provided by the lighting unit can be varied. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, in providing light to crops located in a vertical farm, the uniformity of the light provided to the crops is further improved by providing reflected light through a reflector having a parabolic cross-sectional shape.

[0026] In particular, the incident surface of the reflector is formed to have a part of the shape of an out-of-axis parabolic mirror, and the lighting unit providing the light is located at the focal point of the shape of the out-of-axis parabolic mirror, so that the light provided through the lighting unit is reflected by the reflector, thereby providing more uniform light to the entire crop located below, that is, to the entire vertical direction of the vertical farm.

[0027] At this time, when an actual light incidence test is performed, the light provided through the lower part of the reflector may be provided unevenly in some areas. Therefore, by taking this into account and further increasing the density of light incident on the lower part of the reflector, the area where the light is provided unevenly can also be improved to be more uniform. That is, by simultaneously providing oblique light that bends downward in addition to parallel light through the lighting unit, the density of light incident on the lower part of the reflector can be further increased, and thereby, more uniform light can be provided to the entire area of ​​the vertical farm standing upright in the vertical direction.

[0028] In particular, the degree of bending of the inclined light or the density of the inclined light can be controlled by designing the extended length and angle of inclination of the inclined incident surface constituting the light conversion unit to be variable, thereby enabling the provision of more uniform light to the entire area of ​​the vertical farm.

[0029] In addition, the light provided through the lighting unit includes ultraviolet rays, which can simultaneously perform a certain sterilization action and generate functional substances for crop growth, such as polyphenols.

[0030] In addition, since it is sufficient for the optical system including the lighting unit and the reflecting unit to be positioned at a predetermined distance from the vertical farm, a predetermined separation space is formed between the optical system and the vertical farm, and monitoring of the condition of the crops can be performed through the separation space.

[0031] That is, by installing a transfer system in the aforementioned separated space and mounting a measuring unit on the transfer system, the measuring unit is controlled to move in the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby enabling monitoring of the growth status of the crops in the entire area of ​​the vertical farm.

[0032] In this case, the transfer system is configured to include a wire section and rollers, and by applying tension to the wire section, the mounting unit on which the measuring unit is mounted can be moved, and thus the measuring unit can be easily moved to various positions through a transfer system that is relatively simple to manufacture and operate.

[0033] Furthermore, based on the growth status of the crop monitored by the measurement unit, by varying the position of the lighting unit, the position of the reflecting unit, the size of the reflecting unit, and the characteristics of the parallel light and oblique light provided by the lighting unit, it is possible to induce the provision of light of higher intensity to areas with insufficient growth, thereby promoting uniform growth throughout the entire vertical farm. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] FIGS. 1a and FIGS. 1b are schematic diagrams illustrating a lighting system according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the state of providing light using the lighting system of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the state of providing light using the lighting system of Figure 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a growth monitoring system including the lighting system of FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a moving system in which the measuring unit of FIG. 6 is moved. Figure 8 is a front view illustrating the state of monitoring vertical crops using the growth monitoring system of Figure 6. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments are to be described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each figure. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms.

[0036] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state of providing light using the lighting system of FIG. 2.

[0039] First, referring to FIG. 2, the lighting system (10) according to the present embodiment provides lighting, i.e., light, to a vertical farm (300) to grow crops located in the vertical farm (300), and includes a lighting unit (100) and a reflecting unit (200).

[0040] At this time, the vertical farm (300) is configured to be positioned upright in the third direction (Z), which is vertical, as illustrated, and various crops, although not illustrated, are positioned in the upright positioned structure.

[0041] Additionally, although a vertical farm (300) standing as a single structure is illustrated in the drawing, the length of the vertical farm (300) in the first direction (X) can be varied, and a plurality of vertical farms (300) of a single structure illustrated in FIG. 2 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction (X).

[0042] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the lighting unit (100) and the reflecting unit (200) are described with respect to a vertical farm (300) having a single structure as in FIG. 2. If the vertical farm (300) is arranged in multiple units in the first direction (X), it is sufficient for the lighting unit (100) and the reflecting unit (200) described later to also be arranged in multiple units in the first direction (X) or configured so that their lengths are extended.

[0043] The lighting unit (100) is spaced apart from the vertical farm (300) by a predetermined distance in the second direction (Y) and is positioned above the vertical farm (300) in the third direction (Z). That is, the lighting unit (100) is positioned diagonally upward from the upper end of the vertical farm (300). At this time, the diagonal spacing between the lighting unit (100) and the vertical farm (300) can be varied and can be set considering the structure of the reflector (200), etc.

[0044] As illustrated, the lighting unit (100) includes a plurality of lighting units (105), and the lighting units (105) are arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X). At this time, the number of arranged lighting units (105) may vary according to the width of the reflector (200) in the first direction (X), and the width of the arranged lighting units (105) in the first direction (X) may be substantially the same as the width of the reflector (200) in the first direction (X).

[0045] Furthermore, the width of the reflection part (200) in the first direction (X) may be substantially the same as the width of the vertical farm (300) in the first direction (X).

[0046] Each of the above lighting units (105) has the same structure as one another and is equipped with a predetermined light-emitting part inside to emit light. At this time, the light provided by each of the above lighting units (105) is not provided directly in a direction toward the vertical farm (300) as shown in FIG. 3, but is provided toward the reflector (200) in a direction opposite to the direction toward the vertical farm (300).

[0047] That is, the light provided through the lighting unit (100) is provided as so-called incident light (201) toward the incident surface (210) of the reflecting unit (200). In this way, in this embodiment, the lighting unit (100) does not provide light directly to the crops of the vertical farm (300), but provides reflected light (202) reflected through the reflecting unit (200) to the vertical farm (300).

[0048] The reflector (200) is positioned adjacent to the lighting unit (100), and light provided from the lighting unit (100) is incident as incident light (201) onto the incident surface (210) of the reflector (200). At this time, the incident surface (210) of the reflector (200) is positioned in a direction toward the lighting unit (100) and the vertical farm (300). Additionally, the reflector (200) reflects the light incident on the incident surface (210) to provide the reflected light (202), and the reflected light (202) is provided toward the vertical farm (300).

[0049] That is, the incident surface (210) is configured with a structure that reflects light, for example, such as a mirror.

[0050] As illustrated, the reflective portion (200) has a curved shape with a predetermined curvature and is extended. At this time, the reflective portion (200) is extended with a curved shape along the third direction (Z) overall, and the lower part of the reflective portion (200) may be extended to partially overlap with the upper part of the vertical farm (300) along the second direction (Y) (see area 'B' in FIG. 3).

[0051] The lower position of the above-mentioned reflective part (200) can be variably designed so that light can be provided to the lower part of the vertical farm (300) by taking into account the height of the vertical farm (300) in the third direction (Z).

[0052] Regarding the curvature of the reflection part (300), as shown in FIG. 3, when observed in the first direction (X), that is, when the cross-section cut along the YZ plane of the reflection part (200) has a curved shape having the same curvature at any cutting position along the first direction (X).

[0053] At this time, the predetermined curvature of the reflector (200) can be formed so that the reflector (200) has a so-called parabolic shape. That is, the reflector (200) can have a part of a parabolic shape. More specifically, the reflector (200) can have, for example, a part of an off-axis parabolic mirror shape.

[0054] Additionally, if the reflection part (200) has an out-of-axis parabolic mirror shape, the illumination part (100) may be located at the focal point of the out-of-axis parabolic mirror. As described above, when the illumination part (100) is located at the focal point of the out-of-axis parabolic mirror, light provided from the outside to the reflection part (200) is reflected from the reflection part (200) and provided entirely to the illumination part (100), which is at the focal point. In other words, this means that light provided from the illumination part (100) to the incident surface (210) is reflected from the incident surface (210) and provided uniformly in all directions.

[0055] Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3, incident light (201) provided by the lighting unit (100) and incident on the incident surface (210) is reflected from the incident surface (210) and provided to the vertical farm (300) located particularly in the downward direction. In addition, the reflected light (202) provided to the vertical farm (300) in this way can be provided relatively very uniformly to the entire vertical farm (300), that is, to the entire vertical farm (300) standing upright along the third direction (Z).

[0056] Accordingly, compared to providing light to a vertical farm (1) through a lighting system in the prior art as shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, more uniform light can be provided to the entire third direction (Z) of the vertical farm (1), thereby inducing more uniform growth of the crops in the vertical farm (1).

[0057] Meanwhile, the light emitted through the light-emitting unit (120) may include ultraviolet light in addition to visible light. Thus, as the ultraviolet light is provided to the crop, sterilization of the crop can be performed to eliminate pests and diseases, and furthermore, the production of functional substances such as polyphenols can be induced through the ultraviolet light, thereby assisting in the growth of the crop.

[0058] However, as shown in FIG. 3, when light is provided using the lighting system (10) according to the present embodiment, it can be seen that the uniformity of light is relatively lower in the reflected light (202, area A) reflected in the lower area of ​​the reflective part (200) compared to other areas. This is because the incident light (201) provided by the lighting part (100) is provided relatively less to the lower area (B) of the reflective part (200).

[0059] Accordingly, a lighting system for improving the density of reflected light in the above lower region (B) is described below.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a state of providing light using the lighting system of FIG. 4.

[0061] In the case of the lighting system according to the present embodiment, except that the structure of the lighting unit (101) is designed differently to provide more light to the lower region (B) of the reflection unit (200), it is substantially the same as the lighting system (10) described with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, so the same reference numbers are used for the same components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0062] First, referring to FIG. 4, in the case of the lighting system according to the present embodiment, the refractive optical unit (130) included in the lighting unit (101) is designed to change the path of light.

[0063] That is, each lighting unit (106) of the lighting unit (101) further includes the refractive optical unit (130) in addition to the light-emitting unit (120) that emits light. In this case, the light-emitting unit (120) generates light, and the light generated from the light-emitting unit (120) is reflected from the reflective surface (121) and provided to the refractive optical unit (130) provided on the front. At this time, the light-emitting unit (120) and the reflective surface (121) are provided inside the lighting frame (110) that forms the outer shape of the lighting unit (106), and the refractive optical unit (130) can be mounted on the front end of the lighting frame (110).

[0064] More specifically, the refractive optical unit (130) changes the direction of the light (L) provided through the light-emitting unit (120) and provides it as parallel light (L1, L2) and oblique light (L3).

[0065] To this end, the refractive optical unit (130) includes a light conversion unit (140). A plurality of light conversion units (140) may be arranged along the third direction (Z) in the refractive optical unit (130), and each may be arranged with a predetermined spacing in the third direction (Z). Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional shape along the YZ plane of the light conversion unit (140), and the light conversion unit (140) may be extended in the first direction (X) while having the same shape.

[0066] The light conversion unit (140) receives light (L) generated from the light-emitting unit (120) and light (L) reflected from the reflective surface (121), and provides it to the outside of the refractive optical unit (130) as parallel light (L1, L2) or changes its path to provide it as oblique light (L3).

[0067] First, in the refractive optical unit (130), in the area where the light conversion unit (140) is not formed, the light (L) provided through the light-emitting unit (120) is emitted as parallel light (L2) through the emission surface (141) of the refractive optical unit (130).

[0068] In contrast, in the refractive optical part (130), through the region where the light conversion part (140) is formed, the light (L) provided through the light-emitting part (120) is emitted through the emission surface (141) as parallel light (L1) or oblique light (L3).

[0069] More specifically, the light conversion unit (140) includes an extension plane (142), an inclined incidence plane (143), and a parallel incidence plane (144). The extension plane (142) extends a predetermined length along the second direction (Y) from the exit plane (141), and the extended length can be varied.

[0070] The inclined incident surface (143) forms a predetermined angle (θ) with the exit surface (141) and extends downwardly from the exit surface (141), and the extension length of the inclined incident surface (143) in the second direction (Y) must be substantially the same as the extension length of the extension surface (142).

[0071] At this time, the angle (θ) formed by the inclined incident surface (143) with respect to the exit surface (141) may be an acute angle, which determines the angle of inclination of the inclined light (L3), and can be designed to be variable by considering the angle of inclination of the inclined light. Meanwhile, in the case of this embodiment, more light is provided to the lower part of the reflector (200) to provide a more uniform light density, and accordingly, the inclined incident surface (143) must be extended so as to be inclined in the negative third direction (-Z) from the exit surface (141).

[0072] The parallel incidence plane (144) is a plane that connects the end of the inclined incidence plane (143) and the end of the extension plane (142), and is formed by extending a predetermined length along the third direction (Z). At this time, the parallel incidence plane (144) extends parallel to the exit plane (141). Additionally, the length of the parallel incidence plane (144) can be varied according to the lengths of the extension plane (142) and the inclined incidence plane (143), and as the length of the parallel incidence plane (144) is varied, the distribution of the parallel light (L1) and the inclined light (L3) emitted through the light conversion unit (140) can be varied.

[0073] That is, in the light conversion unit (140) having the structure as described above, light incident through the parallel incident surface (144) is provided parallel and is emitted as parallel light (L1) through the exit surface (141). In contrast, light incident through the inclined incident surface (143) is refracted at the inclined incident surface (143) and becomes inclined light (L3), and the inclined light (L3) is emitted downward through the exit surface (141).

[0074] Accordingly, in the lighting system according to the present embodiment, the light emitted through the lighting unit (106) of the lighting part (101) can be provided in a larger amount to the lower part of the incident surface (210) of the reflection part (200).

[0075] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, incident light (203) of a higher density can be provided to the lower part of the reflector (200), and reflected light (204) reflected from the lower part of the reflector (200) can also be provided to the vertical farm (300) with a higher density.

[0076] Thus, in the lighting system according to the present embodiment, compared to the lighting system in FIG. 2, the reflected light (204, area A) reflected in the lower area of ​​the reflector (200) can also provide light with a more uniform density compared to other areas, and thus light with a more uniform density can also be provided to the lower part of the vertical farm (300).

[0077] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a growth monitoring system including the lighting system of FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a moving system in which the measuring unit of FIG. 6 is moved.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the growth monitoring system (20) includes the lighting system (10), measuring unit (400), and conveying system (500) described above in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4.

[0079] At this time, since the lighting system is as previously described, a redundant description is omitted. Meanwhile, as previously described, in the case of the lighting system (10), the reflector (200) and the vertical farm (300) are separated by a predetermined separation space (S) in the second direction (Y).

[0080] That is, as can be seen through FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5, in order to provide uniform lighting to the vertical farm (300) through the lighting system, it is necessary for the reflector (200) and the vertical farm (300) to be spaced apart to form a predetermined separation space (S).

[0081] Accordingly, the measurement unit (400) and the transfer system (500) may be located on the above-mentioned separation space (S). That is, in the case of the growth monitoring system (20) in this embodiment, a sufficient space may be formed for the measurement unit (400) to be transferred in order to perform monitoring of the crop (310) located in the vertical farm (300).

[0082] At this time, the measurement unit (400) is mounted on the transport system (500) to perform monitoring of the crop (310) in the separated space (S), and includes a transport unit (410) mounted on the transport system (500) and a measurement unit (420) that photographs the crop (310).

[0083] The above measuring unit (420) acquires information regarding the growth status of the crop (310), for example, including a camera, and, although not illustrated, a separate control unit or judgment unit performs a judgment on the growth status of the crop (310) at each location based on the measurement results from the measuring unit (420).

[0084] Furthermore, based on the results of determining the growth status of each location of the above crop (310), it is possible to determine whether there is an excess or insufficient amount of light energy for each location, and based on this, control of the above lighting system (10) is performed.

[0085] At this time, control of the lighting system (10) may, for example, vary the position of the lighting unit (100), vary the position of the reflecting unit (200), or vary the size of the reflecting unit (200). That is, by changing the position or size of the lighting unit (100) and the reflecting unit (200), the state of light provision to a specific location of the crop (310) can be changed, thereby resolving the problem of insufficient or excessive light energy at that location.

[0086] Alternatively, as a control for the lighting system (10), the characteristics of the parallel light and oblique light provided by the lighting unit (101) may be varied. For example, if the growth of the crop (310) is insufficient at the bottom of the vertical farm (300), it is necessary to increase the relative proportion of the oblique light, so the design of the lighting unit (101) may be modified to increase the length of the oblique incidence surface (143). Alternatively, the angle of inclination (θ) of the oblique incidence surface (143) may be varied to control the provision of higher density light to a more precise location at the bottom of the vertical farm (300).

[0087] Of course, the characteristics of the aforementioned parallel light and the aforementioned inclined light, such as the density distribution of each other or the degree of inclination of the inclined light, can be varied in various ways, and through this, problems such as excess or insufficient light energy at each location of the crop (310) can be solved.

[0088] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the movement state of the transfer system (500) and the measuring unit (400) on the transfer system (500) will be described.

[0089] The above transfer system (500) includes a lower frame (510), an upper frame (520), a driving unit (530), a driving roller (535), a mounting unit (540), a lower roller unit (550), an upper roller unit (560), a fixed roller unit (570), a load application unit (580), and a wire unit (590).

[0090] The lower frame (510) and the upper frame (520) are each extended along the first direction (X) at the lower and upper portions of the transfer system (500), respectively, and the extension length of the lower and upper frames (510, 520) may be substantially the same as the extension length of the vertical farm (300) in the first direction (X). Additionally, the lower and upper frames (510, 520) are spaced apart from each other in the third direction (Z), and this spacing distance may be substantially the same as the height of the vertical farm (300) in the third direction (Z). That is, the range in which the measuring unit (400) moves is determined by the extension length and spacing distance of the lower and upper frames (510, 520), and it is sufficient if the extension length and spacing distance are designed considering the area of ​​the vertical farm (300).

[0091] The above drive unit (530) is located on one side of the lower frame (510) and provides a driving force for the mounting unit (540) to move. Of course, the location where the drive unit (530) is provided can be varied. The drive roller (535) is connected to the drive unit (530), and the drive roller (535) rotates by the rotational driving force of the drive unit (530).

[0092] At this time, the wire portion (590) is wound on the drive roll (535), and the wire portion (590) moves in the rotational direction according to the rotation of the drive roll (535).

[0093] The mounting unit (540) is located between the lower and upper frames (510, 520) and may be a frame structure on which the measuring unit (400) is mounted. At this time, the mounting unit (540) has a structure on which the measuring unit (400) is mounted as illustrated, and at the same time, the wire part (590) is connected so that it moves between the lower and upper frames (510, 520) according to the movement of the wire part (590).

[0094] At this time, the mounting unit (540) is varied only in position in the third direction (Z) between the lower and upper frames (510, 520) overall. Thus, the measuring unit (400) is mounted on the mounting unit (540), and its position in the third direction (Z) is varied according to the movement of the mounting unit (540).

[0095] Meanwhile, the measuring unit (400) can be moved in the first direction (X) through the self-driving of the measuring unit (400) while mounted on the mounting unit (540). That is, the measuring unit (400) includes a transfer unit (410), and the transfer unit (410) includes a transfer roller (412) and a transfer frame (411).

[0096] The above transfer frame (411) has an overall frame structure, and the transfer rollers (411) may be provided as a pair at both ends of the transfer frame (411). Thus, the transfer rollers (411) can be connected on the mounting unit (540). Accordingly, as the transfer rollers (411) are driven, the measuring unit (400) moves in the first direction (X) on the mounting unit (540).

[0097] Meanwhile, the measuring unit (420) may be connected to the lower part of the transfer frame (411). To this end, the transfer frame (411) may have a frame structure such as a triangle or a square overall.

[0098] As described above, the measuring unit (400) moves in the first direction (X) on the mounting unit (540) and must be able to measure the entire area of ​​the vertical farm (300) in the first direction (X). Accordingly, considering the range of movement of the measuring unit (400), the length of the mounting unit (540) in the first direction (X) may be substantially the same as the extension length of the lower and upper frames (510, 520).

[0099] The lower roller part (550) is provided on the lower frame (510) and the first mounting frame (541) of the mounting unit (540), and for convenience of explanation, the first mounting frame (541) is defined as the lower frame of the mounting unit (540).

[0100] The lower roller section (550) may include first to third lower rollers (551, 552, 553). The first lower roller (551) is positioned adjacent to the drive roller (535) to change the direction of movement of the wire section (591), and the second lower roller (552) is provided on one side of the first mounting frame (541) to change the direction of movement of the wire section (591) extending between the first lower roller (551) and the third lower roller (553). Additionally, the third lower roller (553) is provided on the other side of the first mounting frame (541) to change the direction of movement of the wire section (591) between the second lower roller (552) and the lower fixed section (511) of the lower frame (510).

[0101] That is, through the first to third lower rollers (551, 552, 553), the wire portion (591) can be extended from the lower fixed portion (511) along the first mounting frame (541) and then extended again to the drive roller (535). Of course, as such, if the wire portion (591) is extended along the first mounting frame (541) and the direction of extension can be changed, the arrangement of the first to third lower rollers (551, 552, 553) or the number of rollers can be varied in design.

[0102] The upper roller part (560) is provided on the upper frame (520) and the second mounting frame (542) of the mounting unit (540), and for convenience of explanation, the second mounting frame (542) is defined as the upper frame of the mounting unit (540).

[0103] The upper roller section (560) may include first to third upper rollers (561, 562, 563). The first upper roller (561) is fixed to a roller fixing section (521) on one side of the upper frame (520) and changes the direction of movement of the wire section (592) extending from the drive roller (535), and the second upper roller (562) is provided on one side of the second mounting frame (542) and changes the direction of movement of the wire section (593) extending between the first upper roller (561) and the third upper roller (563). Additionally, the third upper roller (563) is provided on the other side of the second mounting frame (542) and changes the direction of movement of the wire section (593) between the second upper roller (562) and the upper frame (520).

[0104] That is, through the first to third upper rollers (561, 562, 563), the wire section (592, 593) can be extended from the upper frame (520) along the second mounting frame (542) and then extended again to the drive roller (535). Of course, as such, if the wire section (592, 593) is extended along the second mounting frame (542) and the direction of extension can be changed, the arrangement of the first to third upper rollers (561, 562, 563) or the number of rollers can be varied in design.

[0105] The above fixed roller section (570) is fixed in pairs on both sides of the upper frame (520), the first fixed roller (571) changes the direction of the fixed wire (594) between one side of the second mounting frame (542) and the first load section (581) of the load application section (580) described later, and the second fixed roller (572) changes the direction of the fixed wire (594) between the other side of the second mounting frame (542) and the second load section (582) of the load application section (580).

[0106] At this time, the load application unit (580) includes the first and second load units (581, 582) and provides an appropriate load to the mounting unit (540). Thus, the mounting unit (540) is in a state where its own weight and the load of the measuring unit (400) are balanced by the external force in the upward direction provided by the load application unit (580). Accordingly, in a state where no separate driving force is applied to the driving roll (535), the mounting unit (540) can maintain a fixed state in a specific position in the third direction (Z) by the external force of the load application unit (580).

[0107] However, when the drive roller (535) is actuated, the wire portion (590) connected to the drive roller (535) moves, and accordingly, the lower roller portion (550), the upper roller portion (560), and the fixed roller portion (570) are all actuated, and accordingly, the position of the mounting unit (540) changes along the third direction (Z).

[0108] For example, when the drive roller (535) rotates clockwise, the length of the wire section (591) wound along the lower roller section (550) in the wire section (590) increases, and the length of the wire section (593) wound along the upper roller section (560) decreases. Accordingly, the mounting unit (540) moves upward as a whole, that is, in the positive third direction (+Z). At this time, as the mounting unit (540) rises, the load application section (580) naturally descends in the negative third direction (-Z) to maintain balance.

[0109] In contrast, when the drive roller (535) rotates counterclockwise, the length of the wire section (591) wound along the lower roller section (550) in the wire section (590) decreases, and the length of the wire section (593) wound along the upper roller section (560) increases. Accordingly, the mounting unit (540) moves downward in the overall downward direction, that is, in the negative third direction (-Z). At this time, as the mounting unit (540) descends, the load application section (580) naturally rises in the positive third direction (+Z) to maintain balance.

[0110] As described above, depending on the rotation of the drive roller (535), the mounting unit (540) and the measuring unit (400) mounted thereon rise or fall along the third direction (Z), and their positions are varied. Additionally, as previously explained, the measuring unit (400) moves in the first direction (X) on the mounting unit (540) through the drive of the transfer roller (412). Accordingly, the measuring unit (400) is freely controlled to move to all areas on the XZ plane where the vertical farm (300) is formed, and can monitor the growth status of crops located in the vertical farm (300).

[0111] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating the state of monitoring vertical crops using the growth monitoring system of Figure 6.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8, the growth status of crops can be monitored over the entire area of ​​the vertical farm (300) through the measuring unit (400) described above. That is, the lower and upper frames (510, 520) can be extended along the first direction (X) for a length substantially equal to the length of the vertical farm (300), and thus, the measuring unit (400) can monitor the growth status of crops by moving to any position in the third direction (Z) as well as in the first direction (X).

[0113] In addition, the reason the measurement unit (400) can be positioned to be directly adjacent to the crop and monitored in this manner is that, as previously explained, a sufficient separation space (S) is formed between the vertical farm (300) and the lighting system (10).

[0114] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, when providing light to crops located in a vertical farm, the uniformity of the light provided to the crops is further improved by providing reflected light through a reflector having a parabolic cross-sectional shape.

[0115] In particular, the incident surface of the reflector is formed to have a part of the shape of an out-of-axis parabolic mirror, and the lighting unit providing the light is located at the focal point of the shape of the out-of-axis parabolic mirror, so that the light provided through the lighting unit is reflected by the reflector, thereby providing more uniform light to the entire crop located below, that is, to the entire vertical direction of the vertical farm.

[0116] At this time, when an actual light incidence test is performed, the light provided through the lower part of the reflector may be provided unevenly in some areas. Therefore, by taking this into account and further increasing the density of light incident on the lower part of the reflector, the area where the light is provided unevenly can also be improved to be more uniform. That is, by simultaneously providing oblique light that bends downward in addition to parallel light through the lighting unit, the density of light incident on the lower part of the reflector can be further increased, and thereby, more uniform light can be provided to the entire area of ​​the vertical farm standing upright in the vertical direction.

[0117] In particular, the degree of bending of the inclined light or the density of the inclined light can be controlled by designing the extended length and angle of inclination of the inclined incident surface constituting the light conversion unit to be variable, thereby enabling the provision of more uniform light to the entire area of ​​the vertical farm.

[0118] In addition, since it is sufficient for the optical system including the lighting unit and the reflecting unit to be positioned at a predetermined distance from the vertical farm, a predetermined separation space is formed between the optical system and the vertical farm, and monitoring of the condition of the crops can be performed through the separation space.

[0119] That is, by installing a transfer system in the aforementioned separated space and mounting a measuring unit on the transfer system, the measuring unit is controlled to move in the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby enabling monitoring of the growth status of the crops in the entire area of ​​the vertical farm.

[0120] In this case, the transfer system is configured to include a wire section and rollers, and by applying tension to the wire section, the mounting unit on which the measuring unit is mounted can be moved, and thus the measuring unit can be easily moved to various positions through a transfer system that is relatively simple to manufacture and operate.

[0121] Furthermore, based on the growth status of the crop monitored by the measurement unit, by varying the position of the lighting unit, the position of the reflecting unit, the size of the reflecting unit, and the characteristics of the parallel light and oblique light provided by the lighting unit, it is possible to induce the provision of light of higher intensity to areas with insufficient growth, thereby promoting uniform growth throughout the entire vertical farm.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0123] 10: Optical System 20: Growth Monitoring System 100, 101 : Lighting section 105, 106 : Lighting unit 110 : Lighting Frame 120 : Light-emitting part 121 : Reflective surface 130: Refractive optics 140 : Optical converter 200 : Reflective part 201, 203 : Incident light 202, 204 : Reflected light 300: Vertical Farm 310 : Crops 400 : Measurement unit 410 : Transfer unit 420 : Measurement section 500 : Transfer System 530 : Drive unit 535 : Drive Roll 540 : Mounted unit 550: Lower roller section 560: Upper roller section 570: Fixed roller section 580 : Load application unit 590 : Wire section

Claims

Claim 1 A lighting system for providing light to a vertical farm where crops are located, comprising: a lighting unit that provides light in the opposite direction to said crops; and a reflecting unit positioned adjacent to said lighting unit, which reflects the light provided by said lighting unit toward said crops, and wherein the incident surface upon which the light is incident has a parabolic cross-sectional shape. Claim 2 A lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the reflector has a part of the shape of an off-axis parabolic mirror. Claim 3 A lighting system according to paragraph 2, wherein the lighting unit is located at the focal point of the off-axis parabolic mirror. Claim 4 A lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting unit is positioned higher than the upper part of the vertical farm, and the lower part of the reflector is positioned to partially overlap with the upper part of the vertical farm in a second direction. Claim 5 A lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit comprises a plurality of lighting units arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction, and each of the lighting units simultaneously provides parallel light and oblique light to the incident surface of the reflector. Claim 6 A lighting system according to claim 5, wherein each of the above lighting units comprises: a light-emitting part that emits light; and a refractive optical part that varies the path of the light into the parallel light and the inclined light and provides it to the reflective part. Claim 7 A lighting system according to claim 6, characterized in that the light emitted from the light-emitting part includes ultraviolet light. Claim 8 A lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the refractive optical part is characterized by having a plurality of prism-shaped light conversion parts arranged in a third direction. Claim 9 A lighting system according to claim 8, wherein each of the light conversion units comprises: an emission surface through which the parallel light and the inclined light are simultaneously emitted; an extension surface extending horizontally from the emission surface toward the light-emitting unit; an inclined incidence surface extending inclinedly from the emission surface toward the light-emitting unit; and a parallel incidence surface connecting the extension surface and the inclined incidence surface and extending parallel to the emission surface. Claim 10 A lighting system according to claim 9, characterized in that light generated through the light-emitting unit is varied into the inclined light by passing through the inclined incident plane and provided as the parallel light by passing through the parallel incident plane. Claim 11 A growth monitoring system comprising: a lighting system of claim 1; a conveying system provided between the lighting system and the crop; and a measuring unit that moves in the conveying system and monitors the condition of the crop. Claim 12 A growth monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein the conveying system comprises: lower and upper frames respectively provided at the lower and upper portions of the vertical farm; a mounting unit that moves in a third direction between the lower and upper frames and on which the measuring unit is mounted; and a wire portion connected to the mounting unit and providing driving force to the mounting unit. Claim 13 A growth monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the conveying system comprises: a driving roller that provides driving force to the wire portion; a lower roller portion that guides the wire portion to move at the lower part of the mounting unit; an upper roller portion that guides the wire portion to move at the upper part of the mounting unit; and a load application portion that transmits a predetermined load to the mounting unit through the wire portion. Claim 14 A growth monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the measuring unit comprises: a transfer unit mounted on the mounting unit and moved in a first direction relative to the mounting unit; and a measuring unit fixed to the transfer unit and photographing the crop. Claim 15 A growth monitoring system according to claim 11, characterized by varying the position of the lighting unit, the position of the reflecting unit, the size of the reflecting unit, and the characteristics of the parallel light and oblique light provided by the lighting unit based on the results of monitoring the condition of the crop.

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