Automatic lighting syst

Abstract

The automatic lighting system (10) for providing automatic light adjustment in the hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) comprising a first body (111 ), comprising at least one openness (112) where at least one plant is placed to provide hydroponic plant growth, at least one liquid chamber (113) that provides for meeting the liquid need of the plant placed in said openness (112) and a drive element (114) operated to provide movement of the liquid in the liquid reservoir (113); and a second body (115) comprising at least one lighting element (116) that provides illumination of at least one plant placed in said openness (112), placed on the first body (111 )

Description

[0001] SPECIFICATION

[0002] AUTOMATIC LIGHTING SYST

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention relates to an automatic lighting system for use in a hydroponic plant growing unit.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Hydroponic systems are systems commonly used at home or in the workplace that allow plants to be grown using water and nutrient solution instead of soil. In these systems, a special environment is created to support the plants' roots, and the plants' nutritional needs are met with water and nutrient solution. Hydroponic systems can be used to grow many types of plants, including vegetables, fruit and flowers. The main purpose of these systems is to ensure the healthy growth and development of plants. Hydroponic systems deliver water and nutrients directly to the roots of plants to optimise nutrient uptake. In addition, hydroponic systems expose the roots of plants to the air, resulting in better oxygen uptake.

[0007] The types of these systems include hydroponic systems, aeroponic systems, drained film systems and nutrient film systems. In hydroponic systems, the roots of the plants are grown in water and nutrient solution, while in aeroponic systems, the roots of the plants are moistened by spraying water. In flow film systems, the roots of the plants are in contact with a continuously flowing nutrient solution. In film nutrient systems, the roots of the plants are in contact with the nutrient solution flowing in the form of a thin film. In the hydroponic growing systems mentioned above, the growing process is as follows. First, water and nutrient solution are added to the reservoir that holds the water and nutrient solution. A pump is then switched on in the system to pump the nutrient solution through the tubes to the plant supports, which carry the roots of the plants and are submerged in water. Finally, the lighting module is switched on and adjusted to provide the light necessary for the plants to photosynthesise and grow.

[0008] In hydroponic systems, light adjustment is usually done manually. Users adjust the duration, intensity and colour of the light to be given to the plants using a light adjustment panel or control panel on the system. However, the disadvantages of manual light adjustment include incorrect light adjustment, failure to adjust the light according to the growth stage of the plants and providing the same light for long periods of time. These situations prevent the plant from growing in a healthy way. It can even cause the plant to wilt.

[0009] As a result, all these problems have made it necessary to innovate in this technical field.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to an automatic lighting system for eliminating the above disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the related technical field.

[0012] One object of the invention is to provide an automatic lighting system for automatically adjusting the light that supports the healthy growth of various plants grown in a hydroponic plant growing unit according to their needs.

[0013] In order to fulfil all the aforesaid objects and those which will result from the following detailed description, the present invention provides an automatic lighting system for providing automatic light adjustment in the hydroponic plant growing unit comprising a first body, comprising at least one openness where at least one plant is placed to provide hydroponic plant growth, at least one liquid chamber that provides for meeting the liquid need of the plant placed in said openness and a drive element operated to provide movement of the liquid in the liquid reservoir; and a second body comprising at least one lighting element that provides illumination of at least one plant placed in said openness, placed on the first body. Accordingly, it is comprises a memory unit comprising at least plant species information, growth phase information corresponding to the plant species, and light information required by the plant corresponding to the growth phase information, a user interface allowing the plant species information to be entered to be grown, a control unit that is used to receive information about the type of plant to be grown on the trunk from said user interface, to determine the growth phases corresponding to said plant type by accessing said memory unit and the light information to be used in said growth phases, to operate the lighting element according to the light information corresponding to each growth phase.

[0014] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that it comprises a protrusion that allows the second body to be positioned on the first body when placed between the said second body and the first body. This increases the structural stability of the hydroponic plant growing unit.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that it comprises a switching element that ensures that the said lighting element is off when it is in a first position provided to the hydroponic plant growing unit and that the lighting element is on when it is in a second position.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the growth stage information comprises a germination stage, a development stage and a harvest stage.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the light information comprises light intensity, light power and light colour information. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the liquid reservoir comprises a level sensor. Thus, the level of the nutrient solution in the liquid reservoir is measured in real time.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that it comprises a warning unit disposed on the first housing for warning the user.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the warning unit is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the control unit is arranged to actuate the warning unit in the event that the level information received from the level sensor is outside a reference level information.

[0021] A further possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the lighting element is switched on by moving a switching element from the first position to the second position, whereby the lighting element is switched off in a first position and the lighting element is switched on in a second position,

[0022] - retrieving plant species information from the user interface

[0023] - determining the growth stage stored in the memory unit in accordance with the plant species information and the lighting information corresponding to each growth stage

[0024] - operating the lighting element in accordance with the lighting information for each growth stage

[0025] - operating the drive element in accordance with the period information stored in the memory unit,

[0026] - transmitting a message containing growth completion information to the user interface in case the growth phases are completed - turning off the lighting element by moving the switching element from the second to the first position.

[0027] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterised in that it comprises the steps of instantaneously receiving level information from the level sensor, comparing the received level information with reference level information, activating the warning unit if the level information is determined to be below the reference level information. Thus, if an abnormality is detected in the feeder level, an immediate warning is sent to the user.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Figure 1 shows a representative view of the automatic lighting system.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a representative view of the working scenario of the automatic lighting system.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In this detailed description, the inventive automatic lighting system (10) is described only by way of non-limiting examples for a better understanding of the subject matter.

[0033] The invention relates to an automatic lighting system (10) provided in a hydroponic plant growing unit. Said automatic lighting system (10) enables the lighting to be automatically adjusted in accordance with the growth stages of the plants by precisely controlling the amount and spectrum of light required by the plants.

[0034] The hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) comprises a first body (111 ). Said first body (111 ) comprises at least one openness (112) in which at least one plant is placed. In a possible embodiment of the invention, bodies made of water-resistant plastic or ceramic may be preferred as said body. The openness (112) comprises holes, grooves and the like for placing the roots of plants used in hydroponic systems known in the art. The first body (111 ) comprises at least one liquid reservoir (113) for supplying the liquid requirements of the plant placed in the openness (112), and a drive element (114) operated to ensure the movement of the liquid in the liquid reservoir (113). In an embodiment of the invention, a level sensor is provided for measuring the level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir (113). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid reservoir (113) is a liquid tank for storing liquids such as water and nutrient solution. The liquid water in the liquid reservoir (113) represents a nutrient solution. This solution contains the nutrients required by the plant and ensures healthy growth of the plant. The drive element (114) is a mechanism for delivering the liquid from the liquid reservoir (113) to the roots of the plant. For example, a pump can be used as the drive element (114).

[0035] The hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) comprises a second body (115) disposed above the first body (111 ). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the second body (115) is made of plastic or silicone. Between said second body (115) and said first body (111 ) there is provided a protrusion which, when positioned, enables the second body (115) to be positioned above the first body (111 ). The second body (115) comprises at least one lighting element (116) for illuminating at least one plant placed in said openness (112). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, adjustable LED arrays, fluorescent lamps or high-pressure sodium lamps, etc. may be preferred as the lighting element (116). A switching element (117) is provided for switching said lighting element (116) off when in a first position and for switching said lighting element (116) on when in a second position. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a manual switch on / off button etc. may be preferred as the switching element (117).

[0036] Said automatic lighting system (10) comprises a control unit (119) for automatic lighting adjustment of the lighting element (116). In a possible embodiment of the invention, a processor such as a microprocessor, CPU, GPU may be used as the control unit (119). The automatic lighting system (10) comprises a memory unit (121 ) containing at least one plant species information, growth stage information corresponding to said plant species, and light information required by the plant corresponding to said growth stage information. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said memory unit (121 ) may comprise a combination of memories for storing data permanently and for storing data temporarily when required. In an embodiment of the invention, the growth stage information comprises a sprouting stage, a development stage and a harvest stage. The automated light system (10) comprises a user interface (118) for inputting information on the type of plant to be grown. In a possible embodiment of the invention, said user interface (118) may be a mobile application, a website, etc., which is accessed via a mobile device such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc.

[0037] The control unit (119) provides the information of the plant species to be grown in the trunk from the said user interface (118). The control unit (119) provides access to the memory unit (121 ) to determine the growth stages corresponding to said plant species and the light information to be used in said growth stages. In one embodiment of the invention, the light information comprises light intensity, light intensity and light colour information. After determining said light information, the lighting element (116) is operated according to the light information corresponding to each growth stage. The control unit (119) further provides for actuation of a warning unit (120) in the event that the liquid level information received from the level sensor is outside a reference liquid level information. In one embodiment of the invention, said warning unit (120) is an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the body. Thus, the user is alerted in the event of an abnormal change or deficiency in the fluid level. Thus, a healthy growth of the plant is ensured without the user having to constantly check the liquid level.

[0038] A possible operating scenario of the invention is described as follows.

[0039] At least one plant kit is provided for insertion into an openness (112) provided in a first body (111 ) of a hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) for growing hydroponic plants. A user is provided to input the type of plant in the plant kit to the user interface (118). In order to meet the liquid requirement of the plant kit placed in the aforementioned openness (112), the drive element (114) is actuated. By placing the plant kit, the switching element (117) is moved from the first position to the second position and the lighting element (116) is switched on. When the illumination element (116) is switched on, the light information stored in the memory unit (121 ) according to said plant type, which includes the growth stage information including a sprouting stage, a development stage and a harvest stage, and the light information including the light intensity, light intensity and light colour information corresponding to each growth stage information, is determined. The control unit (119) ensures that the lighting element (116) is operated according to the light information at each growth stage. Thus, the amount of light required to ensure healthy development of the plants at different growth stages is automatically adjusted. The control unit (119) also provides instantaneous level information from the level sensor. The received level information is compared with the reference level information. If it is determined that the level information is below the reference level information, the warning unit (120) is activated.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a tomato kit is provided to be placed in an openness (112) in a hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ). The user is enabled to enter the information that the type of plant to be grown is tomato into the mobile application provided to the user's mobile phone. In this case, the light requirement for the tomato plant is determined according to the growth stage stored in the memory unit (121 ). In order to illuminate the tomato, the LEDs are activated by switching on the button provided on the unit. Then, by switching on the pump in the liquid reservoir (113), the liquid is delivered to the root of the tomato kit. In addition, according to the information received from the level sensor in the liquid reservoir (113), the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir (113) is controlled. If it is determined that the amount of liquid is below a specified value, the ultrasonic sensor is activated to warn the user.

[0041] The scope of protection of the invention is set out in the appended claims and cannot be strictly limited to what is described in this detailed description for the purpose of illustration. For it is obvious that a person skilled in the art can come up with similar embodiments in the light of the foregoing without departing from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN FIGURES

[0042] 10 Automatic lighting system

[0043] 11 Hydroponic plant growing unit

[0044] 111 First body

[0045] 112 Openness

[0046] 113 Liquid reservoir

[0047] 114 Drive element

[0048] 115 Second body

[0049] 116 Lighting element

[0050] 117 Switching element

[0051] 118 User interface

[0052] 119 Control unit

[0053] 120 Warning unit

[0054] 121 Memory unit

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automatic lighting system (10) for providing automatic light adjustment in the hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) comprising a first body (111 ), comprising at least one openness (112) where at least one plant is placed to provide hydroponic plant growth, at least one liquid chamber (113) that provides for meeting the liquid need of the plant placed in said openness (112) and a drive element (114) operated to provide movement of the liquid in the liquid reservoir (113); and a second body (115) comprising at least one lighting element (116) that provides illumination of at least one plant placed in said openness (112), placed on the first body (111 ); characterised in that is comprises a memory unit (121 ) comprising at least plant species information, growth phase information corresponding to the plant species, and light information required by the plant corresponding to the growth phase information, a user interface (118) allowing the plant species information to be entered to be grown, a control unit (119) that is used to receive information about the type of plant to be grown on the trunk from said user interface (118), to determine the growth phases corresponding to said plant type by accessing said memory unit (121 ) and the light information to be used in said growth phases, to operate the lighting element (116) according to the light information corresponding to each growth phase.

2. An automatic lighting system (10) according to claim 1 , characterised in that its feature is that it contains a protrusion that allows the second body (115) to be positioned on the first body when placed between the said second (115) body and the first body (111 ).

3. An automatic light system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a switching element (117) that ensures that the said lighting element (116) is off when it is in a first position provided to the hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) and that the lighting element (116) is on when it is in a second position.

4. An automatic lighting system (10) of claim 1 , characterised in that the growth stage information comprises a germination stage, a development stage and a harvest stage.

5. An automatic lighting system (10) of claim 1 , characterised in that the light information comprises light intensity, light power and light colour information.

6. An automatic lighting system (10) of claim 1 , characterised in that the liquid reservoir (113) comprises a level sensor.

7. An automatic lighting system (10) of claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises a warning unit (120) disposed on the first housing (111 ) for warning the user.

8. An automatic lighting system (10) of claim 1 , characterised in that the warning unit (120) is an ultrasonic sensor.

9. An automatic lighting system (10) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the control unit (119) is arranged to actuate the warning unit (120) in the event that the level information received from the level sensor (119) is outside a reference level information.

10. A method carried out by a control unit (119) controlling an automatic lighting system (10) to provide automatic light adjustment in a hydroponic plant growing unit (11 ) comprising at least one openness (112) in which at least one plant is placed to provide hydroponic plant growth; a first body (111 ) comprising at least one liquid chamber (113) that provides meeting the liquid need of the plant placed in said openness and a drive element (114) operated to provide movement of the liquid in the liquid chamber (113); a second body (115) placed on the first body (111 ) comprising at least one lighting element (116) that provides illumination of at least one plant placed in said openness (112), and its feature is as follows; characterised in that- turning on the lighting element (116) by moving a switching element (117) from the first position to the second position, which ensures that said lighting element(116) is closed when in a first position and that said lighting element (116) is open when in a second position,- receiving a plant species information from the user interface (118),- determining the growth phase recorded in the memory unit (121 ) according to said plant species information and the light information corresponding to each said growth phase,- operating the lighting element (116) according to the light information in each growth phase,- operating the drive element (114) according to the period information recorded in the memory unit (121 ),- transmitting a message containing growth completion information to the user interface (118) in case the growth phases are completed,- turning off the lighting element (116) by moving the switching element from the second position to the first position.

11. A method of according to claim 10, characterised in that it comprises the steps of instantaneously receiving level information from the level sensor, comparing the received level information with reference level information, activating the warning unit (120) if the level information is determined to be below the reference level information.

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