Importance

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Abstract

Light mapping devices and systems for use in indoor or vertical farming are disclosed herein. In particular, a light detection device is provided that includes a plurality of light sensors configured for detecting light emitted from one or more light sources at distinct positions across a grow plane. The light detection device will also include a microcontroller and one or more signal routing circuit boards, or junctions, for making electrical connections between the light sensors and the microcontroller in a multiplex architecture to enable the microcontroller to cycle through and read the Lux values from each of the light sensors with sub-second frequency and in real-time. The light detection device may also be part of a light mapping system that converts the Lux values to PPFD and generates a heatmap of PPFD intensity at distinct locations across the grow plane. Also provided herein are methods of using the light detector device and/or the light mapping system to determine the PPFD distribution across a grow plane in 2-dimensions or 3-dimensions in order to adjust the lights and/or position of growing plants, if necessary, to ensure that each plant in the grow bed receives sufficient light for optimal growth.

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First Claim