Patent Publication Number: US-2019195478-A1

Title: Lighting apparatus including a distance sensor for indoor plants

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This patent disclosure relates to lighting devices for plants and to improved lighting devices for indoor plants. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Many more plants are being grown in indoor environments such as warehouses, rooms and/or greenhouses (which do not have access to sunlight). Due to downturns in local economies and/or a national economy, there is an abundance of indoor space such as empty warehouses and/or office buildings that may be equipped to begin growing indoor plants. However, these office buildings and/or warehouses are equipped with fixed lighting assemblies that may not lead to optimal growing conditions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an improved lighting apparatus with distance sensor for use in indoor plant growing environments according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom view of a lighting apparatus according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an alternative version of an LED assembly according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a block diagram of a lighting apparatus according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrate a hanging assembly or mounting assembly including a reel assembly positioned near a power supply according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrate a hanging assembly or mounting assembly including a reel assembly positioned near a power supply according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a block diagram of a hanging assembly or mounting assembly according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a lighting apparatus including adjustment occurring closer to a ceiling of an indoor building according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a lighting apparatus including adjustment occurring closer to a ceiling of an indoor building according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a block diagram of a mounting assembly or handing assembly according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device) interfacing with a lighting apparatus according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart of a lighting apparatus operation according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of automatic adjustment devices in a lighting apparatus including an adjustment assembly or winching assembly according to embodiments; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a lighting apparatus comprising additional sensors, a spraying apparatus or one or more imaging devices according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In embodiments, an improved lighting assembly may be utilized for providing light and energy in indoor plant growing environments. Indoor plants, including but not limited to cannabis and other legal indoor plants, need light and water in order to thrive and grow. In embodiments, a lighting assembly may be placed or hung from a ceiling over one or more indoor plants. However, as a plant grows, the plant may get too close to a lighting element of a lighting assembly. This may damage the indoor plant if the irradiation and/or intensity of the lighting assembly is too close to the indoor plants. In addition, an indoor plant having a large height may block out other indoor plants from receiving light when the other indoor plants are also receiving light from the same lighting assembly. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an improved lighting apparatus with distance sensor for use in indoor plant growing environments according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may be utilized to provide light to assist in growth of indoor plants. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may comprising a mounting assembly  105 , a light emitting diode (LED) assembly  110  to project light to indoor plants (e.g., may be one or more than one indoor plants), a heat sink  115  coupled to the mounting assembly  105  and coupled to the LED assembly  110 , and a mounting plate  117  connected to the heat sink  115  and to the LED assembly  110 . In embodiments, a mounting assembly  105  may also be referred to as a hanging assembly  105 . In embodiments, a mounting plate  117  may be a plate where a LED assembly  110  may be placed, positioned or mounted on along with other sensor devices. In embodiments, a mounting plate  117  may be reflective to assist in providing light rays or projected light from an LED assembly  110 . In embodiments, an LED assembly  110  may be referred to as a lighting assembly  110  because other types of lights may be utilized (e.g., halogen, fluorescent, infrared, etc.) to provide light to indoor plants. In embodiments, a heat sink  115  may be made of a plastic and/or composite material and may have fins in order to dissipate heat. 
     In embodiments, a power supply  120  may be coupled to a heat sink  115 . In embodiments, a power supply  120  may be a switching power supply and may provide sufficient in size to power LED assemblies and/or lighting assemblies  110  of 100 Watts or larger. In embodiments, a power supply  120  may provide voltage and current to generate 100 watts, 150 watts or 200 watts of power to an LED assembly  110  as well as other components in a lighting assembly  100 . Other wattage values may also be utilized. In embodiments, a power supply  120  may have an opening in a center to allow a mounting assembly (or handing assembly)  105  to couple to or attach to the heat sink  115 . In embodiments, a connector may connect on one end to a mounting assembly or handing assembly  105  and at another end to a heat sink  115 . In embodiments, the LED assembly or lighting assembly  110  may be attached and/or adhered to a surface of the mounting plate  117 . In embodiments, a power supply  120  may provide power to a LED assembly  110 , one or more distance sensors  125  and/or other components of a lighting apparatus  100 . 
     In embodiments, a LED assembly  110  may comprise one LED light on a square integrated circuit. In embodiments, a LED assembly  110  may have a circular shape or a square shape and may be positioned in a center of a surface of a heat sink  115  or mounting assembly  117 , as is illustrated in  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom view of a lighting apparatus according to embodiments. In embodiments, a LED assembly  110  may be four lines forming a square or a rectangle, as is depicted in  FIG. 1D .  FIG. 1D  illustrates an alternative version of an LED assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments, a LED assembly  110  may generate and project a first color of light (or a first wavelength of light) during a sprout, seedling or vegetative state of an indoor plant (or infancy of an indoor plant), and a second and different color of light during a growth, budding, flowering, and/or ripening state of an indoor plant. In embodiments, a LED assembly  110  may be detachable from a heat sink  115  or mounting assembly  117  to allow for changing of an LED assembly  110  during different periods of growth of an indoor plant, because a higher intensity LED assembly  110  is required and/or replacement of a LED assembly  110  is necessary because a LED assembly  110  is malfunctioning or inoperable. In embodiments, a power supply  120  and/or a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105  may be located or positioned on a first side or a first surface of a heat sink  115  and a LED assembly  110  and a mounting plate  117  may be located or positioned on a second side or a second surface of a heat sink  115 . 
     In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may further comprise one or more distance sensors  125  (or one or more sensor assemblies). In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may calculate and/or determine a distance from the one or more sensors  125  to one or more indoor plants (e.g., a top portion of indoor plants). In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may generate a distance measurement or distance value, and/or a signal or message representative of a distance measurement or distance value. In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may comprise an ultrasonic sensor and/or a sonic sensor (e.g., the sensor  125  may utilize sound waves to determine a distance). In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may be attached to a mounting plate  117 , may be integrated into a mounting plate  117 , may be attached to a heat sink  115  and/or integrated into a heat sink  115 . In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may be mounted on a first side of a mounting plate  117  which also includes a LED assembly  110 . In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may comprise radar sensors, time-of-flight sensors, radiofrequency sensors, infrared sensors, or other light sensors (as long as the light sensors do not pick up the light from the LED assembly  110 ). In other words, the light sensors may not measure the same spectrum or wavelength of light that is generated by the LED assembly  110 ). In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may be coupled to a timing device (e.g., a clock or a timer) and may only capture and/or calculate distance measurements once, twice or three times a day. This lowers a power requirement of a lighting apparatus  100  because a distance sensor  125  may only need to be powered on for a short period each day. This is due to the fact that indoor plants do not grow much in a time period of a day and thus a distance measurement may only need to take place one time a day or twice a day. In addition, a distance sensor  125  may be detachable from a lighting apparatus  100  to allow for replacement of a malfunctioning sensor or insertion of a different type of distance sensor. In embodiments, one distance sensor  125  may be shared between more than one lighting apparatus  100  in order to minimize cost in an indoor growing facility. In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may be attached or inserted via an input port of a lighting apparatus  100  which allows the detachability of the one or more distance sensors  125 . In embodiments, an input port may provide power for any sensors inserted into or connected to the input port. 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a block diagram of a lighting apparatus according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may further comprise a comparison device  130 . In embodiments, one or more comparison devices  130  may be coupled to one or more distance sensors  125 . In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may be located near a power supply  120  and may receive power from the power supply  120 . In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may be located on a mounting plate  117 , integrated within a mounting plate  117  and/or be located on a heat sink  115 . In embodiments, one or more distance sensors  125  may communicate a captured or generated distance measurement and/or signal representing a generated distance measurement to a comparison device  130 . In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may determine if the generated distance measurement and/or signal is smaller than a predetermined distance or predetermined threshold (or larger than an acceptable distance). For example, if an acceptable distance is 5 inches or more between a distance sensor  125  and an indoor plant and a distance sensor determines or calculates a distance value of 4 inches to the indoor plant), the one or more distance sensors  125  may communicate the distance measurement or distance value or 4 inches to the comparison device  130 . In embodiments, the comparison device  130  may compare the received distance measurement from the distance sensor  125  and determine if the distance is less than the acceptable distance threshold (which results in a determination that an error condition has occurred and/or a height adjustment may need to be made to a length or height of the mounting assembly  105 ). In embodiments, the comparison device  130  may generate and communicate an error signal and/or an adjustment signal if the distance measurement is larger than a predetermined distance or threshold. In other words, a comparison device  130  may comprise a memory and may store distance threshold(s) which are considered acceptable, in tolerance or within specified values in one or more memory devices of the comparison device  130 . In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may be a comparator, an integrated circuit including comparison circuitry, and/or an ASIC including comparison circuitry. In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may be a processor or controller including one or more memory devices. In embodiments, a processor or controller may referred to as reference number  130 . 
     In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may further comprise an indicator  135  (or indication assembly). In embodiment, an indicator  135  may be a light that is capable of displaying two or more colors (e.g., green for acceptable conditions or red for error or adjustable conditions) or generating different lighting patterns (blinking light versus steady light). In embodiments, an indicator  135  may be a LED display that may display error codes. In embodiments, an indicator  135  may be coupled to a comparison device  130 . In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may send an error signal and/or adjustment signal and an indicator  135  may change from a first color (e.g., green identifying light assembly distance to the indoor plant is acceptable) to a second color (e.g., red identifying that the distance to the indoor plant is not acceptable) and that a length and/or a height of a mounting assembly  105  may require adjustment. 
     In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may further comprise a distance control assembly or a height adjustment assembly  140 . In embodiments, a height adjustment assembly  140  may comprise a knob and a lever that is connected to the mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105 . In embodiments, a hanging assembly or mounting assembly  105  may comprise a cable or rope that may be adjusted in height by a pulley assembly.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a hanging assembly or mounting assembly including a reel assembly positioned near a power supply according to embodiments.  FIG. 2C  illustrates a block diagram of a hanging assembly or mounting assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments, a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105  may further comprise a distance control knob  205 , a lever (not shown), a reel assembly  210 , a lock or locking assembly  212  and/or a cable or rope  215 . In embodiments, a distance control knob  205  may be connected to a lever. In embodiments, a lever may be connected to a reel assembly  210 . In embodiments, a cable or rope  215  may be connected to and/or wind around a reel or reel assembly  210 . In embodiments, a locking assembly or lock  212  may be utilized to lock a cable or rope  215  at a certain distance or location. In embodiments, a distance control knob  205  may be moved in a first direction (e.g., an upward or downward direction; or a left or right direction), which causes a lever or lever handle to move. In embodiments, movement of a lever or lever handle results in rotation of a reel or reel assembly  210 . In embodiments, a reel or reel assembly  210  may rotate and cause a cable or rope  215  which is wound around it to expand or retract, which in turn causes a length or height of the mounting assembly or hanging assembly to change in distance. In embodiments, once a desired height or distance is reached, a locking mechanism or a lock  212  may be engaged and may lock a cable or rope  215  into a position. In embodiments, a locking assembly or lock may pinch against the rope or cable  215  to prevent movement until a locking assembly or lock  212  is disengaged.  FIG. 2B  illustrates a mounting assembly comprising a button or switch  225  that may be utilized with a motor or actuator (not shown) to cause movement of a reel or reel assembly  210 . In embodiments, a mounting assembly  105  may comprise a button or switch  225 , a motor or motor assembly (not shown), a rotating shaft (not shown), a reel or reel assembly  210 , a locking assembly or lock  212 , and/or a cable or rope  215 . In embodiments, a button or switch  225  may be a two-position switch (e.g., on or off) or a three-position switch (up, down, and/or off). In embodiments, an operator and/or user may press, engage and/or toggle a button or switch  225  to move a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105 . In embodiments, a button or switch  225  may be pressed, depressed, toggled and/or engaged which may result in activation of a motor (see  FIG. 2C ). In embodiments, a motor  230  may turn or rotate a shaft  235 . In embodiments, a shaft  235  may rotate and turn a reel or reel assembly  210 , which may cause a cable or rope  215  to extend or retract from the reel assembly  210 . As discussed before, this may lengthen and/or short the cable or rope  215  and thus adjust a height or length of a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105  (and thus a distance of a lighting apparatus  100  from the one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, a locking apparatus or lock  212  may be activated and/or engaged to set a position of a cable or rope  215  once the cable or rope gets to the desired position. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a lighting apparatus including adjustment occurring closer to a ceiling of an indoor building according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  300  may further comprise a distance control assembly or a height adjustment assembly  140 . In embodiments, a height adjustment assembly  140  may comprise a knob and a lever that is connected to the mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105 . In embodiments, a hanging assembly or mounting assembly  105  may comprise a cable or rope that may be adjusted in height by a pulley assembly.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a hanging assembly or mounting assembly including a reel assembly positioned near a ceiling according to embodiments. In embodiments, a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105  may further comprise a distance control knob  305 , a lever (not shown), a reel assembly  310 , a lock or locking assembly  312  and/or a cable or rope  315 . In embodiments, a distance control knob  305  may be connected and/or mechanically coupled to a lever. In embodiments, a lever may be connected to a reel assembly  310 . In embodiments, a reel assembly  310  may be located close to a ceiling as is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In embodiments, a cable or rope  315  may be connected to and/or wind itself around a reel or reel assembly  310 . In embodiments, a locking assembly or lock  312  may be utilized to lock a cable or rope  315  at a certain distance or location. In embodiments, a distance control knob  305  may be moved in a first direction (e.g., an upward or downward direction; or in a left or a right direction), which causes a lever or lever handle to move. In embodiments, movement of a lever or lever handle results in rotation of a reel or reel assembly  310 . In embodiments, a reel or reel assembly  310  may rotate and cause a cable or rope  315  which is wound around it to expand or retract from around the reel assembly  310 , which in turn causes a length or height of the mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105  to change in distance. In embodiments, once a desired height or distance is reached, a locking mechanism or a lock  312  may be engaged and may lock a cable or rope  315  into a position. In embodiments, a locking assembly or lock  312  may pinch against the rope or cable  315  to prevent movement until a locking assembly or lock  312  is disengaged.  FIG. 3C  illustrates a block diagram of a mounting assembly or handing assembly according to embodiments.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a mounting assembly comprising a button or switch or switching assembly  325  that may be utilized with a motor or actuator (not shown) to cause movement of a reel or reel assembly  310 . In embodiments, a mounting assembly  105  may comprise a button or switch  325 , a motor or motor assembly (not shown), a rotating shaft (not shown), a reel or reel assembly  310 , a locking assembly or lock  312 , and/or a cable or rope  315 . In embodiments, a button or switch  325  may be a two-position switch (e.g., on or off) or a three-position switch (up, down, and/or off). In embodiments, an operator and/or user may press, engage and/or toggle a button or switch  325  to cause movement of a reel assembly  310  which results in movement (e.g., up or down) of a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105 . In embodiments, a button or switch  325  may be pressed, depressed, toggled and/or engaged which may result in activation of a motor. In embodiments, a motor  330  may turn or rotate a shaft  335 . In embodiments, a shaft  335  may rotate and then turn a reel or reel assembly  310  (which is coupled or connected to the rotating shaft  335 ), which may cause a cable or rope  315  to extend or retract from the reel assembly  310 . As discussed before, this may lengthen and/or shorten the cable or rope  315  and thus adjust a height or length of a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  105  (and thus a distance of a lighting apparatus  100  from the one or more indoor plants). In embodiments, a locking apparatus or lock  312  may be activated and/or engaged to set a position of a cable or rope  315  once the cable or rope gets to the desired position. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a lighting apparatus according to embodiments. In embodiments, a comparison device  130  may comprise one or more controllers and/or processors  150 , one or more memory devices  155 , and/or computer-readable instructions (software or firmware)  160  loaded into and/or stored in the one or more memory devices. In embodiments, by utilizing one or more controllers and/or processors  150 , predetermined distances may be stored in the one or more memory devices  155  and used for comparison purposes with respect to distance measurements and/or distance values captured and/or received from one or more distance sensors  125 . In addition, more complex indicators (or indicator assemblies)  135  may be utilized to display error and/or adjustment conditions (e.g., such as alphanumeric displays or LED displays) in order to provide more information to users and operators. For example, in embodiments, a distance sensor or sensor assembly  125  may communicate a distance measurement to a controller or processor  150 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions retrieved from one or memory devices  155  may be executed by one or more processors  150  to retrieve a predetermined distance and/or an acceptable distance threshold from one or more memory devices  155  and compare the retrieved predetermined distance value with the captured distance measurement or distance value from the one or more distance sensors  125 . If the captured distance measurement or distance value is less than the predetermined distance threshold, then the computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors or controllers  150  may cause an error signal or adjustment signal to be sent to an indicator or indicator assembly  135 . In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions  160  executed by the processor or controller  155  may be able to send different types of error signals or adjustment signals to an indicator or indicator assembly  135  (e.g., one error signal may indicate a 1 inch difference between an acceptable distance threshold and a received distance measurement (which results in a slowly blinking light on an indicator  135 ) and another error signal may indicate a greater than 2 inch difference between an acceptable distance threshold and a received distance measurement (which results in a quickly blinking light on indicator  135 )). 
     In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  may further comprise one or more wireless communication transceivers  165 . In embodiments, one or more wireless communications transceivers  165  may operate according to personal area network (PAN) protocols, (e.g., a Bluetooth communication protocol, a Zigbee communication protocol, a Z-Wave communication protocol). In embodiments, one or more wireless communication transceivers  165  may operate according to wireless local area network communication protocols such as 802.11 communication protocols and/or WiFi communication protocols. In embodiments, one or more wireless communication transceivers  165  may operate according to cellular communication protocols such as 3G, 4G or 5G. In embodiments, wireless communications transceivers  165  may operate according to DECT and/or ULE protocols, which are low power wireless communication protocols that may be utilized in areas where power consumption and/or power availability are an issue. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  100  including one or more wireless communication transceivers  165  may communicate with external portable computing devices, personal computing devices, external computing devices, cloud-based computing devices and/or server computing devices. 
     In embodiments, a mobile computing device  170  may also interface and/or interact with a lighting apparatus  100 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device) interfacing with a lighting apparatus according to embodiments. In embodiments, a mobile computing device  170  may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a network computing device, a wearable computing device, (e.g., a watch computing device and/or spectacle computing devices). In embodiments, a mobile computing device  170  may comprise one or more processors  171 , one or more memory devices  172 , computer-readable instructions  173  stored in the one or more memory devices (e.g., software applications, device drivers, operating system, etc.), one or more input devices  174  (e.g., touch screen, keypad, stylus, keyboard, etc), and/or one or more wireless transceivers  175 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may be developed for interfacing and/or controlling one or more lighting apparatuses  100 . In other words, a lighting assembly software application may be resident on mobile computing device  170 . In embodiments, a computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may communicate with one or more lighting apparatus  100  via a wireless communications transceiver  175 . In embodiments, the wireless communications transceiver  175  of the mobile computing device  170  may operate according to PAN communication protocols (Bluetooth), LAN communication protocols (e.g., 802.11 or WiFi) and/or cellular communication protocols (e.g., 3G, 4G, and/or 5G). In embodiments, a wireless transceiver  175  in a mobile computing device  170  may communicate with a wireless transceiver  165  in a lighting apparatus  100  to interface with and interact with one or more lighting assemblies. 
     In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  on a mobile computing device  170  may communicate commands, instructions or messages via wireless transceiver  175  to a wireless transceiver  165  in a lighting apparatus  100  to initiate operation of a distance sensor  125 , which calculates and/or captures a distance between a distance sensor  125  and one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, messages may be received at one or controllers or processors  150  in a lighting apparatus and computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors  150  in a lighting apparatus  100  may communicate a signal and/or command to a distance sensor  125  to capture or calculate a distance measurement to the one or more plants. In embodiments, a distance sensor  125  may communicate a captured or calculated distance measurement to a processor and/or controller  150  and computer-readable instructions may be executed by a processor and/or controller to communicate the captured distance measurement to the portable computing device  175  via the lighting apparatus wireless transceiver  165  and the mobile computing device wireless transceiver  175 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executed by the one or more processors  171  of the mobile computing device may compare a received captured distance measurement and a preexisting and/or predetermined distance threshold to determine if a mounting assembly  105  height or length should be adjusted. In the received distance is less than the predetermined distance threshold, then computer-readable instructions  173  executed by a processor  171  on the mobile device  170  may communicate a message to a display device  176  of the mobile computing device indicating an error condition has occurred and that a height adjustment may need to be made. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executed by a processor  171  of the mobile computing device  170  may communicate a message to a sound reproduction device (e.g., speaker)  177  of the mobile computing device to audibly alert a user or operator of an error condition which may require a height or length adjustment of a mounting assembly  105 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  on a mobile computing device  170  may communicate a command, message and/or instruction to a processor or controller  150  on a lighting apparatus  100  to change a state or status of an indicator (or indicator assembly)  135  (via the wireless transceivers  175  (mobile computing device) and  165  (lighting assembly)). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by a processor/controller  150  of a lighting apparatus  100  may communicate a message, command, instruction or signal to an indicator or indicator assembly  135  to change status to an error or adjustment condition (e.g., change from a green light to a red light). Above, an example is discussed where a distance measurement is less than a predetermined threshold. However, everything discussed herein could be applied to situations where a distance measurement is greater than a predetermined threshold, which creates an unacceptable growing climate, and thus a lighting apparatus may need to be adjusted to be closer to one or more indoor plants. 
     In embodiments, utilizing a mobile computing device  170  with a software application (e.g., computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors of the mobile computing device) to communicate with a lighting apparatus provides many benefits and/or advantages over an existing lighting apparatus. An operator and/or user may set one or more predetermined thresholds for acceptable distance values between a distance sensor  125  and one or more indoor plants. For example, as a plant goes into different stages of growth, different distances may be needed between the LED assembly  110  and the indoor plant in order to maximize growth. Accordingly, the capability of having multiple threshold distances stored in a memory of a mobile computing device  175  is a benefit so that the distance thresholds may match and/or align with different growth stages of indoor plants. For example, in embodiments, during infancy of the indoor plant, the LED assembly  110  should be 3 inches or more away from the plant (it is not preferable to closer than 3 inches). However, during growth stages of the plant, the LED assembly  110  should be 4.5 inches or more from the indoor plants. In embodiments, these different threshold measurements may be stored in one or more memory devices  172  of the mobile computing device  170  and may be changed and/or selected as indoor plants reach different growth stages. In embodiments, depending on growth stage, different thresholds may be retrieved or accessed from the one or more memory devices  172  in the mobile computing device  170 . 
     Another advantage of utilizing a mobile computing device  170  with a lighting apparatus may be that a mobile computing device  170  may communicate with multiple (or more than one) lighting apparatuses  100 . In embodiments, indoor plant growing environments may be one room, multiple rooms, one floor and/or an entire warehouse of indoor plants. It would be very difficult to manage a plurality of the lighting apparatuses needed in a large indoor environment without utilizing a mobile computing device  170 . In embodiments, a single mobile computing device  170  may communicate with two or four lighting apparatuses simultaneously (or a larger number). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may communicate with each of the lighting apparatuses  100  simultaneously to instruct distance sensors  125  on each of the lighting apparatuses  100  to be activated and initiate capturing of distance measurements. This allow easy initiation of measuring distances between a number of distance sensors  125  in a corresponding plurality of lighting assemblies and a corresponding plurality of indoor plants. In embodiments, for example, distance sensors  125  may communicate captured distance measurements or distance values to controllers or processors  130 / 150  in a lighting apparatus  100 , which may communicate the plurality of captured distance measurements to the mobile computing device  170  via wireless transceivers  165  (lighting assembly transceiver) and  175  (mobile computing device transceiver). In embodiments, separate windows may be presented and/or displayed on a screen or display of a mobile computing device  170  for each of the captured distance measurements and corresponding lighting assemblies. In embodiments, for example, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may receive captured sensor measurements from corresponding distance sensors  125  in associated lighting apparatuses  100 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  of the mobile computing device  170  may compare stored distance thresholds for each of the lighting apparatuses  100  against the received captured distance measurements or distance values to determine which of the lighting apparatuses may be too close to the respective plants (or too far away). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171 , may, after the determination is made, communicate an error condition and/or adjustment signals to the respective lighting apparatuses (e.g., indicator assemblies) to identify that adjustments to a length or height of a mounting assembly  105  should be made and/or that a state of an indicator or indicator assembly  135  should be changed. In embodiments, for example, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may communicate error messages/signals and/or adjustment messages to two of four lighting apparatuses  100  while the other two of four lighting apparatuses  100  do not receive communications at all from the mobile computing device  175  because the sensor assembly  125  in the corresponding lighting apparatus  100  is within an acceptable distance of the indoor plants. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may communicate messages to a display or screen of a mobile computing device  170  to display which of the lighting apparatuses  100  may need adjustments in a height or length of a respective mounting assembly  105 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  173  executable by one or more processors  171  may communicate signals and/or audio files to a sound reproduction device of a mobile computing device  170  to identify which if any of lighting apparatuses  100  should have adjustments made in a height or length of an associated mounting assembly  105 . In embodiments, a mobile computing device  170  (e.g., software on the mobile computing device) may communicate with different lighting apparatus  100  at different times depending upon requirements of an indoor growing facility (e.g., may initiate activation of distance sensors  125  for associated lighting assemblies  100  at different times). Although simultaneous communication is discussed above, a mobile computing device may communicate with one or more lighting apparatuses  100  separately (e.g., by separate user or operator-initiated communications) and/or in a timed or sequenced interval fashion. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart of a lighting apparatus operation according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting assembly may be activated  505  by turning on or activating a power supply. In embodiments, a timer may be utilized to activate a power supply. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus may turn on  510  a lighting assembly to provide light rays to one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus may activate  515  a distance sensor to generate or capture a distance measurement between a lighting apparatus (e.g., lighting assembly) and one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, a comparison device may receive  520  a distance measurement from a distance sensor and/or a controller/processor. In embodiments, a comparison device may determine  525  whether or not a distance measurement is within or outside a threshold distance. In embodiments, if a distance measurement is smaller than a threshold distance, a comparison device or controller/processor may generate a movement instruction or command and communicate  530  a movement instruction or command to a hanging assembly or mounting assembly. In embodiments, a comparison device may generate a movement instruction if a distance measurement is greater than a threshold distance or if a distance measurement is less than a threshold distance. In embodiments, a mounting assembly or hanging assembly may receive a movement instruction and may move  535  a specified distance in order to keep a lighting assembly or LED assembly outside or within a threshold distance. 
     In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  600  may have devices allowing automatic operation and/or adjustment of a height or length of a mounting assembly  605 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of automatic adjustment devices in a lighting apparatus including an adjustment assembly or winching assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  600  may comprise a mounting assembly  605 , a LED or light assembly  610 , a heat sink  615 , a power supply  620 , one or more distance sensors  625 , one or more controllers (or comparison devices)  630 , one or more indicators or indicator assemblies  635  and one or more motor assemblies  640 . In embodiments, the one or more motor assemblies  640  may communicate with and mechanically interface with a mounting assembly  605  to adjust a height and/or length of a mounting assembly  605 . In embodiments, a motor assembly  640  may comprise a motor controller  641 , a motor  642 , a rotating shaft  643  and/or one or more gearing assemblies  644 . In embodiments, a mounting assembly  605  may comprise a winch assembly  606 . In embodiments, a gearing assembly  644  in a motor assembly  640  may be connected and/or coupled to a winch assembly  606 , where the winch assembly  606  extends and/or retracts a rope and/or cable  607  to lengthen or shorten a height or length of a mounting assembly  605 . In embodiments, a winch assembly  606  may comprise one or more gearing assemblies  608 , which may engage gearing assemblies of motor assembly  640 . In embodiments, the winch assembly  606  gearing assemblies  608  may drive or cause a spool or reel  609  to rotate, which may cause a rope or cable  607  to expand or retract from its position around a spool or reel  609 . 
     In embodiments, a motor controller  641  may receive a signal instructing that a motor  642  may be engaged or activated to rotate a shaft  643  in a first direction (or in a second opposite direction). In embodiments, as a shaft  643  rotates, gearing assemblies  644  may rotate, which engages gearing assemblies  608  in a winch assembly  606  to rotate. In embodiments, the rotation of gearing assemblies  608  in a winch assembly  606  may cause a spool  609  to rotate. In embodiments, rotation of a spool  609  may cause a cable or rope  607  to extend or retract. In other words, a rope or cable  607  may be lengthened or shortened to increase (or decrease) a height or length of a mounting assembly  605 . In embodiments, a switch (e.g., a transistor (or other electronic switch), a mechanical switch and/or an electromechanical switch) may be utilized to activate (e.g., communicate or pass a signal to) a motor controller  641 . In embodiments, a switch may be positioned on a power supply  620  or a heat sink  615  and may be coupled to a motor controller  641  and/or a controller  630 . 
     In embodiments, a controller  630  in a lighting apparatus  600  may control operation of a motor assembly  640  and/or a winch assembly  606 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions stored in one or more memory devices may be executed by a controller  630  to control operation and/or initiation of a motor assembly  640 . In embodiments, a distance sensor  625  may communicate a distance measurement or a distance value to a controller  630 . In embodiments, a controller or processor  630  may analyze the distance value or distance measurement to determine if a mounting assembly or a hanging assembly  605  needs to be moved and/or adjusted. If a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  605  needs adjustment in length or height, computer-readable instructions stored in one or more memory devices may be executed by a controller  630  to communicate adjustment signals, messages and/or instructions to a motor assembly  640  to cause the motor assembly  640  to be activated and thus rotate, which causes the winch assembly  606  (e.g., gearing assemblies  608  and the spool  609 ) to rotate and thus extend and/or retract a rope and/or cable  607 . In embodiments, a controller  630  may be advantageous over manual operation (e.g., a switch) in that a controller  630  may provide more accurate adjustment signals, messages and/or instructions in order to move the mounting assembly  605  a set distance, rather than the hit or miss (trial or error) of manual operation by manual turning on and off of the switch. 
     In embodiments, a mobile computing device  670  may control operation of a motor assembly  640  and thus a winch assembly  606  in a lighting apparatus  600 . In embodiments, a mobile computing device  670  may comprise one or more processors  671 , one or more memory devices  672 , computer-readable instructions  673  (e.g., a software application) and/or one or more wireless communications transceivers  675 . In embodiments, after receipt of distance measurements and/or distance values from a lighting apparatus  600 , one or more processors  671  may analyze the distance measurements and/or distance values and determine if adjustment of a height and/or length of a lighting apparatus  600  should be made or requested. If the computer-readable instructions  673  executable by one or one or more processors  671  determine that a mounting assembly  605  should be adjusted, computer-readable instructions  673  executable by one or more processors  671  may instruct the one or more processors  671  to generate adjustment messages, instructions and/or commands and communicate the adjustment message, instructions and/or commands to a motor assembly  640  in the lighting assembly (via wireless transceivers  675 —mobile computing device and  665 —lighting assembly). In embodiments, the one or more adjustment messages, instructions and/or commands may first be communicated to a lighting assembly controller  630  before the motor assembly  640 . In embodiment, the one or more adjustment messages, commands and/or instructions may cause motor assembly  640  to be activated and rotate, which causes the winch assembly  606  (e.g., the spool  309 ) to rotate and thus extend and/or retract a rope and/or cable  607 . In embodiments, as discussed previously, mobile computing device control of motor assemblies may be advantageous over manual operation (e.g., a switch) or light assembly controller in that a mobile computing device  670  may be able to control one or more lighting apparatuses as well as to have adjustable thresholds for comparison to determine if adjustment signals are to be generated and/or communicated to the lighting apparatus. In addition, a mobile computing device  670  does not necessarily have to be in a same facility as the indoor plants, the mobile computing device  670  just needs to be able to establish wireless communications with the one or more lighting apparatuses  600 . 
     In embodiments, a mobile computing device  670  software application (e.g., computer-readable instructions  673  executable by one or more processors  671 ) may allow touch screen adjustment and/or voice-control adjustment of mounting assemblies  605  of one or more lighting apparatuses  600 . In embodiments, a user and/or operator may communicate voice commands and one or more microphones  676  in a mobile computing device  670  may capture voice commands and convert the voice commands to audio files. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions  673  executable by the one or more processors  671  may convert the audio files to command instructions, messages and/or commands and may cause the one or more processors  671  of the mobile computing device  670  to generate and communicate adjustment messages, commands and/or instructions (based at least in part on the received voice commands) to one or more lighting apparatuses  600  which results in mounting assemblies or hanging assemblies  605  being adjusted in height or length, based at least in part on the received voice commands. In embodiments, a mobile device  670  software application may generate an animation (e.g., image) of one or more lighting apparatuses on a display of a mobile computing device  670 . In embodiments, a user or operator may touch a screen to provide a requested adjustment of one or more lighting apparatuses  600 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  673  executable by one or more processors  671  may receive the touch screen input  674  and convert the input to representative messages, instructions or commands based at least in part of detected distance of touch screen  674  input. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  673  executable by one or more processors  671  may receive the representative messages, instructions or commands and cause the one or more processors  671  to generate and communicate adjustment messages, commands or instructions to one or more lighting apparatuses  600  via the wireless transceivers  675  (mobile computing device) and  665  (lighting apparatus). In embodiments, the lighting apparatus  600  may receive the communicated adjustment messages, commands or instructions and adjust the mounting assemblies  605 , based at least in part on the touch screen input, using techniques discussed previously. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a lighting apparatus comprising additional sensors, a spraying apparatus or one or more imaging devices according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  700  may comprise additional sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors  780 , one or more humidity sensors  781 , one or more second distance sensors  782  to measure distance to a ceiling of an indoor facility), a liquid misting or spraying apparatus  783  and one or more imaging devices  784  to assist in providing a positive growing experience for the one or more plants in the indoor facility.  FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of automatic adjusting assemblies described above in a lighting apparatus according to embodiments. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  700  may comprise a mounting assembly or handing assembly  705 , a LED or light assembly  710 , a heat sink  715 , a power supply  720 , one or more first distance sensors  725 , one or more controllers or processors  730 , one or more indicators or indicator assembly  735 , one or more wireless communication transceivers  765  and one or more motor assemblies  740 . 
     In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  700  may further comprise one or more second distance sensors  782  to measure a distance from the one or more distance sensors to a ceiling of a room or facilities to which the mounting assembly  705  of the lighting apparatus  700  is attached. In embodiments, one or more second distance sensors  782  may be mounted on a surface of a lighting apparatus  700  opposite of a surface where the LED assembly  710  or one or more first distance sensors  725  are resident or placed. In embodiments, one or more second distance sensors  782  may be sonic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, radiofrequency sensors, and/or light sensors. In embodiments, one or more second distances sensors  782  may capture a second distance measurement or distance value from the light apparatus  700  to a ceiling of an indoor facility or a room. In embodiments, this may be advantageous because the captured second measurement identifies or places a limit on a distance or height that a lighting apparatus  700  may be adjusted. In embodiments, for example, a comparison device, a controller or processor  730  or computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more controllers or processors (whether on the lighting assembly  700  or the mobile computing device  770 ) may determine that a mounting assembly  705  (e.g., a winching assembly  706  including a rope or cable  707 ) should have an adjustment of 3 inches in order to maintain an acceptable distance between the LED assembly or lighting assembly  710  and the one or more plants. However, a lighting apparatus  700  may not be able to be within 5 inches of a ceiling of an indoor facility or room due to heat dissipation issues, mounting assembly physical issues (e.g., winch assembly may be physically too big), and/or component operational issues (e.g., wireless transceivers or sensors may not operate properly when so close to a ceiling). According, one or more second distance sensors  782  may work in conjunction or combination with computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors to limit an upward adjustment of a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  705 . In embodiments, for example, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors (e.g., in a lighting apparatus  700  or a mobile computing device  770 ) may communicate a command, instruction or signal to one or more second distance sensors  782  to determine how far the one or more second distances sensors  782  are from a ceiling of an indoor facility or room. In embodiments, the one or more second distance sensors  782  may capture a second distance measurement or distance value and communicate the second distance measurement of value to the controller or processor  730 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  732  executable by one or more processors  731  may compare the received second distance to the ceiling with the requested adjustment distance and determine how far (e.g., a revised adjustment distance) a mounting assembly or hanging assembly  705  may be moved or adjusted based on the received information. In the example above, if the one or more second distance sensors  782  captures that the second distance value or distance measurement (e.g., to the ceiling) is 7 inches, the requested adjustment is 3 inches and the mounting assembly cannot be closer than 5 inches to the ceiling), then the computer-readable instructions  732  executable by one or more processors  731  may generate or calculate a revised adjustment distance or revised adjustment value. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions  732  executable by the one or more processors  731  may communicate commands, instructions, messages or signals to the motor assembly  740  to move and/or adjust the hanging assembly or mounting assembly  705  the revised adjustment distance. In the example described above, the revised adjustment distance or revised adjustment value may be 2 inches (e.g., requested distance was 3 inches but the mounting assembly may only move 2 because it is 7 inches to the ceiling minus the 5 inches that the lighting apparatus  700  must remain from the ceiling). In embodiments, a mobile computing device  770  may also control initiation or utilization of the one or more second distance sensors  782  to prevent conditions in which a lighting apparatus  700  may be placed in an unsafe condition by being moved too close to a ceiling of an indoor facility or room. 
     In embodiments, one or more temperature sensors  780  may measure a temperature of an environment surrounding one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, this may provide vital information as to whether a temperature in an indoor growing environment is within an acceptable range and whether any adjustments in a lighting apparatus  700  may be necessary based at least in part on the captured temperature reading. In embodiments, if a temperature reading is too high, a LED assembly or lighting assembly  710  may need to turned-off, deactivated and/or lowered in intensity to reduce a temperature in an environment surrounding the indoor plant to an acceptable level. In embodiments, if a temperature reading is too high, a message may need to be communicated to a mobile computing device  700  or external computing devices identifying that an abnormal or potentially dangerous situation is present. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors (e.g.,  730  or controller  730 ) in a lighting apparatus  700  may periodically request activation of a temperature sensor  780  (e.g., every hour, half-a-day, daily and/or weekly) to monitor temperature in an indoor environment. In embodiments, one or more temperature sensors  780  may capture a temperature measurement and communicate a temperature measurement or temperature value to one or more processors  730  in a lighting apparatus  700  (or one or more processors in a mobile computing device  770 ). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may retrieve an acceptable temperature range (e.g., for growing plants) from one or more memory devices  755  and may compare a received temperature measurement or temperature value to determine if the received temperature measurement is outside an acceptable temperature range. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by the one or more processors  730 / 750  may generate a message, command or instruction to one or more LED assemblies or lighting assemblies  710  to deactivate and/or lower an intensity of the LED assemblies or lighting assemblies  710 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may also generate a message, instruction and/or command to be sent to a mobile computing device  770  to identify that a measured temperature is outside an acceptable range. In embodiments, a mobile computing device  770  may display such message on a display device  774  and/or generate a sound to be replayed on a sound reproduction device  776  to identify that the temperature is outside the acceptable range. The temperature may be monitored and once an acceptable temperature is present one or more lighting assemblies  710  may be activated utilizing techniques described above. 
     In embodiments, one or more humidity sensors  781  may measure a humidity of an environment surrounding one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, a humidity sensor  781  may provide vital information as to whether a humidity in an indoor growing environment is within an acceptable range and whether any adjustments in a lighting apparatus  700  may be necessary based at least in part on the captured humidity reading or humidity measurement. In embodiments, if a humidity reading is too high, a LED assembly or lighting assembly  710  may need to turned-off, deactivated and/or lowered in intensity to reduce humidity in an environment surrounding the indoor plant to an acceptable level. In embodiments, if a humidity reading is too high, a message may need to be communicated to a mobile computing device  770  or external computing devices identifying that an abnormal or potentially dangerous situation is present and that growth on indoor plants may be impacted. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  in a lighting apparatus  700  may periodically request activation of a humidity sensor  781  (e.g., every hour, half-a-day, daily and/or weekly) to monitor humidity in an indoor environment. In embodiments, one or more humidity sensors  781  may capture a humidity measurement and communicate a humidity measurement or humidity value to one or more processors  730 / 750  in a lighting apparatus  700  (or one or more processors in a mobile computing device  770 ). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may retrieve an acceptable humidity range (e.g., for growing plants) from one or more memory devices  755  and may compare a received humidity measurement or humidity value to determine if the received humidity measurement is outside the acceptable humidity range. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by the one or more processors  730 / 750  may generate a message, command or instruction to one or more LED assemblies or lighting assemblies  710  to deactivate and/or lower an intensity of the LED assemblies or lighting assemblies  710  in order to attempt to reduce humidity. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may also generate a message, instruction and/or command to be sent to a mobile computing device  770  to identify that a measured humidity is outside an acceptable range. In embodiments, a mobile computing device  770  may display such message or generate a sound to identify that the humidity is outside the acceptable range. 
     In embodiments, one or more humidity sensors  781  and/or one or more temperature sensors  780  may need to be placed on a portion of a lighting apparatus  700  away from the LED assembly or lighting assembly  710  in order to prevent an intensity of light emitted (and/or resulting heat) from the LED assembly or lighting assembly  710  from interfering with readings or measurements (and operation) of one or more temperature sensors  780  and/or one or more humidity sensors  781  (these sensors may be placed an outer edges of a lighting apparatus or on a surface opposite to a surface that includes the LED assembly or lighting assembly  710 . In embodiments, one or more temperature sensors  780  and/or humidity sensors  781  may be detachable from a lighting apparatus  700  in order to utilize the temperature sensors  780  or humidity sensors  781  with multiple lighting apparatuses. In embodiments, one or more humidity sensors  781  or one or more temperature sensors  780  may be downward facing or sideways facing from a lighting apparatus  700  to obtain a temperature measurement and/or humidity measurement from an area closer to and/or more representative of the temperature around the plants. 
     In embodiments, if a temperature measurement and/or humidity measurement is too high in an indoor environment, it may be preferable to dispense liquid in an environment to assist in reducing a temperature or humidity in the indoor environment surrounding the plants. In embodiments, a lighting apparatus  700  may further comprising a liquid dispensing assembly  785 . In embodiments, a liquid dispensing assembly  785  may comprise a controller or switch  786 , tubing  787  and/or a spraying or misting device  788 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may analyze received temperature measurements and/or humidity measurements and determine is a liquid may need to be sprayed and/or misted into the environment surrounding indoor plants. In embodiments, if a determination is made identifying that liquid needs to be sprayed or misted, computer-readable instructions  760  executed by one or more processors  730 / 750  may instruct and/or command one or more processors or controllers  730  to communicate a dispensing instruction, command and/or message to a controller or switch  786  of a liquid dispensing assembly  785  to initiate operation. In embodiments, if the switch  786  is activated, a valve may be opened to allow liquid from a facility reservoir and/or facility tubing to be dispensed into tubing  787  and further to the spraying or misting device  788 . In embodiments, the spraying or misting device  788  may dispense (e.g., spray or mist) the dispensed liquid into an environment surrounding the indoor plants. In embodiments, operation (e.g., spraying or misting) may occur for a period of time and/or until instructions or commands are received from a controller or processor  730  to stop spraying or misting. 
     In embodiments, a lighting assembly  700  may comprise one or more imaging assemblies  784  to capture images around a lighting assembly. In embodiments, one or more imaging assemblies  784  may allow for monitoring of indoor plants in real time (which may allow users and/or operators to see if objects, individuals and/or animals are present in an environment). In embodiments, one or more imaging assemblies  784  may capture images and a lighting assembly (or mobile computing device) may analyze the image to determine health of one or more plants in an indoor environment. For example, a captured image may be analyzed to determine if a plant is wilting, growing sideways, and/or has disease present on one or more leaves and/or branches. In embodiments, one or more imaging assemblies  784  may capture a heat profile of one or more of the indoor plants to determine if plants are growing properly based on a heat profile or if any diseases or other issues are visually present on one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, one or more imaging devices  784  may be infrared cameras, one or more thermal imaging cameras, one or more CCD cameras, one or more video cameras, one or more HD cameras, one or more infrared cameras and/or one or more laser scanners to create a profile. 
     In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  in a lighting apparatus  700  may periodically request activation of one or more imaging devices  784  (e.g., every hour, half-a-day, daily and/or weekly) to capture images in an indoor environment. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may activate one or more imaging devices  784  for a period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, an hour and/or two hours) for real-time monitoring of an indoor environment. In embodiments, one or more imaging devices  784  may capture video, images, audio, and/or thermal heat profiles (from heat sensing or infrared cameras which may be referred to as heat radiation images) of an environment surrounding the plant and communicate the captured video, images, audio, and/or thermal heat profiles to one or more processors  730 / 750  in a lighting apparatus  700 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may store captured video, images, audio and/or thermal heat profiles in one or more memory devices  755  of the lighting apparatus  700 . In embodiments, analysis of images, video, audio and/or thermal heat profiles may be performed utilizing computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  but the following description involves communicating and/or transferring video, images, audio and/or thermal heat profiles to a mobile computing device  770 , remote computing devices, and/or other servers. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may communicate captured image files, video files, audio files and/or thermal heat profiles files to a mobile computing device  770  via a wireless transceiver  765  in a lighting apparatus to a wireless transceiver  775  in a mobile computing device  770 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by the one or more processors  771  in a mobile computing device  770  may store received image files, video files, audio files and/or thermal heat profile files in one or more memory devices  772  of a mobile computing device  770  for later analysis. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may communicate the received image files, video files and/or thermal heat profile files to a display or screen  774  of a mobile computing device  770  for review by a user or operator (such as for use in real-time monitoring, real-time analysis of plant growth, plant stature and/or plant health, or viewing of a heat profile of an indoor plant). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may communicate sound files to a sound reproduction device  776  for playback with or without video file playback. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may analyze the captured and received image files, video files, and/or thermal heat profiles to determine plant growth, plant stature, and/or plant health. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may analyze the captured and received images, videos and/or thermal heat profiles to determine if a thermal heat profile, plant mage or plant video is acceptable or if an error condition and/or dangerous condition is present. In embodiments, these computer-readable instructions may be image processing software (or video processing software or thermal heat processing software) that identifies plant structures and compares plant structures and geometries and color to determine whether plant if properly growing, has the right structure and/or is healthy or has diseased leaves. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may also generate a message, instruction and/or command to be sent to a mobile computing device  770  to communicate conditions identified by the image processing software, video processing software or thermal heat profile processing software. In embodiments, a mobile computing device  770  may display such message or generate a sound to identify the communicated conditions identified by the image processing software, video processing software or thermal heat profile processing software. 
     In embodiments, an imaging device  784  may comprise a 3D laser scanner, which may be utilized in conjunction with a vision inspection apparatus or software to create one or more two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of one or more indoor plants. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  in a lighting apparatus  700  may periodically request activation of one or more imaging devices (e.g., 3D laser scanner)  784  (e.g., every hour, half-a-day, daily and/or weekly) to capture one or more two-dimensional or three-dimensional images in an indoor environment. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may activate one or more imaging devices (e.g., 3D laser scanner)  784  for a period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, an hour and/or two hours) for real-time monitoring of an indoor environment. In embodiments, one or more imaging devices (e.g., 3D laser scanner)  784  may capture two-dimensional or three dimensional images (from a 3D laser scanner) of an environment surrounding the plant and communicate the captured two dimensional or three dimensional images to one or more processors  730 / 750  in a lighting apparatus  700 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may store captured two dimensional or three dimensional images in one or more memory devices  755  of the lighting apparatus  700 . In embodiments, analysis of two dimensional or three dimensional images may be performed utilizing computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750 , but the following description involves communicating and/or transferring two dimensional or three dimensional images to a mobile computing device  770 , remote computing devices, and/or other servers. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  760  executable by one or more processors  730 / 750  may communicate captured two dimensional or three dimensional images (or image files) to a mobile computing device  770  via a wireless transceiver  765  in a lighting apparatus to a wireless transceiver  775  in a mobile computing device  770 . In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by the one or more processors  771  in a mobile computing device  770  may store received two dimensional or three dimensional images (or representative files) in one or more memory devices  772  of a mobile computing device  770  for later analysis. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may communicate the received two dimensional or three dimensional images (or associated image files) to a display or screen  774  of a mobile computing device  770  for review by a user or operator (such as for use in real-time monitoring, real-time analysis of plant growth, plant stature and/or plant health, or viewing of a heat profile of an indoor plant). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may analyze the captured and received two dimensional or three dimensional images to determine plant growth, plant stature, and/or plant health. In embodiments, a vision inspection machine may assist in the analyzing the captured and received two dimensional or three dimensional images. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions  773  executable by one or more processors  771  may analyze the captured and received two dimensional or three dimensional images (or associated image files) to determine if the two dimensional or three dimensional images (or associated image files) are acceptable or indicate that plants are healthy and/or growing. In embodiments, these computer-readable instructions may be image processing software that identifies plant structures and compares plant structures and geometries and color to determine whether plant if properly growing, has the right structure and/or is healthy or has diseased leaves. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may also generate a message, instruction and/or command to be sent to a mobile computing device  770  to communicate conditions identified by the image processing software. 
     A computing device may be a server, a computer, a laptop computer, a mobile computing device, a mobile communications device, and/or a tablet. A computing device may, for example, include a desktop computer or a portable device, such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a display pager, a radio frequency (RF) device, an infrared (IR) device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a set top box, a wearable computer, wearable haptic and touch communication device, a wearable haptic device, a non-wearable computing device having a touch-sensitive display, a remote computing device, a single board computer, and/or an integrated computing device combining various features, such as features of the forgoing devices, or the like. 
     Electronic device or computing device may also include one or more memory devices that enable data storage, examples of which include random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and a disk storage device. One or more memory devices may be configured to store instructions and data accessible by processor(s). In embodiments, system memory may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. One or more memory device(s) provide data storage mechanisms to store the device data, other types of information and/or data, and various device applications (e.g., software applications) (which may be implemented in code or computer-executable instructions). For example, operating system software may be maintained as software instructions within one or more memory devices and executed by processors. 
     Non-volatile storage medium/media is a computer readable storage medium(s) that can be used to store software and data, e.g., an operating system and one or more application programs, in a computing device or one or more memory devices of an intelligent umbrella and/or robotic shading system. Persistent storage medium/media also be used to store device drivers, (such as one or more of a digital camera driver, motor drivers, speaker drivers, scanner driver, or other hardware device drivers), web pages, content files, metadata, playlists, data captured from one or more assemblies or components (e.g., sensors, cameras, motor assemblies, microphones, audio and/or video reproduction systems) and other files. Non-volatile storage medium/media can further include program modules/program logic in accordance with embodiments described herein and data files used to implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     A computing device or a processor or controller may include or may execute a variety of operating systems, including a personal computer operating system, such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a mobile operating system, such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, Google Phone, Amazon Phone, or the like. A computing device, or a processor or controller in an intelligent shading controller may include or may execute a variety of possible applications, such as a software applications enabling communication with other devices, such as communicating one or more messages such as via email, short message service (SMS), or multimedia message service (MMS), FTP, or other file sharing programs, including via a network, such as a social network, including, for example, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, or Google+ provide only a few possible examples. A computing device or a processor or controller in a lighting apparatus may also include or execute an application to communicate content, such as, for example, textual content, multimedia content, or the like. A computing device or a processor or controller in a lighting apparatus may also include or execute an application to perform a variety of possible tasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of content, including locally stored or streamed content. The foregoing is provided to illustrate that claimed subject matter is intended to include a wide range of possible features or capabilities. A computing device or a processor or controller in a lighting apparatus and/or mobile computing device may also include imaging software applications for capturing, processing, modifying and transmitting image, video and/or sound files utilizing the optical device (e.g., camera, scanner, optical reader) within a mobile computing device and/or a lighting apparatus. 
     Network link typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link may provide a connection through a network (LAN, WAN, Internet, packet-based or circuit-switched network) to a server, which may be operated by a third party housing and/or hosting service. The server hosts a process that provides services in response to information received over the network, for example, like application, database or storage services. It is contemplated that the components of system can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host and server. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable medium stores computer data, which data can include computer program code that is executable by a computer, in machine-readable form. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise computer readable storage media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, or communication media for transient interpretation of code-containing signals. Computer readable storage media, as used herein, refers to physical or tangible storage (as opposed to signals) and includes without limitation volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for the tangible storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, DRAM, DDRAM, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other physical or material medium which can be used to tangibly store the desired information or data or instructions and which can be accessed by a computer or processor. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure a system or module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof), process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and/or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readable medium. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an application. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements being performed by single or multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and individual functions, may be distributed among software applications at either the client or server or both. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into single or multiple embodiments, and alternate embodiments having fewer than, or more than, all of the features described herein are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or firmware components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art now and hereafter. 
     While certain exemplary techniques have been described and shown herein using various methods and systems, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.