TREES-tree root examination, evaluation and standardization
First Claim
1. A method for detecting defects of tree roots below grade of the soil, comprising:
- providing an apparatus comprising an antenna and adapted to generate radar frequency data representing the configuration of said tree roots below grade of the soil;
applying said apparatus above soil grade in the region of said tree roots;
generating said radar frequency data;
providing a computer storage device for storing said radar frequency data;
providing an algorithm configured to correlate said generated radar frequency data with defects below grade in said tree roots;
processing said radar frequency data by said computer storage device and said algorithm whereby said generated radar frequency data is correlated with defects below grade in said tree roots.
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Abstract
This invention will be an apparatus, system and use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) as a noninvasive and non-destructive means to detect and examine tree roots, below grade of the soil surface. This invention will provide a means and methodology for objective evaluation of tree root defects based upon standards for urban trees at all levels of the Nursery Tree Industry. The output from software algorithms will provide guidance for remediation of defects when appropriate, inventory and management data for proactive maintenance at all levels of the supply chain. This apparatus, system and methodology will be a new and useful process at all levels of the supply chain for nursery tree stock.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for detecting defects of tree roots below grade of the soil, comprising:
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providing an apparatus comprising an antenna and adapted to generate radar frequency data representing the configuration of said tree roots below grade of the soil; applying said apparatus above soil grade in the region of said tree roots; generating said radar frequency data; providing a computer storage device for storing said radar frequency data; providing an algorithm configured to correlate said generated radar frequency data with defects below grade in said tree roots; processing said radar frequency data by said computer storage device and said algorithm whereby said generated radar frequency data is correlated with defects below grade in said tree roots. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for assessing the health of a tree, comprising:
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providing a radar system capable of transmitting radar waves below soil grade and receiving return reflections of the transmitted radar waves; transmitting radar waves from the radar system towards the roots of a tree below soil grade; receiving return reflections of the transmitted radar waves; storing in a memory data representing the received reflections of the transmitted radar waves; and processing the stored data representing the received reflections of the transmitted radio waves with at least one algorithm that correlates the stored data with selected identifiable characteristics of tree roots. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification