Plant growing system using disease sensing with a wide area network
First Claim
1. A system for automated application of fungicides to a plant, the system comprising:
- a first sensor for detecting a factor related to plant disease by indicating one or more of leaf wetness, humidity, temperature;
a second sensor for detecting a factor related to plant growth by indicating one or more of protein, DNA, pheromones;
a control system coupled to the first sensor and second sensor for receiving a signal from the first sensor to indicate the existence of the plant disease;
a conduit for conveying fungicides to the plant; and
a flow control system coupled to the control system and the conduit and coupled to a wide area network to allow the control system to automatically control the flow of fungicides to the plant in response to the signal from the first sensor and information from the wide area network.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.
27 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for automated application of fungicides to a plant, the system comprising:
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a first sensor for detecting a factor related to plant disease by indicating one or more of leaf wetness, humidity, temperature; a second sensor for detecting a factor related to plant growth by indicating one or more of protein, DNA, pheromones; a control system coupled to the first sensor and second sensor for receiving a signal from the first sensor to indicate the existence of the plant disease; a conduit for conveying fungicides to the plant; and a flow control system coupled to the control system and the conduit and coupled to a wide area network to allow the control system to automatically control the flow of fungicides to the plant in response to the signal from the first sensor and information from the wide area network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification