Computerized plant selection system

Abstract

A computerized plant selection system comprises a probe and a computer. The probe is installed at a proposed site for a plant. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer identifies one or more compatible plant species using the environmental data. Information regarding the compatible plant species is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the user to select a plant that is environmentally compatible with the proposed site. The compatible plant species may be further identified using user interview data, which enables the user to advantageously select a plant that is compatible with the user's aesthetic and utilitarian preferences. The computer may further identify purchasing information, which advantageously saves the user time and effort in locating a plant and enables the user to purchase a plant that is compatible with the user's budget.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a probe adapted for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of a shield for such a probe.

FIG. 3 shows a soil mount for such a probe.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of a soil mount for such a probe.

FIG. 5 shows a stand for such a probe.

FIG. 6 shows a controller for such a probe.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of such a probe illustrating how it is assembled.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of controller logic and sensors for such a probe.

FIG. 9 shows a network adapted for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a computerized plant selection system in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a computerized plant health diagnostics system in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a computerized real-time plant health monitoring system in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a probe adapted for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system in another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of such a probe.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of such a probe illustrating how it is assembled.

Claims

1. A computerized plant selection system, comprising: a probe adopted to collect environmental data at a proposed plant site; anda computer adapted to receive environmental data collected by the probe, identify one or more compatible plant species for the proposed plant site using the received environmental data and display information regarding the compatible plant species.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the received environmental data comprise data indicative of plant-environment compatibility.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the received environmental data comprise light intensity, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH data.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the probe has a portable controller adapted to store the collected environmental data.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the probe comprises a USB connector for connecting the controller to the computer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a wireless communications interface for transmitting environmental data to the computer.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the compatible plant species are further identified using user interview data.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the user interview data comprise data indicative of plant-user compatibility.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is further adapted to identify purchasing information regarding one or more of the compatible plant species and display the purchasing information.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the probe has a portable controller adapted to store the collected environmental data and computer has client software installed thereon adapted to interact with the controller to receive the collected environmental data, interact with a regional plant database to identify the compatible plant species, interact with an advertising portal to identify purchasing information and interact with a user interface to display information regarding the compatible plant species and the purchasing information.

11. A method for selecting a plant, comprising: collecting environmental data at a proposed plant site;identifying one or more compatible plant species for the proposed plant site using the environmental data; anddisplaying information regarding the compatible plant species.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the compatible plant species are further identified using user interview data.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying purchasing information regarding one or more of the compatible plant species; anddisplaying the purchasing information.

14. A set of instructions executable on a computer for performing steps comprising: receiving environmental data collected at a proposed plant site;conducting an interview with a user to obtain user interview data;identifying one or more compatible plant species for the proposed plant site using the environmental data and the user interview data; anddisplaying information regarding the compatible plant species to the user.

15. The set of instructions of claim 14 for performing further steps comprising: identifying purchasing information regarding one or more of the compatible plant species; anddisplaying the purchasing information to the user.

16. The set of instructions of claim 14 wherein the environmental data are received from a portable probe controller.

17. The set of instructions of claim 14 wherein the compatible plant species are further identified using a profile obtained from a regional plant database.

18. The set of instructions of claim 14 wherein the purchasing information is obtained from a website.