Computerized system for targeted horticultural advertising

Abstract

A computerized system for targeted horticultural advertising. In some embodiments, the system comprises a computer. The computer receives environmental data collected at a horticultural site. The computer determines conformance of the environmental data to a plant species profile and directs a user to commercial information regarding a plant associated with the plant species profile based on the conformance. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant selection and purchasing. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant health diagnostics and troubleshooting.

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 system for targeted horticultural advertising, comprising: a probe adopted to collect environmental data at a horticultural site; anda computer adapted to receive the environmental data and direct a user to commercial information regarding a plant based on a comparison of the environmental data with a species profile associated with the plant.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the commercial information comprises purchasing information for the plant and the computer directs the user to the purchasing information after the environmental data are determined to conform to the species profile.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the commercial information comprises local retailer information and pricing information for the plant.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the commercial information comprises purchasing information for care products regarding the plant and the computer directs the user to the purchasing information after the environmental data are determined to not conform to the species profile.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the purchasing information comprises local retailer information and pricing information.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the commercial information comprises purchasing information for care services regarding the plant and the computer directs the user to the purchasing information after the environmental data ore determined to not conform to the species profile.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the purchasing information comprises local professional information and fee information.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer collects user interview data and the computer directs the user to the commercial information after the environmental data and the user interview data are determined to conform to the species profile.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental data include data indicative of plant-environment compatibility.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental data include light intensity, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH data.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer has client software installed thereon for facilitating receipt of the environmental data on the computer, comparing the environmental data with the species profile and directing the user to the commercial information.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the client software interacts with a controller of the probe for receiving the environmental data, interacts with a regional plant database for comparing the environmental data to the species profile and interacts with an advertising portal hosted on the Internet for directing the user to the commercial information.

13. A method for targeted horticultural advertising, comprising: receiving environmental data collected at a horticultural site;collecting user interview data; anddirecting a user to commercial information regarding a plant based on the user interview data and a comparison of the environmental data with a species profile associated with the plant.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the commercial information comprises purchasing information for the plant and the user is directed to the purchasing information after the environmental data are determined to conform to the species profile.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the commercial information comprises purchasing information for care products regarding the plant and the computer directs the user to the purchasing information after the environmental data are determined to not conform to the species profile.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the commercial information comprises purchasing information for care services regarding the plant and the computer directs the user to the purchasing information after the environmental data are determined to not conform to the species profile.

17. A set of instructions executable on a computer for performing steps comprising: collecting user interview data; anddirecting a user to commercial information regarding a plant based on the user interview data a comparison of environmental data collected at a horticultural site with a species profile associated with the plant.

18. The set of instructions of claim 17 further comprising: receiving the environmental data from a probe controller;retrieving the species profile from a plant database; andretrieving the commercial information from a website.