Probe for plant selection and health maintenance system

Abstract

A probe for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system comprises a controller having a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors and a communications interface adapted to transmit environmental data; and a soil mount removably engaged with the controller having a receptacle adapted to snugly receive the communications interface and a stake adapted to removably engage with soil. The receptacle advantageously allows engagement and disengagement of the controller from the soil mount by hand without the need for tools or independent attachment mechanisms, which has heightened importance where portability of the controller is required, and protects sensitive electronic components of the controller, such as the communications interface, from environmental contaminants.

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 probe, comprising: a controller having a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors and a communications interface adapted to transmit environmental data; anda soil mount removably engaged with the controller, the soil mount having a first receptacle adapted to snugly receive the communications interface and a stake adapted to removably engage with soil.

2. The probe of claim 1, wherein an interior cross section of the first receptacle matches an exterior cross section of the communications interface.

3. The probe of claim 1, wherein a depth of the first receptacle matches a length of an exposed portion of the communications interface.

4. The probe of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle is made of a rubberized material.

5. The probe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprise a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a soil moisture content sensor and a soil pH sensor.

6. The probe of claim 1, further comprising a shield removably engaged with the controller, the shield having a second receptacle adapted to snugly receive the controller.

7. The probe of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a loudspeaker.

8. The probe of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a status display.

9. The probe of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a GPS receiver.

10. The probe of claim 1, wherein the soil mount comprises a depth mark indicating a recommended submersion depth for the soil mount.

11. The probe of claim 1, wherein the communications interface comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

12. The probe of claim 1, wherein the communications interface comprises a wireless communications interface.

13. The probe of claim 1, wherein the processor adjusts temperature readings taken by a temperature sensor as a function of light readings taken by a light sensor.

14. The probe of claim 1, wherein the processor adjusts humidity readings taken by a humidity sensor as a function of light readings taken by a light sensor.

15. The probe of claim 1, wherein the processor adjusts light readings taken by a light sensor as a function of time of day.

16. The probe of claim 1, further comprising a stand removably coupled to the soil mount.

17. The probe of claim 1, wherein the processor is further adopted to time stamp the environmental data received from the plurality of sensors.

18. An environmental probe, comprising: a controller having a housing and a communications interface projecting from the housing; anda soil mount removably engaged with the controller, the soil mount having a first receptacle adopted to receive the communications interface such that the communications interface is protected from environmental exposure and a stake adopted to removably engage with soil.

19. The probe of claim 18, wherein the communications interface is snugly received within the housing.

20. The probe of claim 18, wherein an interior cross section of the first receptacle matches an exterior cross section of the communications interface.

21. The probe of claim 18, wherein a depth of the first receptacle matches a length of the communications interface projecting from the housing.

22. The probe of claim 18, wherein the first receptacle is made of a rubberized material.

23. The probe of claim 18, further comprising a shield removably engaged with the controller, the shield having a second receptacle adopted to receive the controller housing such that the controller housing is protected from environmental exposure.

24. The probe of claim 18, wherein the soil mount comprises a depth mark indicating a recommended submersion depth for the soil mount.

25. The probe of claim 18, wherein the communications interface comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

26. The probe of claim 18, wherein the housing houses a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors.