Method and apparatus for monitoring a condition in chlorophyll containing matter
US7199376B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/6486
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter comprises exposing the matter to a light source to cause chlorophyll to fluoresce and emit a fluorescence signal. Any changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescence signal are detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. A change which exceeds the predetermined threshold is interpreted as a transition of the level of stress in the chlorophyll containing matter. An apparatus for monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter is also provided and comprises a light source for causing chlorophyll in the matter to fluoresce, a detector for detecting the intensity the fluorescent signal, means for measuring changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescent signal and a detector to detect an increase in the change of the parameter above a predetermined threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.