Sensor and method of detecting the condition of a turf grass

US8482736B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• David Franzen · Lincoln, US
• John Rada · Ceresco, US
• Kevin Ediger · Lincoln, US
• Greg Biggs · Lincoln, US
• Jonathan M. Welles · Lincoln, US
• Tanvir Demetriades-Shah · Lincoln, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 22, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 9, 2013
• Expiry date: Apr 18, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/55
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of detecting the condition of a turf grass is described. According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises steps of attaching an active sensor to a mower; traversing a section of turf grass; and processing the output of the sensor. A device for detecting the condition of turf grass is also disclosed. The device comprises an array of illuminating devices generating a pattern of illuminating light; a detecting device receiving a pattern of reflected light which is coincident with the pattern of illuminating light; a detecting device adapted to detect stray light from the array of illuminating devices; and a feedback loop controlling the array of illuminating devices. A system employing the device is also disclosed.