Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for accurate, field-ready, non-destructive, and three-dimensional plant root characterization using acoustic signals. The system is portable, fast, precise, and can be used in field conditions, including moist soil, to visualize root structure or mass distribution, without damaging growing crops. The system may also be applied to characterize other underground objects, such as pipes, building foundations, archaeological artifacts, or mineral ores. During operation, the system generates a source acoustic signal. The system sends the source acoustic signal to an actuator acoustically coupled directly to a plant. The system obtains a response acoustic signal from an underground transducer monitoring a root of the plant. The system analyzes the response acoustic signal according to a model and based on the source acoustic signal. The system then determines, based on the analyzed response acoustic signal, a physical configuration of the plant root.

Abstract: A small, inexpensive, printable meta-antenna system is described. In addition to being smaller than existing antennas, the meta-antenna improves over them by being omni-directional, and having a broader gain function and better efficiency. Some embodiments include a main element with a shape of a loop and two parasitic elements enclosed by the main element. Each parasitic element may be shaped as a loop with an opening. The openings of the two parasitic elements may be positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the main element, respectively.

Abstract: A small, inexpensive, printable meta-antenna system is described. In addition to being smaller than existing antennas, the meta-antenna improves over them by being omni-directional, and having a broader gain function and better efficiency. Some embodiments include a main element with a shape of a loop and two parasitic elements enclosed by the main element. Each parasitic element may be shaped as a loop with an opening. The openings of the two parasitic elements may be positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the main element, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for accurate, field-ready, non-destructive, and three-dimensional plant root characterization using acoustic signals. The system is portable, fast, precise, and can be used in field conditions, including moist soil, to visualize root structure or mass distribution, without damaging growing crops. The system may also be applied to characterize other underground objects, such as pipes, building foundations, archaeological artifacts, or mineral ores. During operation, the system generates a source acoustic signal. The system sends the source acoustic signal to an actuator acoustically coupled directly to a plant. The system obtains a response acoustic signal from an underground transducer monitoring a root of the plant. The system analyzes the response acoustic signal according to a model and based on the source acoustic signal. The system then determines, based on the analyzed response acoustic signal, a physical configuration of the plant root.