The 'Rubbery Ruler', a new, wide range, elastic and conformable displacement transducer for horticulture

Abstract

The 'Rubbery Ruler' (RR) is a distributed capacitance, elastic displacement transducer which features a very wide dynamic range with sub-micron resolution. The RR is very light and non-invasive; conforms to the curved shape of the object to be measured and can be manufactured to any mechanical and environmental specification, including aerospace. The output is easily converted to an analog or digital signal suitable for logging and telemetry. Preliminary studies in Australian citrus orchards and in tropical forests have demonstrated th e practicality and utility of the device in monitoring fruit and tree growth.