Short summary:

A sustainable sensing system that combines simplified degradable sensor devices, wireless power supply, and thermal-camera image-based information recognition is developed.
The sensor device comprises a biodegradable nanopaper substrate, natural wax, and an eco-friendly tin conductive line. The sensor device emits a thermal signal based on the soil moisture content. The thermal camera simultaneously acquires the soil moisture-content and sensor-device location. Most of the sensor-device components are biodegradable, and the residual components have a minimal adverse impact on the environment. Additionally, the fertilizer component in the substrate promotes plant growth.

Description:

Sensor networks comprising small wireless sensor devices facilitate the collection of environmental information and increase the efficiency of outdoor practices, including agriculture. However, the sensor-device installation density of a network is limited because conventional sensor devices must be removed after use.

In this study, we focused on a soil moisture sensor. The proposed sensing system comprised several degradable soil moisture sensor devices, a wireless power supply facility, and a thermal camera to acquire both sensing and location data. Each sensor device comprised a biodegradable paper substrate, a receiving coil composed of a tin (Sn)-printed conductive line, and a carbon-based heater. The installed sensor devices received power from their wireless power supplies, activating their heaters. The soil moisture content was determined using a thermal camera based on the detected hotspots. Following a certain period of usage (e.g., one season), the devices were degraded by microorganisms. Overall, a sustainable high-density sensing system is successfully achieved by combining a degradable sensor device, wireless power supply, and image-acquisition technology.

Benefits:

Land

Benefits Description:

The proposed sensing concept introduces a novel direction for realizing hyperdense sensor networks and contributes to the development of social systems that combine sustainability with meticulous environmental management.

Technology type:

Device or equipment

Developed in:

Japan

DEVELOPMENT STATUS:

Readiness level (TRL)
Proof of concept (TRL 3-4)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

Type	Office	Number	Info
Publication	Japan	2024157768	Patent

State of Development / Opportunity / Seeking:

・Available for exclusive and non-exclusive licensing
・Exclusive/non-exclusive evaluation for defined period (set up for options)
・Collaborative/supportive research

※Seeking
1. Development partner
2. Licensing　

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