Comparison of Different Range Finder Sensors for Measurement of Plant height

Abstract

Range finder sensors are commonly used to measure distance to the top of the plant. Plants have a complicated uneven structure due to leaves and flowers. In this study, a PSD, ToF, and ultrasonic sensor were evaluated. For distance measurements, the range of measurement distance, magnitude of error, influence of sunlight, etc. must be considered. Using the ultrasonic sensor, the error was 1 cm or less both indoors and outdoors. While the PSD and ToF are affected by sunlight, it is possible to take measurements within an error of about 2-3 cm by performing them at nighttime.