RootCam
RootCam is an advanced tool for monitoring plant roots below the soil surface. Designed for researchers, farmers, and growers, it provides valuable insights into root growth, development, and overall plant health. Image and data analysis can be performed independently or through CrystalVision’s professional analysis service.
RootCam uses a transparent measuring tube approximately 60 mm in diameter and 1,000 mm long, which is installed vertically in the soil. A compact camera mounted on a rail moves through the tube, capturing high-resolution images of the surrounding roots at regular intervals.
By comparing images over time, users can monitor root development, evaluate plant health and vigor, and identify potential problems that may affect growth. These insights support better irrigation, fertilization, and crop-management decisions—helping users grow healthier, more productive plants.
Operation and Image Management
Users can connect to the Raspberry Pi through VNC Viewer to monitor the system and view detailed information about RootCam’s operating status.
Captured images can be uploaded to a Dropbox account or transferred to a personal computer. Software such as WinSCP can be used to access the image directory on the Raspberry Pi and copy the required files to another location.
RootCam supports three LED lighting options, including white light, colored light, and ultraviolet (UV) light. For easier review and analysis, the system can automatically combine the images captured at each step into a single stitched image.
CrystalVision also offers an automated root-analysis service that measures root length and diameter. Please contact us for further information and a customized quotation.
Technical Details
The camera captures an image every 20 mm at a resolution of 2592 × 1944 pixels, providing a spatial resolution of approximately 0.01 mm under specified imaging conditions. The images are stored on a Raspberry Pi and can be accessed through a cellular modem, Ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi connection.
RootCam operates on 12 VDC supplied through a converter connected to a 220 VAC power source. Through the Raspberry Pi interface, users can configure image-capture intervals, monitor the system, and control the camera manually. Three physical control buttons allow the operator to stop the process or move the camera up and down
Technical Specifications
-
Overall length: 1,200 mm
-
Imaging range: 800–900 mm
-
Measuring tube: approximately 1,000 mm long
-
External tube diameter: 60 mm
-
Processor: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
-
Camera resolution: 2592 × 1944 pixels
-
Capture interval: 20 mm
-
Approximate spatial resolution: 0.01 mm
-
LED lighting: white, UV, or custom color
-
Power supply: 12 VDC
-
Controls: Raspberry Pi interface, VNC,
and three physical buttons
-
Network connectivity: RJ45 Ethernet, Wi-Fi,
or cellular router
Roots Analysis Service
RootCam Analysis Service
provides a detailed view of plant root growth and development. It gives researchers, farmers, and gardeners clear, structured data to support informed decisions about plant health, irrigation, and growing conditions.
Analysis Service
Understanding a plant begins with its roots. After activating a minirhizotron system and collecting hundreds or even thousands of images, manually identifying roots and measuring their length, width, and area can be extremely time-consuming.
Our automated analysis service makes this process fast and simple. Using advanced image-processing technology, the system detects and measures roots in each image, delivering accurate results within seconds. The data is provided in a clearly structured CSV file that can be opened in Microsoft Excel or processed using your preferred software.
Need your images stitched together? We can do that automatically as well.
How It Works
-
Capture images of the roots you would like to analyze.
-
Send the images to office@crystalvision.co.il.
-
Our AI-powered model will analyze root length, width, and area at each depth.
-
We will send the results directly to you by email.
To see the service in action, send us a sample image at office@crystalvision.co.il, and we will provide you with an example of the results.
Compatible With Other Camera Systems
You do not need to use the RootCam camera system to benefit from our analysis service. If you already use another compatible camera or minirhizotron system, you can still send us your images for analysis.
For further information or assistance, please contact us at office@crystalvision.co.il. We are committed to helping you better understand your plants, optimize their care and management, and support the development of healthier, more productive crops.