Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF
A RETRACTABLE GREENHOUSE ROOF

APPLICANT:
VERTICAL FARMING TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.
An Indian Entity having address as:
No. 29, 2B-01, Krishna Rajendra Rd, Banashankari Stage II, Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070
And
Gaurav Narang
An Indian National having address as:
JP Nagar, Bangalore - 560078

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. 
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application does not claim priority from any other patent application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of a greenhouse, and more particularly, to a system and a method for operation of a retractable roof mounted on the greenhouse.
BACKGROUND
A greenhouse is a structure with a transparent covering that allows natural light to enter for plant growth. The main goal of the greenhouse is to create ideal conditions for growth of plants and to shield crops from pests and harsh weather conditions. For healthy plant growth, the primary greenhouse components such as the structure, covering or glazing, and temperature control systems require optimal design.
In general, fixed-roof greenhouse provides favourable conditions for growth of flora and shields the flora from pests and harsh weather conditions. However, inside conditions can sometimes become extremely hot and may require cooling mechanisms such as fans which may add cost for its operation. Also, the fixed-roof greenhouse may experience limited ventilation for which expensive ventilation mechanism is required. In another approach, an open-roof greenhouse is provided which offers a natural outdoor condition for plant growth. However, the open-roof greenhouse may involve limited climate control, pest and disease exposure, unpredictable yield, lower CO2 control, pollination issues, and the like. Also, extreme weather conditions, excessive rains can limit greenhouse use during certain seasons.
In light of the above stated discussion, there exists a need of an improved greenhouse structure to overcome the above stated disadvantages.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an operation of a retractable greenhouse roof, and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one embodiment, a system of operating a greenhouse is described. The system includes a plurality of sensors, one or more processors, and a memory unit. The plurality of sensors may collect environmental data from inside and outside the greenhouse. The one or more processors may evaluate the data from the sensors and determine an opening and a closing extent of at least one layer from a plurality of layers of the roof. An optimal position of the plurality of layer may also be adjusted. Furthermore, the plurality of sensors and data sources may include temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, rain sensor, heat/irradiation sensor, wind sensor, VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit) sensor, pressure sensor, and weather satellite.
Further, the system includes an automatic retractable greenhouse roof made up of the plurality of layers namely, a first layer L1 and a second layer L2, and the plurality of sensors connected to an IoT (Internet of Things) cloud using a wireless communication protocol. Furthermore, a predetermined set of rules are compared to determine the extent to which at least one layer from the plurality of layers of the roof should be moved. Further, the extent of movement of the plurality of layers can include partially opening and closing and fully opening and closing at least one of the plurality of layers.
In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for operating the retractable greenhouse roof may include receiving data from the plurality of sensors, each sensor measuring various environmental parameters. The data may be received via the IoT cloud. The data received may be evaluated against the set of rules to determine the opening and the closing extent of at least one layer from the plurality of layers of the greenhouse roof. Moreover, the plurality of sensors may be connected to the IoT cloud using the wireless communication protocol, and a mobile device may also be connected with the roof which includes the automated plurality of layers namely the first layer L1 and the second layer L2.
Furthermore, the set of rules may include rules for determining raining conditions, determining the extent to which the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of the greenhouse is opened or closed, and determining the optimal position of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of the greenhouse. The extent of movement of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of the greenhouse may include opening, closing, or partially opening the layers based on inside and outside environment conditions of the greenhouse. Further, the method may also be used to adjust the optimal position of the layers of the roof to improve the growing conditions for plants in the greenhouse.
Accordingly, the disclosed system and method may be used to automatically adjust the position of the greenhouse roof based on the weather conditions and the environment inside and outside the greenhouse. This can help to maintain a consistent environment for the flora inside the greenhouse, which can improve their growth and productivity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates a greenhouse (100), in accordance with various embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a system (200) for an automatic retractable roof of the greenhouse (100), in accordance with various embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a data flow representation of a computer-implemented method (300) for an automatic retractable greenhouse roof, in accordance with various embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device (400), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Following is an example which is illustrative only and invention accommodates any and every variation of the example provided below that shall serve the same purpose and is obvious to a person skilled in the art.
The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methods are described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
The present disclosure relates to the field of greenhouse construction, and more particularly, to a flexible, and a movable roof (101) for a greenhouse (100). The present disclosure relates to the flexible, and the movable roof (101) for the greenhouse (100). The movable roof (101) may include a plurality of layers (102) that open and close independent of each other to create an ambient environment and provide protection from heat, rain, and other elements of weather under the roof (101). An opening and a closing mechanism of the roof (101) may be controlled through an Internet of Things (IoT) network system (203) connected to a plurality of sensors (204) via a wireless communication protocol (202).
In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the roof (101) may be made of the flexible material and may be stitched in a particular or in a defined way that allows for easy folding and unfolding of the roof (101) repeatedly. The roof material also allows to limit the amount of heat, water and light that can pass through it.
Referring to Figure 1, the greenhouse (100) for movement of the roof (101) is disclosed, in accordance with the present disclosure. The greenhouse (100) may include the flexible and the movable roof (101) which may be configured to create an ambient environment and provide protection from heat, rain, and other elements of weather. The movable roof (101) may include a first layer L1 and a second layer L2 that open and close independent of each other. In a related embodiment, the first layerL1 and the second layer L2 may move independent and opposite to each other. The greenhouse (100) may further include a plurality of poles (103) which may be configured to support the roof (101). Further, the plurality of poles (103) are placed at two opposite sides (104, 105) of the greenhouse (100), as shown in figure 1. Furthermore, the greenhouse (100) may include a wire structure (106) configured to suspend the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, using hooks.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the layers L1 and L2 may be fixed at opposite sides (104, 105) of the greenhouse (100). Further, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be stitched at fixed intervals to provide guidelines for folding the layers, instead of rolling.
In a related embodiment, L1 may be made up of fabric mesh material. Further, the first layer L1 ensures lower temperature inside the greenhouse (100) by providing shade. In another related embodiment, the second layer L2 may be made up of translucent flexible plastics, to allow sunlight to pass through the layer. Further, the material of L2 may be heat resistant and IR blocking, configured for allowing heat to come in during summer season and further not allowing the heat to escape during winter season.
Referring to Figure 2, a system (200) for an automatic retractable roof (101) of the greenhouse (100), is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The system (200) may include the plurality of sensors (204), one or more processors (402), and a memory unit (401). The plurality of sensors (204) may collect environmental data from inside and outside the greenhouse (100). The one or more processors (402) may evaluate the data from the plurality of sensors (204) and determine the opening and the closing extent of at least one layer of the roof (101) from the plurality of layers (102). The optimal position of the layer may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. Furthermore, the system (200) may also include the greenhouse (100), and the plurality of sensors (204) connected to the IoT cloud (203) using the wireless communication protocol (202).
In one implementation, the plurality of sensors (204) connected to one or more data sources. Further, the plurality of sensors (204) and the one or more data sources includes but may not be limited to temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, rain sensor, heat/irradiation sensor, wind sensor, VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit) sensor, pressure sensor, and weather satellite. Furthermore, the extent of movement of the at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) may include opening, closing, or partially opening the layers depending on the extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the system (200) may be used to automatically adjust the position of the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) based on extreme weather conditions like heavy rains, cyclones, etc. This can help to maintain a consistent environment for the flora inside the greenhouse (100), which can improve their growth and productivity.
Further, the plurality of sensors (204) for sensing environmental or plant conditions may be connected with or interconnected by means of cloud-based services, often also referred to as Internet of Things.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices such as sensors and actuators. The devices may communicate among each other using wire-bound or wireless communication. Wireless communication may include Bluetooth, WLAN or OWC.
In one implementation, the network (202) may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network (202) can be implemented as one of the different types of networks such as an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an internet, and the like. The network (202) may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network (202) may include a variety of network devices, namely routers, switches, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.
In one embodiment, the network (202) may include any one of the following: a cable network, the wireless network, a telephone network (e.g., Analog, Digital, POTS, PSTN, ISDN, xDSL), a cellular communication network, a mobile telephone network (e.g., CDMA, GSM, NDAC, TDMA, E-TDMA, NAMPS, WCDMA, CDMA-2000, UMTS, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G), a radio network, a television network, the Internet, the intranet, the local area network (LAN), the wide area network (WAN), an electronic positioning network, an X.25 network, an optical network (e.g., PON), a satellite network (e.g., VSAT), a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, a public network, a private network, and/or other wired or wireless communications network configured to carry data. The aforementioned network (102) may support wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) data communications functionality in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards, protocols, and variants such as IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”), IEEE 802.16 (“WiMAX”), IEEE 802.20x (“Mobile-Fi”), and others.
The system (200) can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of both, which includes using where suitable, one or more computer programs, mobile applications, or “apps” by deploying either on-premises over the corresponding computing terminals or virtually over cloud infrastructure. The system (200) may include various micro-services or groups of independent computer programs which can act independently in collaboration with other micro-services. The system (200) may also interact with a third-party or external computer system. Internally, the system (200) may be the central processor of all requests for transactions by the various actors or users of the system. a critical attribute of the system (200) is that it can concurrently and instantly complete an online transaction by a system user in collaboration with other systems.
Now referring to Figure 3, a data flow representation of a computer-implemented method (300) for the automatic retractable roof (101) of the greenhouse (100), is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The described method (300) may use the plurality of sensors (204) to collect environmental data from inside and outside the greenhouse. The received data (301) is further sent to the memory unit (401), where it is evaluated (303) by the one or more processors (402). Furthermore, the one or more processors (402) may compare the data to a predetermined set of rules, which determine (304) the extent to which at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) of the roof (101) should be moved. The optimal position (305) of the layer is then adjusted based on the weather conditions.
In one implementation, the method (300) may also include the automated retracting roof (101), the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, and the plurality of sensors (204) connected to the IoT cloud (203) using the wireless communication protocol (202). Furthermore, the predetermined set of rules are compared to determine the extent to which at least one layer from the plurality of layers of the roof should be moved. Furthermore, the extent of movement of the plurality of layers (102) can include partially opening and closing and fully opening and closing the layers.
In one implementation, data received from weather satellites and other data reporting agencies provide information about the current weather conditions, as well as historical weather data. Furthermore, this information can be used to predict future weather conditions, which can help the system (200) to make better decisions about how to operate the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100). Also, data received from other such farms connected via the IoT cloud (203) provides information about how other farms have operated their greenhouse roofs in similar weather conditions. This information can be used by the system (200) to learn from the experiences of other farms, and to make better decisions about how to operate the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) in this specific farm.
For example, the system (200) could use historical data from other farms to learn that, when the outside temperature is 25 degrees Celsius and the humidity is 60%, opening L1 and L2 to a certain extent will create a specific set of environments inside the greenhouse (100). The system (200) could then use this information, along with the current sensor data from the plurality of sensors (204) and predict the weather conditions, to decide how to operate the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) in this specific instance. Furthermore, the results of this learning will be added to the system (200) database at the memory unit (401). This database will be used by the one or more processors (402) to make future decisions about how to operate the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) in similar or relatively similar weather conditions. As the one or processors (402) learns from more data, it will become better at making decisions that will help to protect the flora from extreme weather conditions like heavy rains, cyclones, etc and improve crop yields.
In one implementation, the one or more processors (402) moves at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) in either the partial open position or the close position so as to ensure that the environment near the plants is maintained at the level that is most conducive for the growth of plants. Further, the one or more processors (402) moves at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) in either fully open or fully closed mode during extreme weather conditions such as rain, strong winds, cyclones, etc.
The system (200) is programmed to check for rains. Depending on the data received from the plurality of sensors (204), and determining the set of rules, the one or more processors (402) actuate the plurality of layers (102). For example, if it is raining, the system (200) closes layer L2 and opens layer L1. However, if it is not raining, the one or more processors (402) determine the position of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 based on the data from the plurality of sensors (204) and further opens or closes the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 in accordance with the determination.
In one embodiment, a computing device (400) is configured to compute a signal based on the signals transmitted from the plurality of sensors (204). The computing device (400) is connected to a data storage device, which may be based locally (on-site), in the network or in the cloud (IoT cloud network) (203).
Referring now to Figure 4, a block diagram of the computing device (400), is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The computing device (400) is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computing device (400) includes a bus (407) that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory unit (401), one or more processors (402), one or more presentation components (403), one or more input/output (I/O) ports (406), one or more input/output components (405), and an illustrative power supply (404). The bus (407) represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the various blocks of FIG. 4 are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component such as a display device to be an I/O component. Also, processors have memory. The inventors recognize that such is the nature of the art and reiterate that the diagram of FIG. 4 is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing device (400) that can be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “hand-held device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of FIG. 4 and reference to “computing device”.
The computing device (400) typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. The computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computing device (400) and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, the computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed by the computing device (400). The communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
The memory unit (401) includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory unit (401) may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. The computing device (400) includes the one or more processors (402) that read data from various entities such as memory unit (401) or I/O components (405). The one or more presentation components (403) present data indications to the system user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc. The one or more I/O ports (406) allow the computing device (400) to be logically coupled to other devices namely the one or more I/O components (405), some of which may be built in. Illustrative components include microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.
In one implementation, the memory unit (401) may include any computer-readable medium known in the art namely, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, and the like. The memory unit (401) may include data received from the plurality of sensors (204), data received from weather satellites and data reporting agencies as well as data received from other such farms connected via IoT cloud (203).
Further, the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) can be operated based on the plurality of sensors (204). The greenhouse roofs may have unique identifiers, such as RFID chip or digital signature or IP address, such that they may be connected to computer system or cloud computing network, such that they may be part of the Internet of Things (loT) network system or may be associated with an artificial intelligence machine (Al machine) to provide useful growth predictions for the flora.
In one implementation, the system (200) includes the plurality of sensors (204) such as IoT (internet of things) sensors can share data with other such farms connected via the IoT cloud (203) and that can communicate with the cloud to provide intelligent operating of the retracting roof (101) of the greenhouse (100). The system can navigate on its own to adjust the positions of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 as per the current weather conditions in the current area.
In one aspect of measurement patterns, the plurality of sensors (204) are able to communicate with each other or with the one or more processors (402). The sensors can form local subsystems with a corresponding processor. The local subsystems can be adaptively reconfigured based on the output data of the Internet of Things (IoT) network system or an artificial intelligence network system. A general data processing device may manage the data fusion of various sensors and the subsequent data analysis as well as the data prediction. The sensor data can be fed into the IoT network system or the artificial intelligence system that, after computation, outputs data that can be used for automatically retracting at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) of the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) as per the weather conditions and environment conducive to the growth of plants or flora.
The analysis may be performed with techniques associated with artificial intelligence (AI), such as deep learning, neural networks, machine learning, and many more. The aim of the analysis is to identify and / or forecast the environmental situation that is associated with the extent to which the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) can be moved to protect the flora. The analysis may also include the data from several interconnected farms, for example size of that farm, irrigation management, etc. This helps to improve the crop productivity by automating climate and irrigation management in a farm based on inputs received from the AI system.
The system (200) includes the retracting roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) connected via a cloud computing network namely the IoT cloud (203) can consider a wider range of factors than a human operator. The computing device (400) can learn from its experiences and makes more informed decisions about how to operate the greenhouse roof. Overall, the use of the automatic retracting greenhouse roof can help to improve the quality and yield of crops, while also reducing the risk of damage to plants due to extreme weather conditions.
In one embodiment, the retracting roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) may include the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, which can be moved independently of each other. The movement of at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) may be controlled by a motor, which rotates a drive rod. The drive rod may be coupled to a drum, which is wound with a wire. Further, the wire may be attached to the layer, and as the drum rotates, the wire winds and unwinds, causing the layer to move. Moreover, the system is designed to be easy to use and maintain. The motor is located at the side of the greenhouse (100), making it easy to access. The wires are galvanized iron, which makes them durable and weather resistant. The plurality of layers (102) can be made of the variety of materials, which includes fabric mesh and translucent flexible plastics.
Furthermore, the greenhouse (100) can be equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) sensors to monitor a temperature and a humidity inside the greenhouse (100). This plurality of sensors (204) can be connected to the cloud computing network namely the IoT cloud (203), which can then use artificial intelligence to decide whether to open or close the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100). For example, if the temperature inside the greenhouse (100) gets too high, the roof can be opened to allow more airflow. Conversely, if the temperature inside the greenhouse gets too low, the roof can be closed to retain heat.
The operation of the retractable roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) is via the wireless communication protocol (202) connected to the IoT cloud (203). Based on local area network (LAN) or wireless LAN (WLAN) or another wired or wireless connection, the plurality of sensors (204) are connected to the IoT cloud (203). The retractable greenhouse roof system (200) includes the plurality of sensors (204), e.g., temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of the farm, supplementary sensors for measuring plant growth and plant health, and the sensors for measuring environmental parameters, e.g., humidity sensors, temperature sensors, are also via the wireless communication protocol (202) connected to the IoT cloud (203). The data processing device namely the computing device (400) connected to the IoT cloud (203) can be desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile device like tablet or mobile phone and / or with any graphical user interface (GUI). The computing device (400) is configured to execute the movement of layers L1 and L2 in the retractable greenhouse roof (101). In a non-limiting example, the data store namely the cloud computing network can be accessed through a website. In another non-limiting example, the cloud computing network provides data storage, data management, data analysis and calculations based on various artificial intelligence (Al) models.
In various embodiments, the data store may be the cloud computing network namely the IoT cloud (203), which also includes weather conditions, plant health definitions, analytical reporting, growth strategies and historical data. The data store, namely the cloud computing network, can even use the functions of the data computing device (400).
In various embodiments, the fabric mesh roof layer may help to lower the temperature inside the greenhouse (100) during hot summer days, which can reduce the need for air conditioning. Accordingly, the greenhouses with fabric mesh roof layers may reduce electricity bills by up to 39%. The plastic roof layer may help to retain heat inside the greenhouse (100) during cold winter nights, which can reduce the need for heating. This may also help to improve water usage, as the plants will not need to be watered as often. Accordingly, the greenhouses with plastic roof layers can improve water usage by up to 36%. The use of the IoT network system or the artificial network system that controls the roof layers may help to create a more comfortable and productive environment for the flora. This may lead to increased yields, as the plants will be able to grow more efficiently. Accordingly, the greenhouses with the IoT cloud (203) or artificial intelligence-based climate control systems can increase yields by up to 13%.
In the mentioned examples, the automated retracting greenhouse roofs layers can help to reduce electricity bills, improve water usage, and increase yields by up to the range of 30-50%, 30%-50%, and 10%-30%, respectively. These savings can add up to significant financial benefits for greenhouse growers.
The system (200) as disclosed has several advantages. It allows the roof (101) of the greenhouse (100) to be opened and closed easily, which can help to control the temperature and the humidity inside the greenhouse (100). It also allows the roof (101) to be folded or rolled up, which can help to protect the plants or the flora from the extreme weather conditions. The system (200) is a significant improvement over traditional greenhouse roof mechanism. It is more efficient, easier to use, and more durable. As a result, it can help to improve the efficiency and productivity of greenhouses.
The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, along with their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.
Although the implementations of the system for the operation of the retracting greenhouse roof is described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the real-time exchanging of data of the weather conditions from the sensors, satellites, and neighbouring farms along with other components as disclosed.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (200) for operating a greenhouse (100), characterized in that, the system comprising:
a roof (101) of the greenhouse (100), wherein the roof (101) comprises at least one layer from a plurality of layers (102);
a plurality of sensors (204), wherein the plurality of sensors (204) collects environment data from at least an inside and an outside of the greenhouse (100);
one or more processors (402), wherein the one or more processors (402) connected to the plurality of sensors (204); and
a memory unit (401), coupled to the one or more processors (402), configured to store executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors (402), cause the one or more processors (402) to:
receive the environment data, at the memory unit (401), from the plurality of sensors (204);
evaluate a predetermined set of rules, at the one or more processors (402), corresponding to values received from the plurality of sensors (204);
determine, at the one or more processors (402), an opening and a closing extent of at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102); and
adjusting the at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) to an optimal position.
2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (204) connected to one or more data sources, wherein the plurality of sensors (204) and the one or more data sources comprises temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, rain sensor, heat/irradiation sensor, wind sensor, VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit) sensor, pressure sensor, and weather satellite.
3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers (102) of the roof (101) comprises a first layer L1 and a second layer L2, wherein the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is retractable.
4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the plurality of sensors (204) are connected to an IoT cloud (203) using a wireless communication protocol (202), wherein one or more media device is connected, via the wireless communication protocol (202), with the roof (101).
5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (204) corresponds to determining the opening and the closing extent of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 based on the factors comprising:
sensor data received, at the memory unit (401), from the plurality of sensors (204);
weather data received, at the memory unit (401), from one or more satellites and other data reporting agencies; and
farm data received, at the memory unit (401), from one or more farms connected via the IoT cloud (203).
6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein position of at least one of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is actuated to:
partially opening and closing to maintain an ambient environment for flora based on the inside and the outside environment conditions of the greenhouse (100); and
fully opening and closing to maintain the ambient environment for the flora based on the inside and the outside environment conditions of the greenhouse (100).
7. A computer-implemented method (300) for operating a roof (101) of a greenhouse (100), characterized in that, comprises the steps of:
receiving data (301), at a memory unit (401), from a plurality of sensors (204), wherein each sensor from the plurality of sensors (204) measures various environmental parameter;
receiving values (302), at the memory unit (401), from the plurality of sensors (204) via an IoT cloud (203);
evaluating the data (303), at one or more processors (402), received from the plurality of sensors (204) which is then compared to a predetermined set of rules;
determining (304), at the one or more processor (402), the extent to which at least one layer is moved from a plurality of layers (102) of the greenhouse (100) based on the evaluation of the data; and
adjusting (305) the at least one layer from the plurality of layers (102) to an optimal position.
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of layers (102) of the roof (101) comprises a first layer L1 and a second layer L2, wherein the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is retractable, wherein the plurality of sensors (204) are connected to the IoT cloud (203) using a wireless communication protocol (202), wherein one or more media device is connected, via the wireless communication protocol (202), with the roof (101).
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the set of rules comprises rules for:
determining, at the one or more processors (402), an inside and an outside environment condition of the greenhouse (100),
determining, at the one or more processors (402), the extent to which a first layer L1 and a second layer L2 of the greenhouse (100) is opened or closed; and
determining, at the one or more processors (402), the optimal position of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of the greenhouse (100).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, 8 and 9, wherein the extent of movement of at least one of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of the greenhouse (100) comprises partially opening and closing and fully opening and closing to maintain an ambient environment for flora based on the inside and the outside environment conditions of the greenhouse (100).
Dated this 11th day of August 2023