Description:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM”

APPLICANTS:
Name : ARKASHINE INNOVATIONS PVT. LTD.

Nationality : INDIAN

Address : No. 9-12-226, 11th Cross, Bhavani Rice Mill Road, Vidyanagar Colony, Bidar, Karnataka - 585403

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-
 
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is made for a patent in respect of an improvement in the invention of the Indian patent application No.: 202141028625, filed on 25 June 2021 and claims priority to the same.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a recommendation system, and more specifically related to a recommendation system capable of providing crop and/or fertilizer recommendation.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] Role of chemical fertilizers in increasing yield and production has led agriculture sector to over utilize without prior knowledge of deficiency of the land. Conventional methods are time consuming and tedious for the results of fertilizer recommendations to reach the farmers. To increase the yield and production for profits and meet the demands of the population, farmers are compelled to over utilize the fertilizers and henceforth weaken the soil properties and nutrients.
[0002] Conventional tests and recommendations are long time-consuming tedious indirect processes. Estimation of nutrient content is important as it influences the plant growth and forest regeneration. Machine Learning techniques created a series of comprehensive and novel models to evaluate the soil nutrient content and quality along with crop cultivation recommendation based on the large parameters taken into consideration for the development of the model or a decision system and that can be deployed as a WEB app or a personal APP or sending alert messages. ML model predicts the soil nutrient content for fertilizer recommendation in addition to Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium and crop cultivation recommendation.
[0003] Indian Patent Application No.: 202141022914 discloses a system and method for recommending crops and fertilizers, wherein a database stores crop recommendation index of that particular area and recommend the crop got particular agriculture area according to the proper recommendation index calculated through a number of factors. Such factors include type of soil of that particular area, demanded crop from the farmer, last crop of the farmer, weather behavior of that particular area, weather prediction of that particular area. All parameters are set as a weight age in a convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained through a number of training set from a number of data received from a large number of farmers through online portal. However, this system relies mainly on the information collected from farmers for recommending the crops and fertilizers for agriculture, which needs extensive labor to collect information from farmers. Furthermore, too much of manual intervention may lead to highly inaccurate and inconsistent recommendations.
[0004] Hence, there is still a need for solution for conducting a comprehensive analysis of various factors that influence crop growth and to provide accurate and consistent prediction without a need for manual intervention.
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0005] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a system for recommending fertilizers and crops to a farmer by predicting various factors influencing the crop accurately and consistently without any manual intervention.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose a recommendation system and a portable soil testing apparatus for use therein. The apparatus comprises a testing module for testing a soil sample solution to determine an amount of at least one macronutrient present in the sample solution and a sample preparation module releasably attached to the testing module for preparing and delivering the soil sample solution to the testing module. A global position system (GPS) module links a location data with test results and at least one input module receives current cultivation related data. A data storage device stores the cultivation related data and the location linked test result data over time to form a historical data. At least one microcontroller unit electrically connected to each module for controlling a corresponding function. At least one processing device for receiving and processing the current cultivation related data, the test result data and the historical data for providing crop and/or fertilizer recommendation. An output module outputs the test result and/or the recommendation. At least one power module for supplies power to each module. The processing device includes a machine learning-based recommendation module for predicting one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time from the processed data and for generating the recommendation based on the prediction.
[0007] In one aspect, the cultivation related data includes at least one of soil data, climate data, crop data. Preferably, the climate data includes rainfall, precipitation, temperature, wind velocity and wind direction Preferably, the crop data includes at least one of planting density, growth duration, preceding crops and organic carbon. Preferably, the soil data includes at least one of electrical conductivity, soil density, microbial activity in the soil, soil moisture content, soil porosity, soil acidity, type of soil and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Preferably, the test results include at least one of micronutrients and macronutrients present in soil tested.
[0008] The recommendation system comprises a plurality of input devices for inputting crop data, real-time soil data, and/or real-time climate data, a data storage device for storing said inputted data to form a historical data and a processing device for processing the inputted data and the historical data for providing crop and/or fertilizer recommendation. An output device outputs the recommendation. The input devices include at least one portable soil testing apparatus capable of testing a soil sample solution to determine an amount of at least one macronutrient present in the sample solution. The processing device includes a machine learning-based recommendation module for predicting one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time from the inputted data and the historical data and for generating the recommendation based on the prediction.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the input devices include at least one of a wireless sensor and a remote sensing device.
[0010] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the scope thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0011] The method and the system are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of a testing chip of an apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 shows a front view of a testing chip of an apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 shows a top view of a testing chip of an apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURES 6 & 7 show a top view of a testing chip of different configurations, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 8 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 shows a flow diagram of a method for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a filter unit of the apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGURE 11 shows a perspective view of a filter unit of the apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 12 shows a block diagram of a recommendation system including the apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0012] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0013] FIGURE 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus (10) comprises a sample preparation module (11), a testing module (12), an output module (13), a microcontroller unit (14) and power module (15). The microcontroller unit (14) is electrically connected to each of the sample preparation module (11), the testing module (12), the output module (13) and the power module (15) for controlling each function of the sample preparing module (11), the testing module (12), the output module (13), the microcontroller unit (14), the power module (15). Preferably, the microcontroller unit includes a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC)-based microcontroller, ATMEGA microcontroller, Arduino microcontroller or any other commercially available microcontroller device.
[0014] The power module (15) is electrically connected to each of the sample preparation module (11), the testing module (12) and the output module (13), the microcontroller unit (14) for supplying power. In a preferred embodiment, the power module (12) includes a battery or a generator as a power source. Alternatively, AC mains can be connected as the power source. The sample preparation or pretreatment module (11) prepares a sample solution by mixing soil to be tested and a solvent, preferably distilled water. The ratio of soil to the solvent to be mixed is 1:5. The sample preparation module (11) includes a container (16) for containing the solvent and the soil and an agitating unit (17) provided within the container (16) for mixing the solvent and the soil to form a mixture of homogenous solid particles and the soil sample solution. In a preferred embodiment, the agitating unit (17) includes a stirrer (19) and a motor (not shown) for rotating the stirrer (19). A rotational speed of the motor is controlled using the microcontroller unit (14). Alternatively, the agitating unit (17) may include any other conventional means for mixing the soil and the solvent. Additionally, filter unit (18) is provided in the sample preparation module (11) for filtering the mixture to separate the solid particles from the mixture.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the filter unit (18) includes a filtering means (not shown) and a vacuum pump (41) in fluid connection with the filtering means (not shown) for extracting the soil sample solution through the filtering means. In a preferred embodiment, the filtering means includes two layer structure, wherein a filter paper (42) such as standard Whatman filter paper, forms an upper layer and a metallic mesh (43) forms a bottom layer, as shown in FIGURES 10 & 11. More preferably, the filter paper (42) is removably placed over the mesh (43), such that the filter paper (42) can be removed along with a filtrate i.e. solid substance, and a new filter paper placed over the mesh (43), after each test cycle. Alternatively, any other conventional single/multi-layered filtering means may be used as the filtering means. Additionally, the sample preparation module (11) includes a hose pipe (22) for connecting the container (16) and the filter unit (18) and one or more valves (not shown) controlled by the microcontroller unit (14) for selectively allowing a flow of the soil sample solution through the hose pipe (22).
[0016] The sample preparation module (11) is releasably attachable to the testing module (12), wherein the sample preparation module (11) and the testing module (12) are in fluid connection with one another when attached together. A locking means (not shown) is attached to the sample preparation module (11) and/or the testing module (12) for holding the sample preparation module (11) in position with respect to the testing module (12) when the sample preparation module (11) is attached to the testing module (12). In a preferred embodiment, the locking means includes a clamp, a threaded fastener or any other conventional fastening means.
[0017] Furthermore, the output module (13) can also be releasably attached to the testing module (12), such that the entire apparatus (10) is formed as a single unit as shown in FIGURE 2. The output module (13) includes one or more outputting means such as LCD, LED display, plotting unit, wireless communication unit and printing unit, for outputting the test result. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit may communicate the test results to a user device e.g. mobile phone, desktop computer and portable computer, by means of short messaging service (SMS) or notification readable through a web application or a mobile app. In a preferred embodiment, the outputting means provides the test result in the form of color coding representing a proportion of the macronutrients in the soil and one or more recommendations on a type of fertilizer to be applied to compensate for any lacking macronutrients. In one embodiment, the testing module (12) includes a sub-module (not shown) capable of determining a microbial activity in the soil. The sub-module can be any conventional devices used for determining the microbial activity in soil.
[0018] FIGURE 8 shows a schematic representation of a testing module of the apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The testing module (12) includes a first dosing unit (23), a second dosing unit (24) and a third dosing unit (25), wherein each dosing unit (23 – 25) includes a valve means (26 – 28) controlled by the microcontroller unit (14). Additionally, the testing module (12) includes a support means (20) for receiving a testing chip (21) to be removably positioned in the testing module (12) for holding the soil sample solution during the test. Preferably, the testing chip (21) is a microfluidic-based Soil-on-Chip. The support means (20) may be in the form of a drawer or a tray that is movable between a testing position and a loading/unloading position. At the loading/unloading position, the support means (20) is out of the testing module (12) for placing/removing the testing chip (21) Soil On Chip on/from the support means (20). At the testing position, the support means (20) moves the testing chip (21) to a preset position for placing a plurality of electrodes for conducting the test.
[0019] FIGURE 3 – 5 show different view of a testing chip of the apparatus for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The testing chip (21) includes three or more channels (29 – 32), wherein each channel (29 – 32) is connected to the other channels (29 – 32) at one end. A cavity (33 – 36) is formed at a free end of each channel (29 – 32). A width of each channel (29 – 32) is configured to prevent any movement of the soil sample solution along the channels (29 – 32) unless an electric field is applied. Preferably, the width of each channel is within a range of 500-1000 microns. Similarly, the testing chip is about 5 centimeters (cm) in length, 3-5 cm in width and 1 cm in thickness.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, two channels (29 – 30) function as inlet channels (29 – 30) to receive the soil sample solution and a buffer solution, respectively, while the other channels (31 – 32) function as outlet channels (31 – 32) to drain a waste solution and a separated nutrient solution, respectively. Preferably, at least one outlet channel (32) is configured to be longer than the other channels (29 – 31), as shown in FIGURES 3 - 5. More preferably, a length of the outlet channel (32) is within a range of 35 – 40 mm.
[0021] Alternatively, the testing chip (21) may include an interconnecting channel (37) connected to two inlet channels (29 – 30) at one end and two outlet channels (31 – 32) at the other end, as shown in FIGURE 6, wherein a length of the interconnecting channel (37) is within a range of 35 – 40 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the testing chip (21) is entirely made of a transparent material e.g. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternatively, the testing chip (21) may also be manufactured from any other plastic material with a Young’s modulus of 0.13 – 4.00 gigapascals (GPa), and does not include any electrically conductive element. Preferably, the testing chip (21) is made by three-dimensional printing. Alternatively, the testing chip (21) may also be manufactured by a molding process using micro and nano fabrication facilities. Furthermore, the testing chip (21) may also include two inlet channels (29 – 30) connected to a single outlet channel (32) as shown in FIGURE 7.
[0022] Returning to FIGURE 8, the first dosing unit (23) includes a container/tank (not shown) which is in fluid connection with an outlet (not shown) of the sample preparation module (11) and a valve (26) operated by the microcontroller unit (14). The container/tank receives and holds the soil sample solution from the sample preparation module (11), such that when the valve (26) of the first dosing unit (23) is operated by the microcontroller unit (14), the first dosing unit (23) delivers a predetermined volume of the soil sample solution to the cavity (33) in the testing chip (21).
[0023] The testing module (12) includes a second dosing unit (24) and a third dosing unit (25) for delivering a predetermined volume of a buffer solution and an electrically conductive solution to one of the cavities (33, 34) in the testing chip (21), respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the buffer solution includes one or more of Tris- Borate ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) buffer (TBE) with pH level of 8.0) Tris-Acetate EDTA buffer (TAE) with pH level above 8.0, Tris Glycine buffer (TG) with pH level above 8.5, Tria-Citrate-EDTA buffer (TCE) with pH level of 7.0, Tris- EDTA buffer (TE) with pH level of 8.0, Tris-Maleic acid-EDTA buffer (TME) with pH level of 7.5 and Lithium Borate-buffer (LB) with pH level of 8.6. Similarly, the electrically conductive solution may include but not limited silver nitrate (AgNO3), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), acetonitrile, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dimethoxyethane, acetic acid and ammonia. Alternatively, the electrically conductive solution may also be any solution capable of conducting electricity, while not reactive to the buffer solution or to a surface of the testing chip (21).
[0024] Similar to the first dosing unit (23), each of the second dosing unit (24) and the third dosing unit (25) includes a container (not shown) for holding the respective solution and a valve (27, 28) operable by the microcontroller unit (14) for controlling a volume of the respective solution delivered. The volume of the soil sample solution, buffer solution and the electrically conductive solution varies with dimensions of the channels (29 – 32) and the corresponding cavities (33 – 36).
[0025] Optionally, the soil sample solution may be prepared separately by any conventional means including manual preparation or any mixing device and then filled in the container/tank of the first dosing unit (23). Alternatively, the predetermined volume of the soil sample solution is directly delivered into the cavity (33) in the testing chip (21) before the testing chip (21) is placed in the support means (20). Similarly, the buffer solution and the electrically conductive solution can also be manually filled in the respective containers or be directly delivered into the respective cavities (33, 34) in the testing chip (21) before the chip is placed in the support means (20).
[0026] Furthermore, the testing module (12) includes one or more electrodes (not shown) for delivering a predetermined voltage across the channels (29 – 32) in the testing chip (21). Preferably, the predetermined voltage is within a range of 10 – 20 kilovolts (kV). Alternatively, the electrodes, power conversion unit and the power module (15) may also be configured to deliver any voltage that is applicable for carrying out an electrophoresis process. A positive electrode is positioned at a free end of each inlet channel (29 – 30) and a negative electrode is positioned at a free end of each outlet channel (31 – 32). Preferably, the positive electrode is positioned in the cavities (33 – 34), while the negative electrode is positioned in the cavities (35 – 36). A power conversion unit (not shown) in the testing module (12) is controlled by the microcontroller unit (14) for converting the power supplied by the power module (15) into the predetermined voltage to be supplied to the electrodes. The electrodes are electrically connected to an output terminal of said power conversion unit.
[0027] The microcontroller unit (14) is configured to control the power conversion unit in such a manner, that the macronutrients in the soil sample solution are moved along a corresponding outlet channel (32) towards the cavity (36) at the end thereof. Preferably, the predetermined voltage influences each macronutrient in the soil sample solution to move along the outlet channel (32) at a different velocity.
[0028] The testing module (12) further includes an imaging unit (38) for capturing one or more images of the outlet channel (32) through which the macronutrients are moving, while testing the soil sample solution, and an image processing unit (40) for processing the captured images to determine an amount of each macronutrient present in the soil sample solution. The imaging unit (38) may include but not limited to a digital camera, charge-coupled device (CCD) array or any other digital imaging device. Optionally, the imaging unit (38) includes a light source (39) such as ultraviolet (UV) light, capable of emitting radiations within a bandwidth of 200 – 800 nanometers (nm), for illuminating the outlet channel (32) through which the macronutrients travel during the testing process. Alternatively, the light source (39) may emit radiations within a bandwidth of 200 – 2500 nm. Preferably, the imaging unit (38) captures light rays reflected by the macronutrients. Alternatively, light rays pass through the outlet channel (32) and get scattered by the macronutrients, which are then captured by the imaging unit (38) and the images are analyzed at the image processing unit (40).
[0029] The microcontroller unit (14) receives test results determined by the image processing unit (40) and controls the output module (15) accordingly for outputting the test results in a format that is readable by a user. Preferably, the output module (15) includes a printing unit for printing out the test results on a printing medium i.e. paper, a display unit e.g. LCD or LED, for displaying the test results.
[0030] Optionally, the microcontroller unit (14) may also be configured to provide suggestions on a fertilizer to be used for compensating any lack in macronutrients. Furthermore, the apparatus (10) may include a global position system (GPS) device for linking a location data with the test results in real-time and a storage device for recording the test results for future analytics. The apparatus (10) may also include a wireless transceiver in the output module (15) for communicating test results to a user device e.g. mobile phone, desktop computer and portable computer, in the form of SMS or a notification readable through a web application or a mobile app and/or for receiving a control command to/from a remote device such as cloud server, the user device and the like.
[0031] FIGURE 9 shows a flow diagram of the method for soil testing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of: introducing a predetermined volume of a soil sample solution into a testing chip, applying a predetermined voltage to the soil sample solution, capturing one or more images of the soil sample solution, while applying the predetermined voltage and analyzing each image to determine an amount of each macronutrient present in the soil sample solution.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the testing chip includes at least two inlet channels and at least one outlet channel, such that the soil sample solution enters one of the inlet channels and flows through the outlet channel when the soil sample solution is introduced into the testing chip. Before introducing the soil sample solution into the inlet channel, an electrically conductive path is formed along the channels by introducing an electrically conductive solution into the channels. When the predetermined voltage is applied to the soil sample solution, each macronutrient present in the soil sample solution moves along the outlet channel at a different velocity.
[0033] In an alternate embodiment, the channels (29 – 32) of the testing chip (21) include a conductive path (not shown) along a bottom portion of the channels (29 – 32), so as to conduct electricity and create an electric field for moving the buffer solution and the soil sample solution along the outlet channel (32), during the testing process. The conductive path is formed by depositing, along the channels (29 – 32), a thin wire of silver or any other electrically conductive material that is not reactive to the buffer solution and the soil sample solution. Entire process of soil testing is described in detail in the following paragraphs with respect to FIGURES 1 – 8.
[0034] A soil to be tested and a solvent are introduced into the container (16) in the sample preparation module (11) and the apparatus (10) is switched on. The microcontroller unit (14) controls the agitating unit (17) to mix the soil and the solvent for a preset time period, preferably 2-4 minutes, to form a mixture of solid and liquid substances. After the preset time period, the microcontroller unit (14) stops the agitating unit (17) and opens the valve in the hose pipe (22) to allow the mixture to flow into the filter unit (18). The vacuum pump in the filter unit (18) is operated to suck the liquid substance in the mixture through the filtering means, such that the solid substance is separated by the filtering means. Upon removing the homogenous liquid substance from the mixture, the outlet of the sample preparation module (11) is opened to allow the liquid substance to be filled in the first dosing unit (23) of the testing module (12) as the soil sample solution to be analyzed.
[0035] The microcontroller unit (14) operates the valve (28) of the third dosing unit (25) to allow a predetermined volume of the electrically conductive solution to be delivered to the cavity (33) of the testing chip (21) in the support means (20). The electrically conductive solution flows through the channels (29 – 32) and forms a conductive path along the channels (29 – 32) and the corresponding cavities (33 – 36) in the form of a layer of the electrically conductive solution coated at least at a bottom portion of the channels (29 – 32) and the corresponding cavities (33 – 36).
[0036] After the conductive path is formed, the microcontroller unit (14) operates the valve (27) of the second dosing unit (24) to allow a predetermined volume of the buffer solution to be delivered to the cavity (34) of the testing chip (21). Next, the microcontroller unit (14) operates the valve (26) of the first dosing unit (23) to deliver the predetermined volume of the soil sample solution to the cavity (33). Due to the dimensions of the channels (29 – 32), the soil sample solution stays at the cavity (33). Finally, the electrodes are placed at the respective cavities (33 – 36) and the predetermined voltage is applied at the soil sample solution through the conductive path.
[0037] Any charged particle in a liquid medium migrates under the influence of an electric field. Depending on a polarity of the charged particle, it moves towards a cathode or an anode. An ampholyte becomes positively charged in acidic condition and migrates to cathode, and the same becomes negatively charged in alkaline condition and migrates to the anode. Under the electric filed, a velocity of the particle is determined by an amount of charged carried by the particle and a frictional coefficient of the particle.
[0038] Under the influence of the applied voltage, the macronutrients in the soil sample solution start moving along the channel (32). Due to their differences in conductivity and frictional coefficient, a velocity of each macronutrient is different from the other macronutrients. Therefore, the macronutrients get separated along the channel (32) and exhibit different colors according to their fluorescence energy. Upon expiry of a preset time period after the voltage is applied, the microcontroller unit (14) operates the imaging unit (38) to capture one or more images of the soil sample solution along the channel (32). The image processing unit (40) receives the captured images and analyzes each image to detect different colors captured in the image and intensity thereof. Based on the colors detected, the image processing unit (40) confirms presence of the corresponding macronutrients and based on the intensity of each detected color, the image processing unit (40) determines an amount of the corresponding macronutrients in the soil sample solution.
[0039] Once the analysis is completed, the microcontroller unit (14) receives the test results from the image processing unit (40) and controls the output module (13) to output the test results. If the test results from one or more images differ from the other images, the apparatus (10) may be configured to output a minimum and maximum readings of each macronutrient and/or to calculate and output an average of such readings. Even though the microcontroller unit (14) is illustrated as a single unit located in the testing module (12) in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that there may be multiple microcontrollers located in different modules (11, 12, 13, 15) of the apparatus (10) co-operatively working to control the entire function of the apparatus (10).
[0040] FIGURE 12 shows a block diagram of a recommendation system (1), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system (1) comprises a plurality of input devices, at least one data storage device (105), a processing device (20) and an output device (30), wherein the processing device (20) is communicatively connected to the input devices (10) and the output device (30). In a preferred embodiment, the input devices (10) includes one or more wireless sensors, remote sensing devices and/or soil testing apparatuses described in the preceding paragraphs. More preferably, the remote sensing devices include satellites.
[0041] The input devices (100) input multiple input data related to crop cultivation, preferably micronutrients, macronutrients, biological aspects (microbial activity in the soil) physical parameters of soil (e.g. electrical conductivity, soil moisture content, soil density, soil porosity, soil acidity, type of soil, cation exchange capacity (CEC), etc.), crop data (e.g. planting density, growth duration, preceding crops, preceding yield and organic carbon) and/or climate data (e.g. historical, current and/or estimated rainfall, precipitation, temperature, wind velocity and/or wind direction data).
[0042] More preferably, each input data is linked with a location data i.e. location coordinates, of a corresponding location, wherein the location data corresponds to a predetermined radius of land area for which the recommendation is being executed. For example, a wireless sensor provided for monitoring on-field pH value or other physical parameters of soil at a particular location senses the pH value and transmits the sensor data to a data storage device for storage, wherein the data storage device (105) attaches location coordinates of the sensor to the received sensor data and stores the combined data for further process. Alternatively, the wireless sensor includes a global positioning system (GPS) device for linking the location coordinates to the on-field sensor data before transmission to the data storage device (105).
[0043] The processing device (120) communicatively connected to the input devices (100) and to the data storage device (105) receives and processes the input data and the stored data for providing crop and/or fertilizer recommendation. The input data is received from the input devices (100) as real-time data, while the stored data is received from the data storage device (15) as historical data. The processing device (20) includes a recommendation module (not shown) for processing the real-time data and the historical data for predicting one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time based on the real-time data and the historical data and for generating the recommendation based on the prediction. For example, the recommendation module may predict the nutrient level of the soil during first month, second month and third month of cultivating a paddy crop and generates the recommendation of the fertilizer at the first month, second month and third month according to the predicted nutrient level. Similarly, the recommendation module may predict the nutrient level of the soil at different time intervals and identifies one or more crops that match with the predicted nutrient levels for recommendation.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the recommendation module is based on a Binary Tree (BT) model, Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, Naïve Bayes (NB) model, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, Cubist regression (CB) model, Principal Component Regression (PCR) model, Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) model, Least-Square SVM (LS-SVM) model, Extreme Learning Machines (ELM) model, Ordinary Least Square Estimation (OLSE) model, Ant Colony Optimization-interval Partial Least Squares (ACO-iPLS) model, Deep Learning (DL) model, Fully Connected Neural Network (FNN) model, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model, Regression Tree (RT) model, Random Forest (RF) model, Generalized Additive Model (GAM) model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model or a combination of two or more.
[0045] In one embodiment, the processing device (120) and the data storage device (105) resides within a portable soil testing apparatus described in the preceding paragraphs, wherein when the soil testing apparatus is moved to a location at which soil is to be tested, the processing device (120) automatically obtains the stored data corresponding to that particular location and real-time data from a testing module (for test results) of the soil testing apparatus, wireless sensors (on field data) and remote sensing devices (for climate data) corresponding to that particular location. Furthermore, the apparatus includes one or more input modules e.g. sensor, keypad, touchscreen and the like, for receiving one or more input regarding the crop chosen by a user for cultivation in that location and the fertilizers chosen by the user for application during different intervals. By this way, the apparatus is capable of recording the crop and fertilizer data with high resolution, and thereby capable of recommending crops and fertilizer for the future at higher accuracy. Additionally, the high resolution recorded data provides a better visualization of the real-time data of the entire geography (e.g. field, plantation and state) where the apparatus is applied, from any part of the world. This enables a user to perform better analytics and make better decisions on the crop cultivation.
[0046] In an alternate embodiment, the processing device (120) is in the form of a remote server and the data storage device (115) is in the form of a database, both communicatively connected to the other components of the device by means of a wireless or network such as internet.
[0047] An output device (130) communicatively connected to the processing device (120) receives and outputs the recommendations to a user through different means. In a preferred embodiment, the output device (130) includes a display unit for displaying the recommendations to the user. Alternatively, the output device (130) may include a printing unit for printing the recommendations on a printing medium such as paper, a transceiver unit for transmitting the recommendations to a user device such as mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer and the like, in the form of a short message service (SMS) message, multimedia message service (MMS) message, instant messaging, mobile application notification and the like, through a wired or wireless means. Furthermore, the output device (130) may also be communicatively connected to the data storage device (115) for storing the recommendations which may further be received back at the processing device (120) during subsequent cycles of recommendation.
[0048] Even though the processing device (120) and the output device (130) are illustrated as separate components of the system (1), it is to be understood that the processing device (120) and/or the output device (130) may be a part of one of the input devices (100). For example, the soil testing apparatus may include the processing device (20) and the output device (130), such that when a soil sample is inputted to the soil testing apparatus, macronutrients of the soil are determined and inputted to the processing device (120) in the soil testing apparatus and to the data storage device (115), wherein the processing device (120) receives the input data from other input devices (100) and the historical data from the data storage device (115) for further processing. Alternatively, the input devices (100) are wirelessly connected to the processing device (120) which is in the form of a cloud server. The cloud server receives and processes the input data and the historical data and transmits the corresponding recommendations to the output device (130).
[0049] Since the present invention processes multiple crop related factors and historical records thereof, it is capable of recommending fertilizers and crops to a farmer by predicting various factors influencing the crop accurately and consistently without any manual intervention.
[0050] FIGURE 13 shows a flow diagram of a recommendation method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of inputting, at a plurality of input devices, multiple input data related to crop cultivation, receiving and processing, at a processing device, the input data for providing soil and/or fertilizer recommendation and receiving and outputting, at an output device, the recommendations. The processing device is communicatively connected to the input devices, while the output device is communicatively connected to the processing device. Furthermore, the input data is received at a data storage device for storage as a historical data, wherein the historical data is received at the processing device and processed along with the input data from the input devices for generating the recommendations.
[0051] While processing, one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time are predicted based on the input data and the historical data using a trained module. Furthermore, the recommendations are generated based on the predictions. In a preferred embodiment, the input devices include one or more soil testing apparatus, as described in FIGURES 1 – 11, for determining macronutrients (e.g. nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphor (P), etc.) of soil. Furthermore, the input devices may include but not limited to one or more wireless sensors and one or more remote sensing devices i.e. satellites.
[0052] The input devices input multiple input data related to crop cultivation, preferably chemical attributes (e.g. micronutrients and macronutrients), biological aspects (microbial activity), physical parameters of soil (e.g. electrical conductivity, soil density, soil moisture content, soil porosity, soil acidity, type of soil, cation exchange capacity (CEC), etc.), crop data (e.g. planting density, growth duration, preceding crops and organic carbon) and climate data (e.g. rainfall, precipitation, temperature, wind velocity and wind direction).
[0053] More preferably, each input data is linked with a location data i.e. location coordinates, of a corresponding location, wherein the location data corresponds to a predetermined radius of land area for which the recommendation is being executed. For example, a wireless sensor provided for monitoring pH value of soil at a particular location senses the pH value and transmits the sensor data to a data storage device for storage, wherein the data storage device attaches location coordinates of the sensor to the received sensor data and stores the combined data for further process. Alternatively, the wireless sensor includes a global positioning system (GPS) device for linking the location coordinates to the sensor data before transmission.
[0054] At the processing device, the input data is received from the input devices as real-time data, while the stored data is received from the data storage device as historical data. The trained module processes the real-time data and the historical data for predicting one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time based on the real-time data and the historical data and for generating the recommendation based on the prediction. For example, the trained module may predict the nutrient level of the soil during first month, second month and third month of cultivating a paddy crop and generates the recommendation of the fertilizer at the first month, second month and third month according to the predicted nutrient level.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the trained module is based on a Binary Tree (BT) model, Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, Naïve Bayes (NB) model, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, Cubist regression (CB) model, Principal Component Regression (PCR) model, Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) model, Least-Square SVM (LS-SVM) model, Extreme Learning Machines (ELM) model, Ordinary Least Square Estimation (OLSE) model, Ant Colony Optimization-interval Partial Least Squares (ACO-iPLS) model, Deep Learning (DL) model, Fully Connected Neural Network (FNN) model, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model, Regression Tree (RT) model, Random Forest (RF) model, Generalized Additive Model (GAM) model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model or a combination of two or more.
[0056] At the output device, the recommendations are received and outputted to a user through different means. In a preferred embodiment, the output device includes a display unit e.g. light emitting diode (LED) display, liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode ray tube (CRT) display or any other conventional display unit, for displaying the recommendations to the user. Alternatively, the output device may include a printing unit for printing the recommendations on a printing medium such as paper, a transceiver unit for transmitting the recommendations to a user device such as mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer and the like, in the form of a short message service (SMS) message, multimedia message service (MMS) message, instant messaging, mobile application notification and the like, through a wired or wireless means. Furthermore, the output device may also be communicatively connected to the data storage device for storing the recommendations which may further be received back at the processing device during subsequent cycles of recommendation.
[0057] Since the present invention processes multiple crop related factors and historical records thereof, it is capable of recommending fertilizers and crops to a farmer by predicting various factors influencing the crop accurately and consistently without any manual intervention
[0058] It is to be further understood that the accompanying drawings are for illustration purpose only and that the actual dimensions of the present invention may vary with user requirements. The list of reference numerals and part names thereof are as follows:
(1) Recommendation system
(10) Apparatus for soil testing
(11) Sample preparation module
(12) Testing module
(13) Output module
(14) Microcontroller unit
(15) Power module
(16) Container
(17) Agitating unit
(18) Filter unit
(19) Stirrer
(20) Support means
(21) Testing chip
(22) Hose pipe
(23) First dosing unit
(24) Second dosing unit
(25) Third dosing unit
(26 - 28) Valves
(29 - 30) Inlet channels
(31 - 32) Outlet channels
(33 - 36) Cavities
(37) Intermediate channel
(38) Imaging unit
(39) Light source
(40) Image processing unit
(41) Vacuum pump
(42) Filter paper
(43) Metallic mesh
(100) Input devices
(115) Data storage device
(120) Processing device
(130) Output device
[0059] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A portable apparatus for testing soil, comprising:
a) a testing module (12) capable of testing a soil sample solution to determine an amount of at least one macronutrient present in said sample solution;
b) a sample preparation module (11) releasably attached to said testing module (12) for preparing and delivering said soil sample solution to said testing module (12);
c) a global position system (GPS) module for linking a location data with test results;
d) at least one input module for receiving current cultivation related data;
e) a data storage device for storing the cultivation related data and the location linked test result data to form a historical data;
f)
g) at least one microcontroller unit (14) electrically connected to each module for controlling a corresponding function;
h) at least one processing device for receiving and processing the current cultivation related data, the test result data and the historical data for providing crop and/or fertilizer recommendation;
i) an output module (13) for outputting the test result and/or the recommendation; and
j) at least one power module (15) for supplying power to each module;
characterized in that said processing device includes a machine learning-based recommendation module for predicting one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time from the processed data and for generating the recommendation based on the prediction.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cultivation related data includes at least one of soil data, climate data, crop data.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said climate data includes rainfall, precipitation, temperature, wind velocity and wind direction.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said crop data includes at least one of planting density, growth duration, preceding crops and organic carbon.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said soil data includes at least one of electrical conductivity, soil density, soil moisture content, soil porosity, soil acidity, type of soil and cation exchange capacity (CEC).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said test results include at least one of micronutrients and macronutrients present in soil tested.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said testing module (12) includes a sub-module capable of determining a microbial activity in the soil.
8. A recommendation system (1), comprising:
a) a plurality of input devices (100) for inputting crop data, real-time soil data, and/or real-time climate data;
b) a data storage device (115) for storing said inputted data to form a historical data;
c) a processing device (120) for processing said inputted data and said historical data for providing crop and/or fertilizer recommendation; and
d) an output device (130) for outputting the recommendation,
characterized in that:
- said input devices (100) include at least one portable soil testing apparatus capable of testing a soil sample solution to determine an amount of at least one macronutrient present in said sample solution; and
- said processing device includes a machine learning-based recommendation module for predicting one or more nutrient levels of soil at one or more future points of time from the inputted data and the historical data and for generating the recommendation based on the prediction.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein said input devices (100) include at least one wireless sensor.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein said input devices (100) include at least one remote sensing device.