Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a seed sowing device that is capable of automatically sowing seeds in an agricultural field based on user specifications, reducing time and eliminating the need for manual labor while ensuring efficient soil preparation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The requirement for efficient seed sowing is a crucial aspect of modern agriculture, directly impacting crop yield, quality, and overall farm productivity. Proper seed sowing ensures that seeds are planted at the right depth, spacing, and in optimal soil conditions, which are essential for healthy germination and strong plant growth. Traditionally, sowing seeds has been a labor-intensive process, but with advancements in agricultural technology, modern seeders and planters have significantly improved the efficiency and precision of this task. Accurate seed placement ensures that each plant receives adequate space, sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to better crop density and reduced competition among plants. In addition, proper sowing techniques help in preventing issues such as uneven germination, plant diseases, and poor root development. Precision sowing also reduces waste by optimizing the amount of seed used and minimizing over-sowing, which can lead to unnecessary costs and inefficient use of resources.

[0003] Various equipment is used for sowing seeds in modern agriculture, with each serving specific purposes to enhance efficiency and precision. Common tools include broadcast seeders, which scatter seeds over the soil surface, and drill seeders, which place seeds at uniform depths in rows. Planters, often used for crops like corn or soybeans, are equipped to drop seeds into furrows and cover them with soil. Additionally, mechanical seeders and precision seeders are designed for high accuracy in seed placement and spacing, especially for small-scale or high-value crops. Manual seeders are also used in smaller operations or for gardeners. However, each of these tools has its drawbacks. Broadcast seeders, while fast, result in uneven seed distribution, leading to poor germination rates and wasted seeds. Drill seeders, though more accurate, can be limited by soil type and moisture conditions, potentially clogging or failing to work effectively in compacted or dry soils. Planters require precise calibration and can be expensive, making them less ideal for smaller farms. Mechanical seeders can be complex and require maintenance, which can be a challenge for farmers with limited resources. Moreover, precision seeders can be costly, restricting their use to larger, commercial farms with higher investment capabilities.

[0004] CN202907441U discloses a sowing mechanism of a corn planter belongs to the field of agricultural machinery and comprises a seed box, seed extracters and a sowing machine, wherein the sowing machine comprises a rotation disc and a fixed tray fixed on the frame of the corn planter, and the rotation disc is connected with the fixed tray through a bearing and a shaft; a loop of seed extracters are equidistantly mounted on the edge wall of the rotation disc through screws; an opening matched with the seed box in size is formed in the edge wall of the rotation disc; the fixed tray is fixed on the shaft through the bearing, and the rotation disc is mounted on the shaft; a seed inlet is formed on the fixed tray; and each of the seed extracters comprises a seed case and a seed extraction spoon, the seed case is provided with a rectangular seed-passing opening, and the seed extraction spoon is arranged below the seed-passing opening and is provide with an outlet just facing a seed inlet of the seed sowing machine. The sowing mechanism can only sow only corn seed each time so as to avoid seed waste; and singling the crop in the final-period management is not required, so that the labor intensity is reduced.

[0005] CN203181532U discloses a seed sowing device, and belongs to the technical field of agricultural gadgets. The seed sowing device comprises a button, a spring, a seed cavity, a seed discharge port and a seed container, wherein the seed cavity is arranged below the button; the button is supported by the spring; the seed cavity is communicated with the seed container; and the seed discharge port is positioned below the seed sowing device and is communicated with the seed cavity. The seed sowing device provided by the utility model is simple in structure and convenient to use and can save the sowing time of farmers, the manpower and labor power, increase the sowing efficiency and solve the problem of time and labor waste of manual sowing.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to sow seeds, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to capturing of essential data on seed types, sowing time, and locations for record-keeping and analysis.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to analyze soil properties of an agricultural field and automatically sow appropriate seeds based on specific needs of the soil, ensuring optimal planting conditions. Additionally, the developed device also needs to store data related to the seeds sown, including time and location of sowing, providing valuable information for future reference and tracking of field activities.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of sowing seeds in an agricultural field as per requirement of a user by digging soil in an automatic manner in least time consumption.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of investigating soil characteristics of the agricultural fields and accordingly, sows seed suitable for the soil.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of storing data regarding seeds sown, time of seeds sown and location of seeds sown for future reference.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a seed sowing device that is capable of performing automatic soil digging and seed sowing based on user requirements, saving time and labor, while also capturing essential data on seed types, sowing time, and locations for record-keeping and analysis.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a seed sowing device, comprises of a cuboidal housing having four wheels mounted underneath the housing, for a locomotion of the housing, the wheels are provided with treads to provide grip on agricultural field, plurality of storage chambers disposed in the housing to storage of seeds and water, a weight sensor embedded in the chamber detects a weight of the seeds and water to trigger the microcontroller to actuate a speaker located on the housing to generate an audio warning regarding refilling the chamber if the detected weight is below a threshold weight, and a pair of four bar linkages attached with one of the linkages is provided with a shovel connected by means of a slider crank mechanism, for digging soil and a seeding sowing unit provided within the other linkage for sowing seed in the dug soil.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a receptacle within the housing configured with a pH sensor, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) sensor to detect characteristics of soil sample placed in the receptacle by the linkage and the shovel, the seed sowing unit having a cuboidal box attached with the linkage, having a plurality of iris holes provided at a bottom portion of the seed sowing unit to drop seeds into dug hole, the box receives seeds from the chamber via a hose configured with a pump, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, in synchronization with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor embedded on the housing, to determine area of field and regions of field where seeds are to be sown, a GPR (ground penetrating radar) provided with the housing, to detect underground obstacles, to prevent digging and sowing of seeds, and plurality of water sprayers are mounted on the housing, connected with a water chamber to spray water on sown seeds.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a seed sowing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a seed sowing device that is capable of sowing seeds in an agricultural field in accordance to a user’s instructions by digging soil in a self-sufficient manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a seed sowing device is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 having four wheels 102 mounted underneath the housing 101, plurality of storage chambers 103 disposed in the housing 101, a speaker 104 located on the housing 101, a pair of four bar linkages 105 attached with one of the linkages 105 provided with a shovel 106 connected by means of a slider crank mechanism, a receptacle 107 within the housing 101 configured, a seed sowing unit 108 having a cuboidal box attached with the linkage, having a plurality of iris holes 109 provided at a bottom portion of the seed sowing unit 108, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 installed on the housing 101, and plurality of water sprayers 111 mounted on the housing 101, connected with the water chamber.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a housing 101 preferably in portable cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an agricultural field. The housing 101 is configured in a way such that comprise plurality of wheels 102 positioned underneath the housing 101 for translation of the housing 101 as per requirement. The wheels 102 are provided with treads to provide grip on agricultural field.

[0024] The housing 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the housing 101 for longevity of the device. The housing 101 is arranged with multiple chambers 103 for storing different seeds for sowing as per requirement. A water chamber is configured within the base portion of the housing 101 for storing water. The water chamber is integrated with multiple water sprayers 111 to spray water on the field as and when required.

[0025] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the housing 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0026] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0027] After the activation of the device, the user accesses a user interface which is installed in an application module linked with the microcontroller wirelessly by means of a communication module. The user interface enables the user to provide input regarding seed sowing in the agricultural field. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0028] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 integrated on the housing 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the housing 101. The imaging unit 110 works in synchronization with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor embedded on the housing 101, to determine area of field and regions of field where seeds are to be sown. The imaging unit 110 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 110 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0029] The LiDAR (Light detection and ranging) sensor emits a short laser pulse over the field and the laser further strikes to the field, creates a spot and reflects back which is captured by the LiDAR (Light detection and ranging) sensor. The signals are sent to the microcontroller for processing and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received laser pulse, the microcontroller determines area of the field. The microcontroller analyzes the combined signal from the imaging unit 110 and LIDAR sensor to determine the area of the agricultural field for sowing seeds.

[0030] The housing 101 is configured with a pair of four bar linkages 105. One of the linkages is integrated with a sowing unit 108 comprise of a cuboidal box connected with the chambers 103 via a hose. The box receives seeds from the chambers 103 via a pump configured with the hose. The bottom portion of the box is integrated with plurality of iris hole for dispensing of seeds in the field as per requirement.

[0031] The other four bar linkage is provided with a shovel 106 connected by means of a slider crank mechanism. The reciprocating movement to the shovel 106 is provided by the slider crank mechanism for digging soil for sowing seeds.

[0032] In accordance to the determined area, the microcontroller then powers an associated direct current (DC) motor connected with the wheels 102. The omnidirectional wheels 102 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are powered by the motor, enabling the wheels 102 to move in required direction, which provide the housing 101 with the required movement for maneuvering over the housing 101 in the agricultural field. The locomotion of the housing 101 positions the shovel 106 in proximity to the area for digging the soil and sowing of seeds.

[0033] The microcontroller then actuates the crank slider mechanism for digging the soil. The crank slider mechanism which is powered by a direct current (DC) motor that rotates a crankshaft. The shovel 106 links the crank to a slider, moving back and forth. The crank has different radii on opposite sides of its center, causing the slider to move quickly in one direction (quick return stroke) and slower in the opposite direction, thereby the crank slider mechanism provide linear movement to the shovel 106 corresponding to apply force over the soil for digging the soil.

[0034] The housing 101 is arranged with a receptacle 107 configured with a pH sensor, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) sensor. The shovel 106 positions small sample of soil over the housing 101 such that the incorporated pH and NPK sensor over the receptacle 107 detect characteristics of soil sample.

[0035] The pH sensor is installed with a pair of electrodes. When the electrode is immersed into the soil sample, the electrode senses the hydrogen ions due to the positive charge of the ions. Thus, detecting the pH of the soil sample. The sensor further converts the detected pH into electric current and transmit the signal to the microcontroller.

[0036] The NPK sensor is suitable for detecting the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil, and judges the fertility of the soil by detecting the electrical conductivity transformation caused by different nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations in the soil. Therefore, the received signals are sent to the microcontroller for further processing and the microcontroller compares the conductivity value with the pre-fed range in a linked database to determine nutrient level of the soil.

[0037] The microcontroller sends the data from the pH sensor and NPK sensor to the application module via the communication module. The user is enabled to access the application module to wirelessly access soil analysis results, quantity of seeds and water in the chambers 103, visuals of field captured by the imaging unit 110, and provide manual input regarding pattern in which crop is to be sown.

[0038] In accordance to the user’s input, the microcontroller actuates a pump associated with the respective chamber storing seeds to transfer user’s specified seed to the box for sowing. The suction pump works on the principle of creating a partial vacuum, which generates suction to draw seeds in to the box via the hose. This suction is created by a direct current (DC) motor that powers the pump, and the air movement inside the machine is vital to its functioning in order to withdraw seeds from the chambers 103.

[0039] The microcontroller then actuates the iris holes 109 to dispense the seeds into the dug soil for sowing the seeds. The iris holes 109, mentioned herein, consists of a ring in bottom configured with multiple slots along periphery, multiple number of blades and blade actuating ring on the top. The blades are pivotally jointed with blade actuating ring and the base plate are hooked over the blade. The blade actuating ring is rotated clock and antilock wise by a DC motor embedded in ball actuating ring which results in opening of the holes 109 to dispense seed for sowing.

[0040] Post dispensing of the seeds from the sowing unit 108, the microcontroller actuates the sprayers 111 to spray water on sown seeds. Each of the sprayers 111 are attached with a motor that activates a pump associated with the water chamber, according to the electrical system, which makes it possible to spray the required water onto the sown seed.

[0041] The housing 101 is equipped with a GPR (ground penetrating radar) to detect underground obstacles, in view of preventing digging and sowing of seeds. The GPR detects the mass distribution of underground obstacles by emitting radio waves and analyzing the reflected signals. When the radar waves hit the underground obstacles, they are scattered in various directions depending on the obstacle's shape, size, and material properties. The sensor captures these reflected waves and measures the time delay and intensity of the signals. The microcontroller processes this data from the sensor creates a detailed profile of the obstacle's surface and internal structure, revealing its mass distribution.

[0042] Accordingly, the microcontroller informs the user regarding the obstacles via the application module and re-actuates the wheels 102 to dig and sow seeds into the soil of the agricultural field at the next location.

[0043] The location of the seeds sown is recorded by a GPS (global positioning system) module incorporated with the housing 101. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module working in sync with a magnetometer provides enhanced positioning and orientation information of the housing 101. The GPS module receives signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing and position information of the housing 101.

[0044] The GPS module receives these signals and uses the time delay between transmission and reception to calculate the distance between the GPS module and each satellite. By triangulating the distances from multiple satellites, the GPS module determines its own position on the Earth's surface. This position is typically given in latitude and longitude coordinates. The magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in its vicinity. The magnetometer detects the Earth's magnetic field, which is approximately aligned with the Earth's geographic north-south axis. By utilizing the magnetometer's measurements, the GPS module determine the band heading or orientation relative to magnetic north. The magnetometer provides information about the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is compared with the band position information obtained from the GPS module.

[0045] The outputs of the GPS module and the magnetometer are combined and processed by the microcontroller in order to determine the location of the housing 101 sowing seed in the agricultural field. The information regarding the type of seed sown, time of seeds sown and location of seeds sown is then recorded by the microcontroller into a linked database by means of the communication module.

[0046] While transfer of the seeds to the sowing unit 108 for sowing, a weight sensor embedded in the chambers 103 detects a weight of the seeds. The weight sensor used herein is a kind of a transducer. The weight sensor depends on the conversion of a load into an electronic signal. The signal is a change in voltage or current otherwise a frequency on the basis of load and the signal is sent to the microcontroller for processing in order to monitor weight of the seeds in the chambers 103.

[0047] In case the microcontroller evaluates the weight of the seeds in the chamber recedes a preset threshold value, the microcontroller informs the user regarding emptying of the chambers 103 via a speaker 104 mounted over the housing 101. The speaker 104 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 104, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 104 for alerting the user regarding refilling the chambers 103 with the seeds.

[0048] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0049] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101 with four wheels 102 as disclosed in the invention is equipped with treads for efficient movement across agricultural fields. The housing 101 contains storage chambers 103 for seeds and water, monitored by the weight sensor to detect the amount of material in the chambers 103. When the weight falls below the certain threshold, the microcontroller triggers the speaker 104 to issue the refill warning. The pair of four-bar linkages 105 is connected to the shovel 106 and the seed sowing unit 108, enabling the device to dig soil and sow seeds simultaneously. The seed sowing unit 108, with iris holes 109 at its base, drops seeds from the storage chamber through the pump-driven hose. Additionally, the housing 101 is equipped with the pH and NPK sensor to analyze soil samples taken by the shovel 106. The imaging unit 110, in combination with the LIDAR sensor, maps the field and determines areas requiring sowing, triggering the microcontroller to guide the wheels 102 and linkages 105 to the correct location. The GPS module records the position and time of sowing, while the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) prevents the device from sowing in areas with underground obstacles. Water sprayers 111 ensure proper hydration of the sown seeds. The device also integrates wireless communication for remote monitoring and control, improving overall efficiency and precision in farming operations.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) A seed sowing device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having four wheels 102 mounted underneath said housing 101, for a locomotion of said housing 101, wherein said wheels 102 are provided with treads to provide grip on agricultural field;
ii) a plurality of storage chamber disposed in said housing 101 to storage of seeds and water;
iii) a weight sensor embedded in said chamber detects a weight of said seeds and water to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a speaker 104 located on said base to generate an audio warning regarding refilling said chamber if said detected weight is below a threshold weight;
iv) a pair of four bar linkages 105 attached with one of said linkages 105 is provided with a shovel 106 connected by means of a slider crank mechanism, for digging soil and a seeding sowing unit 108 provided within the other linkage for sowing seed in said dug soil;
v) a receptacle 107 within said housing 101 configured with a pH sensor, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) sensor to detect characteristics of soil sample placed in said receptacle 107 by said linkage and said shovel 106;
vi) said seed sowing unit 108 having a cuboidal box attached with said linkage, having a plurality of iris holes 109 provided at a bottom portion of said seed sowing unit 108 to drop seeds into dug hole, wherein said box receives seeds from said chamber via a hose configured with a pump; and
vii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110, installed on said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronization with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor embedded on said housing 101, to determine area of field and regions of field where seeds are to be sown to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said wheels 102 to translate said housing 101 to said region and said linkages 105 to dig and sow seeds in said region.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPR (ground penetrating radar) provided with said housing 101, to detect underground obstacles, to prevent digging and sowing of seeds.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an application module is provided with said device to enable a user to connect with a wireless communication module provided on said housing 101 to wirelessly access soil analysis results, quantity of seeds and water in said chambers 103, visuals of field captured by said imaging unit 110, and provide manual input regarding pattern in which crop is to be sown.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a database connected with said microcontroller stores data regarding seeds sown, time of seeds sown and location of seeds sown as recorded by a GPS (global positioning system) module incorporated with said housing 101.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of water sprayers 111 are mounted on said housing 101, connected with said water chamber to spray water on sown seeds.