Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistive farming device that is capable of providing a means to assist a user in farming over a farm by monitoring grown plant and allow user for planting new crop in accordance with information provide to the user regarding crop related information and historical information for a reference of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Farming plays a vital role in arming plays a vital role in sustaining human life and the global economy. Farming is the primary source of food production, providing essential crops and livestock that feed billions of people around the world. In addition to food security, farming supports industries such as textiles, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals, while also providing raw materials for construction and manufacturing. Beyond its economic and nutritional value, agriculture plays a key role in rural development, creating jobs and improving livelihoods in many regions. Moreover, sustainable farming practices contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil health, and the overall balance of ecosystems, making it indispensable for both current and future generations.

[0003] Traditionally, the user uses tools for farming includes hoes, rakes, shovels, and ploughs to prepare the soil for planting crops. These tools help to break up the soil, remove weeds, and create furrows for seeds to be planted in. Modern technology has also introduced mechanized tools such as tractors and seed drills, which significantly increase efficiency and productivity in farming. These tools are designed to save time and labor, allowing farmers to cover larger areas of land in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, modern tools like irrigation systems and GPS technology have revolutionized the way farmers manage their crops and resources. These advancements help farmers optimize water usage and navigate fields with precision, ultimately leading to higher yields and profits.
[0004] US8359988B2 discloses a agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, the tillage device including at least one coulter wheel mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation and positioned at least in part below the soil, when tilling the strip of soil, such that the coulter wheel is able to cut a slit in the soil, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation located rearwardly of the trailing end of the tillage device. The depth control device is positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines made of a polymeric material are mounted on the depth control device, extending laterally away from only one side of the depth control device toward the center line to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device.

[0005] US20170228832A1 discloses an automatic farming system includes equipment operating on a cropland. The equipment includes a yield monitor for dynamically measuring crop yields, and a communications subsystem for wirelessly reporting data corresponding to the crop yields. The communication subsystem can interactively control operation of the equipment, for example, providing guidance via a global navigation satellite system (e.g., the Global Positioning System (GPS)). A computer interfaces with the equipment and is programmed with a dynamic rent computing function, which utilizes the inputs and cropland outputs comprising crop yields for computing an appropriate rent for the cropland based on variable factors including crop yields, commodity prices, operating costs and by applying an operating margin allocation between the landowner and the farmer.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to assist user in faming by utilizing various sensors and technologies to improve accuracy and efficiency often lacks in enhancing features such as automatic leveling, distance measurement, and real-time feedback to enhance the user experience and results in framing tasks. Moreover, such devices lacks in providing crop related information and historical information for a reference of the user in farming.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in farming by for monitoring planted crop or for planting new crop and providing crop related information and historical information for a reference of the user in farming.

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 assisting a user in farming over a farm by monitoring grown plant and allow user for planting new crop in accordance with information provide to the user regarding crop related information and historical information.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting moisture content of the soil, pH of the soil, and nutritional content of sample soil collected from the farm in order to supply dry and wet nutrients and supplements for supplementing soil of the farm.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting weather conditions in surrounding of the farm in order to give information to the user regarding weather condition to take action accordingly during farming operation.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a learning method and suggests the user regarding optimal amount of crops to plant during specific seasons, thereby maximizing potential profits in farming.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an assistive farming device that is capable of assisting a user in farming by allowing planting new crop as per information provided to the user regarding crop related data to enable the user to make farming decisions based on historical data for proper crop production.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an assistive farming device, comprises of a cuboidal housing having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends, attached underneath the housing for a locomotion of the housing, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit synced with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor installed on the housing to determine layout of a farm, an L-shaped telescopic link equipped with a semi-circular plate attached with the housing by means of a primary ball and socket joint for collecting soil sample from for analysis by a sensing module disposed within a chamber mounted with a lateral surface of the housing, multiple compartments mounted with the housing for storing dry and wet nutrients and supplements, a square frame having multiple nozzles attached with the compartments via conduits, and frame is incorporated with the housing by means of a telescopic bar having secondary ball and socket joint at the ends for supplementing soil of the farm, database linked with the microcontroller stores crop related data to enable a user to make farming decisions based on historical data, a touch enabled display panel mounted on the housing to display crop related information and historical information for a reference of the user, a weather module installed in the housing detects weather conditions and stores in the database, a computing unit to actuate a GPS (global positioning system) unit, incorporated on the housing to receive a location of the housing and a wireless communication module enables a user to remotely operate the device, and a battery associated with the device to supply power to all components associated with the device to power all the components.

[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 an assistive farming 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 an assistive farming device that is capable of assisting a user in farming over a farm by giving crop related information and historical information for a reference of the user and maintain proper dry and wet nutrients and supplements in the soil of the farm for better results in crop production.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an assistive farming device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the housing 101, an L-shaped telescopic link 105 attached with the housing 101 by means of a primary ball and socket joint 106 having a semi-circular plate 107 at an end, a chamber 108 mounted with a lateral surface of the housing 101, multiple compartments 109 mounted with the housing 101, a square frame 110 having multiple nozzles 111 attached with the compartments 109 via conduits 113, the frame 110 incorporated with the housing 101 by means of a telescopic bar 115 having secondary ball and socket joint 112 at the ends, and a touch enabled display panel 114 mounted on the housing 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of housing 101 made up of any material that includes but not limited to metallic material, alloy, alike and utilize to place over a farm. The housing 101 is encased with various components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in assisting a user in farming. Upon placing the housing 101 over the farm, the user activates the device manually by pressing a switch button associated with the device and integrated with the housing 101. The button mentioned herein is a type of a switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa.

[0024] After activation of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates a commands to operate the device accordingly. After activating of the device, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 synced with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor installed on the housing 101 to determine layout of a farm. The imaging unit 104 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of surrounding of the housing 101. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding.

[0025] After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal. Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 104 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the field.

[0026] Simultaneously, the LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor detects layout of the farm. The LiDAR sensor operates by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for these pulses to reflect off objects and return to the sensor. The sensor sends out rapid, high-frequency laser beams, which travel through the air and bounce back after hitting the farm within its range. By calculating the time delay between the emission of the laser pulse and the return of the reflected signal, the sensor determines the distance to each point it encounters and then calibrate to determine layout of the farm.

[0027] Based on detecting the layout of the farm, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit integrated with each of four perpendicularly telescopic rods 102 installed with the housing 101 for extending and retracting to adjust height of the housing 101. The pneumatic unit comprises of comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the rods 102. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve. The air valve allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0028] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exits out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in extension and retraction of the piston that turns in aiding extension and retraction of the rods 102 for adjusting height of the housing 101. After that, the microcontroller actuates a motorized omnidirectional wheel 103 integrated with each of rods 102 for moving the housing 101 through the farm for monitoring planted crop or for planting new crop. Each wheel 103 is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the wheel 103 with specified speed to move the housing 101 through the farm for monitoring planted crop or for planting new crop through the integration of imaging unit 104 and LIDAR sensor.

[0029] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates another pneumatic unit integrated with an L-shaped telescopic link 105 equipped with a semi-circular plate 107 attached with the housing 101 for collecting soil sample from for analysis. The ball and socket joint 106 herein assists the link 105 to move for collecting sample from the farm via the semi-circular plate 107 via a motor and a motor controller. The ball and socket joint 106 is a mechanical arrangement consists of a ball-shaped component that fits into a socket, with the motor and controller actuated by the microcontroller providing the necessary power to drive the rotation to provide angular movement to the link 105 for collecting the sample in the plate 107 for analysis. Herein, the analysis is done by a sensing module disposed within a chamber 108 mounted with a lateral surface of the housing 101.

[0030] The sensing module, mentioned herein includes a moisture sensor for detecting moisture content of the soil, a pH sensor for detecting pH of the soil, and NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) sensor for detecting nutritional content of the soil. The moisture sensor works by measuring the water content in the sample preferably a resistive sensor that includes two electrodes are inserted into the sample, and the sensor measures the electrical resistance between the electrodes. As the soil moisture level increases, the water content improves the soil's conductivity, lowering the resistance and vice versa. The pH sensor works by measuring the acidity or alkalinity of the sample using a pH electrode.

[0031] The pH sensor mentioned herein typically consists of a glass electrode, which is sensitive to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution. When the electrode is placed in the soil or soil solution, it generates a voltage that is proportional to the difference in concentration of hydrogen ions between the glass electrode and a reference electrode inside the sensor. After that the voltage is then measured and converted into a pH value. The pH sensor's output is sent to the microcontroller which interprets the data to detect the pH of the soil. Further, the NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) sensor detects nutritional content of the soil sample.

[0032] The NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) sensor mentioned herein works by by detecting the concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. The sensor typically uses electrochemical methods to measure these nutrients. The method detects nitrate or ammonium ions for nitrogen, phosphate ions for phosphorus, and potassium ions for potassium. The sensor provides real-time data on the nutrient levels in the soil. Based on the analysis, the microcontroller actuates multiple nozzles 111 attached with a square frame assembled with the housing 101 via a telescopic bar 115 having secondary ball and socket joint 112 at the ends and connected with multiple compartments 109 mounted with the housing 101 via multiple conduits 113 for dispensing dry and wet nutrients and supplements to supplement the soil of the farm.

[0033] The nozzle 111 mentioned herein includes solenoids, piezoelectric actuators, or motor-driven mechanisms that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion. The nozzle 111 is controlled by a control unit that sends electrical signals to the actuation mechanism. The control unit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) or analog voltage control. The primary function of the nozzle 111 is to control the opening and closing of the nozzle’s orifice or aperture. Upon receiving the appropriate electrical signal by the actuation mechanism, it initiates the motion that opens or closes the nozzle 111. This action controls the flow of the nutrients and supplements through the nozzle 111. The nozzle 111 allows precise control over the flow rate and direction of the nutrients and supplements. By modulating the actuation mechanism according to the desired parameters, the nozzle 111 is capable to regulate the flow and provide accurate dispensing of the nutrients and supplements for supplementing soil of the farm.

[0034] While supplementing nutrients in the farm, the microcontroller accesses database linked with the microcontroller stores crop related data to enable the user to make farming decisions based on historical data. The historical data and crop related information for reference to the user is displayed by the microcontroller in a touch enabled display panel 114 assembled on the housing 101. The display panel 114 mentioned herein works by using LCD (liquid crystals) that are manipulated by electric currents to control the passage of light through the display unit. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystals align in a way that either allows light to pass through or blocks it, creating the images and colors that is being visible in the LCD of the display panel 114 regarding information and historical information for the user reference to make farming decisions based on historical data.

[0035] Additionally, a computing unit accesses by the user for tracking location of the housing 101. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the input given by the user.

[0036] Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller actuates a GPS (global positioning system) unit incorporated on the housing 101 to receive a location of the housing 101. The GPS unit sends the signals of the detected location of the platform to the satellite and after then a controller process that signal to analyze the location coordinates of the housing 101. Further, that data of coordinates are sent back to the GPS unit where the microcontroller analyze that coordinates data and based on the fetched location coordinates, the microcontroller sends alert to display the real time location of the housing 101 in the computing unit.

[0037] Moreover, a weather module installed in the housing 101 detects weather conditions. The weather module operates by using a combination of sensors to detect various atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, and precipitation. The weather module typically includes a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor or thermocouple) to measure ambient air temperature, a humidity sensor (such as a capacitive or resistive sensor) to detect the moisture level in the air, and a barometric pressure sensor to measure changes in air pressure. The module also includes an anemometer to measure wind speed and a rain gauge to detect rainfall. The data from these sensors is collected and processed by the weather module’s internal electronics, which then relay the information to the microcontroller for storing in the database for future reference in farming. Based on that the microcontroller accesses critical data, including temperature, humidity, sunlight intensity, wind speed, and rainfall. It utilizes both current and historical data to provide a well-rounded understanding of the environment for farming.

[0038] Additionally, the microcontroller is configured with an inbuilt learning protocols takes input of various parameters including historical data, real time weather conditions, real time crop conditions, crop market value to provide appropriate suggestions to the user regarding the improvements needed in soil quality along with suitable crops that requires to be grown at a period of time. The inbuilt learning protocol works by continuously analyzing and processing the variety of input data by using machine learning protocols to identify patterns and correlations within the collected data, enabling the learning protocols to predict optimal planting times, recommend soil improvements, and suggest the most suitable crops for a given period. Herein, a temperature sensor integrated within the housing 101 detects nearby temperatures, which helps guide users on optimal crop growth conditions.

[0039] Based on the growth condition, the microcontroller determines the best timing for harvest to avoid potential damage to crops, prevailing weather patterns, and soil conditions to predict crop health and optimal harvest timing thereby prevent crop damage and ensures timely interventions as per requirement. Further, the microcontroller also provides historical data regarding crop prices and market demand, taking into account seasonal trends y analyzing market demand conditions. Herein, the device provides actionable guidance tailored to the specific needs of the users. Machine learning protocols process both historical and current market data to identify pricing trends and fluctuations in demand, assisting the users in making economically viable planting decisions.

[0040] Moreover, the imaging unit 104 detect crops in the field based on that the microcontroller retrieves market prices specific to each region, guiding the users on the most profitable locations for selling the harvested crops. Herein, the device tracks selling expenses across different regions, providing users with insights into the most suitable markets for maximizing profits by detecting crop shortages in specific areas, helping the users to identify optimal selling locations based on demand. Based on the real-time market trends, pricing fluctuations, and demand forecasts for various crops, the device guide in decision-making based on economic viability, ensuring that the users adapt quickly to market changes. Also, the device analyzes growth patterns and environmental data to predict the best harvest times, ensuring maximum yield and quality for the crops. Based on extracting historical data related to price increases due to crop shortages, the device also suggests the users regarding optimal amount of crops to plant during specific seasons, thereby maximizing potential profits in farming.

[0041] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the cuboidal housing 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends for a locomotion of the housing 101. Herein, the an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 in synchronisation with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor provided on the housing 101, to determine layout of a farm to trigger a microcontroller to accordingly actuate the rods 102 and the wheels 103 to navigate the housing 101 through the farm for monitoring planted crop or for planting new crop, Herein the L-shaped telescopic link 105 by means of a primary ball and socket joint 106, having a semi-circular plate 107 at an end collect soil sample from for analysis by the sensing module. After that the nozzles 111 attached with the compartments 109 via conduits 113 for supplementing soil of the farm. The database linked with the microcontroller stores crop related data to enable a user to make farming decisions based on historical data.

[0042] 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) An assistive farming device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, attached underneath said housing 101, for locomotion of said housing 101;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, installed on said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronisation with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor provided on said housing 101, to determine layout of a farm to trigger a microcontroller to accordingly actuate said rods 102 and said wheels 103 to navigate said housing 101 through said farm for monitoring planted crop or for planting new crop;
iii) an L-shaped telescopic link 105 attached with said housing 101 by means of a primary ball and socket joint 106, having a semi-circular plate 107 at an end for collecting soil sample from for analysis by a sensing module disposed within a chamber 108 mounted with a lateral surface of said housing 101;
iv) a plurality of compartments 109 mounted with said housing 101, storing dry and wet nutrients and supplements for supplementing soil of said farm via a square frame having a plurality of nozzles 111 attached with said compartments 109 via conduits 113, wherein said frame is incorporated with said housing 101 by means of a telescopic bar 115 having secondary ball and socket joint 112 at the ends; and
v) a database linked with said microcontroller stores crop related data to enable a user to make farming decisions based on historical data.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said housing 101 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate a GPS (global positioning system) unit, incorporated on said housing 101 to receive a location of said housing 101 and said wireless communication module enables a user to remotely operate said device.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module comprises moisture sensor for detecting moisture content of said soil, pH sensor for detecting pH of said soil, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) sensor for detecting nutritional content of said soil.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weather module installed in said housing 101 detects weather conditions and stores in said database for reference to said user in farming.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch enabled display panel 114 mounted on said housing 101 to display crop related information and historical information for a reference of said user.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is configured with an inbuilt learning protocol that takes input of various parameters including historical data, real time weather conditions, real time crop conditions, crop market value and provides appropriate suggestions to the user regarding the improvements needed in soil quality along with suitable crops that requires to be grown at a period of time.