Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pesticides spraying device for agricultural field that is designed for the efficient application of pesticides in crop fields, thereby enhance the precision of pesticide delivery while ensuring ease of use for operators in agricultural fields.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, people use to sprinkle pesticides or alike other liquid solution over their agricultural field for promoting a healthy plant growth. People use to sprinkle the pesticides over the agricultural field manually via using watering can or buckets or watering pot. However, these all distributes the pesticides over the field in an uneven manner, thereby they use a hose that is connected to a pesticides source and having a nozzle attachment for controlled and manual sprinkling. But hose and nozzle make the coverage area limited as well as distribution of pesticides might become ununiform. So, people use an equipment that sprinkles the pesticides over the agricultural field in an efficient manner with less manual efforts

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for sprinkling a pesticide over an agricultural field. They usually carry a pesticide in buckets and manually distributes the pesticides across the field, this method is much efficient for smaller plots or targeted areas. However, the method might lead to uneven distribution as well as requires manual labors for larger fields. People also use a watering can as it’s a handheld container with a spout and is used for manually sprinkling pesticides or any other liquid solution over the agricultural field efficiently. But the equipment is only suitable for smaller fields as well as the equipment is quite time consuming and labor-intensive for larger fields.

[0004] US5016817A discloses about an invention that includes a device and method for precisely spraying quantities of pesticides or other chemicals or fluids with little waste is disclosed. The invention includes dual tanks, one each for the concentrated fluid (typically pesticide) and diluting agent (typically water), and a means for automatically mixing their contents downstream of the tanks during the spraying operation. Variable pressure controls, fluid flow rate monitoring devices, and a finely-gauged injection means such as a hollow needle allow for precise mixing of the two fluids contained in the tanks, making the sprayer useful for applying biological control agents as well. Although US’817 relates to pesticide spraying device. But the cited invention lacks in applying specific pesticides based on real-time pest detection in agricultural environments.

[0005] EP0169806B1 discloses about an invention that includes an apparatus for spraying plant-protective agents comprises a spray head having a motor, a spray plate mounted on the driving shaft of the former and a first container which is fastened to a lance. The container is connected via a connecting pipe line with a nozzle in the vicinity of the centre of the spray plate. Diametrically opposite the mouth of the connecting pipe line in the container, a supply hose is connected with the first container which hose connects the latter container with a portable second container. Thereby, the relatively small first container can be refilled from the substantially larger second container. A large area can, therefore, be sprayed without having to handle the plant-protective agent. This reduces the danger of coming into contact with the plant-protecting agent. The apparatus is particularly suitable for the spraying of insecticides and fungicides. Though EP’806 relates to a portable spray device. But the cited invention lacks the capability to monitor pesticide levels and notify users when refilling is necessary. This deficiency hinders operational efficiency, as users might be unaware of low pesticide levels, potentially leading to interruptions in the spraying process and ineffective pest management.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of spraying pesticides on the field. However, these devices lack in applying specific pesticides based on real-time pest detection in agricultural environments. Additionally, these existing devices also lack the capability to monitor pesticide levels and notify users when refilling is necessary.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that enables users to select and apply specific pesticides based on real-time pest detection in agricultural environments. In addition, the developed device also monitors pesticide levels and notify users when refilling is necessary, thereby aiding the user in performing the operation with efficiency.

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 enabling users to select and apply specific pesticides based on real-time pest detection in agricultural environments.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to monitor pesticide levels and notify users when refilling is necessary, thereby aiding the user in performing the operation with efficiency.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[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 pesticides spraying device for agricultural field that allowing users to spray specific pesticides according to real-time pest identification in agricultural field in an efficient manner, thereby reduces manual intervention in the overall process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pesticides spraying device for agricultural field comprises of, a semi-circular body positioned on an agricultural field and housed with a set of chambers stored with different type of pesticides, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands for spraying an appropriate type of the pesticide between rows of plants/crops, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the body for detecting spaces between the rows, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels configured underneath the body to maneuver and position the body between the row, a pair of plates having first and second ends, installed with the body to form a triangular structure, such that the first ends are connected with each other through a hinge and the second ends are installed with the body via a pair of motorized sliders, and an ultrasonic sensor positioned on each of the plates monitors distance between the rows, and accordingly the sliders translate over a curved-shaped guiding rail installed on the body for tilting the plates towards/away from each other via the hinge in view of covering the plants/crops via the plates to protect the crops/plants from pesticides to be sprayed.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a machine vision sensor installed on the body for detecting type of pest on the agricultural field, an electronic sprayer configured with each of the chambers, for spraying the pesticide on the field to prevent any damage to the plants/crops, a level sensor is embedded within each of the chambers for detecting level of the pesticides, and as soon as the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chambers and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[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 a perspective view of a pesticides spraying device for agricultural field.

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 pesticides spraying device for agricultural field that is able to spray the pesticide over the agricultural field in a self-sufficient manner, thus saves time as well as manual efforts of the user. Additionally, the proposed device also monitors pesticide levels and notify users when refilling is required, thereby assisting users in performing the operation efficiently.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a pesticides spraying device for agricultural field is illustrated, respectively, comprising a semi-circular body 101 positioned on an agricultural field and housed with a set of chambers 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the body 101, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 configured underneath the body 101, a pair of plates 105 having first and second ends, installed with the body 101 to form a triangular structure, such that ends are installed with the body 101 via a pair of motorized sliders 106, an electronic sprayer 107 configured with each of the chambers 102.

[0023] A body 101 used herein positioned on an agricultural field and comprises of a handy and portable semi-circular structure arranged with various components associated with the device, wherein the body 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to plastic or metal that ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0024] The body 101 mentioned above is arranged with a set of chambers 102 that are stored with different type of pesticides. The chambers 102 are preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic, as these materials provides strength or durability and flexibility to the device.

[0025] In order to allow the user to provide command regarding spraying an appropriate type of the pesticide between rows of plants/crops, a wireless connection between the device and a computing unit of the user is established via a user interface which is integrated in the microcontroller and installed on the body 101.

[0026] The computing unit includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received from the user 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 of spraying of an appropriate type of the pesticide between rows of plants/crops.

[0027] The communication module employed herein acts as an intermediate between various electronic components, wherein the module is used to establish the communication between the user’s computing unit and the microcontroller. The customized Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module is designed for establishing a wireless connection between computing unit and the microcontroller. This module is able to receive serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as microcontroller and transmit the data as text SMS to the computing unit.

[0028] The microcontroller analyzes the command of the user and accordingly actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 which is mounted on the body 101. On receiving actuation command from the microcontroller, the imaging unit 103 captures and records multiple images of the field over which the pesticides are to be sprayed, by rotating in 360 degrees.

[0029] The imaging unit 103 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the field and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images.

[0030] This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to detect spaces between the rows of plants/crops.

[0031] As the spaces between the rows of plants/crops is detected, the microcontroller generates a command and directs multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 preferably 2 to 6 in numbers and are configured underneath the body 101. The motorized wheels 104 are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the body 101 to move easily over the field. For maneuvering the body 101 each of the wheels 104 need to rotate and which is governed by a hub motor fit in the hub of each of the wheels 104. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub of the wheels 104. The hub motor is comprising a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils.

[0032] When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels 104 for maneuvering the body 101 on the field in between the row of plants/crops.

[0033] A pair of plates 105, each featuring a first and second end, is integrated into the body 101 to create a triangular structure. The first ends of the plates 105 are interconnected via a hinge, while the second ends are affixed to the body 101 using a pair of motorized sliders 106. Prior actuating the hinge and pair of sliders 106, the microcontroller monitors distance between the rows of plants/crops via an ultrasonic sensor which is positioned on each of the plates 105.

[0034] The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface in between the rows of plants/crops. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface in between the rows of plants/crops which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the surface in between the rows of plants/crops. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface in between the rows of plants/crops and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the distance between the rows of plants/crops.

[0035] The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process the signal to actuate the sliders 106. The sliders 106 consist of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider 106 is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in rotation of shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the slider 106 results in translation of the plates 105 over a curved-shaped guiding rail which is installed on the body 101.

[0036] In synchronization, the hinge gets actuated by the microcontroller. The hinge mentioned above is preferably a motorized hinge that involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component. The hinge provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinge. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge tilts the plates 105 toward or away from each other to cover the plants or crops, thereby protecting them from the pesticides being sprayed.

[0037] The body 101 is installed with a machine vision sensor, wherein the machine vision sensor is synced with the imaging unit 103. This sensor processes the images captured by the imaging unit 103 of the field and to detect specific pest characteristics. By processing visual data in real-time, the microcontroller enables accurate identification of pest species.

[0038] As the type of pest is detected, the microcontroller determines one of the type of pesticides to be sprayed on the field for better plant growth. In order to spray the pesticide on the field, the microcontroller directs an electronic sprayer 107 which is configured with each of the chambers 102. The microcontroller analyzes the data received from the machine vision sensor and determines one of the chambers 102 stored with the determined type of pesticide which is to be sprayed over the field.

[0039] Accordingly, one of the sprayers 107 configured with the specified chamber 102 is actuated by the microcontroller. The electronic sprayers 107 work by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow of the pesticides in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a pesticides into kinetic energy. Upon actuation of nozzle by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming pesticides solution, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force, thus spraying the pesticide on the field to prevent any damage to the plants/crops.

[0040] Synchronously, the microcontroller re-directs the wheels 104 for maneuvering the body 101 through gap between the rows in view of evenly spraying the pesticide on entire field. After spraying the specified pesticide over the field, the microcontroller detects level of the pesticides via a level sensor which is embedded within each of the chambers 102.

[0041] The level sensor used herein is a preferably an ultrasonic level sensor. The ultrasonic level sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the pesticides. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, propagator, reflector and a receiver for measuring the level of pesticides in the specified chamber 102.

[0042] The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of pesticides which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the key. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of the pesticides and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the level of pesticides in the chambers 102. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller detects level of the pesticides.

[0043] The microcontroller analyzes the received data and upon analyzation in case detected level recedes a threshold level, then the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chambers 102 in order to aid the user to spray the pesticides over entire agricultural field in an efficient manner.

[0044] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0045] The present invention works in the best manner, where the semi-circular body 101 positioned on the agricultural field and housed with the set of chambers 102 stored with different type of pesticides, wherein the computing unit installed with the user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling the user to give input commands for spraying the appropriate type of the pesticide between rows of plants/crops. Thereafter the microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit that processes the input commands and activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with the processor mounted on the body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of the field, respectively of detecting spaces between the rows. In accordance to which the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 configured underneath the body 101 to maneuver and position the body 101 between the row. Afterwards the pair of plates 105 having first and second ends, installed with the body 101 to form the triangular structure, such that the first ends are connected with each other through the hinge and the second ends are installed with the body 101 via the pair of motorized sliders 106, prior actuation of the hinge and sliders 106 the ultrasonic sensor positioned on each of the plates 105 monitors distance between the rows, and accordingly actuates the sliders 106 to translate over the curved-shaped guiding rail installed on the body 101 for tilting the plates 105 towards/away from each other via the hinge in view of covering the plants/crops via the plates 105 to protect the crops/plants from pesticides to be sprayed.

[0046] In continuation, then the machine vision sensor installed on the body 101 that works in sync with the imaging unit 103 for detecting type of pest on the agricultural field, wherein based on the detected type of pest, the microcontroller determines one of the type of pesticides to be sprayed. Thereafter the electronic sprayer 107 configured with each of the chambers 102, wherein the microcontroller determines one of the chamber 102 stored with the determined type of pesticide, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates one of the sprayers 107 configured with the chamber 102 to open for spraying the pesticide on the field to prevent any damage to the plants/crops, in synchronization with actuation of the wheels 104 for maneuvering the body 101 through gap between the rows in view of evenly spraying the pesticide on entire field. Further the level sensor is embedded within each of the chambers 102 for detecting level of the pesticides, and as soon as the detected level recedes the threshold level, the microcontroller sends the alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chambers 102.

[0047] 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. , Claims:1) A pesticides spraying device for agricultural field, comprising:

i) a semi-circular body 101 positioned on an agricultural field and housed with a set of chambers 102 stored with different type of pesticides, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands for spraying an appropriate type of said pesticide between rows of plants/crops;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with a processor mounted on said body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of said field, respectively of detecting spaces between said rows, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 configured underneath said body 101 to maneuver and position said body 101 between said row;
iii) a pair of plates 105 having first and second ends, installed with said body 101 to form a triangular structure, such that said first ends are connected with each other through a hinge and said second ends are installed with said body 101 via a pair of motorized sliders 106, wherein said microcontroller via an ultrasonic sensor positioned on each of said plates 105 monitors distance between said rows, and accordingly actuates said sliders 106 to translate over a curved-shaped guiding rail installed on said body 101 for tilting said plates 105 towards/away from each other via said hinge in view of covering said plants/crops via said plates 105 to protect said crops/plants from pesticides to be sprayed;
iv) a machine vision sensor installed on said body 101 that works in sync with said imaging unit 103 for detecting type of pest on said agricultural field, wherein based on said detected type of pest, said microcontroller determines one of said type of pesticides to be sprayed; and
v) an electronic sprayer 107 configured with each of said chambers 102, wherein said microcontroller determines one of said chamber 102 stored with said determined type of pesticide, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates one of said sprayers 107 configured with said chamber 102 to open for spraying said pesticide on said field to prevent any damage to said plants/crops, in synchronization with actuation of said wheels 104 for maneuvering said body 101 through gap between said rows in view of evenly spraying said pesticide on entire field.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within each of said chambers 102 for detecting level of said pesticides, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chambers 102.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said 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) module.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.