Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop cultivation assistive device that is capable of assisting a user to cut crops in an agricultural fields based on projecting visual indicator over the crops to assist the user in navigating the field in an optimal path, ensuring complete crop coverage during the cutting process in a precise and effective manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Crop cultivation, particularly the process of cutting and harvesting crops, has traditionally been a labor-intensive task. Farmers and agricultural workers often rely on manual tools or basic machinery to harvest crops, which can be time-consuming and physically exhausting. Moreover, in large agricultural fields, ensuring precise and efficient cutting of crops becomes difficult, especially when crops vary in height or when the field terrain is uneven.

[0003] Traditional methods also pose challenges in terms of reducing wastage, as manually harvested crops may not be collected effectively. These limitations can lead to decreased productivity, increased labor costs, and post-harvest losses. In light of these challenges, there is a need for a device that automate the process of crop cutting and collection while being adaptable to different crop heights and field conditions.

[0004] CN219719108U discloses about a crop harvesting tools, and discloses a handheld crop harvesting tool which solves the problems that the length of the handheld crop harvesting tool in the current market cannot be adjusted, the harvesting efficiency is low, the placement safety is poor, and the resource waste is serious during the whole replacement; the utility model can realize length adjustment, meet different use demands, has good operation comfort and high harvesting efficiency, can store the sharpening edge, further improves the placement safety, can perform local replacement and improves the resource utilization rate. Although, CN’108 provides a handheld crop harvesting tool for cutting crops, however the device fails to assist the user in cutting the crops based on providing visual indicator for the user to cut the crops, due to which the cutting of crops becomes time-consuming process.

[0005] JP2016192943A discloses about a crop harvest tool which can harvest a crop without the need for a hand of a worker to directly contact the crop and can hold and carry the crop to a container reliably when the crop is harvested with hand work.SOLUTION: The crop harvest tool includes: a cutting part for cutting an object; a first holding part holding the object; a second holding part arranged between the cutting part and the first holding part, separated from the first holding part, and holding the object; and a grip part for opening/closing the first and second holding parts. With the crop harvest tool, while the object is held by both the first holding part and the second holding part, the object is cut with the cutting part. Although, JP’943 discloses about the crop harvest tool which harvest the crop without the need for the hand of the worker directly, however the device fails to assist the user in cutting the crops based on providing visual indicator for the user to cut the crops, due to which the cutting of crops becomes time-consuming process and inconvenience for the user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for assisting in crop harvesting, however, these conventional devices lacks in adjusting to various crop heights, and effective guidance for optimal navigation across the field. Additionally, most existing devices require significant manual effort, especially when collecting and storing harvested crops. They are generally ill-suited for large-scale agricultural operations, as they do not provide a comprehensive solution that integrates cutting, crop collection, and field navigation in a seamless and efficient manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that minimizes manual labor while optimizing the crop harvesting process. The device is capable of adjusting its cutting means based on crop height, guiding the user through an efficient path across the field, and incorporating means for automatic crop collection.

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 assists a user to cut crops in an agricultural fields based on projecting visual indicator over the crops to assist the user in navigating the field in an optimal path, ensuring complete crop coverage during the cutting process in a precise and effective manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitor the weight of collected crops and providing alerts to the user when the weight exceeds a certain limit, ensuring timely collection and preventing overloading.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy-to-operate.

[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 crop cultivation assistive device that is developed to be secured around a user’s waist portion and further projects visual indicator for the user to assist the user in cutting the crops in agricultural fields effectively.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention a crop cultivation assistive device comprises of an elongated telescopically operated frame having a first end attached with a handle gripped by a user and a second end configured with a C-shaped member arranged with plurality of extendable blades for cutting crops in an agricultural field, a strap arranged with the frame accommodated around waist portion of the user for providing support to the frame, plurality of laser sensors arranged with the strap for detecting dimensions of the user’s waist portion, a motorized roller configured with the strap to rotate for wrapping the strap for securing the strap around the user’s waist portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the frame for detecting height of crops in the field, a projection unit mounted on the frame for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in moving in the field in an optimum path for allowing cutting of the crops from entire field, a motorized hinge configured between the second end and member for providing to-and-fro motion to the member in view of cutting the crops via the blade, such that the crops fall in contact with a U-shaped body installed with the frame in proximity to the member, a pair of flaps configured with the frame via a pair of pivot joints for providing to-and-fro motion to the flaps such that the cut crops are continuously collected in the frame, a weight sensor arranged with the frame for detecting weight of the crops, a speaker mounted on the frame for notifying the user to collect the crops from the frame, a pressure sensor arranged with the strap for detecting pressure applied by the strap on the user’s waist portion and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 crop cultivation assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a crop cultivation assistive device that is capable of assisting a user to cut crops in an agricultural fields based on projecting visual indicator over the crops to assist the user in navigating the field in an optimal path, ensuring complete crop coverage during the cutting process in a precise and effective manner.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a crop cultivation assistive device is illustrated, comprising an elongated telescopically operated frame 101 having a first end attached with a handle 102 gripped by a user and a second end configured with a C-shaped member 103 arranged with plurality of extendable blades 104 for cutting crops in an agricultural field, a strap arranged with the frame 101, a motorized roller 105 configured with the strap, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 mounted on the frame 101, a projection unit 107 mounted on the frame 101, a U-shaped body 108 installed with the frame 101, a pair of flaps 109 configured with the frame 101 and a speaker 110 mounted on the frame 101.

[0022] The proposed device herein comprises of an elongated telescopically operated frame 101 having a first end attached with a handle 102 gripped by a user and a second end configured with a C-shaped member 103 arranged with plurality of extendable blades 104 for cutting crops in an agricultural field, wherein a strap is arranged with the frame 101 that is accommodated around waist portion of the user for providing support to the frame 101.

[0023] A user interface is installed within a computing unit accessed by the user that includes but is not limited to a smartphone and laptop for enabling the user to input commands regarding activation of the device. The computing unit is linked with a microcontroller embedded with the device via an integrated communication module that includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit. The computing unit used herein is capable of computing operations according to the user’s desire with the help of the user interface.

[0024] The microcontroller processes the input commands and activates plurality of laser sensors arranged with the strap for detecting dimensions of the user’s waist portion. The laser sensor comprises two main components: a laser diode that emits the laser beam, a photodiode that detects the reflected light. When the sensor is activated as commanded by the microcontroller, the laser diode emits a short pulse of laser light towards the user’s waist. The light reflects off the surface and returns to the sensor. The photodiode then detects this reflected light. By precisely measuring the time it takes for the laser pulse to travel to the target and back, the sensor calculates the distance. The pattern of the received pulse gets converted into an analog value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is send to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the received signal from the sensor, thus detecting the user’s waist dimensions.

[0025] Based on the user’s waist dimensions, the microcontroller activates a motorized roller 105 configured with the strap to rotate for wrapping the strap in view of securing the strap around the user’s waist portion. The roller 105 is linked with a DC (direct current) motor to provide the required power to the roller 105 to rotate in a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction in order to wrap or unwrap the strap. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus providing the required power to the roller 105 to rotate on its own axis thereby unwrapping the strap for allowing the user to secure the strap around the user’s waist portion.

[0026] A pressure sensor is arranged with the strap for detecting pressure applied by the strap on the user’s waist portion. The pressure sensor includes a transducer, such that when the user secures the strap, then force is exerted by the strap on the user’s waist. The exerted force causes deflection within a diaphragm inside the transducer. The deflection is monitored by the transducer and is further converted into an electric signal that is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received pressure and detects the pressure applied by the strap on the user’s waist portion. In case the detected pressure applied exceeds a threshold value, then the microcontroller actuates the roller 105 to rotate for slightly unwrapping the strap to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[0027] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is mounted on the frame 101 for detecting height of crops in the field. The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and detecting height of crops in the field.

[0028] Based on the detected height, the microcontroller determines a height at which the crops are to be cut, and accordingly, the microcontroller actuates the frame 101 to extend/retract for aligning the member 103 at the determined height. The telescopically operated frame 101 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the frame 101. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller. Such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the frame 101 and due to applied pressure the frame 101 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the frame 101 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the frame 101 in order to align the member 103 at the determined height.

[0029] The microcontroller via the imaging unit 106 monitors dimensions of the field, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a projection unit 107 is mounted on the frame 101 for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in moving on the field. The projection unit 107 consists of a laser source, collimator, collimating lens and a wedge-shaped lens. The laser source generates a laser light beam which passes through a collimator that focus the laser light beam to a focal point. The laser light beam is received by the collimating lens that further collimate the laser light beam beyond the focal point. The laser light is then focused to a wedge-shaped lens having an aperture interposed between the focusing lens and collimating lens. The aperture has a size for passing the laser light beam through mirrors of the projection unit 107 and projects a high-quality laser beam projections to guide the user to move on the field in an optimum path for allowing cutting of the crops from entire field.

[0030] A motorized hinge configured between the second end and member 103, wherein the microcontroller actuates the blades 104 to extend via a drawer arrangement. The drawer arrangement includes multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding mechanism, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding mechanism starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider mechanism in the drawer arrangement to ensures a smooth and efficient extension and retraction of the blades 104.

[0031] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the hinge for providing to-and-fro motion to the member 103 for cutting the crops via the blade 104. The motorized hinge comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the member 103. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member 103 integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge for providing to-and-fro motion to the member 103 for cutting the crops via the blade 104 such that the crops fall in contact with a U-shaped body 108 installed with the frame 101 in proximity to the member 103.

[0032] A pair of flaps 109 are configured with the frame 101 via a pair of pivot joints, wherein the microcontroller via the imaging unit 106 monitors cutting of the crops, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the pivot joints for providing to-and-fro motion to the flaps 109 such that the cut crops are continuously collected in the frame 101. The pivot joint is a mechanical component that allows rotary movement around a single axis, wherein the pivot joint is powered by a (Direct Current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the pivot joint for providing rotational movement around the single axis to the flaps 109 such that the cut crops are continuously collected in the frame 101.

[0033] A weight sensor is arranged with the frame 101 for detecting weight of the crops collected in the frame 101. The weight sensor consists of a load cell typically comprises a metallic body to which strain gauges are affixed. Strain gauges are conductive elements that undergo deformation when subjected to force or weight. As the crops are placed on the load cell, the strain gauges experience either stretching or compression, altering their electrical resistance. This change in resistance is then measured and converted into an electrical signal proportional to the applied weight. The sensor then send signal to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller detects the weight of the crops. In case the detected weight exceeds a threshold quantity, then microcontroller actuates a speaker 110 mounted on the frame 101 for notifying the user to collect the crops from the frame 101.

[0034] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the user grips the handle 102 attached to one end of the elongated telescopic frame 101 while securing the strap around their waist for support. The frame 101 is activated via the user interface within the computing unit, allows the user to provide input commands, which are processed by the microcontroller. The microcontroller, in turn, actuates the laser sensors positioned on the strap to detect the user’s waist dimensions and triggers the motorized roller 105 to automatically wrap the strap securely around the waist, ensuring comfort. The imaging unit 106 continuously captures images of the crops and the surrounding field to determine the height of the crops. Based on this information, the microcontroller calculates the appropriate cutting height and adjusts the telescopic frame 101 by extending or retracting it as necessary. Simultaneously, the projection unit 107 mounted on the frame 101 projects the laser beam that guides the user along the optimal path through the field, ensuring efficient and complete crop coverage. The C-shaped member 103 at the second end of the frame 101 is equipped with extendable blades 104 that is actuated via the motorized hinge to provide a to-and-fro motion for cutting the crops. As the crops are cut, they come into contact with the U-shaped body 108 positioned nearby while flaps 109 controlled by pivot joints to move in synchronization to collect the crops within the frame 101. The weight sensor monitors the weight of the collected crops and alerts the user via the speaker 110 when the threshold is reached, while the pressure sensor on the strap prevents discomfort by adjusting the tightness if excessive pressure is detected.

[0036] 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 crop cultivation assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated telescopically operated frame 101 having a first end attached with a handle 102 gripped by a user and a second end configured with a C-shaped member 103 arranged with plurality of extendable blades 104 for cutting crops in an agricultural field, wherein a strap is arranged with said frame 101 that is accommodated around waist portion of said user for providing support to said frame 101;
ii) a user-interface installed within a computing unit wirelessly associated with said device for enabling said user to give input commands for activating said device, wherein a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit processes said input commands and activates plurality of laser sensors arranged with said strap for detecting dimensions of said user’s waist portion;
iii) a motorized roller 105 configured with said strap, wherein based on said detected dimensions of said waist portion, said microcontroller actuates said roller 105 to rotate for wrapping said strap in view of securing said strap around said user’s waist portion;
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 paired with a processor mounted on said frame 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, for detecting height of crops in said field, wherein based on said detected height, said microcontroller determines a height at which said crops are to be cut, and accordingly, said microcontroller actuates said frame 101 to extend/retract for aligning said member 103 at said determined height;
v) a projection unit 107 mounted on said frame 101, wherein said microcontroller via said imaging unit 106 monitors dimensions of said field, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said projection unit 107 for projecting a laser beam to guide said user in moving in said field in an optimum path for allowing cutting of said crops from entire field;
vi) a motorized hinge configured between said second end and member 103, wherein said microcontroller actuates said blades 104 to extend via a drawer arrangement, followed by actuation of said hinge for providing to-and-fro motion to said member 103 in view of cutting said crops via said blade 104, such that said crops fall in contact with a U-shaped body 108 installed with said frame 101 in proximity to said member 103; and
vii) a pair of flaps 109 configured with said frame 101 via a pair of pivot joints, wherein said microcontroller via said imaging unit 106 monitors cutting of said crops, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said pivot joints for providing to-and-fro motion to said flaps 109 such that said cut crops are continuously collected in said frame 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is arranged with said frame 101 for detecting weight of said crops collected in said frame 101, and as soon as said detected weight exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller activates a speaker 110 mounted on said frame 101 for notifying said user to collect said crops from said frame 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is arranged with said strap for detecting pressure applied by said strap on said user’s waist portion, and in case said detected pressure exceeds a threshold limit, said microcontroller actuates said roller 105 to rotate for slightly unwrapping said strap to reduce said pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to said user.

4) 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.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongated telescopically operated frame 101 is powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said frame 101.

6) 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.