Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an unmanned crop harvesting device that is capable of assisting the user in harvesting crops along with detecting the living entities in the field to prevent potential disruptions or damage to the device to ensure smooth operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Crops are plants cultivated for food, fiber, and other resources essential to human life and economic activities. Harvesting crops is crucial as it ensures that the produce is collected at its peak quality for consumption, sale, and processing. Timely harvesting maximizes yield and prevents losses due to over-ripening or decay. The advantages include securing a reliable food supply, optimizing crop quality, and reducing waste. Efficient harvesting also contributes to improved economic returns for farmers by ensuring crops are market-ready and reduces labor costs through mechanization. Overall, effective harvesting is vital for food security and agricultural productivity. Traditional tools for crop harvesting include sickles, scythes, and harvesting knives. Sickles have curved blades for cutting grains and small plants, scythes are used for mowing larger fields, and harvesting knives are employed for precision cutting. These tools are manually operated and suited for small to medium-sized fields.

[0003] Traditional tools are helpful, but they have their own limitations. Traditional crop harvesting tools, such as sickles, scythes, and manual reapers, face several limitations. They require significant physical labor, leading to lower efficiency and higher fatigue for workers. Precision in cutting and collecting crops be inconsistent, resulting in potential crop loss or damage. These tools are often not suited for large-scale or mechanized harvesting, limiting their use in modern agriculture. Additionally, traditional tools lack advanced features like automated height adjustment or real-time monitoring, reducing their effectiveness in adapting to varying crop conditions and optimizing harvests. These limitations highlight the need for more advanced and automated harvesting solutions.

[0004] US20050274100A1 discloses about a reel for a crop harvesting device includes tine carriers extending across the width of the reel carrying tines for conveying crop, and links for supporting the tine carriers. The links are mounted by link carriers to the tine carriers. The tine carriers are composed of short tube elements, each extending between the links and connected to each other by mounting elements. The mounting elements make up cylindrical support surfaces for the link carrier and secure the link carrier against axial movement along the tine carrier. The links are the only connection between adjacent tine carriers. US’100 relates to a reel for a crop harvesting device that provides assistance to the user in harvesting crops, however the device lacks in incorporating safety features that detect and deter living entities in the field to prevent the potential disruptions or damage to the device and ensuring smooth operation.

[0005] WO1993000792A1 discloses about a device for harvesting crops, comprising a feed means, a cutting means and a conveyor means for parts cut away, and a drive to displace the device over the ground. Because the device is particular intended for harvesting of crops not only growing in the bottom but also supported on a further support, such as a net, according to the invention it is realized that after cutting crop from the bottom the cut parts are not moved during movement of the conveyor means in horizontal direction relative to the bottom, such that the further support yet function and the crop be removed in an orderly manner from the other support. WO’792 relates to a device for harvesting crops, comprising a feed means, a cutting means and a conveyor means for parts cut away, and a drive for moving the device over the ground, however the device lacks in collecting and transporting the cut crops in an organized manner, ensuring minimal crop loss and efficient handling of the harvested material.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that relates to a reel for a crop harvesting device that provides assistance to the user in harvesting crops as well as relates to a device for harvesting crops, comprising a feed means, a cutting means and a conveyor means for parts cut away, and a drive for moving the device over the ground. However the device lacks in incorporating safety features that detect and deter living entities in the field to prevent the potential disruptions or damage to the device and ensuring smooth operation as well as lacks in collecting and transporting the cut crops in an organized manner, ensuring minimal crop loss and efficient handling of the harvested material.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of incorporating safety features that detect and deter living entities in the field to prevent the potential disruptions or damage to the device and ensuring smooth operation as well as capable of collecting and transporting the cut crops in an organized manner, ensuring minimal crop loss and efficient handling of the harvested material.

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 automates the crop harvesting process for minimizing the need for manual labor and increasing operational efficiency.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that facilitates in accurate positioning and maneuvering of the device across the field, ensuring the device reaches and operates at the desired locations for harvesting.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of collecting and transporting the cut crops in an orderly manner, in order to reduce the wastage of crops and improves the overall collection efficiency of the cutting process.

[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 an unmanned crop harvesting device that provides an assistive means to the user in harvesting crops along with ensuring minimal crop loss and efficient handling of the harvested material.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an unmanned crop harvesting device comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an agricultural field grown with crop, plurality of telescopically operated rods attached underneath the platform to provide support to the platform and to elevate the platform on time of requirement, a touch interactive display panel installed on the platform that is accessed by a user to provide input command for harvesting the crop along with specifying a height from which the crops are to be harvested, an artificial intelligence base imaging unit having a processer installed on the platform and synced with a LiDAR sensor, to generate mapping of the field, that is displayed on the panel to allow the user to select an area to be harvested.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of a PIR (passive infrared) sensor is integrated on the platform to detect presence of any living entities in the field during harvesting of the crop, a buzzer integrated on the platform to generate annoying sound to deter the living entities, a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device, a motorized caterpillar wheel attached with pair of the rods to maneuver the platform and position on the evaluated initial point, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the platform, detects height of the crop and in accordance to the determined height the microcontroller actuates the rods to extend and position the platform at an optimum height, a crop cutting arrangement installed at front of the platform by means of link rod and post positioning the platform at optimum height.

[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 unmanned crop harvesting 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 unmanned crop harvesting device that is capable of harvesting unmanned crop by navigating and positioning itself precisely over the target harvesting area as per defined by the user, in order to carry out harvesting operation over the crop without any man power.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an unmanned crop harvesting device comprises of a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an agricultural field grown with crop, plurality of telescopically operated rods 102 attached underneath the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence base imaging unit 104 installed on the platform 101, a motorized caterpillar wheel 105 attached with pair of the rods 102, a crop cutting arrangement 106 installed at front of the platform 101 by means of link rod, the cutting arrangement 106 includes an oscillating sickle bar 107.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a platform 101 which is developed to be positioned on the ground surface of an agricultural field grown with crops serves multiple purposes. The platform 101 provides a stable and elevated base for various agricultural activities, such as monitoring crop growth, installing irrigation device, or deploying automated machinery like drones or sensors. The crops are preferably wheat, rice, pepper and bean etc. A push button is integrated in the platform 101 for activating or deactivating the device. The user manually pushes the button, when the button is pressed the electrical circuit gets completed, allowing flow of electric current to actuates a microcontroller associated with the device that regulates the working of the device.

[0024] The platform 101 is attached with a plurality of telescopically operated to provide structural support and enable elevation when required. Thee rods 102 extend or retract based on the platform 101 needs, allowing for height adjustment to adapt to varying field conditions. When not in use, the rods 102 remain retracted, keeping the platform 101 at ground level. Upon activation, the rods 102 extend, lifting the platform 101 to a desired height, offering an elevated position for monitoring, equipment operation, or other agricultural tasks.

[0025] The telescopically operated rods 102 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 platform 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 platform 101 and due to applied pressure the platform 101 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated rods 102 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the piston in order to elevate the platform 101 on time of requirement.

[0026] A touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101, allows the user to provide input commands for harvesting crops. The panel enables the user to easily interact with the device by providing specific instructions, such as initiating the harvesting process and specifying the desired height from which the crops should be cut. The panel's user-friendly interface ensures precise control, allowing the operator to customize the harvesting according to the crop type and field conditions. The touch interactive display panel 103 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding harvesting the crop. A touch controller is typically connected to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the platform 101 through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The microcontroller processes the input given by the user.

[0027] Based on the user given input command, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the platform 101 and synced with a LiDAR sensor to generate a detailed map of the agricultural field. The mapping data is displayed on the platform 101 touch interactive display panel 103, allowing the user to visually assess the field and select a specific area for harvesting. Once the user selects the desired area, the microcontroller processes the input and evaluates the initial point for harvesting within that region. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360-degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the field and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to the microcontroller.

[0028] The LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards field for generating mapping of the field. The pulses travel through the air and interact with the field. When the laser pulses encounter the field, the laser bounces off from the surface of the field. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the field and back to the sensor and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo, to generate mapping of the field.

[0029] Upon generating the mapping of the field, the microcontroller actuates a motorized caterpillar wheel 105 attached to the pair of the telescopically operated rods 102 beneath the platform 101 for enabling the platform 101 to maneuver across the agricultural field. Upon receiving input from the user and evaluating the initial point for harvesting, the microcontroller directs the motorized caterpillar wheel 105 to move the platform 101 into the precise position at the evaluated starting point. The motorized caterpillar wheel 105, consists of a continuous track or belt wrapped around a set of wheel 105. The motor drives the wheel 105, causing the track to move along the ground. As the track rotates, the track distributes the vehicle's weight over a larger surface area, allowing the track to traverse difficult terrains to maneuver the platform 101 and position on the platform 101 on evaluated initial point.

[0030] Upon positioning the platform 101 on evaluated initial point, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the platform 101 continuously measures the height of the crops by emitting ultrasonic waves and calculating the time taken for the echo to return after hitting the crop surface. Based on the determined height, the data is processed by the microcontroller. The microcontroller then actuates the rods 102 to extend or retract, adjusting the platform 101 height accordingly. The automatic adjustment ensures that the platform 101 remains at the optimal height for performing specific tasks such as spraying, harvesting, or monitoring.

[0031] The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the crop. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for determining the height of the crop. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of crop which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the crop. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface ….and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the height of the crop. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form.

[0032] Once the platform 101 is positioned at the optimum height, the microcontroller further actuates the link rod to extend or retract, positioning the crop cutting arrangement 106 installed at front of the platform 101 by means of link rod at the specified height above the crops. The microcontroller ensures precise adjustments of the cutting arrangement 106, enabling the cutting arrangement 106 to operate at an ideal height for efficient crop harvesting. The cutting arrangement 106, an oscillating sickle bar 107 is used, which includes a cam mechanism that powers the movement of the blade. When actuated, the cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear back-and-forth movement of the sickle bar 107 blade.

[0033] As the blade oscillates, the blade slices through the stalks of the crops with high precision. The oscillatory motion ensures efficient cutting, allowing for clean cuts through the crop stalks to minimize crop damage, reduce energy consumption, and improve cutting accuracy. A guard plate configured on the sickle bar 107 blade, directs the crop stalks towards the cutting zone with precision, ensuring they are properly aligned with the sickle bar 107 for accurate cutting. Once the stalks are cut, the auger mechanism, mounted on the platform 101, transports the harvested stalks from the sickle bar 107 to the side of the platform 101.

[0034] Simultaneously, the microcontroller controls the motorized caterpillar wheel 105 to rotate and maneuver the platform 101 over the entire specified area. The synchronized operation ensures that the platform 101 moves in an organized manner, covering the entire designated region and executing the crop cutting efficiently. The microcontroller's coordination of both the cutting mechanism and the platform 101 movement allows for comprehensive and precise harvesting of crops across the entire area, optimizing the process and minimizing gaps or overlaps.

[0035] A Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor integrated on the platform 101 detects the presence of living entities, such as animals or humans, in the field during the harvesting process. The sensor works by monitoring infrared radiation, which is naturally emitted by warm-blooded entities. When the PIR sensor detects any movement or presence of a living entity, the sensor sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then take appropriate action, such as halting the harvesting operation or issuing a warning, to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both the entities and the equipment during the crop harvesting process. The PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation. The sensor consists of a pyroelectric sensor that measures the infrared energy emitted by objects within its field of view. When a warm object, like a human, moves across the sensor’s range, the sensor alters the infrared radiation patterns.

[0036] Upon detecting a living entity through the PIR sensor, the microcontroller activates a buzzer integrated into the platform 101 to emit a loud, irritating sound designed to deter animals or humans from entering the harvesting area. The helps to prevent the potential interference with the harvesting process and ensures safety for both the equipment and the living entities. The use of the buzzer provides an immediate and effective method for managing and redirecting any detected intruders from the field. The buzzer is a simple electronic device that produces a buzzing or beeping sound when an electric current is passed through it. The buzzer typically consists of a housing, a coil of wire (called the electromagnet), a diaphragm or vibrating element, and a contact or switch. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, the current generates a magnetic field around the coil according to Ampere's law. The coil acts as an electromagnet. The magnetic field produced by the coil attracts or repels the diaphragm or vibrating element, depending on its design. The movement causes the diaphragm to vibrate. As the diaphragm vibrates, the vibration creates pressure waves in the air, which we perceive as sound, to deter animals or humans from entering the harvesting area.

[0037] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0038] The present invention works bets in the following manner, where the telescopically operated rods 102 allow the platform 101 to be elevated to the required height for effective harvesting. The touch-interactive display panel 103 enables the user to input commands, including specifying the desired cutting height. Upon providing the input command, the microcontroller processes the commands and activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 paired with the LiDAR sensor to generate the detailed field map. The map is displayed on the panel, allowing the user to select the area for harvesting. Upon selecting the area for harvesting, the motorized caterpillar wheel 105 maneuvers the platform 101 to the selected location. The ultrasonic sensor measures the crop height, and based on the detected height the microcontroller adjusts the platform 101 to the optimum height by extending or retracting the rods 102. Once at the correct height, the cutting arrangement 106 is activated by the microcontroller to begin the cutting process. The device moves over the target area, ensuring thorough and organized harvesting. Cut stalks are guided into the cutting zone by the guard plate and transported to the side of the platform 101 by the auger mechanism for efficient collection. Additionally, the PIR sensor detects any living entities in the field and triggers the buzzer to deter them, maintaining operational safety of the living entities.

[0039] 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) An unmanned crop harvesting device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an agricultural field grown with crop, wherein plurality of telescopically operated rods 102 attached underneath said platform 101 to provide support to said platform 101 and to elevate said platform 101 on time of requirement;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on said platform 101 that is accessed by a user to provide input command for harvesting said crop along with specifying a height from which said crops are to be harvested, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said panel processes said command and actuates an artificial intelligence base imaging unit 104 having a processer, installed on said platform 101 and synced with a LiDAR sensor, to generate mapping of said field, that is displayed on said panel to allow said user to select an area to be harvested and accordingly said microcontroller evaluates initial point of said area;
iii) a motorized caterpillar wheel 105 attached with pair of said rods 102, that are actuated by said microcontroller to maneuver said platform 101 and position on said evaluated initial point, followed by which an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said platform 101, detects height of said crop and in accordance to said determined height said microcontroller actuates said rods 102 to extend and position said platform 101 at an optimum height; and
iv) a crop cutting arrangement 106 installed at front of said platform 101 by means of link rod and post positioning said platform 101 at optimum height, said microcontroller actuates said link rod to extend and position said cutting arrangement 106 at specified height, followed by actuation of said cutting arrangement 106 for initiating cutting of said crop, wherein synchronously said microcontroller actuates said wheel 105 to rotate and maneuver said platform 101 over entire specified area in an organized manner for cutting said crop from entire area.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said crops are preferably wheat, rice, pepper and bean etc.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, said cutting arrangement 106 includes an oscillating sickle bar 107 wherein on actuation said cam mechanism powers said blade that moves back and forth, results in slicing through crops stalks with high precision.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guard plate ensures stalks are accurately guided into the cutting zone and said auger mechanism transports cut stalks from the sickle bar 107 to the side of said platform 101, in a manner that said crops gets collected in an organized manner.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, a PIR (passive infrared) sensor is integrated on said platform 101 to detect presence of any living entities in said field during harvesting of said crop, wherein on detection said microcontroller actuates a buzzer integrated on said platform 101 to generate annoying sound to deter said living entities.

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.