Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated farm produce sorting device that is capable of providing a means to efficiently sort and classify farm produce based on size, ripeness, and quality for distribution or further processing without any requirement of skilled persons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sorting farm produce presents several challenges that affect efficiency, accuracy, and overall productivity, manual sorting is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring significant physical effort and skilled labor to classify produce based on size, ripeness, and quality. This process is prone to human error, leading to inconsistencies in sorting and potentially mixing produce of varying grades. Identifying ripeness visually is subjective and often inaccurate, which results in unripen produce being stored with ripened items, causing uneven ripening and spoilage. Automated sorting machines, while available, often rely on limited criteria, such as size, without accounting for ripeness or internal quality, leading to suboptimal results. Additionally, handling delicate produce during sorting results in bruising or damage, reducing market value. The lack of integrated cooling mechanisms further accelerates spoilage, especially in warmer climates. These challenges highlight the need for a solution to improve sorting precision, reduce waste, and enhance post-harvest efficiency.

[0003] Traditionally, sorting farm produce is done manually by workers, who rely on visual inspection to classify items by size, ripeness, and quality. This method is slow, inconsistent, and dependent on human expertise, which vary significantly. Storage is typically achieved using standard refrigeration units, which lack precision in maintaining optimal temperatures tailored to specific types of produce. These methods often fail to account for the presence of unripen items, which is mistakenly stored, leading to uneven ripening and potential spoilage.

[0004] CN110038808B The invention discloses a fruit sorting device, which comprises a conveying mechanism, a detection mechanism, a classifier and a control mechanism, wherein the conveying mechanism comprises a belt type conveying mechanism, a drum type conveying mechanism and a stepping type conveying mechanism, the detection mechanism comprises a bracket, a push rod motor and a detection holding claw, the push rod motor is arranged on the bracket, the push rod motor is connected with the detection holding claw, the classifier comprises a supporting seat, a movable pin, a transition guide plate, an output guide plate and a pin driving motor, the pin driving motor is arranged in the supporting seat and connected with the movable pin, the transition guide plate and the output guide plate are both connected with the supporting seat, the movable pin penetrates through the supporting seat and is exposed out of the surface of the supporting seat, the push rod motor is opposite to the supporting seat, the belt type conveying mechanism, the drum type conveying mechanism, the stepping type conveying mechanism and the classifier are opposite in sequence, the stepping type conveying mechanism and the detection holding claws are electrically connected with the control mechanism.

[0005] US4586613A In a method and an apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables which is arranged to convey fruits and vegetables of various shapes such as spheroidal shapes, spherical massive shapes, non-spherical massive shapes or amorphous shapes one by one on a tray device, a measuring device including a planar-shape dimension measuring unit, a side-shape dimension measuring unit and a weight measuring unit is arranged at a part of a conveying path to sort and rank the object to be sorted by comparing the results of measurement with sorting classification values preset by a computing device. The measuring device permits selection of the planar shape, side shape or weight. The apparatus includes a fruit or vegetable distribution section which includes receiving bins of different sizes determined according to ranking by the measuring device. One or plurality of the objects are dispersively discharged into these bins by a discharge device according to the sizes of the bins.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to provide partial solutions but they often rely on basic criteria like size, ignoring other important factors such as ripeness or quality, and do not integrate intelligent features for sorting or adapting to different types of produce.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of sorting of farm produce by size, ripeness, and quality to detect and separate unripen items, and provide an effective cooling system to slow down aging and decay of the produce, ensuring optimal storage conditions.

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 sorting farm produce based on size, ripeness, and quality, thereby improving sorting efficiency and accuracy while reducing the need for manual labor.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting unripen farm produce to grab the unripen produce and dump for storing only ripen farm produce.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of generating cooling effect, to reserve farm produce by maintaining a low temperature that slows down natural processes of aging, and decay.

[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 automated farm produce sorting device that is capable of sorting and categorizing farm produce based on key attributes such as size, ripeness, and quality to streamline the sorting process in agricultural settings, reducing labor costs and providing a versatile solution for modern agricultural operations.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated farm produce sorting device comprises of a cuboidal body developed to be positioned on a ground surface and configured with plurality of suction cups, configured to generate negative pressure, to adhere the body with the surface, in view of prevent un-desired motion of the body, a touch interactive display panel installed on the body, to be accessed by a user to provide command, regarding sorting of farm produce, a rotatable hollow cylindrical member, installed above the chamber, by means of a first and second inverted L-shaped link, the links are attached with a bucket by means of a robotic arm, to be accessed by the user to fill the far produce in the bucket, a weight sensor integrated in the bucket, to detect filling of the produce in the bucket, on detection of the filling, the microcontroller actuates the arm to transfer the produce into the member, the member is partitioned into plurality of sections, each having a set of motorized iris lids and each of the sets is to be actuated by the microcontroller to open/close, in accordance to predetermined sorting parameters, a rotary actuator integrated with the member, to rotate the member, on rotation of the member, the farm produce traverse along length of the member, causing the produce to fall through the lids as per dimensions of the produce, into a designated section of the chamber.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further includes a sensing module having a ripeness sensor and a color sensor, integrated on the body and synced with an artificial intelligence based imaging unit having a processer, installed on the body, to detect unripen farm produce in the sections, on detection of unripen produce, the microcontroller directs a robotic gripper integrated in the body, to grab the unripen produce and dump into a waste container attached with the body, the microcontroller directs the second link to extend and first to retract, in order to keep the member, in inclined position, to allow passage of the farm produce till last section of the member, for efficient sorting of the produce, an odor sensor is integrated in each the section of the chamber and synced with the imaging unit, to detect rotten produce and if detected, the microcontroller actuates the gripper to dump the rotten produce into a waste vessel attached with the chamber, a Peltier unit is integrated in each the sections of the chamber, to generate cooling effect, to reserve farm produce by maintaining a low temperature that slows down natural processes of aging, and decay, a RPM (revolution per minute) is integrated on the body, to detect rotational speed of the member and in accordance to which speed of rotation of the member by the actuator, is regulated, to properly sort the produce, 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 an isometric view of an automated farm produce sorting 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 automated farm produce sorting device that is capable of efficiently sorting farm produce based on size, ripeness, and quality, reduces manual labor, increases sorting speed, and ensures high accuracy, making ideal for large-scale agricultural operations.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated farm produce sorting device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal body 101 configured with multiple suction cups 102, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the body 101, a rotatable hollow cylindrical member 104 installed above a chamber, by means of a first and second inverted L-shaped link 105, the links 105 are attached with a bucket 106 by means of a robotic arm 107, the member 104 is partitioned into multiple sections, each having a set of motorized iris lids 108, a rotary actuator 109 integrated with the member 104, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 110 installed on the body 101, a robotic gripper 111 integrated in the body 101, and a waste container 112 attached with the body 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a cuboidal body 101 made up of any material that is durable, lightweight, and capable of withstanding environmental conditions. Examples of suitable materials include metals (such as aluminum or stainless steel), plastics (such as ABS or polycarbonate), or composite materials, which are resistant to corrosion, impact, and wear. The cuboidal body 101 is to be positioned on a ground surface, and equipped with multiple suction cups 102, which are configured to generate negative pressure. This negative pressure allows the body 101 to adhere firmly to the surface, thus preventing undesired motion during operation.

[0024] The cups 102 mentioned herein create partial vacuum within the cups 102 upon pressing over the surface by squeezing out air from the cups 102 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cups 102 presses down low-pressure area inside the cups 102 to generate suction to adhere the surface and affix the body 101 with the surface thereby accommodating the body 101 over the surface in an appropriate manner. Upon securing the body 101 over the surface, the user activate the device by pressing a switch button integrated with the body 101.

[0025] The switch button mentioned herein is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity through a microcontroller associated with the device that tends to activate the device and vice versa. After activation of the device, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the body 101 to provide command regarding sorting of farm produce. The display panel 103 mentioned herein works by works by using LCD (Liquid Crystals Display) that are manipulated by electric currents to control the passage of light through the display panel 103. 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 103 regarding the sorting of farm produce to select the input.

[0026] Upon selecting the input regarding the sorting of farm produce, the user accesses a bucket 106 by means of a robotic arm 107 linked with a first and second inverted L-shaped link 105 integrated with the chamber to fill the farm produce in the bucket 106. Herein, a weight sensor is installed with the bucket 106 to detect filling of the produce in the bucket 106. The weight sensor works by measuring the incremental weight applied to the bucket 106 as the farm produce is placed inside. As the weight of the produce increases, the sensor continuously monitors the load and provides data to the microcontroller. Once the preset threshold weight corresponding to a full bucket 106 is detected, the microcontroller triggers the robotic arm 107 to transfer the produce into a rotatable hollow cylindrical member 104 installed in between the links 105.

[0027] The robotic arm 107 comprises of multiple articulated joints and a gripper 111 mechanism to securely hold and transport the farm produce. The arm 107 is powered by a combination of motors and actuators 109, allowing precise movements and control over the positioning of the bucket 106. The robotic arm 107 is linked to the first and second inverted L-shaped links 105, enabling it to pivot and reach the bucket 106 at various angles and positions. The gripper 111 gently handle the farm produce, ensuring minimal damage during the transfer process. Herein, the member 104 is partitioned into multiple sections, each having a set of motorized iris lids 108 and each of the sets actuated by the microcontroller to open/close in accordance to predetermined sorting parameters.

[0028] The iris lid mentioned herein works by employing a motorized mechanism that controls the opening and closing of each lid in response to signals from the microcontroller. Each iris lid is integrated with multiple overlapping segments that open or close in a circular motion, similar to the operation of a camera's iris. The motorized mechanism is actuated by a stepper motor or servo motor, which allows for precise control over the lid's position. When the microcontroller receives data from the sorting system (such as produce dimensions or sorting criteria), it adjusts the iris lid to the appropriate size, ensuring that only produce of a certain dimension passes through while larger or smaller items are retained within the section. This operation helps to separate the farm produce into sections based on size, ensuring efficient sorting.

[0029] For sorting, the produce, the microcontroller actuates a rotary actuator 109 integrated with the member 104 to rotate the member 104 to aid the farm produce traverse along length of the member 104, causing the produce to fall through the lids 108 as per dimensions of the produce, into a designated section of the chamber. The rotary actuator 109 works by converting electrical signals from the microcontroller into mechanical motion. The actuator 109 typically consists of a motor, such as a stepper motor or servo motor, coupled with a gear mechanism to precisely control the rotational speed and direction of the cylindrical member 104.

[0030] The rotary actuator 109 is pre-fed to rotate the cylindrical member 104 at a specified speed, which allows the farm produce to move steadily along the length of the member 104. The rotation of the member 104 is synchronized with the opening and closing of the iris lids 108, ensuring that produce of different sizes falls through the appropriate lids 108 into the correct section. During rotation of the member 104, a RPM (revolution per minute) integrated on the body 101 detects rotational speed of the member 104. The RPM sensor works by measuring the number of rotations completed by the cylindrical member 104 within a given time frame. Typically, the sensor utilizes a magnetic encoder, which detects the rotation of a rotating element or disk attached to the cylindrical member 104. As the member 104 rotates, the sensor provides real-time feedback to the microcontroller, which processes the data to detect rotational speed of the member 104 and in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates the actuation of the actuator 109 to properly sort the produce.

[0031] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic integrated with the second link 105 and first link 105 to extend and retract, in order to keep the member 104, in inclined position, to allow passage of the farm produce till last section of the member 104, for efficient sorting of the produce. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that 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.

[0032] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the second link 105 extends and first link 105 retract to keep the member 104, in inclined position for passage of the farm produce till last section of the member 104 for efficient sorting of the produce. During sorting of the produce in the chamber, a sensing module synced with an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 110 installed on the body 101 to detect unripen farm produce in the sections.

[0033] The imaging unit 110 mentioned herein comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration for detecting the presence of the produce in the sections. The camera firstly captures multiple images of surrounding of the sections, wherein the camera comprises of a frame, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding. 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.

[0034] 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 capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 110 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 microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the presence of the farm produce in the sections.

[0035] Based on the detected presence of the farm produce in the sections, the sending module detects ripen farm produce in the sections. The sensing module includes a ripeness sensor and a color sensor to unripen of the produce. The ripeness sensor works by works by utilizing techniques such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy or other non-invasive methods to analyse the internal characteristics of the produce. These methods allow the sensor to evaluate the firmness, sugar content, and other biochemical markers associated with ripeness. The sensor provides real-time data to the microcontroller, which processes this information to classify the produce as ripe, under-ripe, or overripe based on predefined criteria.

[0036] The color sensor works by analysing the surface color of the produce, as the color of certain fruits and vegetables changes as they ripen. The sensor uses a light source and photodetectors to measure the reflectance of different wavelengths of light from the produce’s surface. The microcontroller processes this data and compares it with known color patterns corresponding to the desired ripeness levels, aiding in the classification of the produce. By combining the data from both the ripeness and color sensor, the microcontroller processes the combined data to determine the unripen of the produce. Based on detecting the unripen farm produce, the microcontroller actuates a robotic gripper 111 integrated in the body 101 to grab the unripen produce and dump into a waste container 112 attached with the body 101. The gripper 111 works similar in a manner that he robotic arm 107 does to grab the unripen produce and dump into the waste container 112.

[0037] Additionally, an odor sensor synced with the imaging unit 110 integrated in each the section of the chamber to detect rotten produce. The odor sensor works by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are typically released by decomposing or rotting produce. These VOCs, such as sulfur compounds, alcohols, and aldehydes, are emitted as the produce breaks down. The sensor uses a chemical detection mechanism, such as a metal oxide semiconductor or an electrochemical sensor, to identify the presence and concentration of these compounds in the air. Once the sensor detects a threshold level of these compounds, it sends data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the data and actuates the gripper 111 to dump the rotten produce into a waste vessel attached with the chamber.

[0038] Moreover, a Peltier unit is integrated in each the sections of the chamber to reserve farm produce by maintaining a low temperature that slows down natural processes of aging, and decay. The Peltier unit works by utilizing the thermoelectric effect, where electrical current is passed through two different types of semiconductor materials, causing heat to transfer from one side of the unit to the other. This creates a temperature gradient, with one side of the Peltier unit becoming cold (the cooling side) and the other side becoming hot (the heat-dissipating side). The cold side is positioned within the section of the chamber, in direct contact with the produce, to absorb heat and lower the temperature. The hot side is thermally coupled to a heat sink or another cooling mechanism to dissipate the heat. By maintaining a low temperature, the Peltier unit slows down enzymatic reactions, microbial growth, and other biological processes to reserve the farm produce.

[0039] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and configured with the suction cups 102, configured to generate negative pressure, to adhere the body 101 with the surface, in view of prevent un-desired motion of the body 101. Herein, the touch interactive display panel 103 to be accessed by the user to provide command, regarding sorting of farm produce. After that the links 105 are attached with the bucket 106 by means of a robotic arm 107, to be accessed by the user to fill the farm produce in the bucket 106. Herein, the weight sensor detects filling of the produce in the bucket 106, and on detection of the filling, the microcontroller actuates the arm 107 to transfer the produce into the member 104, wherein the member 104 is partitioned into multiple sections, each having a set of motorized iris lids 108 actuated by the microcontroller to open/close, in accordance to predetermined sorting parameters. After that the rotary actuator 109 is actuated by the microcontroller rotate the member 104, and on rotation of the member 104, the farm produce traverse along length of the member 104, causing the produce to fall through the lids 108 as per dimensions of the produce, into a designated section of the chamber. Also, the sensing module having a ripeness sensor and a color sensor synced with the artificial intelligence based imaging detect unripen farm produce in the sections, and on detection of unripen produce, the microcontroller directs the robotic gripper 111 integrated in the body 101, to grab the unripen produce and dump into the waste container 112.

[0041] 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 automated farm produce sorting device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and configured with plurality of suction cups 102, to adhere said body 101 with said surface, in view of preventing unintended motion of said body 101, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is installed on said body 101, to be accessed by a user to provide command, regarding sorting of farm produce;
ii) a rotatable hollow cylindrical member 104, installed above said chamber, by means of a first and second inverted L-shaped link 105, wherein said links 105 are attached with a bucket 106 by means of a robotic arm 107, to fill said farm produce in said bucket 106;
iii) a weight sensor integrated in said bucket 106, to detect filling of said produce in said bucket 106, wherein on detection of said filling, said microcontroller actuates said arm 107 to transfer said produce into said member 104, wherein said member 104 is partitioned into plurality of sections, each having a set of motorized iris lids 108 and each of said sets is to be actuated by said microcontroller to open/close, in accordance to predetermined sorting parameters;
iv) a rotary actuator 109 integrated with said member 104, to rotate said member 104, wherein on rotation of said member 104, said farm produce traverse along length of said member 104, causing said produce to fall through said opened lids 108 as per dimensions of said produce, into a designated section of said chamber; and
v) a sensing module having a ripeness sensor and a color sensor, integrated on said body 101 and synced with an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 110 having a processer, installed on said body 101, to detect unripen farm produce in said sections, wherein on detection of unripen produce, said microcontroller directs a robotic gripper 111 integrated in said body 101, to grab said unripen produce and dump into a waste container 112 attached with said body 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller directs said second inverted L-shaped link 105 to extend and first to retract, in order to keep said member 104, in inclined position, to allow passage of said farm produce till last section of said member 104, for efficient sorting of said produce.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an odor sensor is integrated in each said section of said chamber and synced with said imaging unit 110, to detect rotten produce and if detected, said microcontroller actuates said gripper 111 to dump said rotten produce into a waste container 112 attached with said chamber.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit is integrated in each said sections of said chamber, to generate cooling effect, to reserve farm produce by maintaining a low temperature that slows down natural processes of aging, and decay.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a RPM (revolution per minute) is integrated on said body 101, to detect rotational speed of said member 104 and in accordance to which speed of rotation of said member 104 by said actuator 109, is regulated, to properly sort said produce.

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.