Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a handheld adaptable gardening assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in performing efficient gardening operations in a comfortable manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, gardening tools are essential instruments designed to facilitate various tasks involved in gardening. Common tools include trowels used for digging, pruners and shears are utilized for trimming and shaping plants. Spades and rakes assist in soil preparation and clearing debris. However, these gardening tools may lead to discomfort to the user by the means of a fixed handle. Additionally, tools with rigid, nonadjustable components can be less versatile, limiting their functionality across different gardening operations. Hence, an equipment needs to be developed that is capable of providing user with adjustable height, in accordance to the varying height of the user. Moreover, the device also allow for multiple tools to be attached on the device to perform various gardening operations.

[0003] Conventionally, there are various devices that are used for gardening operation including hand trowels for digging, planting and weeding operations, hoe for cultivating soils and removing weeds for the gardening area, shovel to lift and move soil’s upper layer, garden fork used for loosening soil and turning compost. However, these devices don’t allow to adjust the tools according to various height of the user, also the tools are designed for a specific operation limiting its functionality.

[0004] US6082795A discloses about an invention that includes a leveraged gardening tool device having an elongated body, a hand grip, a forearm receptacle at one end of the elongated body and a gardening tool securing mechanism at the other end of the opposing end of the elongated body for receiving and maintaining the shaft of a small gardening tool. The elongated body has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions being separated by an approximate 195° bend in the elongated body. The bend is provided for optimal one-handed use of the gardening tool and results in a decrease in the amount of fatigue traditionally encountered when using a conventional hand-held gardening tool. One embodiment of the invention allows for an assortment of removably engageable gardening tools for use with the gardening tool. US’795 discloses about an invention that includes leveraged gardening tool device that have an elongated body a gardening tool securing mechanism at the other end of the opposing end of the elongated body for receiving and maintaining the shaft of a small gardening tool. The extendable body has a bed of 1950 for optimal one handed use of the tool. The proposed invention also allows for an assortment of removable engage able gardening tools for use with the gardening tool. However, the device lacks in providing an adjustable height of the device to provide ease of use for the use of different height, also the device lacks in providing a means to perform multiple gardening operations via a single device.

[0005] US6470972B1 discloses about an invention that includes a garden tool is shown that has the compactness and general shape of a conventional straight shaft weeder. However, certain angles are formed in the shaft to facilitate easier use, particular by those with limited flexibility. US’972 discloses about an invention that includes a garden tool that has the compactness and general shape pf a conventional shaft weeder to facilitate easier use. However, the device lacks the ability to adjust the height of the device according to varying height of the user, that device also lacks in providing a assistive guidance to the user for performing different gardening operations.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for performing gardening operations. However, the devices lack in providing an adjustable height for different users also the device is incapable of providing an automated assistance to the user to perform different gardening operations. Additionally, the devices also lack the ability to provide multiple gardening operation via a single device.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for improving the gardening operations, thus enhancing the ease of use to the user. The proposed device is capable of providing an adjustable height of the device for the ease of use to the varying height of the user.

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 handheld device that is capable of aiding a user in performing efficient gardening operations in a comfortable manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of attaching different gardening tools to perform various gardening operations, and also capable of determining varying soil parameters, thereby providing a real-time status of the gardening operations.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of notifying the concerned person about the presence of an obstacle in the path of the device, enabling easy gardening operations.

[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 adaptable gardening assistive device that provides an automated way to perform gardening operations, thus decreasing manual efforts and labor costs.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable gardening assistive device comprises of an extendable body having a proximal end and distal end attached with a handle on proximal end develop to be gripped by the user to position the distal end in proximity to a ground surface of a lawn, a push button integrated on the body to initiate power supply to the device, an AI based imaging unit installed on the body to capture and process the images of surrounding in order to increase/decrease the dimension of the body, a mounting plate arranged on the body to allow multiple attachments of different gardening tools, a microphone integrated on the body allowing user to provide voice command for the movement of the body on surface, a motorized wheel arranged on the distal end of the body allowing movement of the body on the surface, plurality of electromagnetic springs incorporated on the body to absorb shock ensuring comfortable experience to the user.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device is further comprises of a proximity sensor integrated on the body to determine the presence of any obstacle on the path of the body, a speaker mounted on the body to notify the user regarding changing the direction of the device in case of the presence of an obstacle, a sensing module embedded on the body to determine the varying soil parameter including pH level, depth of cavities carved and moisture level, a touch interactive display panel installed on the handle to provide real-time status of gardening operation to the user, an ambient light sensor embedded on the body to detect ambient light condition of the surrounding, a plurality of LEDs illuminating the surrounding to provide clear visibility to the user.

[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 adaptable gardening assistive 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 adaptable gardening assistive device is multifunctional device designed to enhance gardening by offering adjustable features, performing various gardening operations. Additionally, the device features an adjustable height to allow the users for adjustment in accordance to different height, thereby facilitating ease of use during the gardening operations.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable gardening assistive device is illustrated, comprising an extendable body 101 having proximal and distal end of a gardening device, a handle 102 is attached on the proximal end of the device, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 is installed on the body , a mounting plate 104 is arranged on the body having a latch 105 with a pin and slot arrangement 106, a microphone 107 installed on the body 101, a motorized wheel 108 is attached on the distal end of the body 101, a touch interactive display panel 109 is installed on the handle 102 at the proximal end, plurality of LEDs 110 arranged on the body 101 and a speaker 111 installed on the body.

[0023] The device herein includes an extendable body 101having a proximal and distal end. The extendable body 101 allows for adjustable length and height of the device, thus enhancing the adaptability and functionality of the device. The material of the extendable body 101 includes but not limited to aluminum and steel that is used herein makes the body 101lightweight, enhancing the durability and allows the user for easy handling and long-term use of the device. A handle 102 is attached with the proximal end, that is gripped by the user for positioning the distal end in proximity to a ground surface of a lawn.

[0024] The handle 102 is fabricated with plurality of rubber grooves to provide secure grip to the user enabling efficient handling of the body 101during positioning the distal end of the body 101in close alignment with the ground surface of the lawn.

[0025] A push button is integrated into the device that allows the user to activate or deactivate the device by means of pressing the button. The material of the button includes metal or thermoplastic, the components of the push button are a button, a spring, conductive contacts, a connecting rod, two terminals and a power supply unit. In this device, the latching contact switch button is used that maintains contact until the push button is manually reset. When the button is pressed the spring compresses allowing the connecting rod to press downwards, this compression allows the capacitive plate to attach with the terminals that completes a circuit. This allows the electrical current to flow from the power supply unit to supply power to the device, thereby switching on the device.

[0026] After activation, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101and paired with a processor for capturing multiple real time images of the surrounding. The imaging unit 103 comprises of a lens, an image sensor and a processor. Light from the surrounding strikes on the lens which is received and processed by the image sensor. The image sensor converts the photons of the light into an electrical signal. The image sensor creates an images of the surrounding and further transmits to the processor for processing. The processor performs various type of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification to extract the required data from the processed images. The processor further transmits the processed image to an inbuilt microcontroller.

[0027] The microcontroller upon receiving and processing the image signal to determine the distance of the surface from the distal end, thereby actuating the body 101 to increase/decrease the dimensions of the body 101 to position the distal end on the surface. The extendable body 101 works by actuating a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air compressor generates a high pressure air, which is directed through air valves to control the flow of air compressed into air cylinder, the air pressure acts on the pistons that allows the increase or decrease in the dimension of the body 101 by moving linearly.

[0028] A mounting plate 104 is installed on the body 101 to allow multiple attachments of different gardening tools including hand trowel that allows for cleaning ground surfaces and carefully exposing new levels of soil, a hand fork used for digging up weeds from the gardening area, a shovel to dig as well as to move granular materials that includes dirt, gravel or grain and a hoe to loosen and aerate gardening soil. The tools attached to the mounting plate 104 is fixed via a latch 105 having a pin and slot arrangement 106 for secure attachments of the gardening tool with the mounting plate 104.

[0029] The latch 105 comprises of a pin and slot arrangement 106 where the pin is attached to a movable latch 105 and the slot is integrated into a fixed surface. When the latch 105 is attached with a gardening tool the pin slide into the slot, securely locking the latch 105 and gardening tool together. The slot accommodates the pin with precise alignment. To release the latch 105 from the gardening tool, the pin is removed from the slot allowing the latch 105 to open. The latch 105 with pin and slot arrangement 106 ensures a stable and secure attachment of gardening tools with the mounting plate 104.

[0030] A microphone 107 integrated on the body 101 allows the user to provide a voice command regarding moving of the body 101 on the surface. The microphone 107 receives sound waves created by the user’s voice that hits the diaphragm causing the diaphragm to vibrate. The diaphragm is connected with a moving coil which also moves back and forth with the vibrations of the diaphragm, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field actuates the movement of the coil to produce an electric signal. The electric signal is then processed by the microcontroller and generates a relative command.

[0031] A motorized wheel 108 are installed on the distal end that upon receiving the relative command from the microcontroller, the wheels actuates and rotates for moving the body 101 over the surface, thus aiding the user in performing the user-desired gardening operations. The motorized wheel 108 is connected to the body 101 via an axle that is further coupled with a motor. The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy by the means of rotational motion, upon receiving power from the power supply unit, the motor provides rotational motion to the wheels and allows the motorized wheel 108 to provide movement to the body 101 on the surface.

[0032] While maneuvering of the body 101, a plurality of electromagnetic springs installed in between the body 101 and wheel to absorb shocks experienced generated during maneuvering, thereby enhancing the user’s comfort while moving the body 101 on the surface. The electromagnetic spring typically consists of a coil of wire wrapped over a magnet, thus making a solenoid and
a magnet, when an electric current passes through the coil, it generates a
magnetic field. The generated magnetic field interact with the magnet causing a
force of attraction and repulsion. The attractive and repulsive forces absorb the shocks, thus providing a comfortable experience to the user.

[0033] A proximity sensor embedded on the body 101 for determining the presence of any obstacle in path of the body 101, while maneuvering of the body 101 over the ground surface. The proximity sensor detects the presence of the objects without any physical contact by the means of electromagnetic waves. . The proximity sensor comprises of a transmitter and a receiver. When the object approaches the sensor, the transmitter emits the electromagnetic waves towards the obstacle. These waves are reflected back from the obstacle that is received by the receiver. The microcontroller measures the time taken by the waves to reflect back. Therefore, by calculating this time the microcontroller determines the presence of an obstacle in path of the body 101.

[0034] A speaker 111 installed on the body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller upon determining the presence of any obstacle in path of the body 101 to produce audio signals for notifying the user to change the direction of the body 101. The speaker 111 is a device that enables the user to listen to the command generated by the device. The speaker 111 comprises of two magnets installed on either side of the speaker 111 that creates a circular gap within which the voice coil and the diaphragm is placed. The voice coil is centered in the magnetic gap by a suspension that allows the coil to move freely without being pulled to one pole of the magnet. The electric current received from the battery is applied on the voice coil, generating a magnetic field that allows the back and forth movement of the coil, thus moving the diaphragm. The diaphragm coverts the electrical signal into the audio signals, thereby producing a voice command notifying the user to change the direction of the device.

[0035] A sensing module embedded on the body 101 for determining varying soil parameters including moisture of the soil, depth of cavities carved on the ground and pH of the soil. The sensing module used herein detects and measure, and covert physical parameters into electrical signals. The sensing module here uses a moisture sensor, a depth sensor and a pH sensor. The moisture sensor detects the moisture of the soil by estimating the amount of water in the soil. The moisture sensor measures the oil moisture by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves generated by the electric current flow. The electromagnetic waves in the sensor propagates through the soil, and the higher the moisture content, slower the propagation speed. Changes in soil moisture is inferred by measuring changes in the propagation time or phase of electromagnetic waves. The data is received by the microcontroller that measures the moisture content in the soil.

[0036] The depth sensor detects the cavities carved on the ground surface. The depth sensor uses ultrasonic waves to detect the variation in elevation by measuring the time wave’s takes for the emitted signal to return after reflecting from the surface. The sensor comprises of a transmitter that emits the ultrasonic waves to the surface, the waves reflect from the surface that is detected by a receiver to convert waves into electrical signals, the data is received by the microcontroller that detects the cavities carved on the soil surface.

[0037] The pH sensor embedded on the body 101 helps to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The pH sensor comprises of a measuring electrode, a reference electrode, a preamplifier and a transmitter. The measuring electrode measures the hydrogen ion concentration. The reference electrode maintains a constant potential thus creating a potential difference between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode. The potential difference between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode generates a millivolt signal which is amplified by the pre-amplifier that boosts the weak signals generated by the potential difference lastly, the transmitter transmits the signals to the microcontroller. The data is received by the microcontroller that detects the pH level of the soil.

[0038] The microcontroller upon receiving the data from the sensing module actuates the touch interactive display panel 109 installed on the handle 102 for displaying parameters of the soil to provide a real-time status of the gardening operations to the user. The touch interactive display panel 109 is controlled by the microcontroller that process the data received by the sensing module about the moisture and pH of the soil, the microcontroller shows this information on the display screen that allows the user to get the real time status of the soil.

[0039] An ambient light sensor embedded on the body 101 to detect ambient light condition from the surrounding. The ambient light sensor is a photodetector that senses the amount of ambient light present in the surrounding. The light sensor comprises of a photodetector which detects the light from the surrounding. The detected light is filtered through an optical fiber to ensure the measurement accuracy with specific wavelength ranges. The signals are then amplified by an integrated amplifier to enhance the strength of the signals, thus converting the light signals into an electrical signal and transmitted to the microcontroller for processing to detect the ambient light from the surrounding.

[0040] In case the microcontroller determines intensity of light is below a threshold level, the microcontroller actuates plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) 110 installed on the body 101 for illuminating to illuminate the surrounding of the lawn. The LED 110 is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electrical current flows. The core component of a LED 110 is a semiconductor junction typically made from a material such as gallium arsenide. When an electric current is applied to the junction, electrons and holes recombine in the semiconductor material, releasing energy in the form of photons, thus illuminating the surrounding by emitting a beam light into the surrounding.

[0041] The device is controlled with the power supplied through the battery that provides electricity to all the electrical and electronic components configured with the device. The battery includes of an anode (negative charge) and a cathode (positive charge), the electrolyte which is Potassium hydroxide and Lithium hexa-fluorophosphates, the separator and the current collectors. To accept and transmit energy the battery is connected to an external circuit. Electrons move through the circuit, while ions move through the electrolyte synchronously thus generating providing energy to the device.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed device comprises of an extendable body 101 having a proximal end and distal end attached with a handle 102 on proximal end develop to be gripped by the user to position the distal end in proximity to a ground surface of a lawn, a push button integrated on the body 101 to initiate and provide power supply to the device, an artificial based imaging unit installed on the body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing the images of surrounding to determine the distance of the surface from the distal end based on which the body 101 increases/decreases the dimension of the body 101, a mounting plate 104 arranged on the body 101 to allow multiple attachments including different gardening tools to be fixed via a latch 105 having a pin and slot arrangement 106 for secure attachment, a microphone 107 integrated on the body 101 allowing user to provide input voice command for the movement of the body 101 on surface, a motorized wheel 108 arranged on the distal end of the body 101 in view of performing user-desired gardening operation, plurality of electromagnetic springs incorporated on the body 101 for absorbing shocks experienced, thus providing a comfortable experience to the user.

[0043] In continuation, the proximity sensor embedded in the body 101 to determine the presence of any obstacle in the path of the body 101, a speaker 111 installed on the body 101 to produce audio signals for notifying the user regarding changing the direction of the device in case of the presence of an obstacle, a sensing module embedded on the body 101 to determine the varying soil parameter including pH level, depth of cavities carved and moisture level, a touch interactive display panel 109 installed on the handle 102 to provide real-time status of gardening operation to the user, an ambient light sensor embedded on the body 101 to detect ambient light condition of the surrounding, a plurality of LEDs 110 arranged on the body 101 for projecting light beams to illuminate the surrounding providing clear visibility to the user.

[0044] 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 adaptable gardening assistive device, comprising:

i) an extendable body 101 having a proximal and distal end, wherein a handle 102 is attached with said proximal end, that is gripped by a user for positioning said distal end in proximity to a ground surface of a lawn;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to determine distance of said surface from said distal end, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates said body 101 to increase/decrease dimensions of said body 101, to position said distal end on said surface;
iii) a mounting plate 104 arranged on said body 101 for allowing multiple attachments including different gardening tools, to be fixed via a latch 105 having a pin and slot arrangement 106 for secure attachment, wherein a microphone 107 integrated in said body 101 for enabling said user to provide input voice commands for movement of said body 101 on said surface;
iv) a motorized wheel 108 attached on said distal end that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for moving said body 101 over said surface, in view of performing said user-desired gardening operation, wherein plurality of electromagnetic springs are incorporated in said body 101 for absorbing shocks experienced, thus providing a comfortable experience to said user; and
v) a sensing module is embedded in said body 101 for determining varying soil parameters, wherein a touch interactive display panel 109 is installed on said handle 102 for displaying said parameters, in view of providing a real-time status of said gardening operation to said user.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sending module includes a moisture sensor, depth sensor and pH sensor for determining moisture level, depth of cavities carved and pH levels of said soil, over time for analytical purposes.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a proximity sensor is embedded in said body 101 for determining presence of any obstacle in path of said body 101, based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 111 installed on said body 101 to produce audio signals to produce audio signals for notifying said user to change said direction.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of LEDs 110 (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged on said body 101 for projecting light beams to illuminate said surroundings, in view of providing clear visibility to said user, based on ambient light conditions detected by an ambient light sensor embedded in said body 101.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle 102 is fabricated with plurality of rubberized grooves to provide a secure grip to said user.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.