Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a pest repellent system and particularly to an aerial pest repellent system for polyhouses.
Description of Related Art
[002] Polyhouse farming has emerged as a prominent controlled environment agricultural technique, providing enhanced crop yields and safeguarding plants from harsh weather conditions. However, a major challenge in polyhouse cultivation is the threat posed by insects and rodents. These pests not only damage crops physically but also facilitate the spread of diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses for farmers. Traditional pest control methods primarily depend on chemical pesticides, which, despite their effectiveness in managing infestations, raise environmental and health concerns.
[003] Excessive reliance on chemical pesticides has sparked concerns regarding soil degradation, water pollution, and the decline of essential organisms like pollinators and natural predators. Moreover, pests can gradually develop resistance to these chemicals, reducing their effectiveness and necessitating higher application rates. This growing dependency on pesticides not only increases farmers' input costs but also disrupts an ecological balance in the long run. Consequently, researchers and agriculturalists are exploring alternative pest control methods that offer effective protection while minimizing environmental harm, particularly in polyhouse cultivation.
[004] Various non-chemical pest management strategies, such as biological control agents, mechanical barriers, and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, have been investigated. Although these methods offer specific benefits, they often demand ongoing monitoring, significant implementation costs, or specialized expertise.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced aerial pest-repellent system for playhouses that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an aerial pest repellent system for polyhouses. The system comprising detection units, placed within and around a polyhouse, adapted to detect a presence of pests in the polyhouse. The system further comprising ultrasonic emitters, mounted on a drone such that the drone is adapted to fly in the polyhouse. The ultrasonic emitters are adapted to emit ultrasonic irradiations inside the polyhouse. The system further comprising a control unit communicatively connected to the detection units and to the ultrasonic emitters. The control unit is configured to receive the detected presence of the pests in the polyhouse; interpolate a location inside of the polyhouse by triangulating the corresponding detection units that detected the presence of the pests; actuate the drone to fly at the interpolated location; and activate the ultrasonic emitters to emit the ultrasonic irradiations, upon arrival of the drone at the interpolated location in the polyhouse.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for pest control using an aerial pest repellent system. The method comprises steps of: receiving a detected presence of pests in a polyhouse; interpolating a location inside of the polyhouse by triangulating corresponding detection units that detected the presence of the pests; actuating a drone to fly at the interpolated location; and activating ultrasonic emitters to emit ultrasonic irradiations, upon arrival of the drone at the interpolated location in the polyhouse.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an aerial pest repellent system for polyhouses.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a pest repellent system that eliminates the need for harmful chemical pesticides, making the system an eco-friendly and non-toxic solution for crop protection.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a pest repellent system that selectively targets pests without disrupting beneficial insects and biodiversity.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a pest repellent system that offers a sustainable alternative that pests cannot easily adapt to.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a pest repellent system that requires minimal upkeep compared to repeated pesticide applications, reducing labor and input costs for farmers.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a pest repellent system that ensures healthier plant growth, leading to better crop yields and improved produce quality.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an aerial pest repellent system for polyhouses, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for pest control using the aerial pest repellent system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerial pest repellent system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100) for polyhouses, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be adapted to detect pests and pest activity in a polyhouse 102. Further, the system 100 may be adapted to ultrasonically conduct pest control in the polyhouse 102. The conduction of ultrasonic pest control may reduce reliance on chemical reagents. The pests controlled by the system 100 may be, but not limited to, insects, rodents, flies, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the pests, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may be controlled by the system 100.
[0024] The system 100 may be installed in the polyhouse 102. The polyhouse 102 may be a greenhouse-like structure that may utilize a plastic covering to create a controlled environment for growing crops. The crops may be, but not limited to, herbs, shrubs, flowering plants, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the crops, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may be grown in the polyhouse 102.
[0025] The system 100 may comprise detection units 104, ultrasonic emitters 106, a drone 108, a control unit 110, a remote control 112, a power supply unit 114, and a computing unit 116.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection units 104 may be placed within and around the polyhouse 102. The detection units 104 may be adapted to detect a presence of the pests in the polyhouse 102.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic emitters 106 may be mounted on the drone 108. As, the ultrasonic emitters 106 may be mounted on the drone 108, a flight of the drone 108 may ensure an uniform coverage of the entire polyhouse 102. The ultrasonic emitters 106 may be adapted to emit ultrasonic irradiations inside the polyhouse 102. Further, the ultrasonic irradiations may be emitted at variable frequencies to prevent the pests from developing resistance. Furthermore, a frequency and an intensity of the ultrasonic irradiations may be adjustable to target specific types of the pests. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic emitters 106 may be ultrasonic speakers. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the ultrasonic emitters 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic emitters 106 may be mounted on the drone 108. The drone 108 may be adapted to fly in the polyhouse 102. A mobility of the drone 108 may further allow for targeted and flexible pest control ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the polyhouse 102. Further, the drone 108 may continuously patrol the polyhouse 102 ensuring a consistent coverage and a real-time protection. The drone 108 may be, but not limited to, a quadcopter, a bi-copter, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the drone 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be connected to the detection units 104 and to the ultrasonic emitter 106. The control unit 110 may be configured to receive the detected presence of the pests in the polyhouse 102. The control unit 110 may be configured to interpolate a location inside of the polyhouse 102 by triangulating the corresponding detection units 104 that detected the presence of the pests. The control unit 110 may be configured to actuate the drone 108 to fly at the interpolated location. Further, upon arrival of the drone 108 at the interpolated location in the polyhouse 102, the control unit 110 may be configured to activate the ultrasonic emitters 106 to emit the ultrasonic irradiations. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be configured to carry out a maintenance and a regular battery charging of the drone 108. The control unit 110 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may further analyze historical pest movement patterns based on detection data from the detection units 104 and generate predictive movement models to anticipate future pest locations within the polyhouse 102. The control unit 110 may be configured to optimize the flight path of the drone 108 based on these predictions, reducing energy consumption and improving pest deterrence efficiency. Additionally, the control unit 110 may adjust the intensity and duration of the ultrasonic irradiations based on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature inside the polyhouse 102 to enhance pest repelling effectiveness. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may integrate with an external cloud-based analytics system to monitor the operational health of the drone 108, providing real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance alerts. The control unit 110 may employ machine learning algorithms to assess the efficiency of battery utilization and autonomously schedule charging sessions to extend battery lifespan. Furthermore, the control unit 110 may dynamically switch between multiple drones in a fleet to ensure continuous pest control operations without significant downtime.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote control 112 may be adapted to adjust the frequency and the intensity of the ultrasonic irradiations emitted by the ultrasonic emitters 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote control 112 may further include a user interface with a graphical display to visualize real-time pest activity, flight paths, and ultrasonic irradiation patterns. The remote control 112 may also be configured to receive environmental sensor inputs and automatically adjust the ultrasonic parameters in response to variations in pest behavior. Additionally, the remote control 112 may support remote connectivity through a mobile application to allow users to monitor and adjust system settings from a distant location.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 114 may be adapted to supply operational power to the control unit 110. The power supply unit 114 may be, but not limited to, a solar panel, a battery, a mains power connection, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the power supply unit 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 114 may be connectable to dedicated charging ports for wirelessly charging the drone 108 when not in operation. The charging ports may be positioned at multiple locations within the polyhouse 102 to ensure seamless recharging and minimal downtime for the drone 108. Additionally, the power supply unit 114 may include an intelligent energy management system that dynamically distributes power based on real-time energy consumption data by optimizing battery usage and extending operational life. The power supply unit 114 may further incorporate energy harvesting mechanisms, such as kinetic energy recovery from movements or surplus energy storage from solar panels, to enhance the overall energy efficiency of the system 100.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing unit 116 may be adapted for remote monitoring of the ultrasonic emitters 106. The computing unit 116 may further be adapted for control interface of the ultrasonic emitters 106. The computing device may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a desktop, a server, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a wearable device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing device, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an exemplary scenario of the present invention, the ultrasonic irradiations emitted by the ultrasonic emitters 106 may create a bodily stress and disorientation in the pests. As the pests may experience the bodily stress, the pests may tend to escape the vicinity of the ultrasonic irradiations. As the ultrasonic emitters 106 may be mounted on the drone 108, and the drone 108 may carry out a continuous flight in the polyhouse 102, therefore, to escape the vicinity of the ultrasonic irradiations, the pests may leave the polyhouse 102 altogether. Moreover, if the pests are not be leaving the polyhouse 102, then the frequency and the intensity of the ultrasonic irradiations may be elevated. The elevated ultrasonic irradiations may cause a mental stress in the pests, eventually leading to brain hemorrhage and death. Thus, achieving a pest-free environment in the polyhouse 102. In another exemplary scenario, the control unit 110 may identify high-density pest regions based on real-time detection data from the detection units 104 and may command the drone 108 to hover in those areas for an extended duration. By doing so, the prolonged exposure to ultrasonic irradiations may force the pests to disperse faster and leave the polyhouse 102. Additionally, the drone 108 may dynamically adjust its altitude and movement pattern to maximize ultrasonic coverage and enhance pest elimination efficiency.
[0035] In an alternative scenario, the control unit 110 may coordinate multiple drones 108 operating in synchronization to target different sections of the polyhouse 102. The drones 108 may communicate with each other and adjust their ultrasonic emission patterns to prevent pests from finding safe zones within the polyhouse 102. This coordinated approach may ensure comprehensive pest elimination and prevent their adaptation to fixed ultrasonic sources.
[0036] In yet another scenario of the present invention, if the system detects persistent pest activity despite multiple ultrasonic exposure cycles, the control unit 110 may trigger an escalation protocol by modulating the ultrasonic signal patterns. The modulation may include varying frequencies, pulse durations, and emission angles to disrupt any potential pest acclimatization to a specific ultrasonic pattern. Furthermore, the system 100 may activate secondary deterrents such as flashing LED lights or mild electrostatic discharges in conjunction with ultrasonic irradiations to further enhance the effectiveness of pest eradication. In a further scenario, the system 100 may operate in a passive monitoring mode when pest activity is low, periodically scanning the polyhouse 102 for potential pest re-entry. If the presence of pests is detected, the system 100 may automatically resume active ultrasonic deterrence for continuous protection without unnecessary power consumption.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for pest control using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] At step 202, the system 100 may receive the detected presence of the pests in the polyhouse 102.
[0039] At step 204, the system 100 may interpolate the location inside of the polyhouse 102 by triangulating the corresponding detection units 104 that detected the presence of the pests.
[0040] At step 206, the system 100 may actuate the drone 108 to fly at the interpolated location.
[0041] At step 208, the system 100 may check the location of the drone 108. If the drone 108 has arrived at the interpolated location, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 210. Else, the method 200 may revert to the step 206.
[0042] At step 210, the system 100 may activate the ultrasonic emitters 106 to emit the ultrasonic irradiations.
[0043] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An aerial pest repellent system (100) for polyhouses, the system (100) comprising:
detection units (104), placed within and around a polyhouse (102), adapted to detect a presence of pests in the polyhouse (102);
ultrasonic emitters (106), mounted on a drone (108) such that the drone (108) is adapted to fly in the polyhouse (102), wherein the ultrasonic emitters (106) are adapted to emit ultrasonic irradiations inside the polyhouse (102); and
a control unit (110) communicatively connected to the detection units (104) and to the ultrasonic emitters (106), characterized in that the control unit (110) is configured to:
receive the detected presence of the pests in the polyhouse (102);
interpolate a location inside of the polyhouse (102) by triangulating the corresponding detection units (104) that detected the presence of the pests;
actuate the drone (108) to fly at the interpolated location; and
activate the ultrasonic emitters (106) to emit the ultrasonic irradiations, upon arrival of the drone (108) at the interpolated location in the polyhouse (102).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic irradiations are emitted at variable frequencies to prevent the pests from developing resistance.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a remote control (112) adapted to adjust a frequency and an intensity of the ultrasonic irradiations emitted by the ultrasonic emitters (106).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a frequency and an intensity of the emitted ultrasonic irradiations are adjustable to target specific types of pests selected from insects, rodents, flies, or a combination thereof.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drone (108) is adapted to carry out a continuous patrolling of the polyhouse (102) to ensure a consistent coverage and a real-time protection of the polyhouse (102).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power supply unit (114) adapted to supply operational power to the control unit (110), wherein the power supply unit (114) is selected from a solar panel, a battery, a mains power connection, or a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic emitters (106) are ultrasonic speakers.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a computing unit (116) adapted for remote monitoring and control interface.
9. A method (200) for pest control using an aerial pest repellent system (100), characterized in that the method (200) comprise steps of:
receiving a detected presence of pests in a polyhouse (102);
interpolating a location inside of the polyhouse (102) by triangulating corresponding detection units (104) that detected the presence of the pests;
actuating a drone (108) to fly at the interpolated location; and
activating ultrasonic emitters (106) to emit ultrasonic irradiations, upon arrival of the drone (108) at the interpolated location in the polyhouse (102).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pests are selected from insects, rodents, flies, or a combination thereof.
Date: February 28, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant