Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system that is capable of detecting weather conditions of a cricket ground to protect a cricket pitch from rainfall by using a configurable support structure to cover the pitch and capable of efficiently removing moisture from the pitch surface, ensuring pitch suitability for playing cricket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cricket pitches are highly sensitive to weather conditions, and rain poses a significant threat to their quality and playability. When a cricket pitch gets wet, the surface become soft and uneven, which not only affects the ball’s bounce but also the overall fairness of the game. A wet pitch leads to delays or even the cancellation of matches, as it becomes unsafe and unsuitable for play. Consequently, protecting the pitch from rainfall is crucial to maintaining its integrity and ensuring the game proceed as scheduled. To safeguard the pitch from rain, it is necessary to have an efficient and effective method of covering the surface quickly and securely. A rain covers or protective system helps prevent water from soaking into the pitch, thereby preserving its hardness and bounce characteristics. In addition, such protection minimizes the risk of moisture-related damage, which leads to costly repairs and disruption of game schedules. Therefore, the need for a reliable solution that detect weather changes, provide timely protection, and shield the pitch from rain is critical in modern cricket. This ensures that matches are played under optimal conditions, reducing interruptions and maintaining the quality of the playing surface.

[0003] Protecting a cricket pitch from rain is crucial for ensuring the game's continuity and preventing damage to the surface. Several types of equipment are used for this purpose, such as covers, sheets, and dampening systems. Plastic covers, typically made of polyethylene, are commonly used to shield the pitch from rain, as they are lightweight and easy to deploy. Bowling green covers or large tarpaulins also be used to cover both the pitch and surrounding areas, ensuring minimal water penetration. Super Soppers, a machine that helps remove excess water from the pitch, are also effective in reducing drying time after rainfall. However, these methods have their drawbacks. Plastic covers, while effective in keeping the pitch dry, sometimes trap moisture underneath, causing the pitch to remain damp for longer periods, affecting the quality of the surface. Dampening systems or covers are heavy and cumbersome, requiring many personnel to manage them efficiently. Moreover, Super Soppers, though useful, may not be effective if the rain has been heavy, or if there is standing water. Also, these systems come with a significant cost and maintenance burden, making them less accessible for smaller clubs or local grounds. Balancing protection with the need for pitch recovery is always a challenge.

[0004] GB2452755A discloses a cricketing apparatus comprises a cover for covering a portion of a cricket pitch, with a portion of the cover being moveable from a pitch covering position to an upright sightscreen position. The moveable portion 12 may be pivotally moveable, e.g. via a hinge (not shown), and may be lockable in the pitch covering position and/or the upright sightscreen position using locking mechanisms (not shown). Biasing means, e.g. cylinders or pistons, may be included for biasing the moveable portion towards the upright, sightscreen position, such that releasing the locking mechanism causes the pistons/cylinders to raise the moveable portion into the upright, sightscreen position. The cover may include a non-moveable portion, with both portions being attached to a frame mounted on wheels. The apparatus may be of a size such that four are required to cover a standard cricket pitch when in the pitch covering position.

[0005] AU2021107033A4 discloses a hydraulically drive synthetic turf roller, comprising: a roller system, an attachment system including: a plurality of flexible couplings, one end of each flexible coupling connectable to the roller and the free end insertable through a respective aperture in the leading end of the turf; a brace interconnectable and space the flexible couplings from each other, the brace being positionable adjacent one side of the leading end of the tuff to stiffen the leading end; and a retaining member engageable with the free ends of the flexible couplings when fed through the apertures; support means for supporting the roller; two guides engageable with the roller and spaced from each other a predetermined distance corresponding to a dimension of the turf, each the guide comprising a guide plate having an aperture for receiving the roller therein, the guide plate is at least equal to the diameter of the turf roll.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed in order to manage cricket pitch, however the systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to remove moisture from pitch and perform pitch analysis by assessing ball bouncing characteristics to determine the condition of the pitch and pitch readiness for cricket matches.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is required to be capable of detecting weather conditions, safeguarding a cricket pitch from rainfall by covering the pitch with a configurable support. In addition, the system facilitates removal of moisture from the pitch surface, preparing the pitch for optimal playing conditions and further capable of evaluating the pitch's condition by testing ball's bounce characteristics of the pitch.

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 system that is capable of detection of weather condition to protect a pitch of a cricket ground from rainfall by covering of the pitch from a configurational support.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of facilitating removal of moisture from then surface of the pitch to prepare pitch fit for cricket playing conditions.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of testing ball bouncing characteristics of the pitch for analyzing pitch condition.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system that is capable of protecting a cricket pitch from rain by covering the pitch with a configurable support structure in accordance to weather conditions and provide a facility for removing moisture from the pitch, ensuring the pitch is fit for play. In addition, the system is intended to assess the pitch's quality by analyzing how the ball bounces on the pitch surface for pitch readiness for cricket matches.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system comprises of a housing translated by means of a plurality of motorised omnidirectional wheels provided underneath the housing for locomotion of the housing over a cricket ground, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed in the housing and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the housing, in synchronisation with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor embedded on the housing to determine position of a pitch of the cricket ground to accordingly actuate the wheels to translate the housing to the pitch, a sensing unit provided with the housing for detecting weather conditions on the ground, upon detection of adverse weather, and a communication module provided in the housing communicates with a computing unit of an authority to inform regarding the weather.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of a pitch covering unit provided with the housing, comprising a pair of telescopic links pivotally attached within the housing by means of a pair of sliding units, with a pliable inflatable flap connected at front ends of the links, inflated by an inflator provided in the housing, to extend the flap outwards from an opening in the housing onto the pitch, and the inflator to inflate the flap to cover the pitch from the rain, a curved plate attached with a bottom portion of the housing, the plate configured with a plurality of iris holes connected with a suction pump provided on the plate, for suctioning of moisture from the pitch, a plurality of rubber panels are arranged along periphery of the plate for providing an enclosed volume for suctioning moisture, a thermal sensor configured with the imaging unit, in synchronisation with the LIDAR sensor to prepare a heat map indicating moist and dry areas of the pitch to send the heat map to the authority via the communication module, and a motorised weighted roller joined with the housing by means of hinged telescopic bars, for rolling the pitch for removal of detected moisture.

[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 a cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system.

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 a cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system that is capable of protecting a cricket pitch from rain condition by using a configurable support structure to cover the pitch efficiently. Additionally, the system includes a facility for removing moisture from the surface of the pitch, making the pitch suitable for cricket and assesses ball's bouncing characteristics of the pitch to analyze the pitch’s condition for cricket matches.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 translated by means of a plurality of motorised omnidirectional wheels 102 provided underneath the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed in the housing 101, a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor 104 embedded on the housing 101, a sensing unit 105 provided with the housing 101, a pitch covering unit 106 provided with the housing 101, comprising a pair of telescopic links 107 pivotally attached within the housing 101 by means of a pair of sliding units 108.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, further comprises of a pliable inflatable flap 109 connected at front ends of the links 107, inflated by an inflator 110 provided in the housing 101, a plurality of suction cups 111 provided along edges of the flap, a curved plate 112 attached with a bottom portion of the housing 101, the plate 112 configured with a plurality of iris holes 113 connected with a suction pump 114 provided on the plate 112, a plurality of rubber panels 115 arranged along periphery of the plate 112, a motorised weighted roller 116 joined with the housing 101 by means of hinged telescopic bars 117, a heating element 118 embedded in the roller, a chamber 119 provided within the housing 101 connected with a nozzle 120 provided underneath the housing 101, a ball 121 connected with the housing 101 by means of a string 122 spooled within a motorised pulley 123 joined with the housing 101.

[0024] The present invention includes a housing 101 preferably in portable nature incorporating various components associated with the system, developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a cricket ground. The bottom portion of the housing 101 is configured with multiple wheels 102 for maneuverability of the housing 101 in the cricket ground area as per requirement.

[0025] A user/concerned authority is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the housing 101 to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the linked components.

[0026] After the activation of the system, the user accesses a user interface which is inbuilt in a computing unit linked with the microcontroller wirelessly by means of a communication module. The user interface enables the user to provide input regarding management of pitch of the cricket ground in accordance to weather condition. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module used herein is preferably Wi-Fi module that contains transmitters and receivers that use radio frequency signals to transmit data wirelessly to the microcontroller. The wireless module typically includes components such as antennas, amplifiers, and processors to facilitate communication and further connected to networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, allowing systems to exchange information over short or long distances for communication of wireless commands to facilitate operations of the system.

[0027] A sensing unit 105 is provided with the housing 101 for detecting weather conditions on the ground. The sensing unit 105 comprises an optical rain sensor to detect rain sensor, and an anemometer to detect wind speed. The optical rain sensor detects rain by emitting a beam of light, typically infrared, which is directed towards the atmosphere. When raindrops pass through the light beam, they scatter the light, causing a change in the intensity or pattern of the reflected light. The sensor detects this alteration and send the data to the microcontroller to determine the presence and intensity of rain.

[0028] The anemometer, of the sensing unit 105, detects wind speed by using a rotating vane or a set of cups 111 that are moved by the wind. The speed of rotation is directly proportional to the wind speed, and the anemometer measures this rotation to calculate how fast the wind is blowing. Both the optical rain sensor and the anemometer work in tandem with the system’s sensing unit 105 to monitor weather conditions on the pitch, providing real-time data on rainfall and wind speed, which is crucial for determining when the pitch requires coverage or maintenance.

[0029] Based upon detection of adverse weather conditions, the microcontroller communicates the detected weather conditions over the computing unit of the concerned authority. The concerned official of the concerned authority is required to provide input via the computing unit regarding requirement of covering of pitch for protection from rain.

[0030] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated on the housing 101 and works in synchronization with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor 104 embedded on the housing 101. The imaging unit 103 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the housing 101 to determine position of a pitch of the cricket ground. The imaging unit 103 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 103 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0031] The LiDAR (Light detection and ranging) sensor 104 emits a short laser pulse over the cricket ground, and the laser further strikes to the cricket ground, creates a spot and reflects back which is captured by the LiDAR (Light detection and ranging) sensor 104. The signals are sent to the microcontroller for processing and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received laser pulse. The microcontroller processes the combined signal of the ultrasonic sensor and the imaging unit 103 such that analyzes to determine the position of a pitch of the cricket ground.

[0032] In accordance to the determine position of a pitch of the cricket ground, the microcontroller then powers an associated direct current (DC) motor connected with the wheels 102. The wheels 102 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are powered by the motor, enabling the wheels 102 to move in required direction, which provide the housing 101 with the required movement for maneuvering over the surface to translate the housing 101 to the pitch.

[0033] The housing 101 incorporates a pitch covering unit 106 to cover the pitch in adverse weather condition. The pitch covering unit 106 comprising a pair of telescopic links 107 pivotally attached within the housing 101 by means of a pair of sliding units 108. A pneumatic arrangement is associated with the system for providing extension/retraction of the links 107 as per requirement. A pliable inflatable flap 109 is connected at front ends of the links 107 as an end effector. The flap 109 is inflated by an inflator 110 provided in the housing 101 as per requirement.

[0034] Based upon detection of rain by the sensing unit 105, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 108 consists of a sliding rail fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 108 results in the translation of the links 107 outwards form opening of the housing 101.

[0035] Post positioning of the links 107 outwards from the housing 101, the microcontroller actuates the pivot joints connecting the links 107 to deploy the links 107 towards the pitch. Each of the pivot joint comprises of a ring and cylindrical portion that are linked with each other to provide rotational movement to the links 107. The ring is powered by a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to the rotate the ring to move the cylindrical portion due to which the link tilts. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The pivot joint enables rotation of the shaft that results in the rotational motion of the links 107 to orient the flap 109 towards the pitch.

[0036] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the links 107. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the links 107 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the links 107 for positioning the flap 109 outwards from an opening of the housing 101 onto the pitch. All the pneumatically operated components associated with the system comprises of the same type of pneumatic arrangement.

[0037] The edged of the flap 109 incorporates a plurality of suction cups 111 for affixing the flap 109 on the pitch. The suction cups 111, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the surface for creating a vacuum inside the cups 111. The cups 111 further stick over the surface of the pitch, thus, helping the flap 109 to affix on the surface of the pitch.

[0038] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the inflator 110 to inflate the flap 109 to cover the pitch from the rain. The inflator 110 consists of an air compressor that provides the required air towards the flap 109 via a pipe for inflating the flap, as commanded by the microcontroller. The microcontroller via the sensing unit 105 determines stoppage of rain along with improved weather conditions, the microcontroller actuates the pitch covering unit 106 get retracted and stores back to the housing 101 via the actuation of the sliders and the pivot joints.

[0039] A moisture sensor is embedded in the plate 112 for detecting a moisture content of the pitch. The moisture sensor operates by emitting electromagnetic waves or infrared radiation towards the pitch. When these waves encounter moisture, they are absorbed or reflected differently compared to dry surfaces. The sensor then measures the changes in reflection or absorption and send the signal to the microcontroller in order to determine the moisture content of the pitch.

[0040] The bottom portion of the housing 101 is attached with a curved plate 112. A suction pump 114 is provided in the plate 112 and connected with plurality of iris holes 113 arranged on the plate 112. Post stoppage of rain, the detected moisture content of the pitch is required to be removed for making pitch fit for conducting cricket matches. The microcontroller actuates the iris hole 113 for suctioning of the moisture of the pitch.

[0041] The iris hole 113, mentioned herein, consists of a ring in bottom configured with multiple slots along periphery, multiple number of blades and blade actuating ring on the top. The blades are pivotally jointed with blade actuating ring and the base plate 112 are hooked over the blade. The blade actuating ring is rotated clock and antilock wise by a DC motor embedded in ball 121 actuating ring which results in opening of the holes 113 for suctioning of the moisture from the surface of the pitch.

[0042] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the suction pump 114, which works on the principle of creating a partial vacuum, which generates suction to draw the moisture form the pitch via the iris holes 113. This suction is created by a direct current (DC) motor that powers the pump 114, and the air movement is vital for functioning in order to withdraw moisture from the surface of the pitch.

[0043] The periphery of the plate 112 is embodied with plurality of rubber panels 115. The suctioning of the moisture via the holes 113 and the suction pump 114 is facilitated by the rubber panels 115 by providing an enclosed volume for suctioning moisture. The housing 101 is equipped with a thermal sensor which is operatively coupled with the imaging unit 103. The thermal sensor works in sync with the LIDAR sensor 104 to prepare a heat map of the pitch. The thermal sensor works by detecting infrared radiation emitted from the surface of the pitch, which correlates to temperature variations within the pitch. The thermal sensor uses specialized sensors to capture the heat patterns on the surfaces and convert this data into a digital reading. The thermal sensor continuously monitors temperature fluctuations and sends this information to the microcontroller.

[0044] The microcontroller analyzes the generated heat map for determining moist and dry areas of the pitch and send the heat map to the authority via the communication module. The concerned official via the computing unit provides input for removal of the detected moisture from the pitch as per the heat map of the pitch.

[0045] The housing 101 is configured with a motorized weighted roller 116 joined with the housing 101 by means of hinged telescopic bars 117. The extension/retraction of the bars 117 is powered by the pneumatic arrangement. The working of the extension/retraction of the bars 117 is similar to the working of the links 107 as mentioned above. The microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 of the housing 101 to position the housing 101 over the detected moisture location of the pitch. Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the hinge such that tilt the bars 117 by revolving along the longitudinal axis, for deploying the bars 117 over the pitch.

[0046] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the bars 117 via the pneumatic arrangement to position the roller 116 in contact with the pitch, followed by actuation of a direct current (DC) motor associated with the roller 116 such that rotates an integrated hub of the roller 116 consequently results in rotation of the roller 116 for applying pressure over the pitch by rolling motion for removal of detected moisture.

[0047] A heating element 118 is embedded in the roller 116 for providing heat for drying of the moisture. The heating element 118 works when current is passed through the element, the element becomes hot and produces heat energy. This heat energy of the heating element 118 is transferred to the wire thereby heating the roller. The heating element 118 is actuated by the microcontroller in order to transmit heat to the roller 116 during rolling motion over the pitch such that escalates the moisture removal of the pitch.

[0048] The housing 101 is arranged with a chamber 119 to store sand. During the rolling of the pitch, the microcontroller actuates a nozzle 120 provided underneath the housing 101 and connected with the chamber 119, to dispense send over the onto detected wet areas.

[0049] The electronic nozzle 120, used herein, is a short tube with a taper integrated with fine-tuned valve or orifice that is electronically regulated to speed up or regulate the flow of the sand. The valve controls flow of sand by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from the microcontroller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, and sand level in view of dispensing the sand as per the determined requirement. The dispensed sand absorbs the moisture content of the pitch such that facilitates faster moisture removal along with rolling operation over the pitch via the roller.

[0050] Post completion of pitch drying operation, the concerned official via the computing unit provides input for pitch analysis post drying condition. The housing 101 is arranged with ball 121 configured with an accelerometer. The ball 121 is connected with the housing 101 by means of a string 122 spooled within a motorised pulley 123 joined with the housing 101. In accordance to the concerned official to analyze the pitch condition related to bounce characteristics, the microcontroller actuates the pulley 123 to throw the ball 121 over the pitch.

[0051] The motorized pulley 123 projects the ball 121 over the surface of the pitch by using the string 122. When activated, the motorized pulley 123 either releases or pulls in the string 122, controlling the ball’s movement. The ball 121 is attached to the string 122, and the pulley 123 precisely unwind the string 122 to drop or project the ball 121 onto the pitch. The speed and force of the string 122 ’s release are controlled by an associated motor of the pulley 123, allowing for accurate placement and projection of the ball 121 at a specific location on the pitch.

[0052] Based upon the pitch dry surfaces, the dropped ball 121 onto the surface of the pitch changes the speed of the ball. The change in speed of the ball 121 is recorded by the accelerometer of the ball 121 to gauge bounce characteristics of the pitch. The accelerometer embedded in the ball 121 works by measuring the acceleration forces acting on the ball, as the ball 121 interacts with the pitch surface. When the ball 121 is projected onto the pitch, the accelerometer detects the changes in motion, including the forces and vibrations caused by the ball’s bounce. The accelerometer continuously records data such as the ball's speed, the angle of impact, and the intensity of the bounce.

[0053] The accelerometer provides the data of the bouncing characteristics of the ball 121 to the microcontroller via the communication module. The microcontroller assesses the data of the accelerometer and accordingly prepares an analysis of the pitch regarding the bouncing characteristics of the ball, followed by conveying the pitch analysis with the authority over the computing unit via the communication module.

[0054] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0055] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the housing 101 translated across the cricket ground using the plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 provided underneath the housing 101, enabling locomotion to the pitch, whose position is determined by the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated with the processor and synchronized with the LIDAR sensor 104 embedded on the housing 101. The imaging unit 103 also works with the thermal sensor to generate the heat map indicating moist and dry areas of the pitch, communicated to the authority via the communication module. The sensing unit 105 comprising the optical rain sensor and the anemometer detects adverse weather conditions, triggering the system to inform the authority and activate the pitch covering unit 106, which includes telescopic links 107 pivotally mounted within the housing 101 via sliding units 108, extending the pliable inflatable flap 109 secured by suction cups 111 along the edges of the flap 109 over the pitch and inflated by the inflator 110 in the housing 101. Moisture is removed via the curved plate 112 attached to the bottom of the housing 101 featuring iris holes 113 connected to the suction pump 114 and bordered by rubber panels 115 to enclose the suction area, with the moisture sensor regulating suction based on detected pitch moisture. The motorized weighted roller, hinged to the housing 101 via telescopic bars 117 and embedded with the heating element 118, rolls over the pitch to dry and compact the pitch. The chamber 119 within the housing 101 stores sand, dispensed through the nozzle 120 onto wet areas, while the ball 121 with the accelerometer, tethered by the string 122 spooled within the motorized pulley 123, is dropped onto the pitch to assess bounce characteristics, relaying results to the authority via the communication module.

[0056] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A cricket ground monitoring and maintenance system, comprising:

a) a housing 101 translated by means of a plurality of motorised omnidirectional wheels 102 provided underneath said housing 101 for locomotion of said housing 101 over a cricket ground;

b) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed in said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronisation with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor 104 embedded on said housing 101 to determine position of a pitch of said cricket ground to accordingly actuate said wheels 102 to translate said housing 101 to said pitch;

c) a sensing unit 105 provided with said housing 101 for detecting weather conditions on said ground, wherein upon detection of adverse weather, a communication module provided in said housing 101 communicates with a computing unit of an authority to inform regarding said weather;

d) a pitch covering unit 106 provided with said housing 101, comprising a pair of telescopic links 107 pivotally attached within said housing 101 by means of a pair of sliding units 108, with a pliable inflatable flap 109 connected at front ends of said links 107, inflated by an inflator 110 provided in said housing 101, wherein upon detection of rain by said sensing unit 105, said links 107 are actuated to extend said flap 109 outwards from an opening in said housing 101 onto said pitch, and said inflator 110 to inflate said flap 109 to cover said pitch from said rain;

e) a curved plate 112 attached with a bottom portion of said housing 101, said plate 112 configured with a plurality of iris holes 113 connected with a suction pump 114 provided on said plate 112, for suctioning of moisture from said pitch wherein a plurality of rubber panels 115 are arranged along periphery of said plate 112 for providing an enclosed volume for suctioning moisture;

f) a thermal sensor configured with said imaging unit 103, in synchronisation with said LIDAR sensor 104 to prepare a heat map indicating moist and dry areas of said pitch to send said heat map to said authority via said communication module; and

g) a motorised weighted roller 116 joined with said housing 101 by means of hinged telescopic bars 117, for rolling said pitch for removal of detected moisture.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit 105 comprises an optical rain sensor to detect rain sensor, and an anemometer to detect wind speed.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of suction cups 111 is provided along edges of said flap 109 for affixing said flap 109 on said pitch.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a moisture sensor is embedded in said plate 112 for detecting a moisture content of said pitch to accordingly regulate said suction pump 114.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a chamber 119 is provided within said housing 101 to store sand wherein said sand is dispensed onto detected wet areas by means of a nozzle 120 provided underneath said housing 101.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a heating element 118 is embedded in said roller 116 for providing heat for drying of said moisture.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ball 121 configured with an accelerometer, disposed within said housing 101, connected with said housing 101 by means of a string 122 spooled within a motorised pulley 123 joined with said housing 101, wherein said ball 121 is dropped onto said pitch to record readings of said accelerometer to gauge bounce characteristics of said pitch and convey to said authority via said communication module.