Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic fertilizer spraying device that is capable of providing a means to efficiently and precisely spray fertilizers in an agricultural fields in an appropriate amount of fertilizers of various types requires to selected area of the field without any requirement of skilled persons thereby enhance crop growth production appropriately.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For enhancing agricultural productivity, Efficient and precise fertilizer application is critical while minimizing resource wastage. Existing methods often rely on manual labor or traditional equipment, which leads to uneven distribution, inefficiencies, and suboptimal crop growth. The absence of suitable solutions that integrate modern technologies, such as crop height detection and controlled dispensing, poses challenges in achieving optimal fertilizer application tailored to field conditions. Addressing these limitations requires a device capable of delivering fertilizers accurately, adjusting to crop-specific needs, and eliminating the dependency on skilled labor. Such innovation would ensure better crop health, improved yields, and reduced environmental impact.

[0003] Traditional methods typically involve manual spreading, hand-operated sprayers, or tractor-mounted equipment which are widely used, they often result in uneven fertilizer distribution due to human error or limitations of the equipment. Manual spreading lacks precision, leading to under-application in some areas and over-application in others, potentially harming the crops or soil. Tractor-mounted equipment offers better coverage but requires skilled operators and lacks the adaptability to crop height variations, causing wastage or inefficient application. Additionally, traditional devices fail to monitor or adjust the amount of fertilizer being dispensed in real-time, resulting in inconsistent nutrient distribution across the field.

[0004] US20090057442A1 mentions a fertilizer-insecticide sprayer comprising an air compressor in conjunction with a fertilizer-insecticide pressure container through a roll of air pressure pipe and the fertilizer-insecticide container is hung to such a frame that the container can be turned upside down; a roll of liquid pressure pipe is connected to the container and leads fertilizer-insecticide to a hand spraying device with a spraying lock. Due to the pressure in the container, the fertilizer-insecticide liquid is taken to the hand spraying device. Just opening the lock, the spraying device will spray finely and homogeneously the fertilizer-insecticide solution on the plants due to the pressure of the compressed air until there is no fertilizer-insecticide left in the container.

[0005] CN211931351U discloses a fluid fertilizer spraying device, which comprises a left door-shaped bracket and a right door-shaped bracket, wherein the inner sides of the two ends of the left door-shaped bracket and the right door-shaped bracket are respectively and rotatably connected with a left connecting rod, a right connecting rod, a left cylinder and a right cylinder, the middle parts of the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod are crossed and rotatably connected with each other, and the front ends of piston rods of the left cylinder and the right cylinder are respectively and rotatably connected with the lower ends of the right connecting rod and the left connecting rod; the top end of the left door-shaped support is fixedly connected with a support, a fluid fertilizer storage tank and a swing air cylinder are respectively fixed on the support, a horizontal spraying pipe is rotatably installed at the bottom of the support, a liquid inlet is formed in the rear end of the horizontal spraying pipe, and a plurality of spraying openings are respectively formed in the pipe wall of the bottom of the horizontal spraying pipe; the output shaft of the swing cylinder and the horizontal spraying pipe are respectively provided with a driving chain wheel and a driven chain wheel, and an annular chain is connected between the driving chain wheel and the driven chain wheel. The utility model discloses with low costs, need not to consume a large amount of manpower, the working area is big, adapts to the field ridge of different width, sprays the operating efficiency height for fluid fertilizer can be even spray to the operation region.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to improve fertilizer application by automating certain processes, such as mechanized sprayers or fertilizer spreaders. However, these devices lack advanced features for height adjustment or to measure and regulate the amount of fertilizer being dispensed. As a result, these devices often fail to address the specific needs of diverse agricultural fields and crops. Furthermore, most existing devices require skilled operators for effective operation, limiting their usability in regions with a shortage of trained personnel.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of delivering fertilizers with an appropriate amount of fertilizers of various types requires to selected area of the field without any requirement of skilled persons for eliminating the dependency on skilled persons.

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 spraying an agricultural field with an appropriate amount of fertilizers of various types requires to selected area of the field without any requirement of skilled persons thus maintain growth of the crops grown on the field.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting height of the crop in order to adjust height of the device to spray the fertilizers appropriately over the crops for proper growth.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting amount of the fertilizer being dispensed to adjust the flow for dispensing evaluated amount of fertilizer over the crops.

[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 automatic fertilizer spraying device that by ensuring correct type and amount of fertilizer is applied to each area of the field based on specific needs to enhance crop growth, optimize resource usage, and reduce the impact of traditional fertilization methods.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic fertilizer spraying device comprises of a housing positioned over a ground surface of an agricultural field grown with a crop that is to be sprayed with a fertilizer, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the housing and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the field, based on the captured images, the microcontroller determines a 3-Dimensional map of the field, a touch interactive display panel installed over the housing and directed by the microcontroller to display the map to enable a user to provide input regarding a specific area over the field over which the fertilizer is to be installed, based on user selected area, the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized wheels arranged beneath the housing to provide translation to the housing over the user-specified area, a biosensor integrated with the housing and synced with the imaging unit to determine condition of the crop, based on the detected condition, the microcontroller evaluate type and amount of fertilizer to be sprayed over the crop, an multi-sectioned chamber arranged over the housing and stored with the fertilizers of various types, a pump installed in each section of the chamber and directed by the microcontroller to actuate a specific pump installed in a section stored with the evaluated fertilizer to dispense the evaluated fertilizer into a conduit connected with the chamber, a laser sensor installed over the housing and synced with the imaging unit to determine height of the crop, based on the detected height, the microcontroller actuates a vertical telescopic rod installed over the housing to extend and position a horizontal extendable pipe configured with the rod over the crop.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further includes plurality of electronic sprayers installed over the pipe and liked with the conduit, the microcontroller actuates the sprayers to dispense the evaluated fertilizer over the crop, a flow sensor is integrated with the conduit to monitor amount of the fertilizer being dispensed based on which the microcontroller directs the sprayers to dispense the evaluated amount of the fertilizer over the crops, a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated with the pipe that actuates to provide appropriate extension to the pipe to position the sprayers over the crop, a level sensor is integrated with each of the sections to monitor level of the stored fertilizer and in case the monitored level recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed over the housing to produce a voice command to notify the user regrading refilling of the chamber, a level sensor is integrated with each of the sections to monitor level of the stored fertilizer and in case the monitored level recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed over the housing to produce a voice command to notify the user regrading refilling of the chamber, a battery is associated with the device for powering up 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 automatic fertilizer spraying 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 automatic fertilizer spraying device that is capable of providing precise and targeted application of fertilizers to agricultural crops ensuring that the correct amount and type of fertilizer are applied to specific areas of the field for proper growth and contributing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automatic fertilizer spraying device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 having an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 installed over the housing 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over the housing 101, multiple motorized wheels 104 arranged beneath the housing 101, an multi-sectioned chamber 105 arranged over the housing 101, a pump 106 installed in each section of the chamber 105, a conduit 111 connected with the chamber 105, a vertical telescopic rod 107 installed over the housing 101, an horizontal extendable pipe 108 configured with the rod 107, multiple electronic sprayers 109 installed over the pipe 108 and liked with the conduit 111, and a speaker 110 installed over the housing 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a housing 101 made up of any material selected from but not limited to metallic material and wooden material alike that sustain loads of all components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in spraying fertilizers in an agricultural field grown with a crop. The user firstly activates the device manually by pressing a push button integrated with the housing 101. The push button 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.

[0024] After activation of the device, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 installed over the housing 101 to generate a 3-D (three-dimensional) map of the field. The imaging unit 102 mentioned herein comprises of a camera and a processor that works in collaboration to generate 3D map of the filed. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the filed, wherein the camera comprises of a structure, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the field.

[0025] While 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. The reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the field 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 102 processes the captured images by using artificial intelligence protocol to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data is now transmitted to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to generate 3-D map of the field.

[0026] Upon generating map of the filed, the microcontroller transmits the generated map to a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over the housing 101 to display the map. The display panel 103 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 map of the field based on that the user selects input regarding specific area over the field over which the fertilizer is to spray.

[0027] Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller actuates multiple motorized wheels 104 arranged beneath the housing 101 to provide translation to the housing 101 over the user-specified area. Each of the wheel 104 is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheels 104 to translate the wheels 104 to move the platform towards the user-specified area. Upon reaching the user-specified area, a biosensor synced with the imaging unit 102 and installed on the housing 101 determines condition of the crop. The biosensor works by detecting various physiological and biochemical parameters of the crop, such as leaf temperature, chlorophyll levels, and moisture content. This sensor typically employs optical sensor to capture light reflected from the crop's surface. By analyzing the reflected light, the biosensor assesses the health and condition of the crop.

[0028] Based on detected condition of the crop, the microcontroller evaluates type and amount of fertilizer to be sprayed over the crop. After evaluation of the amount, the microcontroller actuates a pump 106 installed in a section of an multi-sectioned chamber 105 arranged over the housing 101 that is stored with the evaluated fertilizer to dispense the evaluated fertilizer into a conduit 111 connected with the chamber 105. The pump 106 operates by utilizing a motor-driven mechanism that creates pressure within the multi-sectioned chamber 105, causing the evaluated fertilizer to be drawn from the chamber 105 and pushed into the connected conduit 111. The pump 106 is typically comprise with a piston or diaphragm that moves in a controlled manner, driven by the motor, to generate the required flow of fertilizer. The microcontroller regulates the motor’s speed and the pump’s operation, ensuring that the correct amount of fertilizer is dispensed according to the evaluation based on the crop’s condition.

[0029] While dispensing of the fertilizer into the conduit 111, a laser sensor synced with the imaging unit 102 installed over the housing 101 to determine height of the crop. The laser sensor works on principle of triangular principle in which the sensor sends laser beams at two points of the crops to form a triangle between the crops and the point of the sensor from where lasers are emitted. The beams are bounced back towards the sensor and are sensed by the sensor with the angle formed between the emitting point and the surface at which laser beam are impact. The laser sensor, after detecting the required data of dimension of the crops sends the data to the microcontroller. After receiving data, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect the height of the crop.

[0030] Based on detected height of the crop, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit integrated with a vertical telescopic rod 107 installed over the housing 101 to extend and position an horizontal extendable pipe 108 configured with the rod 107 over the crop. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the grippers. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve.

[0031] The air valve 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. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exits out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in extension and retraction of the piston that turns in aiding extension and retraction of the rod 107 to position the horizontal extendable pipe 108 over the crop.

[0032] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated with the pipe 108 to provide an appropriate extension to the pipe 108 to position multiple electronic sprayers 109 installed over the pipe 108 and liked with the conduit 111 over the crop. The drawer arrangement comprises of a carriage assembly and a DC (direct current) motor that works in collaboration to extend and retract the pipe 108. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the block up and down. The block opening located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the pipe 108. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extension and retraction of the arrangement to provide extension and retraction of the pipe 108 to position the sprayers 109 over the crop.

[0033] Upon positioning sprayers 109 over the crop, the microcontroller actuates the sprayers 109 to dispense the evaluated fertilizer over the crop. The sprayer 109 works by utilizing an electronic valve unit that is controlled by the microcontroller to regulate the flow of fertilizer from the conduit 111 to the spray nozzles. When activated, the microcontroller sends a signal to open the valves, allowing the fertilizer to flow through the pipes and into the sprayers 109 that atomize the liquid fertilizer, creating a fine mist or spray that evenly over the crop.

[0034] While dispensing the fertilizer over the crops, a flow sensor integrated with the conduit 111 detects amount of the fertilizer being dispensed. The flow sensor works by measuring rate of flow of the fertilizer through the conduit 111 as it is dispensed. The flow sensor typically operates using mechanical sensing element that include a rotor or turbine that spins as the liquid passes through the conduit 111, with the speed of rotation directly correlating to the flow rate. The sensor detects the movement and generates an electrical signal proportional to the flow rate. Based on the detected flow, the microcontroller directs the sprayers 109 to dispense the evaluated amount of the fertilizer over the crops.

[0035] A level sensor is integrated with each of the sections to detect level of the stored fertilizer. The level sensor works by preferably includes a capacitive sensing sensor that uses the principle of capacitance to detect the level of the stored fertilizer. Herein, a capacitor is formed by the sensor and the material (fertilizer) being measured. As the level of fertilizer changes, the dielectric constant between the sensor and the material changes, altering the capacitance. This change is detected by the sensor to determine the level of fertilizer. In case the detected level recedes a threshold value, then the microcontroller actuates a speaker 110 installed over the housing 101 to notify the user regrading refilling of the chamber 105.

[0036] The speaker 110 operates by receiving a signal from the microcontroller, which is triggered when the detected weight exceeds the threshold weight stored in the microcontroller's database. Once this threshold is affected, the microcontroller activates the speaker 110, causing it to emit an audible notification or alert to inform the user that the glue sticks need to be refilled in the chamber 105. The speaker 110 works by converting electrical signals from the microcontroller into sound waves, typically through a small vibrating diaphragm, which produces the alert sound to generate an audio warning to the user regrading refilling of the chamber 105 for continuing spraying of the fertilizers over the crop.

[0037] 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 the user effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0038] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the housing 101 positioned over a ground surface of an agricultural field grown with a crop that is to be sprayed with a fertilizer. Herein, the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 of the field, wherein based on the captured images, the microcontroller determines a 3-D map of the field that is displayed in the touch interactive display panel 103 to enable a user to provide input regarding a specific area over the field over which the fertilizer is to be sprayed and based on user selected area, the microcontroller actuates the motorized wheels 104 to provide translation to the housing 101 over the user-specified area. Herein, the biosensor synced with the imaging unit 102 to determine condition of the crop, and based on the detected condition, the microcontroller evaluate type and amount of fertilizer to be sprayed over the crop. After that the pump 106 installed in each section of the chamber 105 are directed by the microcontroller to actuate the specific pump 106 to dispense the evaluated fertilizer into a conduit 111 connected with the chamber 105. Also, the laser sensor synced with the imaging unit 102 to determine height of the crop, and based on the detected height, the microcontroller actuates the vertical telescopic rod 107 to extend and position the horizontal extendable pipe 108 over the crop, followed by actuation of the sprayers 109 to dispense the evaluated fertilizer over the crop. Herein, the flow sensor monitors amount of the fertilizer being dispensed based on which the microcontroller directs the sprayers 109 to dispense the evaluated amount of the fertilizer over the crops.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automatic fertilizer spraying device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned over a ground surface of an agricultural field grown with a crop that is to be sprayed with a fertilizer, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 is installed over said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said field, respectively, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller generates a 3-D (three-dimensional) map of said field;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over said housing 101 and directed by said microcontroller to display said map for enabling a user to provide input regarding a specific area over said field over which said fertilizer is to be installed, wherein based on user selected area, said microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized wheels 104 arranged beneath said housing 101 to provide translation to said housing 101 over said user-specified area;
iii) a biosensor integrated with said housing 101 and synced with said imaging unit 102 to determine condition of said crop, wherein based on said detected condition, said microcontroller evaluate type and amount of fertilizer to be sprayed over said crop;
iv) an multi-sectioned chamber 105 arranged over said housing 101 and stored with said fertilizers of various types, wherein a pump 106 installed in each section of said chamber 105 and directed by said microcontroller to actuate a specific pump 106 installed in a section stored with said evaluated fertilizer to dispense said evaluated fertilizer into a conduit 111 connected with said chamber 105;
v) a laser sensor installed over said housing 101 and synced with said imaging unit 102 to determine height of said crop, wherein based on said detected height, said microcontroller actuates a vertical telescopic rod 107 installed over said housing 101 to extend and position a horizontal extendable pipe 108 configured with said rod 107 over said crop; and
vi) plurality of electronic sprayers 109 installed over said pipe 108 and linked with said conduit 111, wherein said microcontroller actuates said sprayers 109 to dispense said evaluated fertilizer over said crop, wherein a flow sensor is coupled with said conduit 111 to monitor amount of said fertilizer being dispensed based on which said microcontroller directs said sprayers 109 to dispense said evaluated amount of said fertilizer over said crops.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated with said pipe 108 that actuates to provide appropriate extension to said pipe 108 to position said sprayers 109 over said crop.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is integrated with each of said sections to monitor level of said stored fertilizer and in case said monitored level recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 110 installed over said housing 101 to produce a voice command to notify said user regrading refilling of said chamber 105.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.