Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an environmental controlling condition and particularly to a greenhouse automation system for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions.
Description of Related Art
[002] Agricultural productivity faces several challenges due to dependency on environmental factors inside greenhouses. Farmers struggle to maintain stable temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light conditions, that leads to crop loss and reduced yield. Inadequate monitoring of such critical parameters results in inefficient crop growth and lower profitability. Existing solutions rely on basic sensors, light dependent resistors, and mobile-based modules for communication. These solutions provide partial monitoring of greenhouse parameters and allow farmers to observe certain environmental conditions. Some commercial practices integrate soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and communicative alert mechanisms. Such practices aim to provide real-time data access to farmers and reduce manual intervention in managing greenhouse environments.
[003] However, current solutions fall short in providing complete reliability and efficiency. They often face limitations in communication range, energy usage, and integration of multiple parameters into a unified system. High installation complexity and risks associated with system failures further reduce adoption by farmers.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced greenhouse automation system for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a greenhouse automation system for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions. The greenhouse automation system comprising a soil moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a light dependent resistor configured to sense respective greenhouse parameters. The greenhouse automation system further comprising a microcontroller communicatively connected to the soil moisture sensor, the temperature, the humidity sensor, and to the light dependent resistor. The microcontroller is configured to receive the greenhouse parameters. The microcontroller is configured to process the received greenhouse parameters using an artificial intelligence algorithm based on a weighted matrix, wherein the weighted matrix assigns variable significance values to each of the respective greenhouse parameters. The microcontroller is configured to activate one or more output devices selected from a water pump, an exhaust fan, or a lighting device based on the processed greenhouse parameters.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions The method comprising steps of receiving greenhouse parameters; processing the received greenhouse parameters; activating one or more output devices selected from a water pump, an exhaust fan, or a lighting device based on the processed greenhouse parameters; transmitting the received greenhouse parameters to a remote unit via a long-range wireless communication unit; and generating and transmitting alerts to the remote unit based on abnormal greenhouse conditions.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a greenhouse automation system for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a greenhouse automation system that enables continuous tracking of greenhouse parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light, ensuring timely corrective actions.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a greenhouse automation system that is remotely accessible.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a greenhouse automation system that is energy efficient.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a greenhouse automation system that provides long range communication.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a greenhouse automation system that is cost effective and scalable.
[0013] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0014] 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
[0015] 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:
[0016] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a greenhouse automation system for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates a circuit diagram of a greenhouse automation system for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1C illustrates a remote unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1D illustrates a remote unit, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] 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
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a greenhouse automation system 100 for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the greenhouse automation system 100 may help to protect crops from soil-borne diseases. Farmers fail to get good profits from the greenhouse crops because they are unable to manage plant growth and productivity. Greenhouse temperature may not go below a certain degree. High humidity may result in crop transpiration, condensation of water vapor on various greenhouse surfaces, and water evaporation from the humid soil. The greenhouse automation system 100 may utilize Using IoT sensors, the greenhouse automation system 100 may monitor greenhouse conditions, like soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. Further, the greenhouse automation system 100 may share details as alerts by radio communication techniques.
[0026] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the greenhouse automation system 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance a processing speed and an efficiency such as the greenhouse automation system 100 may comprise a soil moisture sensor 102, a temperature sensor 104, a humidity sensor 106, a light dependent resistor 108, a microcontroller 110, a water pump 112, an exhaust fan 114, a lighting device 116, a remote unit 118, a long-range wireless communication unit 120a-120b, a motor driver 122, relays 124, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 126, a buzzer 128, a first power supply 130, a second power supply 132, and an Arduino Uno 134. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the greenhouse automation system 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing greenhouse automation system.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the soil moisture sensor 102, the temperature sensor 104, the humidity sensor 106, and the light dependent resistor 108 may be configured to sense respective greenhouse parameters. The soil moisture sensor 102 may operate based on resistive or capacitive principles, detecting the volumetric water content of the soil and transmitting a corresponding analog or digital signal. The temperature sensor 104 may be a DHT11 sensor. The humidity sensor 106 may also be integrated into the DHT11 module or implemented separately, allowing for measurement of relative humidity in the range of 20% to 90% with an accuracy of ±5%. The light dependent resistor 108 may detect ambient light intensity and provide a variable resistance output that changes according to the light level, enabling monitoring of sunlight exposure within the greenhouse. These sensors may collectively provide real-time environmental data to a central processing unit, such as a microcontroller or single-board computer, and may then trigger automated control systems for irrigation, ventilation, and artificial lighting to optimize plant growth conditions.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 110 may be communicatively connected to the soil moisture sensor 102, the temperature sensor 104, the humidity sensor 106, and the light dependent resistor 108. The microcontroller 110 may be configured to receive greenhouse parameters from these sensors and process the data to determine the current environmental conditions within the greenhouse.
[0029] The microcontroller 110 may implement decision-making algorithms to compare the sensor readings against predetermined thresholds for soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light intensity. Based on the processed data, the microcontroller 110 may generate control signals to actuate devices such as the water pump 112, the exhaust fan 114, and the lighting device 116 to maintain optimal growth conditions. Additionally, the microcontroller 110 may provide outputs to the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 126 and the buzzer 128, enabling real-time monitoring and alert notifications to the user. The microcontroller 110 may further communicate with a remote unit 118 via a GSM or wireless module to facilitate remote monitoring, data logging, and alert transmission, thereby enabling a fully automated and intelligent greenhouse control system.
[0030] The microcontroller 110 may deploy an artificial intelligence algorithm based on a weighted matrix. The weighted matrix assigns variable significance values to each greenhouse parameter, functioning as a compiled representation of the sensor inputs. Each sensed parameter is assigned a corresponding weight, with the magnitude of the weight directly proportional to the intensity or criticality of the sensed parameter at a given time. For example, if the soil moisture level is critically low, the soil moisture component in the weighted matrix may attain a higher priority relative to temperature, humidity, or light. Consequently, the water pump 112 may be activated to restore optimal soil moisture levels.
[0031] The microcontroller 110 may be configured to activate one or more output devices, including the water pump 112, exhaust fan 114, and lighting device 116, based on the processed greenhouse parameters. The microcontroller 110 may evaluate the weighted matrix to identify the parameter with the highest weighted contribution. Based on this evaluation, the microcontroller 110 may select the appropriate output action—for instance, activating the water pump 112 when soil moisture has the highest weight, switching on the exhaust fan 114 when temperature becomes dominant, or powering the lighting device 116 when light intensity falls below threshold values.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, if multiple parameters attain comparable weighted significance, the microcontroller 110 may execute a composite response by activating more than one output device simultaneously. For example, when both high temperature and low humidity are dominant components in the weighted matrix, the microcontroller 110 may operate the exhaust fan 114 and the water pump 112 in combination to maintain optimal environmental conditions.
[0033] The weighted matrix may be dynamically updated in real time, ensuring that execution priorities always correspond to the most critical greenhouse parameters. In further embodiments, the weighted matrix may incorporate adaptive learning, where relative weights are refined over time based on plant growth outcomes, seasonal climatic variations, or historical environmental trends.
[0034] The water pump 112 may be controlled by the motor driver 122 to maintain soil moisture at a predetermined level. The motor driver 122 may be an L298N module capable of driving DC motors or pumps in both directions while handling sufficient current for reliable operation. Soil moisture readings from the soil moisture sensor 102 may be continuously compared with preset thresholds, and whenever moisture falls below the threshold, the microcontroller 110 may trigger the motor driver 122 to activate the water pump 112 for irrigation.
[0035] The exhaust fan 114 may be activated when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, as sensed by the temperature sensor 104. In certain embodiments, fan speed may be modulated using pulse width modulation (PWM) to regulate airflow according to the degree of temperature deviation, providing energy-efficient cooling inside the greenhouse.
[0036] The lighting device 116 may be controlled through relays 124 to maintain optimal light intensity. The relays may act as electrically operated switches capable of handling high-power loads for artificial lighting systems such as LED grow lights or fluorescent lamps. Light intensity readings from the light dependent resistor 108 may be compared against preset reference values. When natural light is insufficient, the relays 124 may activate the lighting device 116, and conversely, when natural light is adequate, the relays may turn off artificial lights to conserve energy. The microcontroller 110 may transmit greenhouse parameters to the remote unit 118 via a long-range wireless communication unit 120a-120b, such as an HC-12 LoRa modem, and generate alerts for abnormal conditions, which may be sent as Short Message Service (SMS) notifications. In certain embodiments, the microcontroller 110 may be an ESP32 module.
[0037] The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 126 may be adapted to display real-time greenhouse parameters and may be a 16×2 screen. The buzzer 128 may provide audible alerts to indicate critical environmental conditions or system notifications.
[0038] The first power supply 130 may provide regulated voltage and current to ensure stable operation of the microcontroller 110, preventing resets or malfunctions due to voltage fluctuations. It may include overcurrent and short-circuit protection features to safeguard the electronic components of the greenhouse automation system 100.
[0039] The second power supply 132 may provide optimal power to the remote unit 118. The remote unit 118 may be connected to an Arduino Uno 134 to receive data and trigger alerts via a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module, such as the SIM900A, which may have a range of approximately 1 kilometre (km). The remote unit 118 may also perform data logging, storing historical readings of soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light intensity for trend analysis, predictive irrigation, and optimization of greenhouse conditions. In certain embodiments, the remote unit 118 may include a battery backup to maintain communication and alert capabilities during power interruptions. The microcontroller 110 may communicate with the remote unit 118 over serial protocols such as UART, enabling real-time transmission of critical data for timely notifications.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates a circuit diagram of the greenhouse automation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The greenhouse automation system 100may include output components such as the exhaust fan 114, the lighting device 116, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 126, and the buzzer 128, all of which are interfaced with the microcontroller 110. The LCD 126 may be configured to display real-time greenhouse parameters, including temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity, enabling visual monitoring by the user. The buzzer 128 may provide audible alerts in case of threshold violations or abnormal conditions, ensuring timely attention to critical events.
[0041] The microcontroller 110 may be configured to control the exhaust fan 114 to regulate airflow and maintain optimal temperature conditions within the greenhouse. Similarly, the microcontroller 110 may control the lighting device 116 to maintain adequate light levels, either by switching artificial lighting on or off or by modulating its intensity. The LCD 126 and buzzer 128 may receive output signals from the microcontroller 110 to present real-time information and alerts, respectively, thereby providing both visual and auditory feedback regarding the greenhouse environment.
[0042] FIG. 1C illustrates the remote unit 118, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote unit 118 may be an electronic device adapted to be used by a user for monitoring the greenhouse environment. The remote unit 118 may include a display screen, such as an LCD or LED panel, to present real-time sensor readings including temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity. The device may further include a buzzer or speaker to provide audible alerts in case of threshold violations, such as low soil moisture or high temperature conditions. In another embodiment of the present invention, the remote unit 118 may include input controls such as buttons, switches, or a touchscreen interface, enabling the user to set or adjust threshold values for irrigation, ventilation, and lighting. The remote unit 118 may also include communication modules, such as a GSM module or Wi-Fi module, to receive data from the microcontroller 110 (as shown in the FIG. 1) and trigger alerts remotely. In certain embodiments, the remote unit 118 may be battery-powered or include a rechargeable power source to ensure portability and continuous monitoring even during temporary power interruptions.
[0043] FIG. 1D illustrates the remote unit 118, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The remote unit 118 may enable the user to receive and view alerts related to the greenhouse environmental conditions. The alerts may be triggered when sensor readings exceed or fall below predefined thresholds, such as low soil moisture, high temperature, or insufficient light intensity. The remote unit 118 may include a visual display, such as an LCD or LED screen, to present the alert messages in real-time. In addition, the remote unit 118 may include an audible alert mechanism, such as a buzzer or speaker, to provide immediate notification of critical conditions. The remote unit 118 may further allow the user to acknowledge or mute alerts, and may log past alerts for historical analysis.
[0044] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions using the greenhouse automation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] At step 202, the greenhouse automation system 100 may receive the greenhouse parameters.
[0046] At step 204, the greenhouse automation system 100 may process the received greenhouse parameters.
[0047] At step 206, the greenhouse automation system 100 may activate one or more of the output devices selected from the water pump 112, the exhaust fan 114, the lighting device 116, and so forth based on the processed greenhouse parameters.
[0048] At step 208, the greenhouse automation system 100 may transmit the received greenhouse parameters to the remote unit 118 via the long-range wireless communication unit 120a-120b.
[0049] At step 210, the greenhouse automation system 100 may generate alerts based on the abnormal greenhouse conditions.
[0050] At step 212, the greenhouse automation system 100 may transmit the generated alerts to the remote unit 118.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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. A greenhouse automation system (100) for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, the greenhouse automation system (100) comprising:
a soil moisture sensor (102), a temperature sensor (104), a humidity sensor (106), and a light dependent resistor (108) configured to sense respective greenhouse parameters; and
a microcontroller (110) communicatively connected to the soil moisture sensor (102), the temperature, the humidity sensor (106), and to the light dependent resistor (108), characterized in that the microcontroller (110) is configured to:
receive the greenhouse parameters;
process the received greenhouse parameters using an artificial intelligence algorithm based on a weighted matrix, wherein the weighted matrix assigns variable significance values to each of the respective greenhouse parameters; and
activate one or more output devices selected from a water pump (112), an exhaust fan (114), a lighting device (116), or a combination thereof, based on the variable significance assigned to processed greenhouse parameters.
2. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (110) is configured to dynamically update the weighted matrix in real time to ensure priority for execution of the output devices always corresponds to the most critical greenhouse parameters.
3. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (110) is configured to execute a composite response by activating more than one output device simultaneously.
4. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (110) is an Espressif 32 (ESP32).
5. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water pump (112) is controlled by a motor driver (122) to maintain soil moisture at a predetermined level.
6. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust fan (114) is activated when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.
7. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting device (116) is controlled through relays (124) to maintain optimum light intensity inside the greenhouse.
8. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (126) adapted to display the greenhouse parameters.
9. The greenhouse automation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a buzzer (128) adapted to provide audible alerts.
10. A method (200) for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving greenhouse parameters;
processing the received greenhouse parameters;
activating one or more output devices selected from a water pump (112), an exhaust fan (114), or a lighting device (116) based on the processed greenhouse parameters;
transmitting the received greenhouse parameters to a remote unit (118) via a long-range wireless communication unit (120a-120b);
generating alerts based on abnormal greenhouse conditions; and
transmitting the alerts to the remote unit (118).
Date: October 06, 2025
Place: Noida

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