Claims:
1. An irrigation system comprising:
a plurality of first sensors disposed at an area of interest and configured to detect moisture content at the area of interest;
a microcontroller configured to receive, from the plurality of first sensors, a current moisture content in the area of interest;
a water-pump operatively coupled to the microcontroller and operable to supply water to the area of interest based on receipt of a first signal from the microcontroller; and
a communications module operatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to:
transmit a second signal to the microcontroller associated with generation of the first signal; and
transmit data pertaining to a current state of the system to a display device,
wherein the communications module enables remote monitoring and controlling of said system; and
a wind-energy unit configured to power said system, wherein use of wind energy enables said system to be independent of commercially available energy sources.
2. The irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first sensors are soil moisture sensors configure to detect moisture content in the soil of the area of interest.
3. The irrigation system as claimed in 1, wherein the second signal is issued remotely.
4. The irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first signal is issued automatically when the detected moisture content in the area of interest is below a threshold value.
5. The irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a combination of a display screen, a plurality of LED lamps and a plurality of audio alarms.
6. The irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a plurality of second sensors operatively coupled to the water-pump and to the microcontroller and configured to detect a current electrical state of the water-pump.
7. The irrigation system as claimed in claim 6, wherein any one or more electrical anomalies in the water-pump is indicated at the display device along with any or a combination of visual alarms and audio alarms.
8. The irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communications module is a GSM unit configured to communicate wirelessly via any or a combination of SMS, phone calls and internet enabled web-based applications.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of irrigation. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a remote monitoring and controlling system for irrigation.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Timely irrigation is paramount for healthy growth of plants and in an agricultural setting such as fields and farms, this assumes great importance because of the quantities of crops and their costs involved.
[0004] Typically, system such as drip irrigation is employed, which efficiently supplies water through the use of few pumps. However, operation of the pumps is filled with challenges. Often, the pumps are place far apart to enable efficient flow of water, and this makes manual operation of pumps an arduous task. The operation of the pump is dependent on a subjective perception of the state of irrigation of the crops, i.e., the pumps may not be optimally used. Further, the state of the pump itself has to be manually examined, and only then, any faults can be determined. Another challenge is the dependence on commercially available electric power, which, especially, in rural settings can be unreliable.
[0005] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a means to optimally operate a water-pump in a field or farm and to be able to receive information related to the water content in the soil as well as the state of operation of the pump without having to manually examine them.
[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0007] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS
[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an autonomous irrigation system.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an autonomous irrigation system that can be run by a renewable energy source.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an autonomous irrigation system that is not dependent on day-night cycles.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an autonomous irrigation system that can be monitored remotely.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an autonomous irrigation system that can be easily implemented.

SUMMARY
[0016] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of irrigation. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a remote monitoring and controlling system for irrigation.
[0017] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an irrigation system comprising: a plurality of first sensors disposed at an area of interest and configured to detect moisture content at the area of interest; a microcontroller configured to receive, from the plurality of first sensors, a current moisture content in the area of interest; a water-pump operatively coupled to the microcontroller and operable to supply water to the area of interest based on receipt of a first signal from the microcontroller; and a communications module operatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to: transmit a second signal to the microcontroller associated with generation of the first signal; and transmit data pertaining to a current state of the system to a display device, wherein the communications module enables remote monitoring and controlling of the system; and a wind-energy unit configured to power the system, wherein use of wind energy enables the system to be independent of commercially available energy sources.
[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of first sensors are soil moisture sensors configure to detect moisture content in the soil of the area of interest.
[0019] In another embodiment, the second signal is issued remotely.
[0020] In another embodiment, the first signal is issued automatically when the detected moisture content in the area of interest is below a threshold value.
[0021] In another embodiment, the display device comprises a combination of a display screen, a plurality of LED lamps and a plurality of audio alarms.
[0022] In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of second sensors operatively coupled to the water-pump and to the microcontroller and configured to detect a current electrical state of the water-pump. In another embodiment, any one or more electrical anomalies in the water-pump is indicated at the display device along with any or a combination of visual alarms and audio alarms.
[0023] In another embodiment, the communications module is a GSM unit configured to communicate wirelessly via any or a combination of SMS, phone calls and internet enabled web-based applications.
[0024] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an irrigation system using wind energy, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0030] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0031] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non – claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0032] The present disclosure provides an Irrigation System using Wind energy with the help of a microcontroller. The system can be implemented in agriculture and farming sectors. For communication, a GSM module can be used to convey information/data/alarm to a user through text message or call or through a mobile application. The system is driven by wind energy, an advantage being that wind is a renewable energy and is available in plenty. This eliminates dependency on commercial energy (electricity) from conventional, non-renewable sources. Further, the energy generated from wind can be used to power various other electronic and electrical devices (or, appliances) to provide a complete smart and energy efficient solution for agriculture and farming sector.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an irrigation system using wind energy, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system can be a microcontroller based smart irrigation system, which can be operated by wind energy. In an exemplary implementation, wind energy can be used as a sole source of power to operate the overall system.
[0034] In another embodiment, the microcontroller can comprise a GSM module to enable connectivity to a user. The GSM module can enable services such as SMS and phone calls. It can also allow the use of internet to enable connectivity to the user through web-based applications such as a mobile app.
[0035] In another embodiment, the microcontroller can also be configured to operate a pumping mechanism such as a water-pump.
[0036] In another embodiment, a plurality of sensors can be placed on an area of interest, said are being any of an agricultural field and farm. The sensors can be configured to continuously monitor the water level in the area of interest and provide the information to a user in real-time. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors can be soil moisture sensors inserted in the soil and configured to sense the state of moisture in the soil.
[0037] The system can make use of telecommunication services such as SMS and phone calls through a GSM module. Alternately, the system can use the GSM module to communicate with the user using web-based applications such as a mobile app. This enables the user to know the water levels at the area of interest remotely.
[0038] In another embodiment, based on the current level of water in the area of interest, the system enables the user to control the water-pump to regulate (turn on or turn off) the water flow into the area of interest from a water source. The user can communicate with the water-pump via the GSM module using SMS and phone calls of via the mobile app.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the system can be configured to override user control and automatically turn on the water-pump when the current level of water in the area of interest goes below a lower threshold.
[0040] In another embodiment, the system can further comprise other sensors such as rain sensor, pH monitor sensor, flow rate sensor and pressure gauge, said sensors being operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The sensors can be connected wirelessly to the microcontroller through a wireless interface. The microcontroller analyses the sensor inputs to monitor the moisture levels in the soil and to determine whether the water-pump be operated.
[0041] In another embodiment, the microcontroller can operate the water-pump through wireless electric valves connected to the microcontroller through a series of relays. Based on sensed level of moisture in the soil, the microcontroller can turn on the electric valve (water-pump is ON) or turn off the electric valve (water-pump is OFF).
[0042] In another embodiment, the received data from the sensors can be transmitted to the user through the GSM module. In addition to current moisture state of the soil, the information can include the current electrical state of the water-pump such as power fail, electric faults like over voltage, voltage unbalance and availability of power. The data received in form of signals can operate under the control of a software stored in the microcontroller.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the different information broadcast to the user can be displayed on a display device which can be equipped with LEDs, alarms and buzzers to indicate different conditions of the system to allow for easy assessment of the area of interest and the system.
[0044] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive patient matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0045] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES
[0046] The present disclosure provides an autonomous irrigation system.
[0047] The present disclosure provides an autonomous irrigation system that can be run by a renewable energy source.
[0048] The present disclosure provides an autonomous irrigation system that is not dependent on day-night cycles.
[0049] The present disclosure provides an autonomous irrigation system that can be monitored remotely.
[0050] The present disclosure provides an autonomous irrigation system that can be easily implemented.