TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates to a technical field of agricultural device. In particular, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed.
BACKGROUND
[002] 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.
[003] According to a recent study, poor seed quality results in reduction of crop yield by 55% for farmers in India if procurement of seeds is done from nurseries rather than organizations that deal in buying, selling, testing and the like of seeds and other agriculture related products. The nurseries or government agencies don’t ensure quality of the seeds. The organizations ensure quality of the seeds; hence sell seeds at higher cost as compared to nurseries or government agencies. It has been observed that the process of seed quality assessment and assurance is not even followed countries that majorly practice agriculture. Also, studies indicate that the crop yield can be increased by as much as 50% by if high quality seeds are used for agriculture.
[004] There are existing techniques used for assessing quality of seeds, but a major disadvantage with such techniques is that they are time consuming as it typically require 7 to 8 days to satisfactorily examine the seeds and also seed assessment is destructive or evasive. Traditional techniques for testing quality of the seeds require taking a sample from seeds and test the sample or seeds that take around 7 to 8 days. Further, since only selected sample of seeds from entire seeds is tested it cannot be precisely predicted that each individual seed of the entire seed lot would be of good quality. Since, these tests require actual growing of the seeds that makes these tests non-repeatable, subjective and laborious. With the traditional techniques, for example, germination tests and vigour tests, it would be a cumbersome task to check each and every seed for quality as it will take a huge amount of time and also not practically possible to test all the seeds of the lot as the amount of seeds is significantly.
[005] Efforts have been made in the past to overcome problems associated with analyzing the quality of the seed. For example, United States Patent Application US 2
20160174456 A1 discloses apparatus and method for estimating a germination ability of a seed comprises a terahertz signal source for emitting a terahertz signal towards the seed, a detector for detecting at least part of the terahertz signal having interacted with the seed, wherein the detector is arranged for detecting an amplitude and a phase of the terahertz signal having interacted with the seed. A signal representing an outcome of the estimation may control a separator to separate seeds according to their estimated germination ability.
[006] There is therefore need in the art to generate an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed in real time, that doesn’t require invasive techniques for testing quality of the seed and can be used to analyze the quality of complete batch of seeds and the apparatus is portable.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed.
[009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that enable estimation of quality of seed in real time.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that enables analysis of entire batch of seeds for quality.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that utilize non-invasive process that is not irreversible.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that is portable.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention relates to a technical field of agricultural device. In particular, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed.
[0014] An apparatus for analyzing quality of seed sample is described. An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed sample the apparatus can include: a hopper configured to receive seed sample; a source configured to direct one or more incident radiations towards the received seed sample; and a sensor configured to detect the one or more incident radiations after the one or more incident radiations has interacted with the seed sample. An analyzer is configured to determine one or more parameters 3
associated with quality of the seed sample based on the one or more detected radiations. The apparatus is portable.
[0015] The one or more parameters associated with the seed sample is at least dielectric constant property, moisture level, texture and density. The one or more incident radiations directed towards the seed sample is radio frequency (RF) or visible light radiations. An optical imaging device to capture a one or more optical images of the seed sample, wherein a three dimensional representation of the seed sample is constructed using the one or more optical images. Further, the apparatus comprises a screen configured to display in real time, at least the one or more parameters or the quality of the seed sample.
[0016] An aspect of the present disclosure include a method for analyzing quality of seed sample, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, by a hopper, seed sample; directing, by a source, one or more radiations over the received seed sample; detecting, by a sensor, the one or more radiations after interaction with the seed sample; and determining, by an analyzer, one or more parameters of the seed sample based on one or more detected radiations. The method further comprises capturing a one or more optical images, by an optical imaging device, to capture a one or more optical images of the seed sample, wherein a three dimensional representation of the seed sample is constructed using the one or more optical images. Also, a quality of the seed sample is estimated in real time based on the determined one or more parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of perspective front view of an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of perspective back view of an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4
[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for for analyzing quality of seed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] 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.
[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.
[0024] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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 5
otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0027] 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.
[0028] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described 6
herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer-readable storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).A machine-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data may be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
[0030] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
[0031] Systems depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system 7
where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
[0032] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0033] All methods described herein may 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.
[0034] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0035] The present invention relates to a technical field of agricultural device. In particular, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed.
[0036] An apparatus for analyzing quality of seed sample is described. An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed sample the apparatus can include: a hopper configured to receive seed sample; a source configured to direct one or more incident radiations towards the received seed sample; and a set of sensors configured to detect the one or more incident radiations after the one or more incident radiations has interacted with the seed sample. An analyzer is configured to determine one or more parameters associated with quality of the seed sample based on the one or more detected radiations. The apparatus is portable.
[0037] The one or more parameters associated with the seed sample is at least dielectric constant property, moisture level, texture and density. The one or more incident radiations directed towards the seed sample is radio frequency (RF) or visible light radiations. An optical imaging device to capture a one or more optical images of the seed sample, wherein a
8
three dimensional representation of the seed sample is constructed using the one or more optical images. Further, the apparatus comprises a screen configured to display in real time, at least the one or more parameters or the quality of the seed sample.
[0038] An aspect of the present disclosure include a method for analyzing quality of seed sample, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, by a hopper, seed sample; directing, by a source, one or more radiations over the received seed sample; detecting, by a sensor, the one or more radiations after interaction with the seed sample; and determining, by an analyzer, one or more parameters of the seed sample based on one or more detected radiations. The method further comprises capturing a one or more optical images, by an optical imaging device, to capture a one or more optical images of the seed sample, wherein a three dimensional representation of the seed sample is constructed using the one or more optical images. Also, a quality of the seed sample is estimated in real time based on the determined one or more parameters.
[0039] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of perspective front view of an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] In an embodiment, an apparatus 100 for analyzing quality of seed sample can include a hopper 102 to receive the seed sample. The hopper 102 can be configured such that the seed sample can be directly fed to it. In an embodiment, the hopper 102 can be configured to receive the seed sample and further can be used to collect the seed sample or can be used to dissipate the seed sample.
[0041] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of perspective back view of an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a source to emit radiations that can be used to direct the one or more incident radiations towards the seed sample. In an embodiment, the source can include a one or more radio frequency (RF) electrodes 104 and/or optical imaging device 106. In an embodiment, the one or more incident radiations can include RF waves and/or visible light radiations. The RF waves can be used for non-invasive monitoring or analyzing of the one or more parameters of the seeds. In an embodiment, the process used for determining the one or more parameters associated with the quality of the seed sample can include, but not limited to RF spectroscopy. In an embodiment, the directing of RF towards the seed sample can result in absorption and dissipation of energies, hence can
9
result in change of dielectric constant that can be measured using RF analysis. In an embodiment, the measurement and the scattering parameter can include dielectric constant measurement. The scattering parameters can be measured with vector network analyzer and the same can be fabricated on substrate.
[0043] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a set of sensors. The set of sensors are configured to detect the one or more radiations after interaction of the one or more incident radiations with the seed sample. The one or more sensors can include but not limited to receiver, transceiver, proximity sensor and the like. Further, the apparatus 100 can include an analyzer. The analyzer can be configured to receive the one or more incident radiations after the one or more incident radiations has interacted with said seed sample. The analyzer can be further configured to determine the one or more parameters associated with the quality of the seed sample that can be used to predict or estimate or determine the quality of the seed sample.
[0044] In an embodiment, the analyzer can include one or more processors or controllers. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to PIC® 16F877A microcontroller, AVR ® ATmega8 & ATmega16, Renesas® Microcontroller and the like. Examples of processor 670 include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on a chip processors or other future processors.
[0045] In an embodiment, the optical imaging device 106 can include an optical camera, an infrared camera, a digital camera and the like to capture of or more optical images of the seed sample. The one or more optical images captured by the optical imaging device 106 can be used to generate a 3 dimensional image of the seed sample that can be used to determine the one or more parameters of the seed sample. In an embodiment, the one or more parameters can include, but not limited to dielectric constant property, moisture level, texture and density. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a screen 108 to display one or more parameters, the quality of the seed sample and the like. The screen 108 can include, but not limited to Cathode ray tube display (CRT), Light-emitting diode display (LED), Plasma display panel (PDP), Liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like.
[0046] It would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 can be used to analyze the seed sample for checking the quality of the seed sample in real time. i.e. the time for analysis of the seed sample is reduced drastically. Also, based on the analysis 10
of the seed, the seed can be further segregated or the lesser quality of the seed can be rejected or removed.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for analyzing quality of seed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] The process for analyzing the quality of seed can be initiated at step 202 that pertains to receiving of seed sample by the hopper 102. Further, step 204 pertains to directing one or more radiations by the source 104 over the received seed sample. Furthermore, step 206 pertains to detecting the one or more radiations by the sensor after interaction with the seed sample. Also step 208 pertains to determining one or more parameters associated with quality of the seed sample, by the analyzer, based on one or more detected radiations.
[0049] Although the proposed system has been elaborated as above to include all the main parts, it is completely possible that actual implementations may include only a part of the proposed modules/engines or a combination of those or a division of those in various combinations across multiple devices that can be operatively coupled with each other, including in the cloud. Further the modules/engines can be configured in any sequence to achieve objectives elaborated. Also, it can be appreciated that proposed system can be configured in a computing device or across a plurality of computing devices operatively connected with each other, wherein the computing devices can be any of a computer, a laptop, a smart phone, an Internet enabled mobile device and the like. All such modifications and embodiments are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
[0051] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or 11
even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0052] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0053] 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 subject 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 “comprises” and “comprising” 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 refers 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.
[0054] 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 people 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 OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0055] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed. 12
[0056] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that enable estimation of quality of seed in real time.
[0057] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that enables analysis of entire batch of seeds for quality.
[0058] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that utilize non-invasive process that is not irreversible.
[0059] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for analyzing quality of seed that is portable.

We Claim:
1. An apparatus for analyzing quality of seed sample:
a hopper configured to receive seed sample; a source configured to direct one or more incident radiations towards said received seed sample; and a set of sensors configured to detect said one or more incident radiations after said one or more incident radiations has interacted with said seed sample, wherein an analyzer is configured to determine one or more parameters associated with quality of said seed sample based on the one or more detected radiations.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more parameters associated with said seed sample is at least dielectric constant property, moisture level, texture and density.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more incident radiations directed towards said seed sample is radio frequency (RF).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more incident radiations directed towards said seed sample is visible light radiations.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said apparatus comprises an optical imaging device to capture a one or more optical images of said seed sample, wherein a three dimensional representation of said seed sample is constructed using said one or more optical images.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is portable.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a screen configured to display in real time, at least said one or more parameters or said quality of said seed sample.
8. A method for analyzing quality of seed sample, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving, by a hopper, seed sample; directing, by a source, one or more radiations over said received seed sample; detecting, by a sensor, said one or more radiations after interaction with said seed sample; and
determining, by an analyzer, one or more parameters of said seed sample based on one or more detected radiations. 14
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said method comprises capturing a one or more optical images, by an optical imaging device, to capture a one or more optical images of said seed sample, wherein a three dimensional representation of said seed sample is constructed using said one or more optical images.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein a quality of said seed sample is estimated in real time based on said determined one or more parameters.