DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an IoT based hydroponic system and method of working thereof. Particularly, the present invention relates to an IoT based hydroponic system and method for automatically managing and monitoring system activities essential for the growth of hydroponic plants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Plant growth is a natural phenomenon that involves formation of new organs during different stages of a plant’s life, increase in size of the organs, change in shape of the organs, increase in biomass, and increase in height of the plant. The plant growth mainly occurs due to cell division and cell enlargement. The growth and development of plant requires optimal level of light, temperature, nutrients and water. Plants require light to perform photosynthesis which is essential for production of food and energy required for the growth and development of plants. Some of the essential plant processes such as germination, photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration depend on temperature. Plants also require optimal level of nutrients for germination, growth and to fight off various harmful disease causing pests. Water is another major element required for survival of plants. Plants require water supply as it aids in cell enlargement and cell division essential for growth and development of plants. Water also aids in seed germination, growth and development of plant roots and plant nutrition.
[003] Traditional farming methods exhibit a number of disadvantages resulting in poor growth and development of plants. The farming methods require a large space for the growth of plants as the plants extend their roots to locate nutrients and water essential for the survival of the plant. Excessive water consumption is another major drawback of traditional farming. Water is also artificially supplied to the plants by Irrigation. However, irrigation results in water logging, poor aeration of soil and alkalinity and salinity of land. Another major disadvantage of traditional faming includes soil erosion resulting in poor growth of plant. Plant uptake essential nutrients from the soil. However, the plant may not be able to take up most of the nutrients optimal for plant’s growth due to various reasons such as alteration in soil properties. Such inability of the plants may result in their slow growth. Further, the deficiency of essential nutrients may result in stunted growth and development of plant, yellowing of leaves, burnt/scorched appearance on leaves, decline in the production of essential pigments such as chlorophyll and reduced yield of plant. Furthermore, the traditional farming is entirely dependent on the season for the production of a particular crop.
[004] In order to overcome the disadvantages associated with the traditional farming, a new technique known as hydroponics has been developed ensuring rapid growth of plants. Hydroponics is a technique for growing plants indoor without using soil. Desired nutrients in optimal concentration are supplied to plants through a nutrients solution resulting in rapid growth of the plants. Hydroponics requires less space for the growth of plants, conserve water, produces a micro climate, high yield and results in rapid growth and development of disease free high quality plants. Hydroponics is practiced by large number of farmers across the world.
[005] There are several patent applications comprising a hydroponic system for cultivation of plants. The United States Patent Application 5201141 discloses a hydroponics system made from a pair of flatwise juxtaposed layers of water-impervious material, to make a system resembling an airless N.F.T. However, the system is ineffective for germination of seeds. It is applicable only for the germinated plants with roots since the system includes flatwise arrangement of the layers without any air space which is essential for the growth of the root. Furthermore, the system lacks a reservoir for liquid that supports the elongation of roots. Furthermore, the system do not employ growing medium which is essential for the rapid growth of plants.
[006] The United States Patent Application 4392327 discloses a hydroponics system comprising an upper and a lower compartment formed of flexible plastics. However, the system is ineffective for germination of seeds. The system is applicable only for germinated plants with a developed root ball.
[007] United States Patent Application 6088958 discloses a hydroponic system for growing potatoes using a stolon partition member to prevent lenticel hypertrophy. However, the system is applicable only for the growth of potatoes and is not useful during germination and ineffective for seed germination.
[008] Therefore, keeping in view of the problems associated with the state of the art, there is a requirement of an advanced hydroponic system that not only avoids human intervention and automatic functioning of the system but also leads to provide real time data updates to the user. The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more problems of the prior art.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[009] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an autonomous hydroponic system for growing crops irrespective of any geological region.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a hydroponic system that enables repeated growing of crops in a same system that can extend from small area to any unlimited space.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide higher yields in hydroponics system by continuously focusing on providing required nutrients to crops on time, hence promoting crop growth.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide healthy crop production in the hydroponic system that avoids usage of any kind of fertilizers.
[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated hydroponic system requiring low-maintenance.
[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide simple, easily operable and modular system.
[0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a seed germination cap to keep the seeds moist before they germinate.
[0016] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying illustrations and examples to disclose the aspects of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:
[0018] Figure 1a is a perspective view illustrating a hydroponic system.
[0019] Figure 1b is a sectional view illustrating the hydroponic system.
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates grow box of the hydroponic system.
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates sectional cut view of the grow box.
[0022] Figure 4a illustrates side perspective view of the bottom of the grow box.
[0023] Figure 4b illustrates perspective view of the grow tray connected with drip lines.
[0024] Figure 5 illustrates three different site views of the hydroponic system.
[0025] Figure 6 illustrates mixing of nutrient solution into reservoir and the peristaltic pumps.
[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a side view illustrating the nutrient dosing system
[0027] Figure 8 illustrates circuit module of a plurality of peristaltic pumps with a microcontroller and a battery.
[0028] Figure 9 is a top view illustrating the system
[0029] Figure 10 illustrates another sectional view of the system and top view of the grow tray, drip lines and exhaust fans.
[0030] Figure 11 illustrates the interconnection of microcontroller with the IoT based hydroponic system.
[0031] Figure 12 illustrates interconnection of microcontroller and operator module with the IoT enabled real time database.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The IoT based hydroponic system according to the present invention, includes a nutrient supplier system, an automatic root pruning system, grow lights and a nutrient rich water reservoir. The system is configured with a microcontroller which is configured to operably control the functioning/ working of different components of the system. The microcontroller is wirelessly connected with an operator module of the handheld device of the user. The operator module enables the user to remotely control the working of the system. Further, both the operator module and microcontroller constantly updates data to the IoT enabled database, which enables the IoT enabled database to predict and notify the controller and operator module at times of emergency. The microcontroller on receiving the instructions from the operator module automates the functioning of the system. The system helps in monitoring various parameters of the system, such as but not limited to PH/EC monitoring, water temperature monitoring, water level monitoring. Furthermore, the system aids in the elimination of manual intervention and maintenance issues when cultivating hydroponic plants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system and method with reference to the accompanying figure. In the figure, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system and method can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0034] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0035] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0036] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0037] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise

[0038] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The equations used in the specification are only for computation purpose.

[0039] The present invention relates to an Internet of Things (IoT) based hydroponic system. The present invention is mechanically made in a hexagon cross-sectional hydroponic-shaped system. The system uses a drip hydroponics technique to reduce water wastage and provide space for a plurality of plants to be grown at once. Further, the system is configured to be autonomous and is operably coupled with an operator module, installed in any handheld device, such as but not limited to laptop/ desktop/ cellular device. The operator module is provided with a plurality of functions to operate the hydroponic system, such as but not limited to:
i. Switching function/ option for switching the plurality of pumps ON/ OFF;
ii. Cleaning function/ option for extracting water from the pump;
iii. Refilling function/ option for refilling the water reservoir.

[0040] The hydroponic system uses a real-time sensor data and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence modules to predict system parameters, like managing nutrients supplement, switching of exhaust fans and functioning of other components of the system, by predicting and analysing various system parameters and giving instructions accordingly. The present invention uses a dripping pipelines in the hydroponic system for watering plants. The IoT based hydroponic system mainly comprises of a smart grow light system, a nutrient supplier system to supply nutrients to the water reservoir so as to supply nutrient rich water to the plants, an aerator to aerate the water, and an IoT based Hydroponics tank refill/clean system.
[0041] The grow box provided in the present invention is a compact, modular, decorative and a well ventilated growing space provided to grow the hydroponic plants/ crops. The present system is designed to provide a modular, automatic and is accessible to the user having limited green grass.
[0042] As illustrated in Figure 1a and 1b, a hydroponic system comprises a grow box (1), a plurality of exhaust fans (2), an electronics box, grow lights (4), a plurality of plant germination caps (5), a plurality of plant grow cups (6), an air pump (7), an air stone (8), a plurality of sensor, a water reservoir cover (10), an automated root pruning system (11), a plurality of blades (22) for automatic pruning system, a motor (22) connected to automatic pruning system, a water pipe (12) connected to water reservoir (20), a submersible pump (13), a 3-way valve (14), a plurality of nutrient containers (15), a nutrient delivery pipe (16), a plurality of peristaltic pump (17), a grow tray (18), a grow space (19) for plants, a reservoir for nutrition rich water (20), a plurality of drip pipes (21) and a plurality of vents (27) for exhaust air, a controller and an operator module.
[0043] A plurality of actuators and sensors used in the present invention are operably connected with a microcontroller that manages the operation/ working of the hydroponic system. The hydroponic system is being powered by a 12-15V battery, powering all the pumps, motors (22), valves, cooling fans, microcontroller and the plurality of sensors.
[0044] The present invention provides an operator module configured in a handheld device, which controls/ manages everything in the hydroponics system. The operator module is configured to be connected with a microcontroller. The microcontroller acquires all the data/ information from the hydroponic system and transmits the data to the operator module to monitor and manage the functioning of the system. The operator module updates the collected data to the cloud/ database server. Further, the data updated to the cloud/ database server implements machine learning/ artificial intelligence operation/ processing, which provides improved suggestions for managing and functioning of the hydroponic system. The database used for all the acquired data is protected through a firewall, such as but not limited to firebase that encrypts the data and protects it from being damaged.
[0045] Further, the microcontroller in the present invention is operably connected with all the components of the system, so as to constantly detect the values from all the sensors of the hydroponic system and thereby control them accordingly. The microcontroller is operably and wirelessly connected with an operator module of the handheld device. The operator module in the handheld device enables the user to monitor the real time values of the components and thereby control the functioning of the components accordingly.
[0046] The IoT based system uses an operator module, operably connected with the microcontroller, that constantly monitors the functioning of the system, such as but not limited to water temperature, water level, light intensity and battery levels. The operator module is configured to control the operations of the hydroponic system, such as but not limited to lights, air pump (7), water pump, draining and refilling of water drips and switching of exhaust fans (2). The operator module is also been configured to alert the user at times of emergency, like on exhaustion of the nutrients from the system.
[0047] The proposed hydroponic system works smoothly on each environmental factors, by changing the setting condition of the system. Along with light intensity, temperature and humidity, additional factors like macronutrients can also be automated by utilising predictive deep learning frameworks like LSTM, which is an artificial recurrent neural network (RNN) architecture used in the field of deep learning. The present invention provide IoT based root-pruning systems, which makes it easier to control root overgrowth and root rotting problems that causes unhygienic conditions in hydroponic systems. With the use of IoT based root-pruning systems, it is easier to control such issues. The system is modular, occupies less space, is perfect for indoor farming in urban locations, and has a high autonomous functionality and maintenance score.
[0048] Figure 1a and 1b illustrates the complete assembly of the system of the present invention including the following components:
[0049] (a). Grow box: A grow box (1), as illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, in the present invention is a compact box used for cultivating/ growing hydroponic plants. In an embodiment of the present invention, the grow box (1) setup is of a hexagonal cross-section, honeycomb shaped system. The grow box (1) is provided with a cross-ventilation space that enables movement of air near the crops/ plants.
[0050] (b.) Grow Tray: A grow tray (18), in the present invention, is a container built in the grow box (1) for holding a plurality plants in a hydroponic system. The grow tray (18) is designed to provide grow space (19) inside the box for enabling the plant to grow inside the box.
[0051] (c.) Grow Cups: In the hydroponic system, a plurality of grow cups (6) are installed/ fitted on the grow tray (18) that enables plantation of the hydroponic plants/ crops. In an embodiment of the present invention, the grow cups (6) are designed with a net/ webbed containers for placing the plants inside the cup and allowing them to root in the hydroponic growing system. In an exemplary embodiment, grow cups (6) have a net container to secure plants and their growing medium in the hydroponic systems allowing water and nutrients to flow freely to and from the root system.
[0052] (d.) Plant Germination Cap: A plurality of plant germination caps (5), as illustrated in Figure 4a, provided in the present invention are transparent lids, which are configured above the grow cups (6). The plant germination caps (5) helps to protect the plants in various ways, such as but not limited to managing extreme temperature/ humidity, preventing the seeds to dry out.
[0053] (e.) Grow Lights: The hydroponic system is provided with a plurality of grow lights (4) that fulfils the need of natural sunlight. The intensity of grow lights (4) is configured to be automatically managed/ controlled, which helps the plants/ crops to grow in different climatic conditions.
[0054] (f.) Nutrient Container: A plurality of nutrient containers (15) illustrated in Figure 5, are configured with a sealed pack macronutrients solution which are placed below the grow tray (18) of the present invention. The nutrient containers (15) are connected/ linked to a nutrient delivery pipe (16), which transports essential nutrients from the nutritional solution container to the hydroponic plants’ roots. The nutrient containers (15) are operably connected with a microcontroller to automatically supply/ meet all the nutritional requirements that has drained from the hydroponic plants planted/ cultivated in the grow cups (6).
[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 illustrates the plurality of nutrient containers (15) designed in the shape of cups. As per this embodiment, each different cups are filled with different nutrients to supply the nutrients to the plants in a calculated way. The plurality of nutrient cups/ containers (15) are connected with a plurality of peristaltic pumps (17), which are configured to be placed above each nutrient cup (15) to extract nutrients in a calculated way and supply required nutrients into the main water reservoir (20) of the hydroponic system.
[0056] The hydroponic system in the present invention, uses a real-time sensor data and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence operator/ processor installed on the database server through IoT to predict various system parameters in the system. The machine learning/ AI operators installed on the database server are operably coupled with the microcontroller, so as to send the microcontroller with the required pump rates. The microcontroller such as but not limited to ESP32, on receiving the required pump rates from machine learning/ artificial intelligence processing manages the quantity of nutrient supply by directly controlling the pumping rate of the peristaltic pumps (17). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the amount of nutrient to be poured in the water tank is calculated by the microcontroller, according to the parameters received from the database server. The parameters received by the microcontroller are such as, but not limited to stage of plant growth, temperature and softness factors. The method ensures that nutrients are replenished in real time by predicting the amount of nutrients that were previously delivered to the plants. At the stage of supplying nutrients to the plants, the machine learning/ AI operators installed in the database server also calculates other factors of the hydroponic system, such as but not limited to plant type, growth stage, plant health, to predict and instruct best value of nutrients to be supplied to the plants. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hydroponic system is operably coupled to a forecasting regression module (like ARIMA) for accuracy in detecting parameters, and a non-linear regression modules, such as but not limited to polynomial regression/ridge/ lasso regression, for efficient predictions of nutrients.
[0057] (g.) Access way for Nutrient Supplier: An access way for nutrient supplier system (25) is configured to supply nutrients to directly add nutrients to the nutrient containers (15) in every fixed number of weeks. The nutrients can be added into the nutrient container (15) through an opening/ access way provided at front of the hydroponic system, so as to extract and refill the plurality of nutrient containers (15) placed in the system. Further, the nutrients filled in the nutrient containers are configured to be extracted by the peristaltic pumps (17) and supply it to the water storage tank in a controlled manner, as detected by the machine learning operator/ processor installed in the IoT enabled database server.
[0058] (h.) Reservoir for nutrition rich water: A water reservoir (20) provided in the present invention is connected with the nutrient containers (15), which mixes all the requisite nutrients through peristaltic pumps (17) to the reservoir (20) to make nutrition rich water.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the nutrition rich water reservoir (20) is detachably mounted with a cover plate (10) configured to collect the roots snipped by the automatic root pruning system. The detachable cover plate allows the user to throw away all of the collected roots and re-use it by placing it over the nutrient-rich water reservoir (20).
[0060] (i.) Submersible Pump: A submersible pump (13) provided in the present invention is placed inside the nutrition rich reservoir (20). The submersible pump (13) placed in the reservoir (20), is connected with a 3-way valve (14) that enables supplying of nutrition rich water when the water/ nutrients gets drained out from the hydroponic plants’ roots. The submersible pump (13) provides a bi-directional configuration. The submersible pump (13) helps in cleaning the water, by extracting the water from the reservoir (20). The water is extracted from the reservoir (20) through the submersible pump (13), to the three way valve (14) for extracting water from the reservoir. One of the other two outlets of the three-way valve (14) can be selected through the operator module, to extract the water from the water reservoir tank (20).
[0061] Figure 7 of the present invention illustrates the three ports provided in the three way valve (14). The three ports of the three way valve (14) are connected to the submersible pump (13), the water pipe (12) connected drip pipes (21) and the reservoir (20). In an embodiment of the present invention, the three ports are configured as one inlet port and two outlet ports, i.e. first outlet port and second outlet port. The inlet port is connected with the submersible pump (13) to supply the water from the reservoir (20), the first outlet port is connected with the water pipe (12) that transports/ drains the water to/ from the grow cups (6) and the second outlet port is connected with the water reservoir (20) to drain the extra water from the water pipe (12).
[0062] (j.) Drip pipes: A drip pipes (21) , as illustrated in Figure 4b, adapted in the present invention are configured to receive the pumped nutrient rich water from the water pipe (12), which is connected with the first outlet of the three-valve (14) port. The drip pipes (21) configured on the grow tray (18) uses small emitters to drip the nutrients directly into the plants, cultivated in the grow cups (6). The drip pipes (21) improves the water efficiency by controlling the amount of water and nutrients supplied to the plants.
[0063] (k.) Peristaltic pump: In an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 illustrates a plurality of peristaltic pumps (17) connected to the plurality of nutrient containers (15). The peristaltic pumps (17) placed below the grow tray (18) manages the flow of the nutrients from the nutrient containers (15) to the water reservoir (20), as per the instructions received by the microcontroller. The peristaltic pumps (17) are operated in the range of 10V-12V and functions on receiving the instructions from the microcontroller, which is also operated by a 12-15V battery.
[0064] (l.) Air pump and Air Stone: An air pump (7) in the present invention, is configured to create tiny bubbles of oxygen in the grow box (1) of the hydroponic system, when air is forced through the air stone (8). The air stone (8) helps in producing bubbles in the grow box (10). The air bubbles make the dissolved oxygen disperse more widely throughout the hydroponic system. The air pump (7) connected with an air stone (8) is configured to push the oxygen bubbles through the system and thereby supply bubbles into the grow box (1).
[0065] (m.) Automatic root pruning system: The present invention of the hydroponic system is provided with an automatic root pruning system (11). The automatic root pruning system (11) comprises:
i.) a plurality of blades (22) for snipping the overgrown and rotted roots, to shorten them up to around the same length as adjacent roots.;
ii.) a motor (22) configured to drive the plurality of blades (22);
iii.) an access passage (26) for snipping the shredded roots out from the system.
The root pruning system (11) is operably connected with the microcontroller that automates the process of snipping the overgrown/ rotted roots. The access passage (26) in the automated root pruning system (11) enables to clean the system from removing the snipped roots out of the system.
[0066] (n.) Electronics bay/box: The hydroponic system in the present invention, is being operated by a 12-15 V battery which is powered by the microcontroller, such as but not limited to an ESP32 to which all the components are connected. The electronic bay is configured to operate a plurality of sensors, servo motors, pumps, aerator, grow lights, cooling fans, motor drivers, 3 Way valve and peristaltic pumps. The electronics bay/ box comprises of a battery, motor controllers, a microcontroller, a communication module and a USB port.
[0067] (o.) Sensor probes (pH, EC, Temperature sensors): The hydroponic system in the present invention is installed with a plurality of sensor probes (9), such as but not limited to pH sensor, electrical conductivity sensor, temperature sensor. The sensor probes (9) in the present invention is connected with a microcontroller to continuously detect the sensor values.
[0068] The hydroponic system is also provided with an ultrasonic sensor (24) configured to continuously detect the water levels of the reservoir (20).
[0069] (p.) Exhaust fans: A plurality of exhaust fans/ extractor fans (2), as illustrated in Figure 9, are installed at the ceiling of the grow box (1). The exhaust fans (2) are installed to maintain the airflow within the grow box (1). The exhaust fans (2) in the hydroponic system helps to extract hot and humid air present inside the grow box (1), so as to maintain the temperature inside the grow box (1). The exhaust fans (2) are equipped with a plurality of air vents (27) to balance the effect of the exhaust fans (2) and to provide cross ventilation inside the system.
[0070] The present invention additionally/ optionally provides an environmental control system, adapted for inducing ventilation inside the cultivation chamber with exhaust fans (2), and the ability to mechanically actuate. Both outlet and inlet louvres may be arranged to cover ventilation apertures of the growth module when the fans (2) are not in use, via a mechanical or passive method.
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 illustrates modularity of the honeycomb/ hexagon shaped hydroponic system. The present invention is a hexagonal-shaped system that allows it to fit/fill on a planar surface with equal-sized units and requiring no extra space. Because of its 120-degree angles, the hexagonal-shaped system also reduces the perimeter of the space where it is installed. The system is configured with a removable grow trays that ensures to feed highly oxygenated stream of nutrient solution to the entire root zone. The system provided in the present invention can be installed in a small area to a larger area depending on the need of the user. The system is flexible, scalable, expandable, sustainable, space saving.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 10 illustrates a microcontroller, such as but not limited to ESP 32, Arduino is operably connected with all the components of the hydroponic system, such as but not limited to grow lights (4), battery, sensor probes (9), exhaust fans (2), aerator (air pump (7) and air stone (8)), peristaltic pumps (17), submersible pumps (13), servo motor for germination cap (5), three-way valve (14) and a motor driver (22). The microcontroller constantly detects the values from all the sensors of the hydroponic system and manages the working of the components.
[0073] The microcontroller is operably and wirelessly connected with a handheld device. The microcontroller continuously uploads the data/ information detected from the hydroponic system to the handheld device. The microcontroller is also configured with an alert unit which prevents any neglect by sending appropriate alerts to the user on the handheld device. In a preferred embodiment, the handheld device connected with the microcontroller provides the user to manage the working of the hydroponic system in real time.
[0074] Further, Figure 12 illustrates the handheld device and the microcontroller connected with an IoT enabled real time database module, which continuously gets updated by the data received from the microcontroller/ handheld device. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IoT enabled real time database module on predicting overgrowth/ rotting of roots notifies the handheld device/ microcontroller, and further the microcontroller ensures to activate the root pruning system (11) for snipping extra/ rotted roots out of the system. Thus, the IoT based hydroponic system helps to overcome with such types of common problems, such as but not limited to supplying of nutrients, water level, temperature level, light intensity, which causes unhygienic conditions in the hydroponic system.
[0075] The advantages of the present invention includes:
• ease of farming in urban locations;
• high autonomous functionality;
• low maintenance required from the user;
• continuous monitoring and management of the hydroponic system.
[0076] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not 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.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. An IoT based hydroponic system, comprising of:
a) a grow box (1) provided with a plurality of exhaust fans (2) for movement of air within the grow box (1), the grow box (1) comprising of:
i. a plurality of grow cups (6) employed with net/webbed container, installed on a grow tray (18) to hold plants;
ii. a plurality of germination caps (5) coupled to the grow cups (6) to protect plants placed in the grow cups (6);
iii. a plurality of grow lights (4) arranged at predetermined height over the grow tray (18) to provide artificial lighting to aid plant growth within the grow box (1);
iv. a plurality of nutrient containers (15) stored with a plurality of nutrient solutions;
v. a plurality of peristaltic pumps (17) positioned below the grow tray (18) and connected with the nutrient containers (15) to pump out required nutrients into a water reservoir (20);
vi. a submersible pump (13) fixed within the water reservoir (20);
vii. a 3-way valve (14) comprises:
• a first and second outlet port connected with a water pipe (12) and the water reservoir (20) respectively;
• an inlet port connected with the submersible pump (13) respectively
viii. a plurality of drip pipes (21) arranged over the grow tray (18) drips the nutrients into the plants cultivated in the grow cups (6);
ix. a root pruning system comprises of:
• a plurality of blades (22) to cut overgrown and rotted roots;
• a motor configured to drive the blades (22);
• an access passage (26) to snip the shredded roots out of the grow box (1);
x. a plurality of sensor probes/sensors to detect pH level, electrical conductivity, temperature and water levels of the water reservoir (20);
xi. a microcontroller fitted in an electronic bay, operably connected with the grow lights (4), probes, exhaust fans (2), peristaltic pumps (17), a servo motor, 3-way valve (14), a motor driver, and root pruning system;
xii. a communication module installed in the electronic bay connects the microcontroller with a computing device; and
b) a database server connected with the microcontroller and computing device over a network;
wherein,
i. the microcontroller acquires the sensor’s output data and transmit the data to the computing device;
ii. the computing device is configured with an operator module, the operator module receives the data from the microcontroller via the communication module;
iii. the operator module uploads the sensor’s output data to the database server;
iv. the database server is configured with machine learning modules to forecast system parameters required for operation of the system;
v. the database server provide instructions to the microcontroller and operator module in order to operate the system in accordance with the system parameters to manage quantity of nutrient supply, operation of the root pruning system, and functioning of components of the grow box (1).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grow box (1) have a honeycomb/hexagonal shape.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the germination caps (5) are equipped with servo motors for opening/closing of the germination caps (5).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor probes/sensors are selected from a group of pH sensor, electrical conductivity sensor, and temperature sensor.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic bay includes, a battery, motor controllers, a microcontroller, a communication module and a USB port.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operator module is configured with a user interface to provide plurality of functions/options to operate the system.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functions/options are selected from group of switching function/option for switching the plurality of pumps on/ off, cleaning function/option for extracting water from the submersible pump (13), and refilling function/option for refilling the water reservoir (20).

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system parameters are selected from a group of managing nutrients supplement, switching of the exhaust fans (2) and functioning of other components of the system.