Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cotton plant growth management device designed to assist users in monitoring and managing the growth and harvesting of cotton by tracking the plant's maturity, providing timely insights for optimal cultivation, and improving yield efficiency through data-driven recommendations based on the cotton plant's growth stages and readiness for harvesting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Effective management of cotton plant growth, from seed sowing to harvesting, is crucial for maximizing yield and ensuring high-quality cotton. Seed sowing requires careful selection of high-quality seeds and proper soil preparation to promote healthy growth. The timing and depth of sowing significantly impact germination and early plant development. Throughout the growing season, management practices such as irrigation, pest control, and nutrient management are vital to optimize plant health and prevent yield loss. As the cotton plants mature, accurate monitoring of plant development is essential to determine the optimal harvest time, which depends on factors like boll formation and fiber maturity. Harvesting too early or too late can reduce quality and quantity, making it important to synchronize harvesting with plant maturity. Proper management throughout the growing cycle not only increases yield and quality but also reduces costs, minimizes environmental impact, and ensures the efficient use of resources like water, labor, and fertilizers.

[0003] Traditional methods for cotton plant growth management often rely on manual labor and basic practices passed down through generations. These include hand planting, periodic irrigation, and simple pest control techniques, such as manual weeding or using chemical pesticides. Fertilization is typically based on farmers' experience or local knowledge, with little to no soil testing. Harvesting is done manually, usually by handpicking when the bolls reach maturity. While these methods can be effective in small-scale, low-tech farming, they have several drawbacks. Manual labor is time-consuming and costly, limiting efficiency and increasing labor expenses. Over-reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to environmental damage, soil degradation, and pest resistance. Additionally, the lack of modern monitoring tools makes it difficult to accurately assess plant health, irrigation needs, or harvest timing, often resulting in lower yields and reduced cotton quality. These practices also fail to optimize resource use, leading to inefficiencies in water, labor, and fertilizer management.

[0004] CN204014522U discloses and a kind of agricultural cotton picker plucks cotton structure, comprise and pluck cylindrical shell, and the de-cotton disk body of setting corresponding with plucking cylindrical shell, pluck cylindrical shell comprise multiple arrange at equal intervals pluck cylinder, pluck and the equally distributed through hole such as between cylinder, to form, fixed cover is provided with in through hole, fixed cover internal fixtion one plucks ingot, pluck ingot and comprise ingot body, bullet is formed in the front end of ingot body, at the outer convex body of the equally distributed arc such as outer wall formation of bullet, rear end forms small umbrella gear, middle part forms the annular stop ring of evagination, external screw thread is formed between annular stop ring and small umbrella gear, be provided with large umbrella gear plucking in cylinder, large umbrella gear matches with small umbrella gear and arranges, and the end of plucking cylindrical shell realizes rotating by motor, when assembling, pluck ingot and stretch into fixed cover, stretched into by bullet in de-cotton disk body, small umbrella gear and large umbrella gear each other gear drive are connected, the utility model structure is simple, improves and plucks cotton efficiency.

[0005] CN216254035U discloses a ground cotton picking mechanism, which is characterized in that: contain the pickup cylinder, pickup cylinder surface axial is equipped with the multiunit pickup, the pickup contains reel bullet tooth (1) and beats belt (8) at least, reel bullet tooth (1) is a style of calligraphy range with beating belt (8), and reel bullet tooth (1) and beats belt (8) and set up in turn, the length of beating belt (8) is greater than the length of reel bullet tooth (1).

[0006] Conventionally, many agricultural devices focus primarily on cotton picking, designed to pluck cotton from the plant, but these devices do not assist users in comprehensive cotton plant management, such as accurately identifying diseases caused by pests, optimizing seed sowing practices, or determining the precise timing for harvesting based on plant maturity, which are critical factors in ensuring healthy growth, maximizing yield, and improving cotton quality. Additionally, these traditional devices often lack advanced monitoring and diagnostic capabilities that could guide users in making data-driven decisions throughout the cotton growing cycle, from planting to harvesting.

[0007] To overcome the limitations of conventional methods, there is a clear need for the development of a device that assists users in the comprehensive management of cotton plants, including the accurate identification of pest-induced diseases, optimized seed sowing techniques, and precise determination of the ideal time for harvesting based on plant maturity, thereby enhancing overall crop health, improving yield quality, reducing dependency on manual labor, and enabling more efficient resource use throughout the growing cycle, ensuring that cotton cultivation is both sustainable and economically viable.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that assists users in managing cotton plants by accurately identifying diseases caused by pests, diagnosing the specific pest or disease, and providing tailored treatment, to optimize plant health and enhance sustainable cotton farming practices.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that enables automated cotton harvesting by detecting the ripeness of cotton bolls through sensors or imaging technology, ensuring optimal harvesting timing, minimizing crop loss, and improving efficiency by accurately identifying mature bolls, thereby enhancing yield quality and reducing manual labor in cotton harvesting operations.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a portable and reliable device for managing cotton plants, designed to be easily transported and operated in various field conditions, providing users with plant treatments, thereby offering an efficient, user-friendly solution for effective cotton crop management in diverse agricultural environments.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a cotton plant growth management device, designed to assist users in effectively managing the growth and harvesting of cotton bolls by providing tools for monitoring plant maturity, optimizing cultivation practices, and determining the optimal time for harvesting, ensuring increased yield, improved cotton quality, and efficient resource utilization throughout the growing season, based on the accurate assessment of plant development stages and environmental conditions.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cotton plant growth management device, comprises a housing installed with motorized track wheels for maneuvering on an agricultural field grown with cotton plants, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit for enabling a user to give input commands for activation of the device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the housing for detecting exact location of the plants, a hyperspectral imaging camera mounted on the housing for detecting presence of disease in the plant, plurality of electronic sprayers installed on the housing and connected with plurality of chambers dispense bioactive coating solutions to aid in elimination of pest and curing the plant, a first robotic arm installed with the housing and equipped with a shovel digs the soil, wherein an iris lid configured with a vessel mounted on the housing opens for sowing seeds in the soil, a second robotic arm configured with housing and equipped with a spade level the soil to appropriately cover the sown seeds in view of allow growth of other plant around the cotton plants and attract pest towards the plant, thereby preventing the cotton plants from further damage by the pest, a third robotic arm installed with the housing apply pressure for compressing cotton bolls grown on the plants, a pressure sensor integrated with the arm detects pressure applied by the arm for compressing the cotton bolls, a first and second receptacle mounted on the housing for collection of cotton bolls.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cotton plant growth management device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a cotton plant growth management device that helps users monitor and manage cotton plant growth and harvesting by assessing plant maturity, enabling optimized cultivation practices and timely harvesting to enhance yield, improve cotton quality, and ensure efficient resource use throughout the growing season.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a cotton plant growth management device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 installed with motorized track wheels 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the housing 101, a hyperspectral imaging camera 104 mounted on the housing 101, plurality of electronic sprayers 105 connected with plurality of chambers installed on the housing 101, a first robotic arm 107 installed with the housing 101 and equipped with a shovel 108, an iris lid 109 configured with a vessel 110 mounted on the housing 101, a second robotic arm 111 configured with housing 101 and equipped with a spade 112, a third robotic arm 113, and a first and second receptacle 114, 106 mounted on the housing 101.

[0022] The device proposed herein includes a housing 101 that is developed to position on an agricultural field grown with cotton plants. The housing 101 as mentioned herein serves as a structural foundation to various components associated with the device, wherein the housing 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0023] The housing 101 is equipped with motorized track wheels 102 in association with a microcontroller, wherein the wheels 102 are installed with support of multiple rod like structure to maneuver the housing 101 throughout the agricultural field. The supporting rods helps to maintain an optimum distance between the base of the housing 101 and the field to enable the device to supervise the condition of the agricultural field, effectively.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the housing 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, a user-interface installed within the computing unit is accessed by the user to input commands for controlling the device, such as initiating monitoring functions, adjusting settings, or activating specific features related to road condition analysis, thereby enabling seamless interaction and customization of the device's operation for optimal performance.

[0026] Upon activation of the device, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the housing 101 for detecting exact location of the plants. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in surrounding of the housing 101, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines exact location of the plants.

[0027] Based on the determined exact location of the plants, the microcontroller directs the wheels 102 for maneuvering and positioning the housing 101 in proximity to each of the plants in a successive manner. The motorized track wheels 102 operates by using a motor to drive a sprocket engaged with the wheels 102. The sprocket engages with a continuous track, consisting of interlocking links or treads, providing traction and stability. Upon actuation of the wheels 102 by the microcontroller, the motor rotates the sprocket that in turn moves the wheels 102, thereby propelling the housing 101 over the field. The microcontroller regulates the speed and direction of the motor to control the translation to the housing 101 over the field, for positioning the housing 101 in proximity to each of the plants in a successive manner.

[0028] Upon positioning the housing 101 in proximity to the plant, a hyperspectral imaging camera 104 mounted on the housing 101 is activated by the microcontroller for detecting presence of disease in the plant. The hyperspectral imaging camera 104 detects the presence of disease in plants by capturing a wide spectrum of light beyond the visible range, including infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. Each plant emits unique spectral signatures based on its health, with diseased plants often exhibiting altered reflectance patterns due to changes in leaf structure, moisture content, or pigment composition. The hyperspectral camera 104 analyzes these spectral differences, creating detailed images that highlight areas of stress or disease. By comparing these spectral data with known disease signatures, the microcontroller identifies presence of disease in the plant.

[0029] The hyperspectral imaging camera 104 works in sync with a color sensor for detecting color of leaves of the plant. The color sensor combined with a hyperspectral imaging camera 104 enables precise detection of leaf color and spectral properties, aiding in plant disease diagnosis. The color sensor measures visible color values (RGB) of the leaves, while the hyperspectral camera 104 captures a broad spectrum of wavelengths beyond visible light. Together, the color sensor and the camera 104 create a detailed spectral profile that identifies subtle changes in leaf pigmentation and cellular structure, which are indicative of specific plant diseases, allowing the microcontroller to detect type of the disease.

[0030] Upon detecting a disease, the microcontroller analyzes the plant's condition to identify the specific pest-caused disease, and based on this diagnosis, the microcontroller determines the appropriate type of bioactive coating solution required. The microcontroller then activates plurality of electronic sprayers 105 installed on the housing 101 and connected with plurality of chambers stored with different type of bioactive coating solutions for dispensing the determined type of bioactive coating solutions to aid in elimination of pest and curing the plant. The electronic sprayers 105 works by utilizing electrical energy to automate the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get sprayed. Upon actuation of sprayers 105 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes bioactive coating solutions within the chambers, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force over the plant to aid in elimination of pest and curing the plant.

[0031] The chambers are designed with two curved-shaped components that guide the spray of the solution precisely towards the target area, minimizing overspray and preventing unnecessary waste and ensuring efficient use of the solution, as the curvature of the members directs the spray in a controlled manner, enhancing coverage accuracy while conserving the solution used in each application.

[0032] A first robotic arm 107 installed with the housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller for digging the soil via a shovel 108 equipped with the arm 107. The first robotic arm 107 comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm 107. Upon actuation of the robotic arm 107 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp for digging the soil via a shovel 108 equipped with the arm 107.

[0033] Upon digging of the soil, the microcontroller actuates an iris lid 109 configured with a vessel 110 mounted on the housing 101 and stored with plant seeds other than cotton plants to open for sowing seeds in the soil. The iris lid 109 typically refers to the iris or aperture mechanism in the camera or optical instruments as it works in a similar manner to that of a human eye. The iris consists several thin and overlapping blades that form an adjustable opening of the lid 109. Upon actuation of the iris lid 109 by the microcontroller, the blades move apart resulting in the widening of mouth portion of the lid 109, for dropping seeds in the soil.

[0034] Upon dropping of seeds in the soil, a second robotic arm 111 configured with housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to level the soil via a spade 112, equipped with the second robotic arm 111, to appropriately sow the seeds in soil. The movement of second robotic arm 111 is regulated by the microcontroller in the same manner as the first robotic arm 107 to level the soil via the spade 112 to appropriately sow the seeds in soil, allowing growth of other plant around the cotton plants. The growth of other plants near the cotton plants results in attracting pest towards the plant, other than the cotton plants, thereby preventing the cotton plants from further damage by the pest.

[0035] A third robotic arm 113 installed with the housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to apply pressure on the cotton bolls grown on the plants in view of compressing the bolls. The movement of third robotic arm 113 is regulated by the microcontroller in the same manner as the first robotic arm 107 to apply pressure on the cotton bolls grown on the plants in view of compressing the bolls.

[0036] A pressure sensor integrated with the arm 113 detects the pressure applied by the arm 113 for compressing the cotton bolls. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the arm 113 on the cotton bolls while compressing the bolls. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for detecting the pressure applied by arm 113 for compressing the cotton bolls.

[0037] In case the detected pressure is monitored to exceed a predefined threshold value, stored within a database linked with the microcontroller, the microcontroller actuates the arm 113 for plucking the cotton ball and discarding a first receptacle 114 mounted on the housing 101, . In case the detected pressure is monitored to recede a predefined threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the arm 113 for plucking the cotton ball and transferring in the second receptacle 106 mounted on the housing 101 as plumber bolls require less amount of pressure than the damaged bolls.

[0038] A level sensor is embedded within each of the chambers that detects level of the solutions. The level sensor used herein is a pressure-based level sensor which works on the principle that the pressure exerted by a liquid at a specific depth is directly proportional to the height of the liquid column in the sensor. The pressure-based level sensor comprises of a piezoelectric sensing element. When the sensing element is exposed to the liquid within the sensor, some hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the element by the liquid and which varies in accordance to the height of the liquid. A pressure transducer converts the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the liquid into an electrical pulse. Further the microcontroller analyses the electrical signal and based on which determine the level of the solutions remaining in each of the chambers.

[0039] As soon as the detected solution is monitored to recede a predefined threshold level, the microcontroller automatically triggers an alert to notify the user to refill the chambers. This alert is sent to a linked computing unit via an integrated communication module. The module is equipped with wireless communication technology, including a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module, which enables seamless connectivity between the microcontroller and the computing unit. Through this wireless link, the microcontroller transmits real-time alerts, ensuring that the user is promptly informed when the solution level falls, preventing any interruption in the system’s operation. The use of GSM technology ensures a stable, remote notification capability, allowing the user to receive alerts on a range of devices within network range, even from distant locations, improving user convenience by enabling timely refilling and ensuring consistent performance and effective use of the solution in the chambers.

[0040] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 that is developed to position on the agricultural field grown with cotton plants. Upon activation of the device by the user, the user-interface installed within the computing unit is accessed by the user to input commands for controlling the device. Upon activation of the device, the microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 for detecting exact location of the plants. Based on the determined exact location of the plants, the microcontroller directs the wheels 102 for maneuvering and positioning the housing 101 in proximity to each of the plants in the successive manner. Upon positioning the housing 101 in proximity to the plant, the hyperspectral imaging camera 104 is activated by the microcontroller for detecting presence of disease in the plant. The hyperspectral imaging camera 104 works in sync with the color sensor for detecting color of leaves of the plant. Upon detecting the disease, the microcontroller analyzes the plant's condition to identify the specific pest-caused disease, and based on this diagnosis, the microcontroller determines the appropriate type of bioactive coating solution required. The microcontroller then activates plurality of electronic sprayers 105 for dispensing the determined type of bioactive coating solutions to aid in elimination of pest and curing the plant.

[0042] In continuation, the first robotic arm 107 installed with the housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller for digging the soil via the shovel 108. Upon digging of the soil, the microcontroller actuates the iris lid 109 configured with the vessel to open for sowing seeds in the soil. Upon sowing of seeds in the soil, the second robotic arm 111 is actuated by the microcontroller to level the soil via the spade 112 to appropriately cover the sown seeds in soil. The third robotic arm 113 is actuated by the microcontroller to apply pressure on the cotton bolls grown on the plants in view of compressing the bolls. The pressure sensor integrated with the arm 113 detects the pressure applied by the arm 113 for compressing the cotton bolls. In case the detected pressure is monitored to exceed the predefined threshold value, stored within the database linked with the microcontroller, the microcontroller actuates the arm 113 for plucking the cotton ball and discarding the first receptacle 114. In case the detected pressure is monitored to recede the predefined threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the arm 113 for plucking the cotton ball and transferring in the second receptacle 106.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A cotton plant growth management device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned on an agricultural field grown with cotton plants, and installed with motorized tracked wheels 102 for maneuvering said housing 101 on said field, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands for activation of said device;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, for evaluating exact location of said plants, wherein said microcontroller actuates directs said wheels 102 for maneuvering and positioning said housing 101 in proximity to each of said plants in a successive manner;
iii) a hyperspectral imaging camera 104 mounted on said housing 101 for detecting presence of disease in said plant, wherein in case of detection of disease, said microcontroller determines type of disease caused by pest, and accordingly said microcontroller determines type bioactive coating solution to be sprayed over said plant;
iv) plurality of electronic sprayers 105 installed on said housing 101 and connected with plurality of chambers stored with different type of bioactive coating solutions, wherein said microcontroller activates one of said sprayers 105 for dispensing said determined type of bioactive coating solutions to aid in elimination of pest and curing said plant;
v) a first robotic arm 107 installed with said housing 101 and equipped with a shovel 108, assembled with said housing 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller for digging soil, wherein said microcontroller actuates an iris lid 109 configured with a vessel 110 and stored with plant seeds, to open and dispense seeds in said soil;
vi) a second robotic arm 111 configured with housing 101 and equipped with a spade 112 that is actuated by said microcontroller to level said soil to appropriately cover said seeds in view of allowing growth of other plant around said cotton plants and attract pest towards said plant, thereby preventing said cotton plants from further damage by said pest;
vii) a third robotic arm 113 installed with said housing 101 and equipped with a motorized clamp that is actuated by said microcontroller to position said clamp in contact with cotton bolls grown on said plants to allow said clamps to apply pressure for compressing said bolls, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated with said clamp for detecting pressure applied by said clamp for compressing said cotton bolls; and
viii) a first and second receptacle 114, 106 mounted on said housing 101, wherein in case said detected pressure exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates said clamp for plucking and discarding said cotton ball in said first receptacle 114, and in case said detected pressure recedes said threshold value, said microcontroller actuates said clamp for plucking and transferring said cotton boll in said second receptacle 106.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a color sensor is synced with said hyperspectral imaging camera 104 for detecting color of leaves of said plant which aids in detection of said type of disease.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller a pair of curved-shaped members are configured around said chambers that allow concentrated spray of said solution at the exact location, preventing wastage of said solution.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within each of said chambers for detecting level of said solutions, and as soon as said detected solution recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chambers .
5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.