Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an Internet of Things (IoT) based management system and particularly to an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system.
Description of Related Art
[002] Aquariums serve as both decorative elements and habitats for aquatic life, requiring precise management of environmental parameters to ensure the health and well-being of the inhabitants. Traditional aquarium management systems often rely on manual adjustments or basic timers, which can be inefficient and prone to human error. With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), there is an opportunity to revolutionize aquarium management by providing real-time monitoring and remote-control capabilities.
[003] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected devices embedded with sensors, actuators, and software that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. By integrating IoT technology into aquariums, it becomes possible to automate various tasks, monitor water parameters, and control equipment remotely, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of aquarium maintenance.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system. The system comprising: an oxygen motor, installed in an aquarium, adapted to supply oxygen in water of the aquarium; a water filter, installed in the aquarium, adapted to filter the water of the aquarium; a light unit, installed in the aquarium, adapted to illuminate the aquarium; a communication unit adapted to fetch a clock time from a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server; a user device adapted to instate toggle information for the oxygen motor, the water filter, and the light unit; and a processing unit communicatively connected with the oxygen motor, the water filter, the light unit, and the communication unit The processing unit is configured to: receive the toggle information from the user device; receive the clock time fetched by the communication unit from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server; compare the received clock time with a range of time; and actuate a 3-channel relay to toggle the oxygen motor, the water filter, and the light unit, based upon received clock time and one of the toggle information received from the user device.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for managing an aquarium using an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system. The method comprising steps of: establishing a connectivity of a communication unit with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server; fetching a clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server; comparing, by the processing unit the fetched clock time with a range of time; and actuating a 3-channel relay to toggle an oxygen motor, a water filter, and a light unit, based upon the received time and the toggle information from a user device.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that seamlessly connects over Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that optimizes habitat conditions of the aquarium.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that is cost-effective and remotely accessible.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that is compatible with existing aquariums commercially available.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that is compatible with aquariums of all sizes and types.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that provides smart aquarium technology to hobbyists.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system that minimizes energy consumption while ensuring optimal device operation.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a processing unit of the Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for managing an aquarium using an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be adapted to manage components of an aquarium 102. The components of the aquarium 102 may be managed remotely, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the components of the aquarium 102 may be managed using a routine time scheduling. In an exemplary scenario, a user may use the system 100 to automatically operate components of the aquarium 102 at a specified time. The system 100 may support and preserve aquatic life in the aquarium 102 without any human presence or intervention.
[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise the aquarium 102. The aquarium 102 may comprise an oxygen motor 104, a water filter 106, a light unit 108, a processing unit 116, a 3-channel relay 118, and a power supply unit 120. The system 100 may comprise a communication unit 110, a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112, and a user device 114.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen motor 104 may be installed in the aquarium 102. The oxygen motor 104 may be adapted to supply oxygen in water of the aquarium 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the oxygen motor 104 may be such as, but not limited to, a pump motor, a submersible motor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the oxygen motor 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water filter 106 may be installed in the aquarium 102. The water filter 106 may be adapted to filter the water of the aquarium 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the water filter 106 may be such as, but not limited to, a candle filter, an Ultraviolet (UV) filter, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the water filter 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the light unit 108 may be installed in the aquarium 102. The light unit 108 may be adapted to illuminate the aquarium 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the light unit 108 may be such as, but not limited to, a light bulb, a tube light, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the light unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 110 may be adapted to fetch a clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112. The Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112 may fetch a real-time clock time and may further transmit the clock time to the processing unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the time format of the clock time fetched by the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112 may be of any format such as, but not limited to, a 12 hour format, a 24 hour format, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any format of the clock time fetched from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 110 may further enable the processing unit 116 and the user device 114 to communicate. The communication may be facilitated using the communication unit 110 by generation and establishment of a communication link, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the communication unit 110 may be, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, a millimeter waves communication unit, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communication unit, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit may be an Espressif ESP-32 Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) unit. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication unit 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 114 may be a device used by the user to instate toggle information for the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108. The user device 114 may further be configured to enable the user to manually toggle the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the toggle information may comprise the range of time for toggling on and toggling off of the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any information relating the aquarium 102 in the toggle information, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the 3-channel relay 118 may be adapted to toggle the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108. The 3-channel relay 118 may toggle the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108 based upon the fetched clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112 and one of the toggle information received from the user device 114, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 116 may be connected to the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, the light unit 108, and the communication unit 110. The processing unit 116 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit 116 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processing unit 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 116 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 120 may be connected to the processing unit 116. The power supply unit 120 may further supply operational power to the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 120 may provide power from a battery. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 120 may provide power from a wall-outlet power supply. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the power supply unit 120 may supply power from any source.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery power supply may be from a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery power supply may be from a non-rechargeable battery. According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery for power supply may be of any composition such as, but not limited to, a Nickel-Cadmium battery, a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, a Zinc-Carbon battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any composition of the battery, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be from a grid power line supply. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be from a generator line power supply. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be of any rating such as, but not limited to, a 110-volt supply, a 220-volt supply, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any rating of the wall-outlet power supply, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 120 may supply an Alternating Current (AC) power supply. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 120 may supply a Direct Current (DC) power supply. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 120 may supply any type of power supply.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the processing unit 116 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit 116 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a data comparison module 202, and an actuation module 204.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the toggle information from the user device 114. The data receiving module 200 may further be configured to receive the clock time fetched by the communication unit 110 from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112. The clock time received may be transmitted to the data comparison module 202, and the toggle information received may be transmitted to the actuation module 204.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 202 may be activated upon receiving the clock time from the data receiving module 200. The data comparison module 202 may be configured to compare the received clock time with a range of time. The data comparison module 202 may activate the actuation module 204 when the received clock time lies within the range of time. Otherwise, the data comparison module 202 may reactivate the data receiving module 200 to continue receiving the clock time fetched by the communication unit 110 from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuation module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the toggle information from the data receiving module 200. The actuation module 204 may be configured to actuate the 3-channel relay 118 to toggle the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108.
[0044] In an exemplary scenario, the user may have instated the toggle information with the instruction that at 07:00 AM, the oxygen motor 104 may be toggled on, the water filter 106 may be toggled on, and the light unit 108 may be toggled off. To execute the toggle information, the communication unit 110 may continually fetch the clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112, and the processor unit 116 may compare the clock time fetched with the 07:00 AM as instated in the toggle information. Upon comparison, if the fetched time is equal to the 07:00 AM instated in the toggle information, then the processor unit 116 may actuate the 3-channel relay 118 to toggle the oxygen motor 104 on, the water filter 106 on, and the light unit off, as instated by the user in the toggle information.
[0045] In another exemplary scenario, the user may have instated another toggle information with the instruction that at 10:00 PM, the oxygen motor 104 may be toggled off, the water filter 106 may be toggled off, and the light unit 108 may be toggled on. To execute the toggle information, the communication unit 110 may continually fetch the clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112, and the processor unit 116 may compare the clock time fetched with the 10:00 PM instated in the toggle information. Upon comparison, if the fetched time is equal to 10:00 PM as instated in the toggle information, then the processor unit 116 may actuate the 3-channel relay 118 to toggle the oxygen motor 104 off, the water filter 106 off, and the light unit on, as instated by the user in another toggle information.
[0046] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for managing the aquarium 102 using system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] At step 302, the system 100 may establish the connectivity of the processing unit 116 with the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112.
[0048] At step 304, the system 100 may verify the established connection. If the connection may not be established then the method 300 may revert to the step 302. Otherwise, the method 300 may proceed to a step 306.
[0049] At step 306, the system 100 may fetch the clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112.
[0050] At step 308, the system 100 may receive one of the toggle information from the user device 114.
[0051] At step 310, the system 100 may compare the time range in the toggle information with the clock time fetched from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server 112. If the fetched clock time may not be in the time range of the toggle information, then the method 300 may revert to the step 306. Otherwise, the method 300 may continue to a step 312.
[0052] At step 312, the system 100 may actuate the 3-channel relay 118 to toggle the oxygen motor 104, the water filter 106, and the light unit 108.
[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. An Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium management system (100), the system (100) comprising:
an oxygen motor (104), installed in an aquarium (102), adapted to supply oxygen in water of the aquarium (102);
a water filter (106), installed in the aquarium (102), adapted to filter the water of the aquarium (102);
a light unit (108), installed in the aquarium (102), adapted to illuminate the aquarium (102);
a communication unit (110) adapted to fetch a clock time from a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server (112);
a user device (114) adapted to instate toggle information for the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108); and
a processing unit (116) communicatively connected with the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), the light unit (108), and the communication unit (110), characterised in that the processing unit (116) is configured to:
receive the toggle information from the user device (114);
receive the clock time fetched by the communication unit (110) from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server (112);
compare the received clock time with a range of time; and
actuate a 3-channel relay (118) to toggle the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108), based on the received clock time and the toggle information received from the user device (114).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toggle information comprises the range of time for toggling on and toggling off of the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (116) is configured to check a connectivity of the communication unit (110) with the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server (112).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (114) is configured to enable a user to manually toggle the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit (110) is an Espressif ESP-32 Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) unit.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power supply unit (120) to supply operational power to the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108).
7. A method (300) for managing an aquarium using an Internet of Things (IoT) based aquarium (102) management system (100), the method (300) characterised by steps of:
establishing a connectivity of a communication unit (110) with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server (112);
fetching a clock time from the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server (112);
comparing, by the processing unit (116) the fetched clock time with a range of time; and
actuating a 3-channel relay (118) to toggle an oxygen motor (104), a water filter (106), and a light unit (108), based upon the received time and a toggle information received from a user device (114).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the toggle information comprises the range of time for toggling on and toggling off of the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108).
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the user device (114) is configured to enable a user to manually toggle the oxygen motor (104), the water filter (106), and the light unit (108).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the communication unit (110) is an Espressif ESP-32 Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) unit.
Date: May 16, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)