The present invention generally relates to a method and
system for automatically controlling the water flow in farming
and agricultural lands. More particularly, the invention relates to
a method and system for enhancing the usability of controlling
the water flow in farming lands with a master-slave configuration
along with an IoT server for data acquisition and analysis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[2] In general, farming and agriculture lands are one of the
crucial fields of growth that impacts a country’s socio-economic
development. The most important requirement of the farming
lands is water. However, unpredictable rains and changing
weather conditions may result in water scarcity.
[3] In order to efficiently manage water resources, various
irrigations systems are used to distribute water and to mitigate
the effects of water scarcity in a particular region. Irrigation
systems typically include valves, controllers, pipes, and emitters
such as sprinklers or drip tapes.
[4] Irrigation systems can be divided into zones because there
is usually not enough pressure and available flow to run
sprinklers or other water emitting components (e.g. drip tapes)
for an entire yard, sports field, or other irrigation site at once.
Each zone has a solenoid valve that is controlled via a typically
wired connection by an irrigation controller. The irrigation
controller is either a mechanical or electrical device that signals a
3
zone to turn on at a specific time and keeps it on for a specified
amount of time or until it gets turned off manually.
[5] Branch pipes in each zone are fed by a main line or
common supply pipe. Valves are either controlled manually by a
person or electronically by a solenoid that is connected to a
controller. In existing systems, controllers are typically wired to
the solenoid valves and the energy/power to actuate them is
provided through wires. Controllers can decide to turn on/off
valves based on schedules, weather information, and/or sensor
readings. However, aged and imprecise irrigation water delivery
systems at times result in a massive loss of water due to
unnoticed channel seepage and blockage. Accurately monitoring
and controlling the flow of water can be used to efficiently
manage water resources.
[6] Conventionally, most of the farmers divert canal waters
towards their fields and then sub-divide the water to respective
fields with the help of sluice gates for a proper even distribution
around the field. The main drawback in the current systems is
manual operation of the sluice gates to control the water flow to
a specific part of the field which creates a scope for error and
also over-watering due to slight ignorance of the workers and
can lead to huge loss of crops and thereby the yields. Also,
manual operations use the involvement of human labour which
can be termed as a loss of human resources unnecessarily.
[7] Therefore, in light of the aforementioned invention, the
method and system enhance the usage of controlling the water
4
flow in the farming lands using an Internet of Things (IoT) based
network for activating/deactivating the sluice gates remotely.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[8] The present disclosure is directed towards a method and
system for automatically controlling the water flow in farming
lands using an Internet of Things (IoT).
[9] In accordance with an embodiment, the method and
system allow a user to create a plurality of predefined
rules/patterns for activating or deactivating a sluice gate. The
plurality of predefined rules/patterns are transmitted to an IoT
server.
[10] In accordance with another embodiment, the method and
system receive the plurality of predefined rules/patterns at the
main control unit, which triggers one or more sluice gate nodes
based on the plurality of predefined rules/patterns provided by
the user.
[11] In accordance with another embodiment, the method and
system allow one or more sluice gate nodes to receive the values
from one or more water flow sensors mounted on the one or
more sluice gate nodes. The values are transmitted to the main
control unit in the form of packets including an identifier in the
header or footer.
[12] In accordance with another embodiment, the method and
system record the one or more values received by the main
control unit to the IoT server using a Wi-Fi/GSM module. One or
5
more values are segregated corresponding to the identifier and
stored in a database.
BRIEF DESCRPTION OF DRAWINGS
[13] The accompanying figures where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification,
serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain
various principles and advantages all in accordance with the
invention.
[14] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for automatically controlling the
water flow in farming lands using the Internet of Things (IoT) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[15] FIG. 2 illustrates a system for automatically operating or
controlling one or more sluice gate nodes in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[16] FIG. 3 illustrates a system for utilizing the main control
unit for communicating with one or more sluice gate nodes in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[17] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for automatically controlling the
water flow in farming lands using the Internet of Things (IoT) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[18] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures
are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
6
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other
elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[19] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the invention, it should be observed that the
embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps
and system components related to enhancing the usability of
controlling the water flow in farming lands with a master-slave
configuration along with an IoT server for data acquisition and
analysis.
[20] Accordingly, the system components and method steps
have been represented where appropriate by conventional
symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that
are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention
so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of the description herein.
[21] In this document, relational terms such as first and second,
top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish
one entity or action from another entity or action without
necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or
order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to
7
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method,
article or composition that comprises a list of elements does not
include only those elements but may include other elements not
expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article or
composition. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does
not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of
additional identical elements in the process, method, article or
composition that comprises the element.
[22] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for automatically controlling
the water flow in farming lands using the Internet of Things (IoT)
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[1] As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 includes a memory and
a processor communicatively coupled to memory. Memory and
processor further communicate with various modules via a
communication module. Communication module may be
configured to transmit data between modules, engines,
databases, memories, and other components of system 100 for
use in performing the functions discussed herein. Communication
module may include one or more communication types and
utilize various communication methods for communication within
system 100.
[23] System 100 includes an application 102 installed on a
plurality of users communication device which may include, but
need not be limited to, a mobile, a computer, a tablet and the
like.
8
[24] Application 102 allows the plurality of users to create a
predefined rules or patterns to activate or deactivate one or
more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,.. 104n. The predefined rules
or patterns may include, but need not be limited to, activating
one or more sluice gate node for one hour every day,
deactivating one or more sluice gate nodes based on the water
level in fields and the like.
[25] The plurality of predefined rules or patterns are stored in a
database 106 and transmitted to an IoT server 108 in the form a
packet, which may include, but need not be limited to, a specific
identifier to store the predefined rules or patterns in database
106.
[26] Subsequently, IoT server 108 communicates with a main
control unit 110 which acts as a master in the master-slave
configuration of system 100 and transmits the data received
from the plurality of users to main control unit 110 through a WiFi/GSM module.
[27] Main control unit 110 receives the plurality of predefined
rules/patterns provided by the plurality of users via application
102 and automatically triggers one or more sluice gate nodes
104a, 104b,… 104n for controlling the water flow in specific
fields. Also, main control unit 110 stores the plurality of
predefined rules/patterns in a Serial Peripheral Interface Flash
File System (SPIFF) for repeating the predefined rules/patterns
on the farming fields until the user alters the rules/patterns.
Main control unit 110 is further detailed in conjunction with FIG.
3.
9
[28] Further, one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,…104n
are mounted with one or more water flow sensors 112a,
112b,…112n to receive a plurality of values corresponding to
water levels or pressure in respective fields for controlling the
water flow. The plurality of values accumulated through one or
more water flow sensors 112a, 112b,….112n are transmitted to
main control unit 110 in the form of packets including an
identifier in header or footer to categorize the information. One
or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,.. 104n are further
detailed in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[29] The plurality of values are recorded to IoT server 108 using
the Wi-Fi/GSM module incorporated in main control unit 110.
Upon receiving the plurality of values at IoT server 108, the
plurality of values are segregated corresponding to the identifier
and stored in database 106.
[30] Thus, the feedback received from one or more sluice gate
nodes 104a, 104b,…104n provides the status of water flow at
respective one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,…104n and
determines the functioning of canals. Based on the functioning,
the plurality of users can alter the plurality of predefined
patterns/rules according to the flow rate of water.
[31] FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 for automatically operating
or controlling one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,..104n
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[32] As illustrated in FIG. 2, sluice gate node 104 includes a
computing unit 202 to process the plurality of values received
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from a water flow sensor 204 mounted on sluice gate node 104
through on-board algorithms. Computing unit 202 is powered by
a rechargeable battery 206 integrated with photo voltaic cells
208.
[33] Subsequently, computing unit 202 communicates with a
motor control unit 210 integrated with sluice gate node 104 to
operate or control the opening and closing of sluice gate node
104 for canal diversion and control the water flow to a specific
part of the farm field.
[34] Further, sluice gate node 104 is integrated with a Xbee
module 212 for communicating the data received from fields to
main control unit 110 and further to the user operating remotely.
[35] FIG. 3 illustrates a system for utilizing main control unit
110 for communicating with one or more sluice gate nodes 104a,
104b,..104n in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[36] As illustrated in FIG. 3, main control unit 110 acts as a
master in a master-slave configuration of controlling water flow
through one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,…104n which
acts as slaves.
[37] Main control unit 110 includes a computing unit 302 to
process the plurality of values received from one or more sluice
gate nodes 104a, 104b,.. 104n and transmitting the plurality of
values to IoT server 108. Computing unit 302 also process the
information related to the plurality of predefined rules or
patterns created by the plurality of users for activating or
deactivating one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,…104n.
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[38] The plurality of predefined rules or patterns are
communicated to one or more slave gate nodes 104a,
104b,…104n using a Xbee module 304 integrated with main
control unit 110. Xbee module 304 is a wireless sensor network
(WSN) for receiving communication as a master-slave
configuration.
[39] Further, main control unit 110 includes a Wi-Fi/GSM
module 306 for internet connectivity to establish a wireless
communication with IoT server 108. Main control unit 110
includes a battery 308 integrated with photo voltaic (PV) cells
310 to power the recharging source.
[40] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for automatically controlling the
water flow in farming lands using Internet of Things (IoT) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[41] As illustrated in FIG. 4, at step 402, allowing a user to
create a plurality of predefined rules/patterns for activating or
deactivating one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,..104n.
The plurality of predefined rules/patterns are transmitted to IoT
server 108.
[42] Next at step 404, receiving the plurality of predefined
rules/patterns at main control unit 110 and triggering one or
more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,…104n based on the plurality
of predefined rules/patterns provided by the user.
[43] In an ensuing step 406, allowing one or more sluice gate
nodes 104a, 104b,..104n to receive plurality of values from one
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or more water flow sensors mounted on one or more sluice gate
nodes 104a, 104b,…104n. The plurality of values is transmitted
to main control unit 110 in the form of packets including an
identifier in header or footer.
[44] Later, at step 408, recording the plurality values received
by main control unit 110 to IoT server 108 using Wi-Fi/GSM
module 306. The plurality of values is segregated corresponding
to the identifier in header and footer of the packet and stored in
database 106.
[45] The present invention reduces unnecessary usage of
human resources for manually monitoring the water flow
diversions in local farm fields and operates or controls the flow of
water remotely using application 102.
[46] The present invention also provides a real-time status of
diverting water flow based on the water flow rate displayed on
application 102.
[47] Further, the present invention provides a dual way control
of one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,..104n through a
radio frequency (RF) and Internet’s merged architecture.
[48] Moreover, the present invention does not depend on the
internet once the predefined pattern/rules are set by the user
and works normally unless the user alters the predefined pattern
or rules. Also, the usage of Xbee provides a near latency-free
communication between the one or more sluice gate nodes 104a,
104b,…104n.
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[49] The present invention also provides a local communication
between one or more sluice gate nodes 104a, 104b,…104n and
main control unit 110 through RF and eliminates recurring mobile
network maintenance costs.
[50] Further, the data acquisition into IoT server 108 allows the
user to visualize the daily logged records in the past easily.
[51] No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice
of the invention.
[52] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the present
invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the
specific form or forms enclosed. On the contrary, the intention is
to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and
equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as
defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the
present invention cover the modifications and variations of this
invention, provided they are within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
[53] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise,
the term “configured to” or “coupled to” is intended to include
both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to
each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at
least one additional element is located between the two
elements). Therefore, the terms “configured to”, “configured
14
with”, “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
Within the context of this document terms “configured to”,
“coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used euphemistically to
mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where
two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other
over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[54] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The
inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except
in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting
both the specification and the claims, all terms should be
interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the
context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising”
should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or
steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced
elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or
combined with other elements, components, or steps that are
not expressly referenced.
15

CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A method for automatically controlling the water flow in
farming lands using an Internet of Things (IoT), the
method comprising:
allowing, by one or more processors, a plurality of users
to create a plurality of predefined rules/patterns for
activating or deactivating at least one sluice gate node
(104a, 104b,..104n), wherein the plurality of predefined
rules/patterns are transmitted to an IoT server (108);
receiving, by one or more processors, the plurality of
predefined rules/patterns at a main control unit (110),
wherein the main control unit (110) triggers at least one
sluice gate node (104a, 104b,…104n) based on the
plurality of predefined rules/patterns provided by the
plurality of users;
allowing, by one or more processors, the at least one
sluice gate node (104a, 104b,…104n) to receive a plurality
of values from at least one water flow sensor (204)
mounted on the at least one sluice gate node (104a,
104b,…104n), wherein the plurality of values are
transmitted to the main control unit (110) in the form of
packets including an identifier in header or footer; and
recording, by one or more processors, the plurality of
values received by the main control unit (110) to the IoT
server (108) using a Wi-Fi/GSM module (306), wherein the
plurality of values are segregated corresponding to the
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identifier in header or footer of the packet and stored in a
database (106).
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein allows the
plurality of users to remotely monitor the water flow using
a communication device installed with an application (102).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein transmits the
plurality of predefined rules/patterns in the form of a
packet to activate a corresponding at least one sluice gate
node (104a, 104b,…104n).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein allowing the
main control unit (110) to store the plurality of predefined
rules/patterns in a Serial Peripheral Interface Flash File
System (SPIFF) for repeating a predefined pattern until the
plurality of users alters the pattern.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein receives the
feedback related to the status of water flow at the at least
one sluice gate node (104a, 104b,…104n).
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein determines the
functioning of canals and allows the plurality of users to
alter the plurality of predefined patterns/rules according to
the flow rate of water.
7. A system for automatically controlling the flow of water in
farming lands using an Internet of Things (IoT), the
method comprising:
a memory;
17
a processor in communication with the memory, wherein
the processor is configured to:
allow a plurality of users to create a plurality of
predefined rules/patterns for activating or deactivating
at least one sluice gate node (104a, 104b,…104n),
wherein the plurality of predefined rules/patterns are
transmitted to an IoT server (108);
receive the plurality of predefined rules/patterns at a
main control unit (110), wherein the main control unit
(110) triggers at least one sluice gate node (104a,
104b,…104n) based on the plurality of predefined
rules/patterns provided by the plurality of users;
allow the at least one sluice gate node (104a,
104b,…104n) to receive a plurality of values from at
least one water flow sensor (204) mounted on the at
least one sluice gate node (104a, 104b,…104n), wherein
the plurality of values are transmitted to the main
control unit (110) in the form of packets including an
identifier in header or footer; and
record the plurality of values received by the main
control unit (110) to the IoT server (108) using a WiFi/GSM module (306), wherein the plurality of values are
segregated corresponding to the identifier in header or
footer of the packet and stored in a database (106).