Abstract: A plant disease management device, comprising a housing 101 mounted on motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, enabling mobility and maneuverability across a plant installation, a user interface wirelessly linked to a computing unit allows the user to control and activate the device, the microcontroller processes commands and controls the movement of the device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 captures and processes images to detect plant locations and disease severity, a hyperspectral imaging camera 105 and color sensor work together to identify diseases and assess severity, when a curable disease is detected, an electronic sprayer 106 applies pesticide, if the plant is non-curable, a pair of robotic arms 110 equipped with blades 111 and telescopic rods 113 along with plates 112 and motorized sliders 114 are used to remove the plant, a secondary robotic arm 115 with a shovel 116 aids in difficult removals.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a plant disease management device that accurately detects plant health issues and enables timely, precise interventions to prevent the spread of disease, ultimately enhancing crop management and boosting efficiency.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Plant disease management is essential for ensuring healthy crop production and safeguarding food security. Diseases, caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes lead to significant crop loss, reducing yield quality and quantity. Without effective management, these diseases spread rapidly, affecting large areas and threatening agricultural economies. Proper plant disease management practices help mitigate these risks by preventing the introduction and spread of pathogens, improving plant health, and enhancing productivity. This includes strategies such as crop rotation, resistant plant varieties, proper irrigation, and the use of fungicides, bactericides, or biological control agents. Early detection and monitoring of disease symptoms are also crucial in minimizing the spread and severity of infections. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines multiple approaches, from cultural practices to chemical treatments, to provide a sustainable solution to plant disease control. Additionally, plant disease management helps reduce environmental impacts, such as the overuse of pesticides, by promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Ultimately, effective disease management ensures that crops thrive, reduces economic losses for farmers, and contributes to the stability of the agricultural sector, which is critical for feeding a growing global population.
[0003] Traditional methods of plant disease management have been relied upon for centuries, employing practices such as crop rotation, the use of resistant plant varieties, manual removal of infected plants, and the application of natural remedies like compost or ash. Crop rotation helps break the lifecycle of soil-borne pathogens by alternating different plant species, reducing the build-up of specific pathogens in the soil. Resistant varieties, bred for tolerance to specific diseases, offer an effective means of protection. Manual removal and destruction of infected plant parts help to limit the spread of diseases. Natural remedies, such as the use of plant extracts or organic treatments are employed as an alternative to chemical control. However, these traditional methods have notable drawbacks. Crop rotation is a labor-intensive process and is not always effective against all pathogens. Resistant varieties lose effectiveness over time as pathogens evolve. Manual removal is often inefficient for large-scale operations and do not fully eliminate infections. Natural remedies, while environmentally friendly lack the potency or broad-spectrum activity needed to control serious outbreaks. The reliance on these methods is insufficient in the face of emerging, more aggressive diseases, leading to reduced yields and financial losses for farmers.
[0004] CN218337567U discloses about an invention that discloses a pesticide spraying equipment relates to agricultural production technical field. The pesticide spraying equipment comprises a wood board, a partition board and a moving mechanism, wherein a water tank is fixedly mounted at the top of the wood board, and a pesticide conveying pipe A is fixedly mounted at the top of the water tank and communicated with the inside of the water tank. The utility model discloses a water tank, installation pole, stirring arm, first motor, medicine conveying pipe A, the cooperation of medicine conveying pipe B and baffle is used, and two cavities are split into with the water tank to the setting of baffle, can be used to store the agricultural chemical of two kinds and deal with the crops demand of different situation, and the water tank, installation pole, the cooperation of stirring arm and first motor is used and can also let the more even of the pesticide mixture in the water tank, the utility model discloses a fixed block, threaded rod, hose, guide bar, the cooperation of second motor and shower nozzle is used, according to actual adjustment nozzle height, and has seted up four groups of orifices on, has both improved the pesticide and has sprayed efficiency, has enlarged the pesticide spraying range again, has reached the needs that all-round pesticide sprayed.
[0005] CN203575450U discloses about an invention that discloses a shoulder-carrying type pesticide sprayer which is characterized in that a back is in clamping connection with a liquid storing box which is provided with at least two parallel dovetail grooves, the back is provided with clamping blocks which are matched with the dovetail grooves, and the clamping blocks and the back are integrally arranged. The back of the shoulder-carrying type pesticide sprayer is matched with the dovetail grooves in the liquid storing box, the back is in clamping connection with the liquid storing box, mounting can be completed by hand without other tools, assembling efficiency is improved, the clamping blocks are matched with the dovetail grooves, contacting area is large, anti-pressure capacity is high, loosening cannot happen easily, and connecting is stable.
[0006] Conventionally, many methods are available for facilitating plant disease management efficiently. However, the cited invention focuses on broad, indiscriminate pesticide spraying that leads to inefficient chemical use and potential harm to non-infected plants. The mentioned inventions require manual intervention for setup, adjustments, and operation, which reduces efficiency and increases the risk of human error.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that not only requires to detects and diagnoses plant diseases with high precision but also needs to automate the entire process of treatment and plant removal. The developed device should offer a fully automated solution that detect plant health issues, accurately assess the severity of diseases, and deliver targeted treatments to only the affected plants, significantly reducing chemical usage and environmental impact.
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 is capable of detecting and addressing plant health issues with high precision and minimal human intervention, thereby enhancing overall crop management efficiency.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of accurately detecting the presence and severity of the plant disease for providing detailed insights into plant health and enabling early intervention to prevent widespread infections.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of selectively applying necessary interventions such as pesticides only to the affected plants, thus reducing chemical usage, minimizing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of identifying and removing infected plant parts such as diseased leaves or stems to halt the spread of pathogens and prevent further damage to healthy plants in the vicinity.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of facilitating the controlled uprooting and disposal of plants determined to be beyond recovery, thus automating the process of plant removal to reduce the contamination risk and avoid manual labor, thereby improving the overall workflow.
[0014] 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
[0015] The present invention relates to a plant disease management device that apply treatment solutions, such as pesticides, only to the plants that need them, thus cutting down on chemical usage, lowering environmental harm, and improving the overall efficiency of resource use.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plant disease management device, comprises of a housing installed on a ground surface configured with plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels that provides mobility to the housing, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit for enabling the 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 disease in the plant and severity of the disease, an ultrasonic sensor embedded with the housing to work synchronously with the imaging unit for detecting height of the plants, a scissor-lift arrangement configured between each of the wheel and housing to lift the housing to allow appropriate detection of the disease, a color sensor is embedded on the housing for detecting color of leaves of the plant to aid in detection of the disease on plant, an electronic sprayer installed on the housing and connected with a chamber stored with pesticide for spraying the pesticide to cure the disease, a pair of extendable rectangular members integrated with the housing to extend via a drawer arrangement to form a barrier around the infected plant, a level sensor is embedded within the chamber for detecting level of the pesticide, a pair of primary robotic arms assembled on the housing and equipped with a pair of blades to cut the affected part to prevent spread of the disease to entire plant, a pair of plates installed with the housing via a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated rods to extend for gripping stem of the plant, a pair of motorized sliders configured with the rods for translating the rods to uproot the plant, a secondary robotic arm installed with the housing and equipped with a shovel for digging soil around the plant to facilitate in uprooting of the plant and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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 an isometric view of a plant disease management device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] The present invention relates to a plant disease management device that autonomously remove and dispose of severely infected plants, preventing further contamination, reducing labor requirements, and ensuring a more streamlined and effective plant disease management process.
[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a plant disease management device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 positioned on a ground surface installed with plants and installed with plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, a scissor-lift arrangement 103 configured between each of the wheel 102 and housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on the housing 101, a hyperspectral imaging camera 105 mounted on the housing 101, an electronic sprayer 106 installed on the housing 101 and connected with a chamber 107.
[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates a pair of extendable rectangular members 108 configured with the housing 101 to extend via a drawer arrangement 109, a pair of primary robotic arms 110 assembled on the housing 101 and equipped with a pair of blades 111, a pair of plates 112 installed with the housing 101 via a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated rods 113, a pair of motorized sliders 114 configured with the rods 113 and a secondary robotic arm 115 installed with the housing 101 and equipped with a shovel 116.
[0025] The device disclosed herein includes a housing 101 that is developed to be positioned on a ground surface that is populated with plants. The housing 101 serves as the main structural enclosure which is sturdy and durable to withstand outdoor conditions, including exposure to soil, weather, and the general wear and tear of constant movement across agricultural fields. The housing 101 has a compact, mobile form to facilitate maneuverability through tight spaces between plants for ensuring the device efficiently navigate through a variety of plant arrangements.
[0026] The housing 101 is equipped with a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, which provide significant mobility to the device. Omnidirectional wheels 102 allow the housing 101 to move in any direction without having to turn. This provides superior maneuverability, especially in confined spaces or areas with complex layouts of plants. Each wheel 102 is motorized, meaning they are individually controlled to drive the device forward, backward, sideways, or even rotate on its axis, facilitating precise movement. This is particularly beneficial in agricultural settings, where plants are spread out unevenly or in rows that require the device to navigate carefully and adapt its position frequently.
[0027] A user-interface is installed in a computing unit that enables users to interact with the device remotely. The interface is developed to be intuitive for allowing users to easily input commands for various functionalities. Wireless connectivity allows the user to communicate with the computing unit from a distance. This connectivity is established through several communication modules, including Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), thus enabling users to operate the device using smartphones, tablets, or computers. This flexibility in communication ensures that users is able to monitor and control the device in real time for receiving updates on its status and any detected plant diseases without needing to be physically present at the location of the device.
[0028] The computing unit, which houses the control protocols and logic, processes these input commands and translates them into instructions that direct the motorized wheels 102 to maneuver the device. The body follow predefined paths, navigate autonomously based on surrounding conditions, or be manually controlled by the user for specific tasks. This remote control capability is especially useful for users who need to manage large agricultural areas or fields, as this minimizes the time and effort needed to monitor and control the device.
[0029] An inbuilt microcontroller serves as the central processing unit responsible for processing input commands and executing the necessary actions for plant disease detection and management. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked to the computing unit, which functions as the user interface. This wireless communication enables seamless coordination between the units for ensuring that the user provide input commands from a remote location without the need for direct physical interaction with the device itself. The microcontroller processes the input commands received from the computing unit and triggers the appropriate actions. This includes controlling the movement of the motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, and carrying out disease detection and treatment procedures.
[0030] To ensure reliable communication between the microcontroller and the computing unit, the device is developed with a communication module that enables wireless connectivity. This communication module includes several types of technologies, such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). The specific choice of communication technology depends on the range and operational environment of the device.
[0031] Wi-Fi allows for high-speed data transfer over short to medium distances, making it ideal for environments where the device operates within a Wi-Fi network or within a controlled range of the user's device, such as within a greenhouse or a small agricultural plot. Bluetooth provides low-power, short-range wireless communication, which is suitable for situations where the device operates within close proximity to the user and doesn’t require the extended range that Wi-Fi provides. On the other hand, GSM enables communication over longer distances by leveraging cellular networks, making it a useful option for larger agricultural fields or remote areas where Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity are not feasible. This is particularly advantageous in larger agricultural settings where continuous monitoring and remote control are needed across vast areas.
[0032] The microcontroller processes the commands sent through any of these wireless communication technologies, allowing the user to control the device in real time. This is capable of receiving input data such as the desired plant location, task settings such as disease detection or treatment from the computing unit and responding accordingly. By maintaining constant communication, the microcontroller ensures that the device’s functions are synchronized with the user’s instructions, allowing for effective plant disease management.
[0033] The housing 101 is equipped with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 paired with a processor for detecting plant diseases. The imaging unit 104 uses protocols to analyze images of the plants and the surrounding environment. The imaging unit 104, combined with the processor, continuously captures high-resolution images of the plants and their surroundings. The processor then processes these images in real time, identifying the exact location of each plant and assessing its health. Through machine learning techniques, the imaging unit 104 detect subtle changes in plant morphology, such as color changes in leaves, wilting, or other symptoms indicative of disease, and compare them against a pre-trained database of plant disease characteristics.
[0034] Once the images are processed and analyzed by the AI, the microcontroller activates the motorized wheels 102 to position the housing 101 correctly near each plant. The device moves in a successive manner, stopping at each plant to perform detection and treatment as needed. The movement is managed with high precision, as the device needs to navigate through plant rows and position itself accurately for effective imaging and treatment. The microcontroller uses the information from the imaging unit 104 to guide the device to the right locations, ensuring that no plant is missed during the monitoring and treatment process.
[0035] The housing 101 is equipped with a hyperspectral imaging camera 105 that is mounted on the housing 101 to detect plant diseases and assess their severity. The hyperspectral imaging camera 105 captures a broad range of wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum, providing detailed information about the plant’s condition that are not detected through standard visual observation. This works by capturing images across multiple spectral bands, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light, allowing the camera 105 to detect subtle changes in plant health, such as stress, nutrient deficiencies, water imbalance, or the early onset of diseases. For example, certain plant diseases, such as fungal infections or bacterial spots, cause changes in the plant’s reflectance characteristics, which the hyperspectral camera 105 detect even before visible symptoms appear. These early warnings enable the camera 105 to identify problems quickly and accurately for facilitating timely intervention.
[0036] The hyperspectral data collected by the camera 105 is processed by the onboard processor, which uses protocols to analyze the spectral signature of each plant. The processor then assesses the severity of the detected disease, classifying it according to its type and intensity. This enables the device to not only pinpoint the presence of the disease but also estimate how widespread or severe the infection is, allowing for precise treatment application.
[0037] The device is further enhanced by the synchronization of an ultrasonic sensor with the hyperspectral imaging camera 105. The ultrasonic sensor, which is also mounted on the housing 101, measures the height of the plants in real-time. This sensor emits ultrasonic waves and measures the time it takes for the waves to reflect back from the plant’s surface. Using this data, the device accurately determines the distance between the sensor and the plant, as well as the plant’s height. This height measurement is crucial to adapt its imaging strategy depending on the plant’s size and position in view of ensuring that the hyperspectral camera 105 capture clear and focused images of the plant from the correct distance. For taller plants, for example, the device adjusts the camera’s position accordingly to maintain optimal focus and capture a clear image, essential for accurate disease detection.
[0038] Based on the height data provided by the ultrasonic sensor, the microcontroller then actuates a scissor-lift arrangement 103 that is configured between each wheel 102 and the housing 101 of the device. This scissor-lift arrangement 103 enables the device to raise or lower the housing 101 as needed, ensuring that the hyperspectral imaging camera 105 is positioned at the ideal height for effective scanning of the plants. When the ultrasonic sensor detects that a plant is taller or shorter than expected, the scissor-lift adjusts the housing 101's elevation so that the camera 105 properly focus on the plant. This feature is particularly important in agricultural fields where plants have varying heights due to different growth stages or crop types. The ability to dynamically adjust the device's height allows it to maintain consistent imaging quality, regardless of plant size, and ensures that the disease detection process is accurate and efficient.
[0039] In addition to the hyperspectral imaging unit and ultrasonic sensor, the device is also equipped with a color sensor that is installed on the housing 101. This color sensor plays a complementary role in disease detection, particularly in identifying the visible symptoms of plant diseases that manifest through color changes. Many plant diseases, such as fungal infections, blight, or chlorosis, often cause distinct color changes in the plant’s leaves, stems, or flowers. For example, a fungal infection causes yellowing or browning of the leaves, while nutrient deficiencies or viral infections cause a purple or red discoloration. The color sensor captures the plant’s surface color and provides data to the microcontroller, which then analyzes this color data in conjunction with the hyperspectral imaging data.
[0040] By integrating both hyperspectral and color data, the device achieves a more comprehensive assessment of plant health. The hyperspectral camera 105 detects non-visible signs of stress or disease, while the color sensor enhances the detection of visible symptoms, creating a multi-layered diagnostic approach. The microcontroller processes both data streams to improve the accuracy of disease identification and severity assessment, ensuring that the device distinguish between different types of plant stress or diseases and respond accordingly. For example, if the color sensor detects that the leaves of the plant have turned yellow, an indication of potential nitrogen deficiency, the device cross-reference this with the hyperspectral data to confirm whether the plant is also experiencing a fungal or bacterial infection.
[0041] An electronic sprayer 106 is mounted on the housing 101 and connected to a pesticide chamber 107. The electronic sprayer 106 deliver a targeted and controlled amount of pesticide to plants that are diagnosed with curable diseases, as identified by the imaging unit 104 and processed by the microcontroller. When the device detects the plant disease that is treatable with the pesticide, the microcontroller activates the sprayer 106, ensuring that the pesticide is applied only to the infected plant. This significantly reduces the amount of pesticide used, making the device more efficient and environmentally friendly by minimizing unnecessary chemical exposure to surrounding plants and the environment.
[0042] The electronic sprayer 106 is developed to operate in a precise and controlled manner. The microcontroller, after processing the disease diagnosis, determines the appropriate amount and type of pesticide to be dispensed. Once this decision is made, the microcontroller actuates the sprayer 106, directing it to release a fine mist or spray directly onto the affected plant. This ensures that the pesticide is applied uniformly, targeting the infected areas of the plant and providing the necessary treatment to cure the disease without affecting other plants in the vicinity.
[0043] To enhance the precision of the spraying process and prevent pesticide overspray onto nearby healthy plants, the housing 101 incorporates a pair of extendable rectangular members 108 configured with the housing 101. These members 108 are developed to extend outward via a drawer arrangement 109, forming a barrier around the infected plant during the spraying process. The extension mechanism is actuated by the microcontroller, which triggers the deployment of these members 108 once the device has identified the plant that requires treatment. These extendable barriers serve as a physical shield that contains the pesticide within a defined area around the infected plant, ensuring that only the targeted plant receives treatment.
[0044] The use of extendable barriers is particularly important in fields or agricultural environments where plants are often grown in close proximity to one another. Without this, there is a risk of over spraying, where pesticide unintentionally come into contact with neighboring plants, potentially causing harm or unnecessary exposure to chemicals. The extendable rectangular members 108 provide a level of control that reduces the likelihood of pesticide drift, ensuring that only the infected plant is treated. Once the spraying is complete, the microcontroller retracts the barriers, and the device move on to the next plant in line for treatment.
[0045] In addition to the precision of pesticide application, the device is also developed to monitor and manage the pesticide levels in the chamber 107. A level sensor is embedded within the pesticide chamber 107 to continuously track the remaining volume of pesticide. This sensor is essential for ensuring that the device operates efficiently and that the user is notified when the pesticide supply is running low. The sensor works by detecting the amount of pesticide left in the chamber 107 and sending this data to the microcontroller.
[0046] If the level of pesticide falls below a predetermined threshold, the microcontroller triggers an alert to notify the user that the pesticide chamber 107 needs to be refilled. This alert is sent wirelessly to the computing unit, which includes but not limited to a smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the device. The notification is in the form of a visual message, a sound, or even a text message, depending on the device configuration. This feature ensures that the device does not run out of pesticide during operation, preventing any gaps in disease management that result in untreated plants or a delay in addressing plant health issues.
[0047] A pair of primary robotic arms 110, each fitted with a pair of precision blades 111 are installed on the housing 101 and are directly controlled by the microcontroller based on the real-time analysis from the hyperspectral imaging camera 105. The hyperspectral camera 105 continuously captures detailed images of the plants in the device’s vicinity, providing spectral data across various wavelengths. This broad spectrum of light allows the camera 105 to detect subtle signs of disease or stress in plants that are not visible to the human eye, such as early-stage fungal infections, bacterial spots, nutrient deficiencies, or dehydration. When the hyperspectral imaging unit identifies a specific part of a plant such as a leaf, stem, or flower that shows symptoms of disease, the microcontroller processes this data and determines the location and extent of the infection.
[0048] Once the microcontroller has analyzed the data and confirmed that the plant part is infected, it sends a signal to activate the primary robotic arms 110. The primary robotic arms 110 move towards the affected area of the plant, guided by the data from the imaging unit 104. The blades 111 on these robotic arms 110 are carefully calibrated to make clean, precise cuts, ensuring that only the diseased part of the plant is removed. This helps to minimize damage to the healthy parts of the plant and prevents unnecessary loss of plant material. For example, if the camera 105 detects a fungal infection on the lower leaves of a plant, the robotic arms 110 are directed to those specific leaves, cutting them away before the disease has the chance to spread to the rest of the plant.
[0049] The ability to make localized cuts with the robotic arms 110 is essential for controlling plant diseases without resorting to broad-spectrum treatments like pesticides, which affect the entire plant and the surrounding environment. By trimming away only the infected parts, the robotic arms 110 prevent the spread of the disease while preserving the healthy tissue of the plant. This targeted approach not only curtails the infection but also promotes better overall plant health, as this prevents the plant from expending energy on diseased tissue and allows it to focus on healthy growth.
[0050] A pair of plates 112 are mounted on the housing 101 via a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated rods 113. When the device detects the plant with the disease that are not in the state for getting treated or remedied, typically through the hyperspectral imaging camera 105 and subsequent disease severity analysis, the microcontroller activates the L-shaped telescopic rods 113. The telescopic rods 113 extend and retract based on the needs of the specific plant being removed. As the rods 113 extend, they move the plates 112 into position around the plant’s base. The plates 112 are developed to provide a stable gripping surface, allowing the device to safely encircle the plant and ensure a secure hold on the stem or trunk of the plant. The gripping of stem is developed to be both firm and gentle, preventing damage to the surrounding soil or the plant itself before it is uprooted. The precise positioning of the plates 112 is controlled by the microcontroller, ensuring that the plant is held securely but without unnecessary pressure, which cause injury or breakage during removal.
[0051] Once the plant’s stem is gripped, a pair of motorized sliders 114, which are integrated with the telescopic rods 113, are activated. These motorized sliders 114 are developed to translate the rods 113 and plates 112 into a smooth, controlled motion that extracts the plant from the ground. The motorized sliders 114 effectively move the telescopic rods 113 horizontally, ensuring that the plant is gently uprooted. The extension of the rods 113, coupled with the movement of the motorized sliders 114, allows for the complete removal of the plant from the soil and minimizes disruption to the surrounding soil, which otherwise affect the health of nearby plants or the overall field environment.
[0052] Once the plant is successfully uprooted, the device does not simply leave it behind. Instead, the microcontroller is pre-fed to direct the plant to a pre-set location where the plant is safely discarded. This location is determined by the device’s database, which holds information about the plant's specific removal protocol. The database stores data related to the best practices for handling infected plants, including the appropriate disposal method for each type of disease.
[0053] In case where the initial attempt to uproot the diseased plant using the telescopic rods 113 and motorized sliders 114 faces resistance such as when the plant's roots are deeply embedded or the soil is compacted, the device employs a secondary robotic arm 115 equipped with a shovel 116 to facilitate the removal process. The secondary robotic arm 115 is mounted on the housing 101 and activated by the microcontroller when it detects difficulty in uprooting the plant. The shovel 116 attached to the robotic arm 115 is developed specifically to dig and loosen the soil around the base of the plant, making it easier for the primary uprooting mechanism to extract the plant. Once the shovel 116 is deployed, the secondary arm 115 carefully digs around the roots, breaking up the soil and loosening any compacted areas that is holding the plant in place. This action ensures that the plant’s root is sufficiently detached from the surrounding soil, reducing resistance and enabling the telescopic rods 113 and sliders 114 to more effectively remove the plant. The microcontroller manages the entire process by coordinating the actions of both the primary and secondary robotic arms 110, 115, ensuring that the plant is safely uprooted without causing unnecessary stress to the surrounding soil or plant.
[0054] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.
[0055] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on a ground surface installed with plants as disclosed in the proposed invention. Initially, the process begins with the user interface in the computing unit, which allows the user to wirelessly send input commands for the activation of the device. Upon activation, the microcontroller processes these commands and works in conjunction with the omnidirectional wheels 102 to maneuver the housing 101 to different plants on the ground surface. The device, equipped with the hyperspectral imaging camera 105, captures detailed images of the plants, identifying potential diseases by analyzing variations in light wavelengths. The microcontroller uses this data to assess the severity of the disease and, based on the findings, determines whether the plant is curable. If the disease is curable, the microcontroller activates the electronic sprayer 106 to apply pesticides directly to the affected plant. Simultaneously, the pair of extendable rectangular members 108 forms the barrier to contain the pesticide application and prevent from affecting surrounding plants. The device also monitors the pesticide level in the chamber 107, alerting the user to refill when necessary. In cases where disease is detected in specific parts of the plant, the pair of primary robotic arms 110, equipped with blades 111, are activated to prune away the infected areas to prevent the spread of disease. If the plant is determined to be non-curable, the L-shaped telescopic rods 113 extend to grip the stem, while the motorized sliders 114 pull the plant out of the soil. In case, where the process encounter difficulty due to compacted soil or deep roots, the secondary robotic arm 115 with the shovel 116 is used to dig around the plant to ease its removal. Once the plant is uprooted, the plant is discarded at the pre-set location, as determined by the device’s database in view of ensuring proper disposal.
[0056] 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. , C , Claims:1) A plant disease management device, comprising:
i) a housing 101 positioned on a ground surface installed with plants and installed with plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 that provides mobility to said housing 101, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling said 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 104 paired with a processor mounted on said housing 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, for detecting exact location of said plants, wherein said microcontroller actuates 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 105 mounted on said housing 101 for detecting disease in said plant and severity of said disease, wherein said microcontroller synchronously activates an ultrasonic sensor arranged with said housing 101 to work in collaboration with said imaging unit 104 for detecting height of said plants, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a scissor-lift arrangement 103 configured between each of said wheel 102 and housing 101 to lift said housing 101 to allow appropriate detection of said disease;
iv) an electronic sprayer 106 installed on said housing 101 and connected with a chamber 107 stored with pesticide, wherein in case said detected disease is determined to be curable, said microcontroller actuates said sprayer 106 for spraying said pesticide to cure said disease;
v) a pair of primary robotic arms 110 assembled on said housing 101 and equipped with a pair of blades 111, wherein in case said microcontroller via said hyperspectral imaging camera 105 detects any specific part of said plant to be affected, said microcontroller actuates said primary robotic arms 110 to cut said affected part to prevent spread of said disease to entire plant; and
vi) a pair of plates 112 installed with said housing 101 via a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated rods 113, wherein in case said infected plant is determined to be non-curable, said microcontroller actuates said rods 113 to extend for gripping stem of said tree, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized sliders 114 configured with said rods 113 for translating said rods 113 to uproot said plant which is discarded at a pre-set location which is saved in a database linked with said microcontroller.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein during spraying of said pesticide on said plant, said microcontroller actuates a pair of extendable rectangular members 108 configured with said housing 101 to extend via a drawer arrangement 109 to form a barrier around said infected plant to prevent spraying of said pesticide on other nearby plants.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a color sensor is installed on said housing 101 for detecting color of leaves of said plant to aid in detection of said disease on plant.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case of difficulty in uprooting said plant, said microcontroller actuates a secondary robotic arm 115 installed with said housing 101 and equipped with a shovel 116 for digging soil around said plant to facilitate in uprooting of said plant.
5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within said chamber 107 for detecting level of said pesticide, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chamber 107.
6) 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.
7) 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.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202421094347-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 2 | 202421094347-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 3 | 202421094347-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 4 | 202421094347-PROOF OF RIGHT [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 5 | 202421094347-POWER OF AUTHORITY [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 6 | 202421094347-FORM-9 [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 7 | 202421094347-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 8 | 202421094347-FORM 18 [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 9 | 202421094347-FORM 1 [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 10 | 202421094347-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 11 | 202421094347-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 12 | 202421094347-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 13 | 202421094347-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 14 | 202421094347-DRAWINGS [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 15 | 202421094347-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 16 | 202421094347-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [30-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-30 |
| 17 | Abstract.jpg | 2024-12-24 |
| 18 | 202421094347-FORM-26 [03-06-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-06-03 |