Claims:

1. A portable sensor device (100) for monitoring moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity within a medium by direct contact, the portable sensor device comprising:
at least a protruding tip (102) insertable within the medium to detect one or more parameters within the medium;
a display (104) provided on the portable sensor device and is configured to display the one or more detected parameters in a user understandable format, the one or more detected parameters are at least associated with the moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity.

2. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protruding tip (104) comprises at least one copper lid, and the at least one copper lid is directly connected to at least one sensor for detecting the one or more parameters.

3. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable sensor device comprises a signal conditioner circuit (106) communicably coupled with the protruding tip and the display, the signal conditioner circuit (106) configured to convert the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format to be displayed on the display.

4. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the portable sensor device comprises a microcontroller device (108) communicably coupled with the signal conditioner circuit (106) and the display (104) and is configured to convert the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format to be displayed on the display.

5. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the one or more detected parameters generates a predetermined signal fed directly to the signal conditioner circuit.

6. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable sensor device comprises:
a solar cell (110) to generate power for operating the portable sensor device; and
a communication module (112) for transmitting the one or more detected parameters to one or more computing devices.

7. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable sensor device comprises a conical shape having the protruding tip, and the portable sensor device is made fabricated using a material at least having a high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

8. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user understandable format is a percentage format.

9. The portable sensor device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medium is a soil.

10. A method for monitoring moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity within a medium by direct contact using a portable sensor device, the method comprising:
detecting, using at least a protruding tip insertable within the medium, one or more parameters within the medium;
converting, at a signal conditioner circuit communicably coupled with the protruding tip, the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format, the signal conditioner circuit is communicably coupled with a microcontroller device to obtain the user understandable format to be displayed on a display.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to sensors for measuring physical properties, and more specifically relates to, a sensor and method for detecting physical parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity with moisture of different type of soil.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] India is the lands of agriculture almost majority of population are engaged in farm activity as their primary occupation and for their live-hood. Even though India is blessed with natural resources like water, land for farming, minerals etc. farmers are still facing issue related to crop quality as they are unaware of the water proportion required to grow quality of different crops. Also as population increases the demand for food which is basic need increases day by day. To meet this requirement, farmers are working hard on field producing crops. But as some of the farmers are illiterate about the water level requirement of different type of soil they end up with wastage of water and loss of soil minerals. Farmer need easy and low cost solution for monitoring soil parameter. Farmer unaware of water requirement in soil for quality crop productivity and moisture level of soil. Farmer inexperience between ratios of soil, crop and water. Farmer unaware of quality of soil. Farmer lack of knowledge for soil temperature.
[0004] Efforts have been made in related art to address above stated problem by using device to measure physical parameters. An example of such device is recited in United States patent application 5260667A, entitled “Method and apparatus for determining the percentage water content of oil in water emulsion by specific admittance measurement”. The patent discloses an apparatus and a method for determining the water content of an oil-in-water emulsion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first sensor for measuring the real part of specific admittance of the emulsion, a second sensor which acts as a temperature compensation device and electronic circuitry for producing a signal representative of the water content of the emulsion. The method for determining the water content comprises measuring the real part of specific admittance of an oil-in-water emulsion and providing a signal representative thereof, providing a reference signal indicative of the emulsion temperature, adjusting the measured real part of specific admittance signal with the reference signal and converting the adjusted signal into a current signal representative of the percentage water content of the emulsion. Another example of such device is recited in United States patent application 5686841A, entitled “Apparatus and method for the detection and measurement of liquid water and ice layers on the surfaces of solid materials”. The patent discloses an embodiment of the present invention is a roadway sensor for surface installation in a hole such that a thin ceramic contact sensor may be used to measure and cross-compare fundamental physical antenna parameters of the space immediately above a roadway or bridge surface. Measurements are combined by a microprocessor to discriminate between dry pavement, water (rain), snow and ice above the sensor head. Ambient surface temperature, water depth and ice/slush conditions are determined to estimate any hydroplaning hazard and ice/antifreeze/water mixtures. The sensor comprises an antenna that exhibits a resonant frequency and an input admittance including a real term; a Maxwell bridge coupled to the antenna for detecting the resonant frequency, input admittance and real term; and a frequency sweeping oscillator for driving the antenna at a plurality of frequencies proximate in frequency to the resonant frequency. A phase sensitive detector determines an attenuation rate and phase and thereby is able to extract conductivity (s) and a dielectric (e) measurement. The microprocessor relates the conductivity and dielectric measurements to yield, for example, a pair of estimates for ice and water content and layer thickness.
[0005] However, existing sensor available in market are complex and expensive. Further, conventional sensor available in market needs additional module to display data. Furthermore, the conventional sensor available in market needs external supply. Additionally, there is no Portable soil moisture detection (water percentage detection) technique available that detects soil moisture easily.
[0006] Whereas there is certainly nothing wrong with existing techniques or system, nonetheless, there still exists a need to provide an efficient, effective, reliable and improved sensor and method associated therewith detecting physical parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity with moisture of different type of soil. Further, there exists a structure of sensor need to be compatible for soil condition to measure parameters.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

SUMMARY
[00012] The present disclosure relates to sensors for measuring physical properties, and more specifically relates to, a sensor and method for detecting physical parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity with moisture of different type of soil.
[00013] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to portable sensor device for monitoring moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity within a medium by direct contact. The portable sensor device includes at least a protruding tip and a display. The protruding tip is insertable within the medium to detect one or more parameters within the medium. The display provided on the portable sensor device and displays the one or more detected parameters in a user understandable format, the one or more detected parameters are at least associated with the moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity.
[00014] In an aspect, the protruding tip includes at least one copper lid, and the at least one copper lid is directly connected to at least one sensor for detecting the one or more parameters.
[00015] In an aspect, the portable sensor device includes a signal conditioner circuit communicably coupled with the protruding tip and the display, the signal conditioner circuit configured to convert the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format to be displayed on the display.
[00016] In an aspect, the portable sensor device includes a microcontroller device communicably coupled with the signal conditioner circuit and the display and is configured to convert the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format to be displayed on the display.
[00017] In an aspect, each of the one or more detected parameters generates a predetermined signal fed directly to the signal conditioner circuit.
[00018] In an aspect, the portable sensor device further includes a solar cell and a communication module. The solar cell generates power for operating the portable sensor device. The communication module transmits the one or more detected parameters to one or more computing devices.
[00019] In an aspect, the portable sensor device includes a conical shape having the protruding tip, and the portable sensor device is made fabricated using a material at least having a high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
[00020] In an aspect, the user understandable format is a percentage format.
[00021] In an aspect, the medium is a soil.
[00022] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity within a medium by direct contact using a portable sensor device. The method includes the followings steps: a protruding tip insertable within the medium detects one or more parameters within the medium and a signal conditioner circuit communicably coupled with the protruding tip converts the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format, the signal conditioner circuit is communicably coupled with a microcontroller device to obtain the user understandable format to be displayed on a display.
[00023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00025] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram of proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00026] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of the proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00028] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00030] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00031] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00032] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00033] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00034] The present disclosure relates to sensors for measuring physical properties, and more specifically relates to, a sensor and method for detecting physical parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity with moisture of different type of soil.
[00035] However, existing sensor available in market are complex and expensive. Further, conventional sensor available in market needs additional module to display data. Furthermore, the conventional sensor available in market needs external supply. Additionally, there is no Portable soil moisture detection (water percentage detection) technique available that detects soil moisture easily.
[00036] The proposed invention provides a sensor and method for detecting physical parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity with moisture of different type of soil. The proposed invention provides a structure of sensor need to be compatible for soil condition to measure parameters.
[00037] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a portable sensor system through which sensor detects the soil moisture, temperature, electrical conductivity and displays monitored parameters on a display screen for further analysis.
[00038] The proposed sensor can detect temperature, electrical conductivity with moisture of different type of soil. Structure of sensor need to be compatible for soil condition to measure parameters. The material of sensor need to last for many years in soil condition without corrosion. The material of sensor need to be easily available and low cost.
[00039] In an embodiment, the proposed sensor is capable of sensing soil parameters. The proposed sensor can sense moisture, electrical conductivity and temperature of soil. The proposed sensor can sustain in soil condition material for sensor need to be compatible for all soil condition otherwise material wear and tear will result in system failure. The material of proposed sensor can be manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The material cannot affect any measuring parameter. HDPE can be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The material of the sensor can be non-corrosive-resistant to most chemicals and fertilizers, non-toxic and non-staining.
[00040] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor can be low moisture absorption, good impact resistant, cost competitive, light weight and smooth inner walls, no scale build up.
[00041] In another embodiment, the material of sensor can work for high temperature.
[00042] In another embodiment, the structure of the sensor selected can be conical since it can easily insert in soil don’t need to apply dig lot of sand and force requirement will be less. In an exemplary embodiment, the structure of the sensor look like ice-cream cone with three conducting rod inserted in it for sensing soil parameters. The structure of the sensor can be porous as porosity with definite interval need to maintain for moisture of soil monitoring.
[00043] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor can sense soil parameters without any error. In another embodiment, the proposed sensor can monitor data for soil condition like fertility, Moisture content, type of crop etc.
[00044] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor material compatible with renewable i.e. Solar Cell temperature
[00045] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor is portable can be taken to anywhere since light weight.
[00046] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor system can be used in farm, gardens (on field), flower nursery and greenhouse for monitor. The proposed sensor system can be beneficial for predication of type of crop, rotation, fertility requirement crop quality and productivity, farmers, soil water proportion, water saving, man power reduction.
[00047] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor is portable and mounted with a display for user interface. The proposed sensor detects the soil moisture, temperature, electrical conductivity and shows it on display screen for further analysis. The material chosen can sustain in soil condition since it has features as Resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays, non-corrosive-resistant to most chemicals and fertilizers, non-toxic, non-staining, low moisture absorption and cost competitive as light weight.
[00048] In another embodiment, sensor data can be converted in display format by using signal conditioner circuit based on Opamp. This signal is then feed to microcontroller analog to digital converter (ADC) which sends data on a display module mounted on sensor. The display module provides user a readable data. The display module gets supply by using solar cell mounted on sensor.
[00049] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram of proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00050] In an embodiment, the proposed sensor material chosen can be High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which has features suitable for soil condition. The proposed sensor 100 can be powered by solar cell 110 mounted on it, which make it self-powered sensor. When the proposed sensor inserted in soil the sensor start-sending data sensed through conducting rod 102-1, 102-2 and 102-3 (collectively referred as 102). This data is in voltage format which is then feed to signal conditioner circuit 106 based on Opamp to shape signal properly. Signal is then feed to micro controller ADC 108 that converts data in readable format to show on the display module 104. This data is shown in percentage format on display module 104.
[00051] In another embodiment, the system can be equipped with wireless technology or WI-FI/ Bluetooth module 112, which makes data to access from anywhere any time. Data can be view on any cloud-based application 114, Mobile 116-1 and 116-N (collectively referred as 116) etc.
[00052] In another exemplary embodiment, the conducting rod 102-1 can be used for soil water percentage detection. The conducting rod 102-2 can be used for soil temperature percentage detection. The conducting rod 102-3 can be used for soil electrical conductivity detection.
[00053] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of the proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00054] In another embodiment, a method for monitoring moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity within a medium by direct contact using a portable sensor device. The method includes the followings steps: a protruding tip insertable within the medium detects one or more parameters within the medium and a signal conditioner circuit communicably coupled with the protruding tip converts the one or more detected parameters from the protruding tip in the user understandable format, the signal conditioner circuit is communicably coupled with a microcontroller device to obtain the user understandable format to be displayed on a display.
[00055] In another embodiment, the proposed sensor alone can sense all three parameters of soil which are moisture, temperature and electrical conductivity. Sensor is low cost and innovative part of system.
[00056] Soil signal received is in Electrical Format i.e. Voltage. This signal is converted in percentage form using controller to show on Display Module. For reference find below attached test result:
Case 1: Shows data for low water content in soil therefore 0V and 0%. Based on this water source can be control in farm or field.

Case 1: Moisture Level of Soil is "LOW"
Condition at On Field mounted in farm

S.R.No. SENSORS Moisture Level
in % on LCD Output volt of sensor Remark
1 Moisture Sensor 1 0 0V Moisture Level of soil is Low. Shows no water content in soil.
2 Moisture Sensor 2 0 0V
3 Moisture Sensor 3 0 0V
4 Moisture Sensor 4 0 0V
5 Temperature Sensor 28 1.90V On Filed Temp.

[00057] Case 2: Shows data for High water content in soil therefore 5V and 100%.Based on this water source can be control in farm or field.

Case 2: Moisture Level of Soil is "HIGH"
Condition at On Field

S.R.No. SENSORS Moisture Level
in % on LCD Output volt of sensor Remark
1 Moisture Sensor 1 67% 2.45V Moisture Level of soil is High. Water content is high in soil so water source flowing on field can be Switched Off
2 Moisture Sensor 2 100% 5V
3 Moisture Sensor 3 52 1.93V
4 Moisture Sensor 4 56 2.12V
5 Temperature Sensor 28 1.90V On Filed Temp.
[00058] 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. 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. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.
[00059] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
[00060] In the description of the present specification, reference to the term "one embodiment," "an embodiments", "an example", "an instance", or "some examples" and the description is meant in connection with the embodiment or example described The particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic included in the present invention, at least one embodiment or example. In the present specification, the term of the above schematic representation is not necessarily for the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features structures, materials, or characteristics described in any one or more embodiments or examples in proper manner. Moreover, those skilled in the art can be described in the specification of different embodiments or examples are joined and combinations thereof.
[00061] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[00062] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[00063] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[00064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.