Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce that is designed to analyze farm produce by evaluating important parameters like hardness, color, pH, ripeness, and texture to determine its quality and maturity, accordingly estimates shelf life.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Real-time market analysis for farm produce is crucial in modern agriculture to address the challenges of perishable goods and fluctuating market demands. Farm produce, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy, often has a limited shelf life, and its value is highly sensitive to factors like freshness, ripeness, and quality. Timely market access is essential to prevent spoilage and maximize profits for farmers. Traditional methods of market distribution can lead to delays and inefficiencies, with farmers sometimes unaware of the best markets or locations to sell their produce at the optimal price. Additionally, external factors such as weather conditions, transport logistics, and market trends further complicate the decision-making process. Incorporating real-time market analysis allows farmers to make informed decisions about where and when to sell their produce, reducing waste and improving profitability. By evaluating the quality and ripeness of produce through advanced sensors and AI algorithms, farmers can gauge the shelf life and determine the best time to reach a market.

[0003] Real-time market analysis for farm produce typically involves the use of various technologies such as mobile apps, sensors, and software platforms to collect and analyze data on pricing, demand, and market trends. Equipment like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can track environmental factors influencing crop growth, while mobile applications and market intelligence platforms provide farmers with up-to-date price information and demand forecasts. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools help in mapping market locations and identifying optimal distribution routes. Additionally, advanced analytics and AI-driven systems can offer insights on price volatility and market trends, enabling farmers to make informed decisions. However, despite their potential, these technologies have certain drawbacks such as high initial costs for setting up IoT infrastructure, sensors, and market platforms can be prohibitive, especially for small-scale farmers. Inconsistent internet connectivity in rural areas can hinder the effectiveness of real-time data transmission and analysis. Furthermore, farmers may lack the technical knowledge to use complex systems, limiting the full potential of these tools. Data overload and inaccurate market predictions due to incomplete or unreliable data sources can also mislead decision-making, leading to poor outcomes. Lastly, the maintenance and regular updates of such equipment can incur additional costs for farmers, making it a financial burden in the long run.

[0004] US10740855B2 discloses a device, system, and method are disclosed whereby farm produce harvested at a particular time and location can be tracked throughout the food supply chain, from farm or orchard to consumer market. If farm produce in the market is found to be unhealthy, contaminated, or otherwise unsuited for human consumption, the system and method enables identification of the source of harvesting, and so identification of other produce which was harvested at substantially the same time and location. This enables improved identification and containment of any problems in the produce food supply chain.

[0005] US11113808B2 discloses some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to assess quality of produce at a facility. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for assessing quality of produce at a facility including a produce assessment station configured to provide a staging area to determine a quality classification of a target produce. By one approach, the produce assessment station includes a fixed surface; a rotatable base, a first arm comprising a microphone; a second arm comprising a tapping device; and a local control circuit. In one configuration, the local control circuit configured to rotate the rotatable base at a particular angle and at a particular time interval and receive audio data from the microphone. By one approach, the system includes a plurality of sensors and a portable device configured to provide a signal to the local control circuit to initiate the quality classification of the target produce.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to analyze farm produce, however these existing devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to guide for optimizing transportation and preventing spoilage of the farm produce.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of assessing quality and ripeness of farm produce of a user by measuring key factors such as hardness, color, pH, ripeness, and texture. Additionally, the developed device is further capable of calculating shortest route to an ideal market based on estimated shelf life of the produce and needs to provide real-time weather updates at the market to help optimize transportation and prevent spoilage of the farm produce.

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 analyzing farm produce of a user by measuring key parameters like hardness, color, pH, ripeness, and texture to determine quality and ripeness of the produce.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of calculating shortest route to a suitable market for sale in accordance to estimate shelf life of the produce.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of informing the user of the weather conditions at the suitable market, helping optimize transportation in order to take necessary measures to prevent spoilage of the farm produce.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce that is capable of determining quality and ripeness of farm produce by measuring key indicators such as hardness, color, pH, ripeness, and texture and accordingly guides the user to a suitable market for sale of the farm produce with the shortest route to assist in optimizing transportation and minimizing spoilage risks.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, the body is arranged with a touch interactive display panel that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding a kind of farm produce which is to be sold in market, a tray arranged on the body that is accessed by the user for accommodating a few sample pieces of the farm produce from different lots, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the tray, respectively to determine phenotypic characteristics of the accommodated farm produce, a motorized gripper arranged on the tray and integrated with a sharp pin that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to position the pin in contact with the farm produce.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a sensing module is integrated in the pin for determining parameters including hardness, color, pH, ripeness and texture of the produce in view of determining quality and ripeness status of the farm produce, an analyzer module integrated with the microcontroller for processing the determined parameters to evaluate shelf life of the farm produce, in accordance to which the microcontroller determines a suitable market for selling the farm produce, a GPS (global positioning system) module is integrated with the microcontroller for fetching a shortest route from real time location of the determined suitable market from the body’s location to guide the user to reach the market at earliest in order to prevent spoilage of the farm produce, and a weather detection protocol is coupled with the GPS module for fetching real time weather condition at the suitable market till arrival of the user in order to aid the user in transportation of the farm produce.

[0016] 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

[0017] 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 real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to a real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce that is capable of evaluating the quality and ripeness of farm produce of a user by analyzing factors like hardness, color, pH, ripeness, and texture, accordingly suggests route to potential market for selling the farm produce in order to prevent spoilage.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce is illustrated, comprises of a body 101 arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102, a tray 103 arranged on the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body 101, a motorized gripper 105 arranged on the tray 103 and integrated with a sharp pin 106.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a body 101 preferably in cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a fixed surface. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or plastic that ensures rigidity of the body 101 for longevity of the device.

[0024] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the body 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] After the activation of the device, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 102 installed over the body 101 for providing input regarding a kind of farm produce which is to be sold in market. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 102 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 102 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 102 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0027] The user accesses a tray 103 arranged on the body 101 for accommodating a few sample pieces of the farm produce from different lots. Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images of the tray 103 to determine phenotypic characteristics of the accommodated farm produce. The imaging unit 104 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 104 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0028] The tray 103 incorporates a motorized gripper 105 such that the gripper 105 is integrated with a sharp pin. The microcontroller actuates the gripper 105 to position the pin 106 in contact with the farm produce. The gripper 105 comprises an electric motor and linked with the microcontroller. The microcontroller provides a signal relating to the force, position, or the speed required of the gripping. The gripper 105 receives the signal and its motor carries out the positioning of the pin 106 in contact with the farm produce.

[0029] The pin 106 is embedded with a sensing module for determining different parameters including hardness, color, pH, ripeness and texture of the produce. The sensing module includes a temperature sensor, gas detection sensor, color sensor, pH sensor, moisture sensor and pressure sensor.

[0030] The temperature sensor used herein, is composed of two type of metal wire joint together when the sensor experiences a heat then a voltage is generated in the two terminal of the temperature sensor that is proportional to the temperature and the signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller calibrates the voltage in terms of temperature from the received signal of the temperature sensor in order to monitor the temperature of the farm produce.

[0031] The ripeness status of the farm produce is detected by a gas detection sensor of the sensing module. The gas detection sensor works on the principle of transforming the gas adsorption effects on the surface of the active material into a detectable signal in terms of its changed electrical, optical, thermal, mechanical, magnetic (magnetization and spin), and piezoelectric properties and the signal are sent to the microcontroller.

[0032] The color sensor of the sensing module determining the color of the farm produce consequently top determine ripeness of the farm produce. The color sensor is a photoelectric device that emits light rays of different wavelength towards the farm produce and the reflected light rays are received by the sensor and the signal are transmitted to the microcontroller in order to determine color of the farm produce.

[0033] The sensing module having a pH sensor installed with a pair of electrodes. When the electrode is immersed into the farm produce, the electrode senses the hydrogen ions due to the positive charge of the ions. Thus, detecting the pH of the farm produce. The sensor further converts the detected pH into electric current and transmit the signal to the microcontroller, such that assess the pH value of the farm produce.

[0034] The moisture sensor of the sensing module operates by emitting electromagnetic waves or infrared radiation towards the farm produce. When these waves encounter moisture, they are absorbed or reflected differently compared to dry surfaces. The sensor then measures the changes in reflection or absorption and send the signal to the microcontroller in order to determine the moisture content of the farm produce.

[0035] The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the pin 106 over the farm produce. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for determining the hardness of the farm produce.

[0036] The microcontroller analyzes the combined signal of the sensing module in order to determine different parameters of the farm produce to check quality and ripeness status of the farm produce. The microcontroller is integrated with an analyzer module for processing the determined parameters to evaluate shelf life of the farm produce.

[0037] In accordance to evaluated shelf life of the farm produce, the microcontroller determines a suitable market for selling the farm produce. The microcontroller is integrated with a GPS (global positioning system) module which is used by the microcontroller to fetch a shortest route from real time location of the determined suitable market from the body 101 location. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module works by receiving signals from a network of satellites orbiting Earth. The module calculates the body 101 real-time location by measuring the time it takes for signals to travel from at least four satellites to the receiver. Once the location is determined, the GPS module interfaces with mapping protocol to fetch the shortest route to the nearby market. By processing real-time traffic data, the device adjusts the route dynamically, providing the most efficient path based on current conditions. The result is accurate, timely navigation to the market. Accordingly, the microcontroller guides the user to reach the market at earliest in order to prevent spoilage of the farm produce.

[0038] The GPS module is coupled with a weather detection protocol for fetching real time weather condition at the suitable market till arrival of the user. The weather detection protocol gather data from various sources such as satellites, radar, and ground-based instruments to monitor atmospheric conditions. The protocol measure parameters like temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, and precipitation. The measured parameters are sent to the microcontroller for comparing with a pre-fed conditions in the linked database to analyze and generate short-term and long-term weather forecasts, in order to aid the user in transportation of the farm produce.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on the fixed surface, featuring the touch-interactive display panel 102 for the user to input details about the type of farm produce to be sold. The tray 103 on the body 101 holds sample pieces from different lots, while the imaging unit 104, integrated with the processor, captures and processes images to assess phenotypic characteristics of the produce. the motorized gripper 105, equipped with the sharp pin 106 and sensing module, measures key parameters like hardness, color, pH, ripeness, and texture to determine the quality and ripeness of the produce. The microcontroller, in conjunction with the analyzer module, evaluates these parameters to estimate the shelf life of the produce. Based on this, the microcontroller determines the most suitable market for sale. The GPS module calculates the shortest route to the market and provides real-time guidance to prevent spoilage. Additionally, the sensing module includes sensors for temperature, gas, color, pH, moisture, and pressure, while the GPS is linked with the weather detection protocol to inform the user of the weather conditions at the destination, helping optimize transportation.

[0041] 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 real-time market analysis assistive device for farm produce, comprising:

i) a body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein said body 101 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding a kind of farm produce which is to be sold in market;
ii) a tray 103 arranged on said body 101 that is accessed by said user for accommodating a few sample pieces of said farm produce from different lots, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is installed on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said tray 103, respectively to determine phenotypic characteristics of said accommodated farm produce;
iii) a motorized gripper 105 arranged on said tray 103 and integrated with a sharp pin 106 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to position said pin 106 in contact with said farm produce, wherein a sensing module is integrated in said pin 106 for determining parameters including hardness, color, pH, ripeness and texture of said produce in view of determining quality and ripeness status of said farm produce; and
iv) an analyzer module integrated with said microcontroller for processing said determined parameters to evaluate shelf life of said farm produce, in accordance to which said microcontroller determines a suitable market for selling said farm produce, wherein a GPS (global positioning system) module is integrated with said microcontroller for fetching a shortest route from real time location of said determined suitable market from said body 101 location to guide said user to reach said market at earliest in order to prevent spoilage of said farm produce.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a temperature sensor, gas detection sensor, color sensor, pH sensor, moisture sensor and pressure sensor.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weather detection protocol is coupled with said GPS module for fetching real time weather condition at said suitable market till arrival of said user in order to aid said user in transportation of said farm produce.