Claims:
1. A sensing device for detecting a plurality of characteristics of a medium, the sensing device comprising:
an electrode matrix comprising in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, said electrode matrix enclosed within a housing;
a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing; and
at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, said emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium;
wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device.
2. The medium characteristics detection sensor of claim 1, wherein the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP).
3. The medium characteristics detection sensor of claim 1, wherein the electrode matrix comprises quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
4. A system for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the system comprising:
a microcontroller for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit, said microcontroller receiving a signal from one or more sensing devices, wherein each of the one or more sensing devices comprises:
an electrode matrix comprising in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, said electrode matrix enclosed within a housing;
a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing; and
at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, said emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium;
wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device; and
wherein the microcontroller controls flow of water from the water dispensing unit based on detection of the temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP).
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the electrode matrix comprises quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein a signal conditioning unit modulates a signal generated by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the signal conditioning unit comprises any or a combination of an operational amplifier and an AC-to-DC converter.
9. A method for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the method comprising the steps of:
detecting, by one or more sensing devices, a plurality of characteristics of the medium, wherein the plurality of characteristics comprise temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium;
generating, by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices, a signal pertaining to the plurality of characteristics of the medium;
transmitting, by a signal processing unit, the signal to a microcontroller; and
controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium based on the plurality of characteristics of the medium.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the signal processing unit modulates the signal generated by the at least one sensing device prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sensing devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to systems and methods utilizing on or more sensing devices to detect a plurality of soil characteristics in different types of soils in order to regulate flow of water from a water dispensing unit, such as, water pumps, tube wells etc.

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 land of agriculture with almost 70% of its population engaged in agriculture and farming activities as their primary occupation. Even though India is blessed with natural resources like water, land, minerals etc., farmers are still facing issues related to crop quality as they are unaware of water proportion required to grow different crops.
[0004] Demand for water in irrigation systems in India has been relentless. Increasing demand for water has forced us to replace grass and vegetation with concrete, brick and rock. Wet land farming is being substituted for dry land farming, and conservation of all kinds has been encouraged to help replenish water supplies and underground springs. Technology which is capable of conserving water is constantly being sought, but there has been very little improvement, even with the advent of sophisticated new electronics.
[0005] Various control systems have been developed in the past to address problems related to agriculture that tend to solve soil water content issues in order to increase crop productivity and quality by using artificial/manmade medium characteristics detection sensors. While such control devices have had limited success in detecting water content, some have had difficulty in accurately deciphering moisture contents in soils having varying degrees of salinity.
[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art to provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based artificial/manmade soil characteristics detection sensor capable of sensing a plurality of soil characteristics in different types of soils in order to assess amount of water required for farming on the soils. Further, there exists a need to provide for a control system and method that utilizes the proposed soil characteristics detection sensor to analyse and control the requirement of water on different types of soils.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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] 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.
[0010] 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.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting a plurality of soil characteristics.
[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting water percentage in different types of soils.
[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting Temperature of different types of soils.
[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting Electrical Conductivity of different types of soils.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor that assists regulation of amount of water required during farming of crops.
[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor that improves crop productivity.
[0017] Yet object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil characteristics detection sensor that is cost-effective.
[0018] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system and method to analyse and control flow of water during farming of crops on different types of soils.

SUMMARY
[0019] The present disclosure relates to system and method utilizing one or more sensing devices capable of detecting a plurality of characteristics of a medium, such as, soil, water, wood and the likes. An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a sensing device for detecting a plurality of characteristics of a medium, the sensing device including an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing, and at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device.
[0020] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP). In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the system including a microcontroller for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit, the microcontroller receiving a signal from one or more sensing devices, wherein each of the one or more sensing devices includes an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing, and at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device, and wherein the microcontroller controls flow of water from the water dispensing unit based on detection of the temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium.
[0022] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP). In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0023] In an embodiment, a signal conditioning unit modulates a signal generated by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0024] In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit includes any or a combination of an operational amplifier and an AC-to-DC converter.
[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the method including the steps of detecting, by one or more sensing devices, a plurality of characteristics of the medium, wherein the plurality of characteristics include temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium, generating, by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices, a signal pertaining to the plurality of characteristics of the medium, transmitting, by a signal processing unit, the signal to a microcontroller, and controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium based on the plurality of characteristics of the medium.
[0026] In an embodiment, the signal processing unit modulates the signal generated by the at least one sensing device prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0027] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] 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.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed medium characteristics detection sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system utilizing the proposed medium characteristics detection sensor to control requirement of water over a medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of configuration of the proposed medium characteristics detection sensor with a signal conditioning unit of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart representation of a method utilizing the proposed medium characteristics detection sensor to control requirement of water over the medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0034] 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.
[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, 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).
[0036] 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.
[0037] Embodiment explained herein relates to system and method utilizing one or more sensing devices capable of detecting a plurality of characteristics of a medium, such as, soil, water, wood and the likes.
[0038] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a sensing device for detecting a plurality of characteristics of a medium, the sensing device including an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing, and at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device.
[0039] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP). In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0040] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the system including a microcontroller for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit, the microcontroller receiving a signal from one or more sensing devices, wherein each of the one or more sensing devices includes an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing, and at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device, and wherein the microcontroller controls flow of water from the water dispensing unit based on detection of the temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium.
[0041] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP). In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0042] In an embodiment, a signal conditioning unit modulates a signal generated by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0043] In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit includes any or a combination of an operational amplifier and an AC-to-DC converter.
[0044] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the method including the steps of detecting, by one or more sensing devices, a plurality of characteristics of the medium, wherein the plurality of characteristics include temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium, generating, by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices, a signal pertaining to the plurality of characteristics of the medium, transmitting, by a signal processing unit, the signal to a microcontroller, and controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium based on the plurality of characteristics of the medium.
[0045] In an embodiment, the signal processing unit modulates the signal generated by the at least one sensing device prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed medium characteristics detection sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed sensing device (also referred to as medium characteristics detection sensor or sensor hereinafter) 100 can detect one or more characteristics of the medium, such as, temperature of the medium, electrical conductivity of the medium, moisture content of the medium and the likes.
[0047] In an aspect, the proposed sensing device 100 can include an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium. The electrode matrix can be enclosed within a housing 106. In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate can be any of gypsum and POP. In an embodiment, the electrode matrix can include quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0048] In an embodiment, the sampling medium can include the same material/substance as that of the medium. For instance, the sampling medium can be any of soil, water, wood, a fluid and the like substances. In another embodiment, composition the sampling medium can be different than composition of the medium.
[0049] In an aspect, the proposed sensing device 100 can further include a thermal sensor, for example, a thermistor either enclosed within the housing 106 or externally attached to the housing 106.
[0050] In an aspect, the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 can further include at least three electrically conductive electrodes 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3 (also collectively referred to as electrodes 104 or leads 104 or individually referred to as electrode 104 or lead 104), for example volumetric water content (VWC) leads. In an embodiment, one end of at least one electrode 104 embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing 106, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode 104 embedded at least partially in the medium which can be any of soil, water, wood, a fluid and any other substance/material.
[0051] In an embodiment, at least a first electrode 104-1 of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor 108 to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device 100, at least a second electrode 104-2 of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode 104-3 of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device 100.
[0052] In an embodiment, a cable/wire 102 can be connected to the sensing device 100 to allow connection of the sensing device 100 to other electrical components, such as, a controller, a power supply and the likes.
[0053] In an aspect, moisture content in the medium passes through the second electrode 104-2 into the electrode matrix and then to the third electrode 104-3, and a resistance measured between the second electrode 104-2 and the third electrode 104-3 is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the medium characteristics detection sensor 100. The resistance can also confer the electrical conductivity of the medium.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system utilizing the proposed medium characteristics detection sensor to control requirement of water over a medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed system 200 for controlling requirement of water over the medium can include a microcontroller 206 for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit 212. The microcontroller 206 can receive a signal from at least medium characteristics detection sensor 100.
[0055] In an embodiment, when moisture content detected by emanating ends of at least two electrodes 104 of a medium characteristics detection sensor 100 crosses a pre-defined threshold value, the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 can generate a signal and transmits the signal to the microcontroller 206 to regulate flow of water from the water dispensing unit 212.
[0056] In an embodiment, the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 can detect a plurality of medium characteristics such as, but not limited to, electrical conductivity, temperature and moisture content of the medium. Detection of temperature of the medium, or instance, soil, prevents seed germination of a plant cultivated on the soil by determining beforehand the temperature of the soil.
[0057] In an aspect, each medium characteristics detection sensor 100 can include an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, a thermal sensor either enclosed within or externally attached to the housing, and at least three electrically conductive electrodes, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device, and wherein the microcontroller controls flow of water from the water dispensing unit based on detection of the temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium. In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is any of gypsum and Plaster-of-Paris (POP). In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0058] In an embodiment, a signal conditioning unit 202 can modulate the signal generated by the at least one medium characteristics detection sensor 100 prior to its transmission to the microcontroller 206. In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit 202 can include any or a combination of an operational amplifier (OPAMP) and an AC-to-DC converter (ADC) to effectively condition the signal generated by the at least one medium characteristics detection sensor 100. The signal conditioning unit 202 can then transmit the modulated/conditioned signal to the microcontroller 206.
[0059] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 206 can control a relay unit 210 of the water dispensing unit 212 such that the relay unit 210 allows the microcontroller 206 to switch ON, switch OFF and modulate switching of the water dispensing unit 212 based on moisture content of the medium detected by the medium characteristics detection sensor 100.
[0060] In an embodiment, a display unit 208 can be configured to display the instantaneous medium characteristics, such as temperature of the medium, electrical conductivity of the medium, moisture content of the medium and the likes on a display screen. The display unit 208 can include one or more display screens to indicate/illustrates various characteristics related to the medium including temperature of the medium, electrical conductivity of the medium, moisture content of the medium on the display screen. The microcontroller 206 can control the display unit 208 in order to regulate displaying of the temperature of the medium, electrical conductivity of the medium, moisture content of the medium of the medium on the display screen.
[0061] In an embodiment, any or a combination of the sensing devices 100, signal conditioning unit 202, the microcontroller 206 and the display unit 208 can be powered by a power supply unit 204 that can include a power source capable of powering the signal conditioning unit 202, the microcontroller 206 and the display unit 208. The power supply unit 204 can include a power generator or a standby power source such as, a battery, an ultra-capacitor and the likes.
[0062] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can include Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices to assist water dispensation over the medium in order to reduce wastage of water and improve efficient utilization of water over the medium based on medium characteristics, including, but not limited to, temperature of the medium, electrical conductivity of the medium and moisture content of the medium.
[0063] In an implementation, the system 200 can improve crop productivity and reduce wastage of water. A plurality of medium characteristics detection sensors 100 can be buried/embedded into the medium, for instance, soil, such that moisture content of the soil can pass through the second electrode 104-2 to the electrode matrix that includes the timber, the POP and the sampling soil, and then to the third electrode 104-3 of each of the medium characteristics detection sensors 100. This can effect a change in resistance between the second electrode 104-2 and the third electrode 104-3 of a medium characteristics detection sensor 100, the change in resistance being proportionate to moisture content in the soil. The change in resistance can define electrical conductivity of the soil. In addition, the first electrode 104-1 can detect temperature of the soil surrounding the medium characteristics detection sensor 100.
[0064] In an embodiment, electrical conductivity of soil shows the level of ability the soil water has to carry an electrical current. The electrical conductivity levels of the soil water are a good indication of the amount of nutrients available for crops to absorb. All major and minor nutrients important for plant growth take the form of either cations (positively charged ions) or anions (negatively charged ions). These ions that are dissolved in the soil water carry electrical charge and thus determine the electrical conductivity level of your soil and how many nutrients are available for your crops to take in.
[0065] In an embodiment, transmission of data between the microcontroller 206 and control units that are located at remote locations can be governed by a communication unit (not shown) that can include any or a combination of Radiofrequency (RF) and GSM modules based on 2G/3G/4G communication networks to allow transmission of the data to and from the control units and the microcontroller 206.
[0066] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can transmit data pertaining to controlling of flow of water from the water dispensing unit 212 wirelessly to an on-site control panel or an off-site control panel using IoT enabled devices using any or a combination of radiofrequency (RF) and GSM networks based on 2G/3G/4G connectivity. For instance, the system 200 can transmit data pertaining to status of the port pins and data pertaining to moisture content in the medium over a specific time interval to an off-site control panel in order to allow remote access and remote control of the proposed system 200.
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of configuration of the proposed medium characteristics detection sensor with a signal conditioning unit of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 can be powered by the power supply unit 204 and can be connected to a voltage divider circuit 302. The voltage divider circuit 302 can be a part of the signal conditioning unit 202 or it can be externally configured with the signal conditioning unit 202. In an embodiment, when the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 is connected to the voltage divider circuit 302, it can act as a variable resistance.
[0068] In an embodiment, the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 can transmit the generated signal to the voltage divider circuit 302 that can modulate the signal based on variable resistance provided by the medium characteristics detection sensor 100 when it is connected to the voltage divider circuit 302.
[0069] In an embodiment, the voltage divider circuit 302 can pass the modulated signal generated by the ADC of the signal conditioning unit 202 for further modulation of the signal such that the microcontroller 206 can effectively interpret the signal and can control the relay unit 210 of the water dispensing unit 212 in order to effectively control flow of water over the medium, i.e., soil, based on the medium characteristics including any or a combination of temperature of the medium, electrical conductivity of the medium and moisture content of the medium.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart representation of a method utilizing the proposed medium characteristics detection sensor to control requirement of water over the medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed method 400 can include at step 402, detecting, by one or more sensing devices, a plurality of characteristics of the medium. In an embodiment, the plurality of characteristics can include temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the medium.
[0071] In an embodiment, the sensing device can include an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium. The electrode matrix can be enclosed within housing. In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate can be any of gypsum and POP. In an embodiment, the electrode matrix can include quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1. In an embodiment, the sampling medium can include the same material/substance as that of the medium. For instance, the sampling medium can be any of soil, water, wood, a fluid and the like substances. In another embodiment, composition the sampling medium can be different than composition of the medium. In an embodiment, the proposed sensing device can further include a thermal sensor, for example, a thermistor either enclosed within the housing or externally attached to the housing.
[0072] In an embodiment, the medium characteristics detection sensor can further include at least three electrically conductive electrodes, for example volumetric water content (VWC) leads. In an embodiment, one end of at least one electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least one electrode embedded at least partially in the medium which can be any of soil, water, wood, a fluid and any other substance/material.
[0073] In an embodiment, at least a first electrode of the at least three electrodes is connected to the thermal sensor to detect temperature of the medium surrounding the sensing device, at least a second electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect electrical conductivity of the medium and at least a third electrode of the at least three electrodes to detect moisture content of the medium surrounding the sensing device. In an aspect, moisture content in the medium passes through the second electrode into the electrode matrix and then to the third electrode, and a resistance measured between the second electrode and the third electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the medium characteristics detection sensor. The resistance can also confer the electrical conductivity of the medium.
[0074] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include, at step 404, generating, by at least one sensing device of the one or more sensing devices, a signal pertaining to the plurality of characteristics of the medium.
[0075] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include, at step 406, transmitting, by a signal processing unit, the signal to a microcontroller. In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit can modulate the signal generated by the at least one medium characteristics detection sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller. In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit can include any or a combination of an operational amplifier (OPAMP) and an AC-to-DC converter (ADC) to effectively condition the signal generated by the at least one medium characteristics detection sensor. The signal conditioning unit can then transmit the modulated/conditioned signal to the microcontroller.
[0076] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include, at step 408, controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium based on the plurality of characteristics of the medium. In an embodiment, the microcontroller can control a relay unit of the water dispensing unit such that the relay unit allows the microcontroller to switch ON, switch OFF and modulate switching of the water dispensing unit based on moisture content of the medium detected by the medium characteristics detection sensor.
[0077] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include, at step 410, displaying, on at least one display screen, the plurality of characteristics of the medium. In an embodiment, the plurality of characteristics of the medium are displayed on the at least one display screen in order to monitor the plurality of characteristics of the medium.
[0078] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 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 spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0079] 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.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0080] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting a plurality of soil characteristics.
[0081] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting water percentage in different types of soils.
[0082] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting Temperature of different types of soils.
[0083] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor capable of detecting Electrical Conductivity of different types of soils.
[0084] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor that assists regulation of amount of water required during farming of crops.
[0085] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor that improves crop productivity.
[0086] The present disclosure provides a soil characteristics detection sensor that is cost-effective.
[0087] The present disclosure provides a control system and method to analyse and control flow of water during farming of crops on different types of soils.