Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An irrigation system (100) comprising:
sensors (102a-102n) configured to sense signals representing moisture in a field;
a relay (108) coupled to a motor (122), and configured to activate and deactivate the motor (122);
a speaker (110) configured to generate an audio alert; and
a controller (114) connected to the sensors (102a-102n), the relay (108), and the speaker (110), wherein the controller (114) is configured to:
receive the sensed signals representing the moisture in the field from the sensors (102a-102n) installed within the field;
determine a numerical value of moisture level of the field based on the received sensed signals;
compare the determined numerical value of the moisture level with a predefined moisture level stored in a database (116); and
generate an activation signal when the determined numerical value of the moisture level is less than the predefined moisture level; and activate the motor (122) based on the generated activation signal.
2. The irrigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (114) is configured to generate a deactivation signal when the numerical value of the moisture level in the field is greater than or equal to the predefined moisture level.
3. The irrigation system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the deactivation signal is generated to deactivate the relay (108) to restrict a flow of water into the field.
4. The irrigation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay (108) is configured to generate a motor status signal.
5. The irrigation system (100) in claim 4, wherein the controller (114) is configured to generate a notification comprising at least one of, moisture content, motor ON, or motor OFF based on the generated motor status signal.
6. The irrigation system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller (114) is configured to generate the notification to enable the speaker (110) of a user device (106) to generate the audio alert.
7. A method for managing water supply to crops in a field using an irrigation system (100), the method comprising steps of:
receiving sensed signals from sensors (102a-102n);
determining a numerical value of moisture level of the field based on the received sensed signals;
comparing the determined numerical value of the moisture level with a predefined moisture level stored in a database (116);
generating an activation signal when the determined numerical value of the moisture level is less than the predefined moisture level; and
activating a motor (122) based on the generated activation signal.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a step of generating a deactivation signal when the numerical value of the moisture level in the field is greater than or equal to the predefined moisture level.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a step of deactivating a relay (108) connected to the motor (122) to restrict a flow of water into the field based on the generated deactivation signal.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a step of generating a notification comprising at least one of, moisture content, motor ON, or motor OFF based on generated motor status signal.

Date: 09 November, 2021
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING IRRIGATION OF CROPS

APPLICANT(S)
NAME: SR UNIVERSITY
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: S R University Ananthasagar, Warangal, Telangana, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an irrigation system and particularly to a system and method for managing irrigation of crops.
Description of Related Art
[002] Agriculture is a source of livelihood for major population around a world and has a great impact on an economy of many countries. Also, some countries has vivid climate which has a direct effect on our farming and agricultural processes. In dry areas or in case of inadequate rainfall, irrigation becomes difficult. So, it needs to be automated for proper yield and handled remotely for farmer’s safety. Increasing energy costs and decreasing water supplies point out a need for better water management. Irrigation management is a complex decision-making process to determine when and how much water is required to be applied to a growing crop to meet specific management objectives.
[003] Drip irrigation is a most commonly used practice in the dry areas of India. But still, a farmer has to be physically present in a field to start, to stop and monitor the drip irrigation method. If the farmer is far from an agricultural land, he will not be able to notice current conditions. So, the efficient water management plays an important role in the irrigated agricultural cropping systems.
[004] There is thus a need for a system and method for managing irrigation of the crops in a more efficient manner along with real-time alerts.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an irrigation system. The irrigation system includes sensors configured to sense signals representing moisture in a field. The irrigation system further includes a relay coupled to a motor, and configured to activate and deactivate the motor. The irrigation system further includes a speaker configured to generate an audio alert. The irrigation system further includes a controller connected to the sensors, the relay, and the speaker. The controller is configured to: receive the sensed signals representing the moisture in the field from the sensors installed within the field; determine a numerical value of moisture level of the field based on the received sensed signals; compare the determined numerical value of the moisture level with a predefined moisture level stored in a database; generate an activation signal when the determined numerical value of the moisture level is less than the predefined moisture level; and activate the motor based on the generated activation signal.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a computer-implemented method for managing water supply to crops in a field using an irrigation system. The method comprising steps of: receiving, sensed signals from sensors; determining, a numerical value of moisture level of the field based on the received sensed signals; comparing the determined numerical value of the moisture level with a predefined moisture level stored in a database; generating an activation signal when the determined numerical value of the moisture level is less than the predefined moisture level; and activating a motor based on the generated activation signal.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an irrigation system.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an irrigation system that prevents wastage of water.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a cost-effective irrigation system.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an irrigation system suitable for all types of crops.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an irrigation system that may alert a farmer with a status using an audio alert.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting an irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed;
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates components of a controller of the irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a working model of the irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed; and
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing water supply to crops in a field using the irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting an irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The irrigation system 100 is an automated irrigation system that may be configured to irrigate crops in a field at regular intervals. In another embodiment of the present invention, the irrigation system 100 may be configured to irrigate the field automatically based on real-time moisture conditions of the field. In an embodiment of the present invention, the irrigation system 100 may be configured to manually irrigate the crops in the field based on a user input. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user may be, but not limited to, a farmer, a worker, a landlord, a supervisor, a waterman, an administrator, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user. The irrigation system 100 may comprise sensors 102a-102n (hereinafter referred to as the sensors 102), a server 104, a user device 106, a relay 108, and a speaker 110. Further, the sensors 102, the server 104, the user device 106, the relay 108, and the speaker 110 may be connected through a communication network 112, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] The communication network 112 may include a data network such as, but not limited to, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the data network including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 112 may include a wireless network, such as, but not limited to, a cellular network, and may employ various technologies including an Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the wireless network including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 112 may include or otherwise cover networks or sub-networks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or a wireless data pathway. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensors 102, the server 104, the user device 106, the relay 108, and the speaker 110 may be configured to communicate with each other by one or more communication mediums connected to the communication network 112. The communication mediums may include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable, a copper wire, a fiber optic, a wire that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of a computing device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication mediums, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication between the sensors 102, the server 104, the user device 106, the relay 108, and the speaker 110 may be configured to communicate with each other by using Bluetooth. In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication between the sensors 102, the server 104, the user device 106, the relay 108, and the speaker 110 may be configured to communicate with each other by using a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi).
[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors 102 may be configured to sense signals representing moisture in the field. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors 102 may be installed at various locations in the field to sense the moisture in the field. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors 102 may be moisture sensors, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensors 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the server 104 may be a centralized server for housing components associated with the irrigation system 100 for the purpose of receiving, storing, processing, and distributing data. According to embodiments of the present invention, the server 104 may be, but not limited to, an enterprise cloud server, a managed services cloud server, a colocation cloud server, a cloud server, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the server 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the server 104 may comprise a controller 114 and a database 116.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller 114 may be configured to process the data associated with the irrigation system 100 to generate an output, and perform other operations related to the irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller 114 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a computing device, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller 114 may be an ESP 32 microcontroller. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controller 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data. Moreover, the controller 114 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1B.
[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, the database 116 may be configured for storage and retrieval of the data associated with the irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the database 116 may be, but not limited to, a centralized database, a distributed database, a personal database, an end-user database, a commercial database, a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, a Non-SQL database, an operational database, a relational database, a cloud database, an object-oriented database, a graph database, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the database 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of data storage and retrieval.
[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 106 may be configured to enable the user to receive the data and transmit the data within the irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 106 may be, but not limited to, a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a smart device, a smart watch, a smart glass, and so forth. Embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user device 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] Further, the user device 106 may comprise a user interface 118 and a processor 120. The user interface 118 may be configured to enable the user to input data into the irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 106 may enable the user to receive the data within the irrigation system 100. The user interface 118 may be further configured to display output data associated with the irrigation system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the user interface 118 may be, but not limited to, a digital display, a touch screen display, a graphical user interface, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user interface 118 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of enabling the user to input data and to display the output data.
[0031] The processor 120 may be configured to receive and/or transmit the data associated with the irrigation system 100 using the communication network 112. Further, the processor 120 may be configured to process the data associated with the irrigation system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 120 may be, but not limited to, the Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), the microcontroller, the microprocessor, the computing device, the development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the relay 108 may be used for activating and/or deactivating a motor 122 based on the output generated by the controller 114. According to embodiments of the present invention, the relay 108 may be, but not limited to, an electromagnetic relay, a solid-state relay, a hybrid relay, a thermal relay, a reed relay, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the relay 108 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the speaker 110 may be configured to generate an audio signal based on the output generated by the controller 114. The audio signal may be generated by the speaker 110 of the user device 106 to alert the user of the irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the speaker 110 may be, but not limited to, an electro-dynamic speaker, an in-wall speaker, a flat panel speaker, a plasma arc speaker, a piezoelectric speaker, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the speaker 110 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates components of the controller 114 of the irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The controller 114 may comprise a sensor configuration module 124, a data collection module 126, a data processing module 128, a relay control module 130, a notification module 132, and a communication module 134.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch (not shown) may be configured to generate an activation signal when the user of the irrigation system 100 activates the switch. The activation signal may enable the sensor configuration module 124 that may be configured to activate the sensors 102. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the switch may be configured to generate a deactivation signal when the user of the irrigation system 100 deactivates the switch. The deactivation signal may enable the sensor configuration module 124 that may be configured to deactivate the sensors 102.
[0036] Further, the sensor configuration module 124 may be configured to enable the sensors 102 that may be configured to sense the signals representing the moisture in the field. Further, the sensor configuration module 124 may be configured to transmit the sensed signals that may be received from the sensors 102 to the data collection module 126, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the data collection module 126 may be configured to receive the sensed signals from the sensor configuration module 124. Further, the data collection module 126 may be configured to store the received sensed signals onto the database 116 of the irrigation system 100. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data collection module 126 may be further configured to transmit the received sensed signals to the data processing module 128.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 128 may be configured to determine a numerical value of moisture level in the field based on the received sensed signals. Further, the data processing module 128 may be configured to compare the determined numerical value of the moisture level with a predefined moisture level stored in the database 116. In an exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 128 determines that the numerical value of the moisture level in the field is less than the predefined moisture level stored in the database 116, then the data processing module 128 may be configured to generate an activation signal.
[0039] In another exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 128 determines that the numerical value of the moisture level in the field is greater than or equal to the predefined moisture level stored in the database 116, then the data processing module 128 may be configured to generate a deactivate signal. Moreover, the data processing module 128 may be configured to transmit the generated activation signal to the relay control module 130, in an embodiment of the preset invention. Similarly, the data processing module 128 may be configured to transmit the generated deactivation signal to the relay control module 130, in another embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the relay control module 130 may be configured to receive the activation signal from the data processing module 128. The activation signal may enable the relay control module 130 that may be configured to turn ON the motor 122 to allow a flow of water into the field, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the relay control module 130 may be configured to receive the generated deactivation signal from the data processing module 128. Further, the relay control module 130 may be configured to deactivate the motor 122 to restrict the flow of the water into the field based on the received deactivation signal. Furthermore, the relay control module 130 may be configured to generate a motor status signal, and based on the generated motor status signal, the relay control module 130 may be configured to generate a notification. According to embodiments of the present invention, the notification comprises at least one of, moisture content, motor ON, or motor OFF.
[0041] The notification module 132 may be configured to receive the generated notification from the relay control module 130. Further, the notification module 132 may be configured to transmit the generated notification to the user device 106 of the user using the communication module 134 over the communication network 112. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the notification may be transmitted to the user at a regular interval of one hour. Furthermore, the notification module 132 may also be configured to generate the audio signal through the speaker 110, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a working model 200 of the irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the working model 200, the irrigation system 100 may comprise the sensors 102, the relay 108, the controller 114, and the motor 122. The sensors 102, the relay 108, the controller 114, and the motor 122 may be in communication with the user device 106 through the communication network 112. The irrigation system 100 may be configured to continuously monitor the moisture level in the crops using the sensors 102. The sensors 102 may be the soil moisture sensors. The sensors 102 may be configured to send the sensed moisture level in the crops in the field to the controller 114. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller 114 may be the ESP 32 microcontroller.
[0043] Further, the controller 114 may be configured to send the sensed moisture level of the crops to the user device 106 of the farmer using a cloud as a text as well as a voice message. Upon reception, the farmer informs the irrigation system 100 about a required moisture level for the crops. The controller 114 may further be configured to compare the determined numerical value of the moisture level of the field with the required moisture level. In an exemplary scenario, if the numerical value of the moisture level in the field is less than the required moisture level, then the controller 114 may turn on the motor 122 and send the motor status information to the farmer using the cloud. In another exemplary scenario, if the numerical value of the moisture level in the field is greater than or equal to the required moisture level, then the controller 114 turns off the motor 122 and sends the motor status information to the farmer using the cloud. The status information is in the form of voices like “MOTOR ON” and “MOTOR OFF”.
[0044] Further, the motor 122 may be coupled to the relay 108 that may generate the activation signal to activate the motor 122 to allow the flow of the water into the field and the deactivation signal to deactivate the motor 122 to restrict the flow of the water. In an embodiment of the present invention, the relay 108 may be connected to a power supply 202 that is an Alternating Current (AC) power supply whereas a 5V power supply 204 may be connected to the controller 114.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for managing water supply to the crops in the field using the irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 302, the irrigation system 100 may monitor the moisture level of the crops in the field using the sensors 102. The sensors 102 may be installed within the field to monitor the moisture level of the field in real-time.
[0047] At step 304, the irrigation system 100 may transmit the sensed moisture level of the crops in the field to the user device 106 of the farmer. In an embodiment of the present invention, the moisture level of the crops in the field may be transmitted to the user in form of a notification.
[0048] At step 306, the irrigation system 100 may receive the required moisture level from the farmer. The farmer may set the required moisture level through the user interface 118 of the user device 106. The required moisture level may be a fixed value, in an embodiment of the present invention. The required moisture level may be a range of values.
[0049] At step 308, the irrigation system 100 may determine if the moisture level is less than the required moisture level, then the method 300 may proceed to step 310, otherwise the method 300 may return to the 302.
[0050] At the step 310, the irrigation system 100 may turn on the motor 122. The motor 122 may be configured to allow the flow of the water into the field.
[0051] At step 312, the irrigation system 100 may determine if the moisture level is greater than or equal to the required moisture level, then the method 300 may return to the step 302, otherwise, the method 300 may proceed to a step 314.
[0052] At the step 314, the irrigation system 100 may turn off the motor 122. The motor 122 may be configured to restrict the flow of the water in the field.
[0053] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.