Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A secured irrigation system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a water recycling device (102) to desalinate underground water using a Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BPMED) technique;
sensors (104a-104n) configured to sense data selected from one of, a status of soil in a field, a status of plants in the field, parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device (102), a water level in the field, or a combination thereof; and
a controller (202) connected to the water recycling device (102) and the sensors (104a-104n), wherein the controller (202) is configured to:
receive sensed data from the sensors (104a-104n);
generate a pump activation signal when the status of the soil in the field and/or the status of the plants in the field is less than a predefined status of the soil in the field and/or a predefined status of the plants in the field;
determine a quality of the underground water inside the water recycling device (102) based on the received sensed data, wherein the received sensed data is the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device (102);
compare the determined quality of the underground water with a predefined threshold water quality stored in a database (112);
generate a valve activation signal when the determined quality of the underground water is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold water quality; and
activate a valve (204) of the water recycling device (102) to allow a flow of the underground water into the field based on the valve activation signal.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (202) is configured to generate a valve deactivation signal and a pump deactivation signal when the received water level in the field from the sensors (140a-104n) is equal to a predefined water level required for a crop stored in the database (112).
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller (202) is configured to deactivate the valve (204) of the water recycling device (102) and a pump installed in the field based on the generated valve deactivation signal and the generated pump deactivation signal.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (202) is configured to encrypt the sensed data using a blockchain technology.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controller (202) is configured to transmit the encrypted sensed data to a cloud server (106) using a Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol through an Internet Of Things (IOT) 2040 gateway.
6. A method for desalinating underground water using a secured irrigation system (100), the method comprising steps of:
receiving sensed data from sensors (104a-104n), wherein the sensed data is selected from one of, a status of soil in a field, a status of plants in the field, parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device (102), a water level in the field, or a combination thereof;
generating a pump activation signal when the status of soil in the field and/or the status of the plants in the field is less than a predefined status of the soil in the field and/or a predefined status of the plants in the field;
determining a quality of the underground water inside a water recycling device (102) based on the received sensed data, wherein the sensed data is the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device (102);
comparing the determined quality of the underground water with a predefined threshold water quality stored in a database (112);
generating a valve activation signal when the determined quality of the underground water is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold water quality; and
activating a valve (204) of the water recycling device (102) to allow a flow of the underground water into the field based on the valve activation signal.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprising a step of generating a valve deactivation signal and a pump deactivation signal when the received water level in the field from the sensors (104a-104n) is equal to a predefined water level required for a crop stored in the database (112).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of deactivating the valve (204) of the water recycling device (102) and a pump installed in the field based on the generated valve deactivation signal and the generated pump deactivation signal.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprising a step of encrypting the sensed data using a blockchain technology.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, comprising a step of transmitting the encrypted sensed data to a cloud server (106) using a Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol through an Internet Of Things (IOT) 2040 gateway.

Date: 8 August 2020
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)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURED IRRIGATION
APPLICANT(S)
NAME: Dr. D. Kothandaraman
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: S R Engineering College, Ananthasagar (V), Hasanparthy (M), Warangal, Telangana, 560 371

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and a method for irrigation, and more particularly to a system and a method for secured irrigation using recycled saline underground water.
Description of Related Art
[002] Water is an elixir of life and is a vital source for agriculture. In India, many places do not have adequate and reliable sources of water of required quality i.e. fresh water, and are forced to use saline underground water for farming. The scarcity of fresh water for agriculture not only strains the farming but also leads to denaturing of soil if saline water is used for a long period of time. Agriculture is a backbone of economic growth of a country, so it is a responsibility of every citizen of the country to reflect upon problems that prevent a growth of the country. Therefore, if deteriorating condition of the soil and/or water is not treated now, then the problem can lead to food scarcity in the future.
[003] Many researches have been carried out to determine a solution for the above mentioned problems but none of the solutions proved to be a permanent solution for the salinity of the underground water. Traditional solutions generally discusses about selecting a suitable variety of crop, changing an irrigation method, and/or mixing fresh water with the saline underground water to reduce the salinity of the underground water.
[004] There is thus a need for a system and a method for managing the salinity of underground water in a more efficient and effective manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a secured irrigation system. The system comprising, a water recycling device to desalinate underground water using a Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BPMED) technique; sensors configured to sense data selected from one of, a status of soil in a field, a status of plants in the field, parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device, a water level in the field, or a combination thereof; a controller connected to the water recycling device and the sensors, the controller is configured to: receive sensed data from the sensors; generate a pump activation signal when the status of the soil in the field and/or the status of the plants in the field is less than a predefined status of the soil in the field and/or a predefined status of the plants in the field. Further, determine a quality of the underground water inside the water recycling device based on the received sensed data, wherein the received sensed data is the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device. Further, compare the determined quality of the underground water with a predefined threshold water quality stored in a database. Further, generate a valve activation signal when the determined quality of the underground water is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold water quality. Further, activate a valve of the water recycling device to allow a flow of the underground water into the field based on the valve activation signal.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for desalinating underground water using a secured irrigation system. The method comprising steps of: receiving sensed data from sensors, wherein the sensed data is selected from one of, a status of soil in a field, a status of plants in the field, parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device, a water level in the field, or a combination thereof. Further, generating a pump activation signal when the status of soil in the field and/or the status of the plants in the field is less than a predefined status of the soil in the field and/or a predefined status of the plants in the field. Further, determining a quality of the underground water inside a water recycling device based on the received sensed data, wherein the sensed data is the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device. Further, comparing the determined quality of the underground water with a predefined threshold water quality stored in a database. Further, generating a valve activation signal when the determined quality of the underground water is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold water quality. Further, activating a valve of the water recycling device to allow a flow of the underground water into the field based on the valve 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 provide a secured irrigation system. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a secured irrigation system for checking a quality of water. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a secured irrigation system automated through an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled low cost green technology. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a secured irrigation system having encryption of data using a blockchain technology. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a secured irrigation system that may regulate underground water table along with efficient utilization of natural resource avoiding environmental issues like drought, land degradation and underground water depletion.
[008] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[009] 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
[0010] 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:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a secured irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a water recycling device of the secured irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates components of a controller of the water recycling device, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; and
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method for recycling saline underground water using the secured irrigation system, according to another embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein.
[0015] 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
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a secured irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The secured irrigation system 100 comprises a water recycling device 102, sensors 104a-104n (hereinafter referred to as sensors 104), a cloud server 106, and a user device 108. Further, the water recycling device 102, the sensors 104, the cloud server 106, and the user device 108 may be connected through a communication network 110, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] The communication network 110 may include a data network such as, but not limited to, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 110 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), and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 110 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 water recycling device 102, the sensors 104, the cloud server 106, and the user device 108 may be configured to communicate with each other by one or more communication mediums connected to the communication network 110. The communication mediums include, but are 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 an embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 110 may be configured to use an Internet Of Things (IOT) 2040 gateway that may be further configured to support open protocols. The open protocols may be selected from, but not limited to, a Modbus protocol, a Process Field Net (PROFINET) protocol, a Representational State Transfer (REST) protocol, an Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP), an Open Platform Communication (OPC) protocol and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IOT gateway 2040 may be configured to use a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol to enable the communication between the sensors 104, the cloud server 106, and the user device 108 of the secured irrigation system 100. The MQTT protocol may be a lightweight message transportation protocol that works on publisher-subscriber messaging pattern. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the open protocols, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, the water recycling device 102 may be an electrically operated device connected to a pump (not shown) installed in a field of a user. The water recycling device 102 may be provided to desalinate underground water using a Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BPMED) technique in real time. Further, the working of the water recycling device 102 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0022] According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors 104 may be configured to sense data associated with the secured irrigation system 100. The data may be, but not limited to, a status of soil in the field, a status of plants and/or crops in the field, parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102, a water level in the field, and so forth. Further, the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 may be, but not limited to, a salinity, a turbidity, a Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration, a Power of Hydrogen (pH), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the parameters of the underground water, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensors 104 may be installed at various locations in the field to sense the water level in the field. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensors 104 may be installed in a close proximity to the water recycling device 102. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sensors 104 may be installed within the water recycling device 102 such that the water may be in a direct contact of the sensors 104. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors 104 may be, but not limited to, a salinity sensor, a turbidity sensor, a platinum electrode conductivity sensor, an electrodeless conductivity sensor, a water level depth detection sensor, an optical liquid level sensor, an ultrasonic level sensor, a proximity sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensors 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0023] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 106 may be a centralized server for housing components associated to the secured irrigation system 100 for the purpose of receiving, storing, processing, and distributing data. According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 106 may be, but not limited to, an enterprise cloud server, a managed services cloud server, a colocation cloud servers, a cloud server, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cloud server 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0024] Further, the cloud server 106 may comprise a database 112, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The database 112 may be configured for storage and retrieval of data associated with the secured irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the database 112 may be, but is 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 112 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of data storage and retrieval.
[0025] The user device 108 may be configured to enable the user to receive data and to transmit data within the secured irrigation system 100. The user may be, but not limited to, a farmer, a worker, a supervisor, a watermen, an administrator, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user of the secured irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 108 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 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] Further, the user device 108 may comprise a user interface 114 and a processor 116. The user interface 114 may be configured to enable the user to input data into the secured irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user interface 114 may be further configured to display output data associated with the secured irrigation system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the user interface 114 may be, but is 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 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of enabling the user to input data and to display an output data.
[0027] The processor 116 may be configured to receive and/or transmit data associated with the secured irrigation system 100 using the communication network 110. Further, the processor 116 may be configured to process data associated with the secured irrigation system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 116 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. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates the water recycling device 102 of the secured irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water recycling device 102 comprises a body 200, a controller 202, and a valve 204, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] The body 200 may be designed to house components of the water recycling device 102. Further, the body 200 may be made up of a material, such as, but not limited to, an iron, an aluminum, a wood, a fiberglass, a hardened plastic, a chromed steel, a stainless steel, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the body 200 of the water recycling device 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, a shape of the body 200 may be for example, but not limited to, a cuboid, a cube, a cylindrical, a hexagonal, a square, a rectangular, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any of the shape of the body 200 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] Further, the body 200 of the water recycling device 102 may house components used in a Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BPMED) technique for desalinating the underground water. According to embodiments of the present invention, the components may be, but not limited to, Bipolar Membranes (BPM) 206a-206b (hereinafter referred to as the BPM 206), an Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) 208, a Cation Exchange Membrane (CEM) 210, an anode 212, a cathode 214, Electrode Compartment (EC) 216a-216b (hereinafter referred to as the EC 216), an Acid Compartment (AC) 218, a Feed Compartment (FC) 220, a Base Compartment (BC) 222, an Acid Tank (AT) 224, a Feed Tank (FT) 226, a Base Tank (BT) 228, and an Electrolyte Tank (ET) 230. According to embodiments of the present invention, the BPM 206, the AEM 208, and the CEM 210 may be porous membranes that may allow penetration of cations and anions. According to embodiments of the present invention, the BPM 206 may be an Ion Exchange (IX) membrane that may comprise a combination of two polymer layers, one out of the two polymer layers may be permeable for the anions and the other polymer layer may be permeable for the cations. Further, the AEM 208 may be capable of allowing a penetration of the anions and the CEM 210 may be capable of allowing a penetration of the cations. According to embodiments of the present invention, the EC 216 may be a compartment designed to hold the anode 212 and the cathode 214. The EC 216 may be a hollow chamber having a shape such as, but not limited to, a cuboid, a sphere, a cylindrical, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any of the shape of the EC 216, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] Further, the EC 216 may be connected to the ET 230 that may supply an electrolyte solution to the EC 216. According to embodiments of the present invention, the AC 218 may be connected to the AT 224 that may be designed to hold an acidic solution such as Hydrochloric acid (HCl). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the acidic solution, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the FC 220 may be connected to the FT 226 that may be designed to hold the underground water that may be saline in nature i.e., the underground water contains a large amount of dissolved salt and/or Sodium Chloride (NaCl). Similarly, the BC 222 may be connected to the BT 228 that may be designed to hold an alkaline solution such as a Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the alkaline solution, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] The controller 202 may be configured to process data associated with the secured irrigation system 100 to generate an output, and perform other operation related to the secured irrigation system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller 202 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. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controller 202 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data. Further, components of the controller 202 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[0033] The water recycling device 102 may further comprise the valve 204 that may be provided to allow and/or to restrict a flow of the underground water into the fields of the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the valve 204 may be, but not limited to, a hydraulic valve, a pneumatic valve, a manual valve, a motorized valve, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve 204 may be a solenoid valve. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the valve 204 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the valve 204 may comprise an actuator 232, a coil (not shown), and an orifice (not shown), in an embodiment of the present invention. The valve 204 may be configured to receive a constant electrical energy through a power source (not shown) to remain open and allow the flow of the underground water into the field. The electrical energy supplied to the valve 204 may induce an electromagnetic field in the coil that may raise the actuator 232 upwards and may create a flow path for the underground water to pass through the valve 204. Further, a deactivation of a supply of the electrical energy to the valve 204 may disperse the electromagnetic field induced in the coil that may release the actuator 232 downwards, creating a blockage in the flow path of the underground water thus restricting the flow.
[0034] Further, the water recycling device 102 may comprise an inlet port 234 and an outlet port 236 that may be provided to connect the water recycling device 102 to a water pipe joining a pump and a supply pipeline. Further, the valve 204 may be installed inside the outlet port 236, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inlet port 234 and the outlet port 236 may comprise external threads to fixedly connect the pump and the supply pipeline with the water recycling device 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 234 and outlet port 236 may comprise internal threads to fixedly connect the pump and the supply pipeline with the water recycling device 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 234 and the outlet port 236 may be integrally made along with the body 200 of the water recycling device 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 234 and the outlet port 236 may be removably attached to the body 200 of the water recycling device 102.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates the components of the controller 202 of the water recycling device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The controller 202 may comprise a device configuration module 300, a data collection module 302, an encryption module 304, a data processing module 306, a pump control module 308, a valve control module 310, a communication module 312, and a notification module 314, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch (not shown) disposed on the body 200 of the water recycling device 102 may be configured to generate an activation signal when the user of the water recycling device 102 activates the switch. The activation signal may enable the device configuration module 300 that may be configured to activate the sensors 104 of the water recycling device 102. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the switch may be configured to generate a deactivation signal when the user of the water recycling device 102 deactivates the switch. The deactivation signal may enable the device configuration module 300 that may be configured to deactivate the sensors 104 of the water recycling device 102. Further, the sensors 104 may be configured to sense data such as, but not limited to, the status of the soil in the field, the status of the plant in the field, the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 and the water level in the field. Further, the device configuration module 300 may be configured to transmit the received sensed data from the sensors 104 to the data collection module 302, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the data collection module 302 may be configured to receive the sensed data from the device configuration module 300. Further, the data collection module 302 may be configured to transmit the received sensed data to the encryption module 304. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data collection module 302 may be further configured to transmit the received sensed data to the data processing module 306.
[0038] The encryption module 304 may be configured to encrypt the sensed data received from the data collection module 302 using blockchain technology. The encryption of the sensed data may be done to secure the sensed data received from the sensors 104. Further, the encryption module 304 may be configured to convert the received data to an output encrypted data of fixed length using a hashing process. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the received data may be of variable length and a length of the output data depends on a mathematical formula used for the hashing process. In an exemplary scenario, the hashing process may be an encryption technique that may ensure high security of the received data during a message transmission. The hashing process may use a mathematical formula such as a hash function to generate hash codes corresponding to the received data. The hash function may be, but not limited to, a Message Digest (MD) 5, a Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) 1, a Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) 256, a Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) 3, a keccak 256, a RIPE Message Digest (RipeMD) 160, a Tiger, a xxHash, a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) 32, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the hash function including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the hash function may be capable of generating a hash data in a range of 128 bit to 512 bit. Furthermore, the generated hash data may be used in a blockchain that may contain a hash pointer configured to point to its previous block of the hash data. According to embodiments of the present invention, the encryption module 304 may generate a chain of the hash data and the hash pointers. Further, the encryption module 304 may be configured to transmit the encrypted data to the cloud server 106 for storage onto the database 112 using the communication module 312 and utilizing the MQTT protocol of the communication network 110.
[0039] The data processing module 306 may be configured to receive the sensed data from the data collection module 302, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 306 may be configured to access the stored sensed data from the database 112. The data processing module 306 may be further configured to determine a current status of the soil in the field and/or a current status of the plants in the field based on the received data from the sensors 104. Further, the data processing module 306 may be configured to compare the determined current status of the soil in the field and/or the determined current status of the plants/crops in the field with a predefined threshold status of the soil and/or a predefined threshold status of the plants/crops stored in the database 112. In an exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 306 determines that the current status of the soil in the field and/or the current status of the plant in the field is less than the predefined threshold status of the soil and/or the predefined threshold status of the plants, then the data processing module 306 may be configured to generate a pump activation signal and an alert signal. Further, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated pump activation signal to the pump control module 308, in an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated alert signal to the notification module 314, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] In another exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 306 determines that the current status of the soil in the field and/or the current status of the plant in the field is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold status of the soil and/or the predefined threshold status of the plants, then the data processing module 306 may be configured to continue receiving the sensed data from the data collection module 302. Further, the data processing module 306 may be configured to process the sensed data representing the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 to determine a quality of the underground water, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Furthermore, the data processing module 306 may be configured to determine a status of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 by comparing the determined quality of the underground water with a predefined threshold water quality stored in the database 112. In an exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 306 determines that the status of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 is safe, then the data processing module 306 may be configured to generate a valve activation signal and the alert signal. The data processing module 306 may be configured to interpret the status of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 as safe, if the determined quality of the underground water is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold water quality stored in the database 112. In another exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 306 determines that the status of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 is unsafe, then the data processing module 306 may be configured to continue receiving sensed data from the data collection module 302. Further, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated valve activation signal to the valve control module 310, in an embodiment of the preset invention. Furthermore, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated alert signal to the notification module 314, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 306 may be further configured to determine the water level in the field based on the sensed data received from the sensors 104. In an exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 306 determines that the determined water level in the field is equal to a predefined water level required for a crop stored in the database 112, then the data processing module 306 may be configured to generate a valve deactivation signal, a pump deactivation signal, and the alert signal. In another exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 306 determines that the determined water level in the field is less than the predefined water level required for the crop, then the data processing module 306 may be configured to continue receiving sensed data from the data collection module 302. Further, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated valve deactivation signal to the valve control module 310, in an embodiment of the preset invention. Furthermore, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated pump deactivation signal to the pump control module 308, in an embodiment of the preset invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 306 may be configured to transmit the generated alert signal to the notification module 314.
[0043] The pump control module 308 may be configured to transmit the received pump activation signal to the pump connected to the water recycling device 102 using the communication module 312 over the communication network 110. Further, the pump activation signal may activate the pump that may allow a flow of the underground water into the water recycling device 102 through the inlet port 234, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the pump control module 308 may be configured to transmit the received pump deactivation signal to the pump connected to the water recycling device 102 using the communication module 312 over the communication network 110. Further, the pump deactivation signal may deactivate the pump that may stop the flow of the underground water into the water recycling device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve control module 310 may be configured to receive the valve activation signal from the data processing module 306. The valve control module 310 may be configured to transmit the received valve activation signal to the valve 204 using the communication module 312 over the communication network 110. The valve activation signal may enable a supply of electrical energy to the valve 204 through the power source that may induce an electromagnetic field in the coil. Further, the induced electromagnetic field may raise the actuator 232 upwards creating a flow path for the underground water to pass through the valve 204. In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve control module 310 may be configured to receive the generated valve deactivation signal from the data processing module 306. Further, the valve control module 310 may be configured to transmit the received valve deactivation signal to the valve 204 using the communication module 312 over the communication network 110. The valve deactivation signal may disable the supply of the electrical energy through the power source to the valve 204 that may disperse the electromagnetic field induced in the coil and may release the actuator 232 downwards, creating a blockage in the flow path of the underground water thus restricting the flow. According to an embodiment of the present invention, if the notification module 314 receives the alert signal then the notification module 314 may be configured to access the encrypted data stored in the database 112 of the cloud server 106. Further, the notification module 314 may be configured to transmit the encrypted data to the user device 108 of the user.
[0045] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method 400 for recycling saline underground water using the secured irrigation system 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 402, the secured irrigation system 100 may receive sensed data representing the status of the soil in the field and/or the status of the plants in the field from the sensors 104. The secured irrigation system 100 may determine a current status of the soil in the field and/or the current status of the plants in the field based on the sensed data.
[0047] At step 404, if the secured irrigation system 100 determines that the the current status of the soil in the field and/or the current status of the plants in the field is less than the predefined threshold status of the soil and/or the predefined threshold status of the plants, then the method 400 may proceed to a step 406, otherwise the method 400 may return to the step 402 and continue receiving the sensed data from the sensors 104.
[0048] At the step 406, the secured irrigation system 100 may activate a pump installed in the field to pump the underground water into the water recycling device 102.
[0049] At step 408, the secured irrigation system 100 may enable the water recycling device 102 that may desalinate the underground water using a Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BPMED) technique.
[0050] At step 410, the secured irrigation system 100 may receive the sensed data representing the parameters of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102.
[0051] At step 412, the secured irrigation system 100 may determine a quality of the underground water inside the water recycling device 102 based on the received sensed data.
[0052] At step 414, if the secured irrigation system 100 determines that the determined water quality is greater than or equal to a predefined threshold water quality stored in the database 112, then the method 400 may proceed to a step 416, otherwise the method 400 may return to the step 410.
[0053] At the step 416, the secured irrigation system 100 may activate the valve 204 of the water recycling device 102 to allow a flow of the desalinated underground water into the field.
[0054] Next, at step 418, the secured irrigation system 100 may receive sensed data representing the water level in the field from the sensors 104 installed in the field.
[0055] At step 420, if the secured irrigation system 100 determines that water level in the field is equal to a predefined threshold water level required for a crop stored in the database 112, then the method 400 may proceed to a step 422, otherwise the method 400 may return to the step 418. At the step 422, the secured irrigation system 100 may deactivate the valve 204 and the pump installed in the field.
[0056] 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. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks.
[0057] 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. 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.