Automatic potato harvesting device

Abstract

An automatic potato harvesting device, consisting of: i) a frame 101 designed to be positioned on the ground surface of an agricultural field, the frame 101 being fitted with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 which is integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images near the frame 101 in order to determine the presence of potatoes being grown in the field; ii) a pair of telescopically actuated rods 103 configured with the frame 101 and actuated by a built-in microcontroller to be extended in order to position a horizontal rod 104, integrated between the rods 103, over the potatoes, with several wheels integrated under the rods 103 which are actuated by the microcontroller synchronously with the imaging unit 102 to move the frame 101 on the surface; iii) a pair of motorized rollers attached to the rod 104 and actuated by the microcontroller to extend in order to position the roller at a required height to align a conveyor belt 105 coupled to the rollers at an inclined angle with respect to the surface of the field, wherein the imaging unit 102 monitors the alignment of the conveyor belt 105 with respect to the surface, after which the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the rods 103 in such a way that one end of the conveyor belt 105 is inserted into the ground; iv) a plurality of perforations 106 integrated into the conveyor belt 105 to collect soil flowing from the potatoes in a container 201 arranged below the conveyor belt 105, a container arranged at the rear end of the conveyor belt 105 for storing the collected potatoes; and v) a PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor) installed on the body and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to detect the presence of pests / insects in the field and the potatoes, and if any pests / insects are detected, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 107 integrated into a multi-part chamber 108 configured on the body to dispense an antiseptic solution to eliminate the pest infestation from the soil.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic potato harvesting device capable of providing a method for collecting the grown potatoes by monitoring the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field in an automated manner. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Potatoes are a stable crop worldwide, providing an important source of carbohydrates and nutrients. Harvesting them ensures a continuous food supply. Potatoes are an important source of income for many farmers. Harvesting allows farmers to sell their produce and contribute to the local and national economy. Potato harvesting also allows for crop rotation, which is important for maintaining soil health and preventing disease. Traditionally, potatoes were harvested by hand using simple tools such as spades or forks, but these methods required a lot of labor and time. There was also a risk of damaging the potatoes during manual harvesting.

[0003] Mechanical digging equipment was developed to assist in potato harvesting, but these early machines were inefficient and often damaged the potatoes during harvesting. The purchase and maintenance costs for these machines were also very high. Modern harvesters, with highly specialized equipment capable of digging, separating, and gathering potatoes, required technical knowledge to operate and maintain these machines and equipment. Heavy machinery had environmental impacts, such as soil compaction and fuel consumption.

[0004] US20100044283A1 discloses a novel invention generally relating to equipment for sorting agricultural produce. Embodiments of the present invention utilize more than one roller bed in sequence to progressively separate desired produce from dirt, rocks, and unwanted biomass. Preferred embodiments include: a first continuous roller system comprising a series of spaced rows of side-by-side sorting members extending transversely of the apparatus; a second continuous roller system comprising a series of spaced rows of side-by-side sorting members extending transversely of the apparatus; and a conveyor system for moving material falling through the first and second continuous roller systems to a third continuous roller system comprising a series of spaced rows of side-by-side sorting members extending transversely of the apparatus.US 283 provides a conveying and sorting system for single-variety crops. However, this system is unable to detect the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field and does not provide a safe and automated method for collecting the grown potatoes without human intervention and manual labor.

[0005] US9918441B2 discloses a potato variety designated as such. The invention relates to the tubers of the potato variety, the seeds of the potato variety, the plants of the potato variety, the plant parts of the potato variety, the food products produced from the potato variety, and the methods for producing a potato plant produced by crossing the potato variety with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a potato plant containing one or more transgenes in its genetic material, as well as to the transgenic potato plants and plant parts produced by these methods.This invention also relates to potato varieties or cultivars and plant parts derived from the potato variety, to methods for producing other potato varieties, lines, or plant parts derived from the potato variety, and to the potato plants, varieties, and their parts produced by applying these methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing one potato variety with another potato variety. US'441 does provide a tuber of a potato cultivator. However, the cited disclosure is unable to detect the presence of pests and insects in the field and harvested potatoes and fails to automatically eliminate further germination of pests and insects.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available on the market capable of cultivating and harvesting potatoes in an agricultural field. However, existing devices are unable to detect the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field and do not provide an automatic method for collecting the grown potatoes without human intervention.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device that must be able to determine the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field and automatically provide a method for collecting the grown potatoes without human intervention and without manual labor. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to develop a device capable of determining the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field and automatically providing a method for collecting the grown potatoes without human intervention and without manual labor.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of detecting the presence of pests and insects in the field and the harvested potatoes and preventing further germination of pests and insects by automatically applying an antiseptic solution over the field and the potatoes.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of determining the weight of the collected and harvested potatoes and automatically informing the user of the collection of the harvested potatoes through wireless notifications.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automatic potato harvesting device capable of providing a means for harvesting the cultivated potatoes by monitoring the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring the presence of pests and insects in the field and the harvested potatoes to prevent the germination of pests and insects.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automatic potato harvesting device comprises a frame designed to be positioned on a soil surface of an agricultural field, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine the presence of potatoes grown in the field, a pair of telescopically actuated rods configured to extend with the frame to position a horizontal rod integrated between the rods over the potatoes, a plurality of wheels integrated under the rods to move the frame on the surface, a pair of motorized rollers installed on the rod to extend to position the roller at a required height,to align a conveyor belt coupled to the rollers at an inclined angle with respect to the surface of the field, several perforations integrated into the conveyor belt to allow soil seeping from the potatoes to be collected in a container arranged below the conveyor belt, a container arranged at the rear end of the conveyor belt to store the collected potatoes, and an electronically controlled nozzle integrated into a multi-part chamber configured on the body to dispense an antiseptic solution to eliminate the pest infection from the soil.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of an automatic potato harvester; and Fig. shows an internal view of the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. 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 intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0019] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automatic potato harvesting device capable of harvesting the cultivated potatoes by automatically evaluating the presence of potatoes grown in an agricultural field. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of recording the weight of the collected and harvested potatoes and alerting the user to collect the harvested potatoes through wireless notifications.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.2, an isometric view and an interior view of an automatic potato harvester are shown, comprising a frame 101 designed to be positioned on a soil surface, the frame 101 being installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102, a pair of telescopically actuated rods 103 configured with the frame 101, a horizontal rod 104 integrated between the rods 103, a plurality of wheels are integrated below the rods 103, motorized rollers are arranged on the rod 104, a conveyor belt 105 is coupled to the rollers, a plurality of perforations 106 are integrated on the conveyor belt 105, a bin 201 is arranged below the conveyor belt 105, and an electronically controlled nozzle 107 is integrated in a multi-part chamber 108 configured on the frame 101.

[0022] The device disclosed herein comprises a frame 101 designed to be positioned on a soil surface of an agricultural field. The frame 101 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 activated by a built-in microcontroller to capture multiple images in the vicinity of the frame 101 to determine the presence of potatoes grown in the field. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is equipped with a camera lens and a processor, the camera lens being adapted to capture a series of images of the environment in the vicinity of the frame 101.

[0023] The processor performs a series of image processing operations, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 102 is a real-time image of the surroundings of the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based image processing unit 102 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the image signals, the microcontroller compares the received image signal with the data stored in a database and continuously determines whether potatoes are being grown in the field.

[0024] When the presence of potatoes is detected in the field, the microcontroller actuates a pair of telescopically actuated rods 103 connected to the frame 101 to position a horizontal rod 104, integrated between the rods 103, over the potatoes. As mentioned herein, the telescopic rods 103 are driven by a pneumatic unit that uses compressed air to extend and retract the rods 103. The process begins with an air compressor that compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The pneumatic unit's air cylinder contains a piston that reciprocates within the cylinder.

[0025] The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rods 103. The piston is attached to the telescopic rods 103, and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic rods 103, the piston actuates the air valve, allowing compressed air to flow into the chamber 108 behind the piston. As the pressure in the chamber 108 increases, the piston pushes the telescopic rods 103 to the desired length to position the rod 104 over the potatoes.

[0026] After positioning the rod 104 over the potatoes, the microcontroller operates several wheels integrated beneath the rods 103, synchronously with the imaging unit 102, to move the frame 101 across the surface. The wheels move across the surface without changing their orientation. The rollers and smaller wheels generate a lateral force that allows the wheel to move in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The design of the wheel allows it to move across any type of surface with high maneuverability and versatility.

[0027] After moving the frame 101 across the surface, a pair of motorized rollers is installed on the rod 104, which is actuated by the microcontroller to position the roller at the required height to align a conveyor belt 105 connected to the rollers. The rod 104 mentioned here is driven by a pneumatic unit that uses compressed air to extend or retract the rod 104 to position the roller at the required height to align the belt 105, which is coupled at an inclined angle with respect to the surface of the field.

[0028] The imaging unit 102 monitors the alignment of the conveyor belt 105 with respect to the surface, whereupon the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the rods 103 so that one end of the conveyor belt 105 is inserted into the ground. Several perforations 106 are integrated into the conveyor belt 105 so that soil dripping from the potatoes can be collected in a container 201 arranged below the conveyor belt 105. A container for storing the collected potatoes is arranged at the rear end of the conveyor belt 105.

[0029] At the same time, the microcontroller activates a PIR (passive infrared) sensor, which is attached to the body and synchronized with the imaging unit 102, to detect the presence of pests / insects in the field and potatoes. The PIR (passive infrared) sensor illuminates the particles, and the scattered light is converted into a signal by a phototransistor. The signals are then amplified by an amplifier and subsequently processed to determine the particle concentration. The intensity of the light depends on the scattered light. The more pest / insect particles there are, the higher the intensity of the scattered light.

[0030] If pests / insects are detected, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 107, integrated into a multi-part chamber 108 configured on the body, to deliver an antiseptic solution to eliminate the pest infestation from the soil. The electronic nozzle 107 uses electrical energy to disperse the solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. When the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 107, the electric motor or pump pressurizes the incoming antiseptic solution, significantly increasing its pressure. The high pressure allows the solution to be sprayed with great force, thereby eliminating the pest infestation in the soil.

[0031] Additionally, a weight sensor is embedded in the container and controlled by the microcontroller to determine the weight of the stored potatoes. The weight sensor is typically a load cell or strain gauge sensor. Due to their weight, the potatoes exert a downward force on the weight sensor. The weight sensor detects this force and converts it into an electrical signal, usually in the form of voltage fluctuations. The raw electrical signal is weak and noisy, so it passes through a signal conditioning circuit to amplify, stabilize, and filter the signal.

[0032] This conditioned signal is then sent to the microcontroller, which continuously monitors the weight of the potatoes as they are removed. Once the detected weight exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller generates a wireless notification to prompt the user to retrieve the collected potatoes from the bin.

[0033] The processing unit is wirelessly connected to the microcontroller via a communication module that includes a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The user interface serves as a bridge between the user and the microcontroller and allows the user to remove the collected potatoes from the container.

[0034] At the same time, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is connected to the microcontroller and controlled by it to retrieve real-time location coordinates of the frame 101, which are then transmitted to the computing unit. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module consists of a receiver that communicates with the satellites to determine the real-time location coordinates of the frame 101. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module continuously receives signals from the satellites and calculates the coordinates.

[0035] The GPS module receives signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. The GPS module uses the timing of these signals and trilateration to calculate the precise location coordinates of frame 101. The microcontroller connected to the GPS (Global Positioning System) module processes the data received from the GPS (Global Positioning System) module and transmits the location coordinates of frame 101, including latitude and longitude, to the student. The real-time location coordinates of frame 101 are then sent to the computing unit.

[0036] A battery is connected to the device to power the electrically powered components used within it. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to perform work on the charge and generate a voltage between its anode and cathode, thus generating electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.

[0037] The present invention works in the following way, the proposed device comprising the frame 101 designed to be placed on the soil surface of the agricultural field, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 to determine the presence of potatoes grown in the field, the pair of telescopically operated rods 103 that extend to position the horizontal rod 104 over the potatoes, a plurality of wheels to move the frame 101 on the surface, the pair of motorized rollers that extend to position the roller at the required height, to orient the conveyor belt 105 coupled to the rollers at an inclined angle with respect to the surface of the field, a plurality of perforations 106 that allowthat soil seeping from the potatoes is collected in the container 201 with the conveyor belt 105, the container for storing the collected potatoes and the electronically controlled nozzle 107 with the multi-part chamber 108 for dispensing the antiseptic solution to eliminate the pest infection from the soil.,

[0038] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be limiting. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 20100044283A1

[0004] US 9918441B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] An automatic potato harvesting device consisting of: i) a frame 101 designed to be positioned on a soil surface of an agricultural field, the frame 101 being installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 integrated with a processor for acquiring and processing a plurality of images in the vicinity of the frame 101, each of which determines the presence of potatoes grown in the field; ii) a pair of telescopically actuated rods 103 configured with the frame 101 and actuated by a built-in microcontroller to be extended to position a horizontal rod 104 integrated between the rods 103 over the potatoes, with a plurality of wheels integrated below the rods 103, which are actuated by the microcontroller in synchronism with the imaging unit 102 to move the frame 101 on the surface; iii) a pair of motorized rollers mounted on the rod 104 and actuated by the microcontroller to extend to position the roller at a required height to align a conveyor belt 105 coupled to the rollers at an inclined angle with respect to the surface of the field, the imaging unit 102 monitoring the orientation of the conveyor belt 105 with respect to the surface, after which the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the rods 103 in such a way that one end of the conveyor belt 105 is inserted into the ground; iv) a plurality of perforations 106 integrated into the conveyor belt 105 to allow soil flowing off the potatoes to be collected in a container 201 arranged below the conveyor belt 105, with a container arranged at the rear end of the conveyor belt 105 for storing the collected potatoes; and v) a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor installed on the body and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to detect the presence of pests / insects in the field and potatoes, and if any pests / insects are detected, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 107 integrated into a multi-part chamber 108 configured on the body to dispense an antiseptic solution to eliminate the pest infection from the soil. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in the container to detect the weight of the stored potatoes, and once the detected weight exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller generates a wireless notification to notify the user to remove the collected potatoes from the container. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is connected to the microcontroller to retrieve real-time location coordinates of the frame 101, which are further transmitted to the computing unit. [4] The device according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module comprising, among others, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, or a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

Images