Method and device for automatic treatment of lawns and the like

Abstract

An autonomous mobile device for supplying water and / or a composition to meet a need of a set of plants. The device comprises a controller (220) configured to obtain an estimate of a quantity of water and / or said at least one composition to be distributed, according to data relating to the plants' need for water and / or composition, at the location of the autonomous mobile device. The device further comprises a water and / or composition dispenser (235) for supplying the plants with the obtained quantity of water and / or the composition, at the location of the mobile device. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for automatic treatment of lawns and the like Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the automatic treatment of plants such as the automatic watering of lawns and the like and in particular to the management of the resources used for such treatment. Previous techniques

[0002] As climate change leads to a significant decrease in the availability of fresh water, there is competition between different fresh water needs, for example between the needs of agriculture, industry and people.

[0003] This competition is amplified at certain times, particularly during periods of drought, during which certain uses are limited or even prohibited. Thus, for example, the use of water may be prohibited, in certain circumstances, for watering green spaces or washing vehicles. Indeed, not only may such uses be considered non-essential, but in addition, the volume of water wasted is often particularly significant. By way of illustration, many green space irrigation systems are based on a sprinkler mechanism, which generates excess water consumption compared to the needs of the plants, particularly due to evaporation phenomena.

[0004] To avoid such waste, it is advisable to provide the plants with the volume of water that is strictly necessary.

[0005] There are solutions for providing very small quantities of water to plants in a very targeted manner, for example in the form of drip irrigation. However, while such systems can be effective for watering woody plants, they are not suitable for watering lawns.

[0006] There is therefore a need to provide water to plants in a controlled manner, particularly to lawns, in particular to reduce water waste. Statement of the invention

[0007] The aim of the invention is to propose a simple automatic system for supplying water or other elements, responding precisely to a need of the plants.

[0008] According to one aspect, the invention relates to an autonomous mobile device for supplying water and / or at least one composition to meet the needs of a set of plants, the device comprising:

[0009] - a controller configured to obtain an estimate of a quantity of water and / or said at least one composition to be distributed, according to at least one piece of data relating to said plant requirement, in water and / or in at least one composition, at the location of said autonomous mobile device; and

[0010] - a dispenser of water and / or of said at least one composition for providing, to said plants, said estimated quantity obtained from water and / or said at least one composition, at the location of said mobile device.

[0011] The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to adapt the quantity of water and / or at least one composition to be supplied locally to the plants, thus avoiding significant losses, in particular by evaporation, taking into account the plants themselves and the actual conditions, for example the conditions of sunshine and exposure to the wind.

[0012] According to one characteristic, the device further comprises at least one reservoir for storing water and / or said at least one composition and / or an element for directly connecting said autonomous mobile device to an external source of water and / or said at least one composition.

[0013] According to one characteristic, the controller is further configured to estimate said quantity of water or said at least one composition.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the device further comprises means for receiving meteorological data, said quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition being estimated as a function of said meteorological data received.

[0015] According to another characteristic, said calculator comprises predetermined rules and / or a learning-based system for estimating said quantity of water and / or said at least one composition.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the device further comprises a sensor for obtaining said at least one measurement.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the device further comprises reception means for receiving said at least one piece of data relating to said need, said at least one piece of data relating to said need being received from at least one remote sensor.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the controller is further configured to transmit a position of said autonomous mobile device and, in response to said transmission, receive said estimate of said quantity of water or of said at least one composition.

[0019] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a device as described above and at least one fixed base station making it possible to recharge said device with electricity, water and / or said composition.

[0020] The assembly according to the invention thus makes it possible to adapt the quantity of water and / or at least one composition to be supplied locally to the plants, thus avoiding losses. significant, particularly through evaporation, taking into account the plants themselves and actual conditions, for example sunshine conditions and wind exposure.

[0021] According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method for distributing water and / or at least one composition, to meet a need of a set of plants, in an autonomous mobile device, the method comprising

[0022] - obtaining an estimate of a quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition to be distributed, according to at least one piece of data relating to said need for plants; and

[0023] - distribution of water and / or said at least one composition to provide, to said plants, said estimated quantity obtained from water and / or said at least one composition, at the location of said mobile device.

[0024] The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to adapt the quantity of water and / or at least one composition to be supplied locally to the plants, thus avoiding significant losses, in particular by evaporation, taking into account the plants themselves and the actual conditions, for example the conditions of sunshine and exposure to the wind.

[0025] According to another characteristic, the method further comprises obtaining meteorological data, said quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition being further estimated as a function of said meteorological data received.

[0026] According to another characteristic, the method further comprises monitoring a level of water or said composition in at least one tank of said autonomous mobile device and, depending on said monitored level, generating a command to order said autonomous mobile device to access a fixed base station to fill said at least one tank. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig.l] schematically represents an environment in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

[0029] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of an autonomous mobile device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] illustrates an example of steps of a method for controlling an autonomous mobile device, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.4] illustrates a first example of steps of a water or composition dispensing routine, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.5] illustrates a second example of steps of a water or composition dispensing routine, according to embodiments of the invention; and

[0033] [Fig.6] illustrates an example of a computer capable of implementing a method according to particular embodiments of the invention. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0034] A detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention will be found below, with reference to the drawings in which the same references identify the same structural elements in each of the figures.

[0035] According to embodiments, an autonomous mobile device similar to a robot lawnmower is provided with one or more water tanks and / or a composition, a measuring system for measuring a need for water or this composition for plants located near the autonomous mobile device, a calculator for estimating a quantity of water or composition to be distributed according to the measurements carried out and a water or composition dispenser for distributing the estimated quantity of water or composition. The composition comprises for example a fertilizer suitable for the plants considered, for example in liquid or powder form.

[0036] Like a robot lawnmower, this autonomous mobile device comprises guidance means allowing it to move in one or more predetermined zones, in a random, pseudo-random or deterministic manner, making it possible to cover all the areas to be treated. These guidance means may, for example, use a perimeter electric wire or wireless means, for example GPS means (acronym for Global Positioning System in English terminology) and / or location beacons.

[0037] The measurement system may comprise one or more sensors, for example one or more humidity sensors. Alternatively or in addition, it may receive data from remote sensors, for example from sensors implanted in the soil, capable of measuring humidity and / or other characteristics of the soil such as PH (acronym for hydrogen potential), conductivity and / or NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) content, and transmitting the measured data, processed or not, by wireless communication means, for example of the Bluetooth or WiFi type (Bluetooth and WiFi are trademarks) to the autonomous mobile device. The measurements may be direct or indirect (for example, humidity may be measured or drying may be estimated from data such as wind and temperature).

[0038] The autonomous mobile device is further provided with control means enabling it to reach a fixed base station, for example to recharge batteries of the autonomous mobile device (used for its electronic and electrical equipment, for example for its movements, carrying out measurements, distributing water and / or a composition, etc.) and / or filling its tank(s).

[0039] During its movement, the autonomous mobile device obtains measurements of the humidity of the soil at the location where it is located and / or measurements relating to the plants located there. Depending on a setpoint, for example a humidity setpoint configured or determined dynamically according to context parameters, a quantity of water and / or composition to be distributed is estimated. It is then distributed. When the battery(ies) and / or the reservoir(s) require it, the autonomous mobile device moves towards a fixed base station to recharge itself with electrical energy, water and / or composition. According to embodiments, several fixed base stations are used, for example one to recharge the autonomous mobile device with electrical energy and one to recharge it with water and / or composition.

[0040] According to particular embodiments, the autonomous mobile device is connected to a communication network, for example the Internet, for example using a 5G or WiFi type connection, allowing access to information such as weather forecasts. Such information can be used to estimate a quantity of water and / or composition to be distributed. Thus, by way of illustration, the autonomous mobile device can decide that it is not necessary to water plants, even if there is a need to do so, when a rainy episode is forecast.

[0041] [Fig.l] schematically represents an environment 100 in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented.

[0042] As illustrated, the environment 100 here comprises an area to be treated referenced 105, an autonomous mobile device 110 and a fixed base station 115. The area 105 is here delimited by a perimeter wire 120 forming a loop, detectable by the autonomous mobile device 110 and allowing the latter to move freely inside the loop. According to this example, the environment 100 further comprises humidity sensors 125 arranged on the ground and configured to transmit measurements to the autonomous mobile device 110, for example according to the Bluetooth or WiFi protocol. These sensors are for example the sensors known under the name “Smart Sensor”, proposed by the company Gardena. Other types of sensors can be used and connected to wireless communication means, for example the probe known under the name “CWT Soil sensor”, proposed by the company ComWinTop.This probe can also be embedded in the autonomous mobile device and automatically deployed when a measurement is to be made, then withdrawn from the ground when the measurement is made.

[0043] The fixed base station 115 is here configured to allow the electrical charging of batteries of the autonomous mobile device 110 and the filling of water and / or composition tanks. The electrical charging of the batteries of the autonomous mobile device 110 can be carried out using connectors or by induction, using magnetic loops. According to the example illustrated, the fixed base station 115 is connected to an electrical network 130 as well as to photovoltaic cells or solar panels 135. The electrical charging of batteries of the autonomous mobile device 110 is done here as a priority using the solar panels 135 and, if the weather conditions do not allow it (e.g., absence of solar radiation), using the electrical network 130. The fixed base station 115 here comprises connectors, not shown, allowing the establishment of an electrical contact between the fixed base station 115 and the autonomous mobile device 110. Such connectors may be similar to those used for charging robotic lawnmowers.

[0044] Still by way of example, the fixed base station 115 is here connected to a water distribution network 140, to a water tank 145 such as a rainwater recovery tank as well as to a composition tank 150. The filling of the tank(s) of the autonomous mobile device 110 is done here as a priority using the water tank 145 and, if it is empty, using the water distribution network 140. The composition tank 150 is for example a water tank in which a user can add fertilizers or herbicides, in particular selective herbicides.

[0045] The fixed base station 115 comprises one or more devices for automatically filling the tank(s) of the autonomous mobile device 110. The filling of the tank(s) may be carried out by pressure or by gravity. By way of illustration, the stopping of the filling may be carried out by means of a mechanical float or by means of a level detector controlling an automatic valve. A self-sealing connection system may be used to connect the autonomous mobile device 110 to the fixed base station 115.

[0046] The fixed base station 115 may be placed inside the area to be treated, on its periphery or outside the area to be treated. It may be configured to indicate its position to the autonomous mobile device 110 and allow the latter to access it.

[0047] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of a stand-alone mobile device according to embodiments of the invention, for example the autonomous mobile device 110 shown in [Fig.l].

[0048] As illustrated, the autonomous mobile device 110 here comprises a body 200, drive and steering wheels 205, each comprising a drive motor or being connected to a drive motor, as well as idler wheels 210. The body 110 houses in particular one or more batteries 215, a controller or a computer 220 and a receiver or a transmitter / receiver 225 connected to the computer 220. It further comprises connectors 230 allowing the batteries of the autonomous mobile device 110 to be charged and one or more distributors 235 controlled by the computer 220, for example a water and composition distributor. It may also comprise one or more sensors 240, for example a humidity sensor, connected to the computer 220. The sensor may also be an image sensor, the analysis of which makes it possible to determine a lack or excess of water, a lack of nutrients, the presence of unwanted plants, etc. The results of this analysis may be used to decide on the contributions to be made, in particular in water and / or composition. They may also be used to map the area to be treated and allow monitoring thereof. Furthermore, the body 110 may include additional elements such as mowing elements (not shown) and / or weed removal elements, for example using a scraper or pliers.

[0049] The autonomous mobile device 110 further comprises one or more reservoirs 245, for example arranged on the body 200, connected to the dispensers 240. Each reservoir comprises a mechanism 250 allowing automatic filling of the reservoir when the autonomous mobile device 110 is in a charging position in a fixed base station, as described above. According to particular embodiments, several reservoirs are connected to each other and only comprise one filling mechanism. Each reservoir (or each set of reservoirs connected to each other) comprises a level sensor 255, making it possible to detect a low level, connected to the computer 220 which can thus control the autonomous mobile device 110 so that it goes to a fixed base station when the reservoir is empty or almost empty.

[0050] According to particular embodiments, the autonomous mobile device 110 does not include a reservoir, for example a water tank, but is connected to a distribution system such as a garden hose. The autonomous mobile device 110 can then be provided with a hose reel / unreel, making it possible to manage the length of the unrolled hose.

[0051] [Fig.3] illustrates an example of steps of a method for controlling an autonomous mobile device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0052] As illustrated, a first step here aims to determine whether the autonomous mobile device must perform a treatment of one or more zones (step 300), for example if it has received a corresponding instruction from a remote device (for example a command issued by a user's smartphone), if it is programmed to perform such a treatment or if it must complete a treatment started previously but not completed due to a need for recharging (for example with electricity, water and / or composition).

[0053] According to particular embodiments, when the autonomous mobile device is to perform processing of one or more areas, context data is obtained (step 305). Such data is, for example, weather forecast data corresponding to the location of the autonomous mobile device. They can be obtained by querying a remote server. They can be used in particular to determine whether a treatment should be carried out or not (step 310) and to estimate the quantity of water and / or composition to be distributed. For example, if the treatment consists essentially of watering and if heavy downpours are forecast in the short term with a high confidence index, it may be decided not to carry out the treatment. Similarly, if high heat is forecast, it may be decided to delay the treatment.

[0054] It is observed here that steps 305 and 310 are optional.

[0055] If the treatment is actually to be carried out, a next step is to check whether the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device are sufficient to allow it to carry out the intended treatment (step 315). This step includes, for example, checking the charge level of the battery or batteries of the autonomous mobile device. Depending on the configuration, this check consists of determining whether the charge level is equal to 100% or whether it is greater than a given threshold, for example 85%. This threshold can be determined dynamically, for example as a function of the size of the area or areas to be treated, the capacity of the tank(s) of the autonomous mobile device, an estimated quantity of water or composition to be distributed, etc. Checking the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device also includes checking the level of the tank(s) of the autonomous mobile device.Again, depending on the configuration, this check consists of determining whether the fill level is equal to 100% or whether it is greater than a given threshold, for example 85%, this threshold can also be determined dynamically, for example according to the size of the area or areas to be treated, an estimated quantity of water and / or composition to be distributed, etc.

[0056] If at least one of the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device is not sufficient, the algorithm loops on itself until the charge level is sufficient. According to particular embodiments, an alarm can be emitted if, after a given time, the charge level is not reached. This alarm can in particular be an alert on a mobile device such as a user's smartphone.

[0057] If the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device are sufficient, a routine for moving the autonomous mobile device is launched (step 320) as well as a routine for dispensing water or composition (step 325).

[0058] The movement routine 320 is for example similar to that used in robotic lawnmowers and aims to calculate a movement, for example randomly, semi-randomly or deterministically, then to control the autonomous mobile device so that it moves according to the calculated movement, preferably in a continuous movement.

[0059] The water or composition distribution routine 325 aims to distribute the water and / or the composition according to the measurements carried out and, optionally, according to context information such as weather forecasts. An example of water or composition distribution is described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0060] In a following step, a test is carried out to determine whether the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device are sufficient to allow it to continue to carry out its treatment or whether it must recharge its battery(ies) and / or fill its water and / or composition tank(s) (step 330). By way of illustration, a low threshold may be associated with each level to be checked, for example a threshold of 20% charge for the battery(ies) and a threshold of 0% for the tank(s) used.

[0061] If the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device are sufficient to allow it to continue performing the processing, the algorithm loops through the autonomous mobile device movement routine 320 and the water or composition dispensing routine 325.

[0062] On the contrary, if the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device are not sufficient to allow it to continue to carry out its processing, a return command to the fixed base station is addressed to the routine for moving the autonomous mobile device 320 (step 335). If several fixed base stations are used, the return command specifies to which fixed base station the autonomous mobile device must return, this being determined, for example, according to the nature of the recharging to be carried out (e.g., electrical recharging, water recharging or composition recharging). When the autonomous mobile device is positioned in the fixed base station, the recharging(s) are carried out (step 340). A new processing can then be carried out as soon as the charge levels of the autonomous mobile device are sufficient.

[0063] [Fig.4] illustrates a first example of steps of a water or composition dispensing routine, for example the water or composition dispensing routine 325 illustrated in [Fig.3], according to embodiments of the invention.

[0064] As illustrated, a first step is intended to verify whether the autonomous mobile device is in an area to be treated (step 400). This step may be based on a map of the areas to be treated, determined during a configuration phase, as are areas to be mowed for a robotic lawnmower, and on the position of the autonomous mobile device, determined absolutely (for example using a GPS) or relatively (for example using motion sensors).

[0065] If the autonomous mobile device is not in an area to be treated, no treatment is performed. On the contrary, if the autonomous mobile device is in an area to be treated, measurements are obtained to determine a need for water and / or composition (step 405). According to embodiments, these measurements are obtained from one or more sensors embedded in the autonomous mobile device, for example the sensor 240 described with reference to [Fig. 2]. According to other embodiments, these measurements are obtained from one or more remote sensors, for example the sensors 125 in [Fig. 1]. When several remote sensors are used, the measurements obtained, for example the measurements obtained from the three closest sensors, can be used to estimate values ​​at the location of the autonomous mobile device, for example by interpolation, by weighting the measurements obtained by the distance from the autonomous mobile device to the sensors. Alternatively, only the values ​​received from the closest sensor are taken into account, these values ​​being considered as corresponding to those which would have been measured at the location of the autonomous mobile device.According to still other embodiments, the measurements are obtained by image analysis, for example according to the shape and color of leaves of the plants to be treated.

[0066] The measurements obtained or estimated are then used to estimate a water and / or composition requirement (step 410). This estimation can be carried out, depending on the plants to be treated, from thresholds (requirements being associated with ranges of values), from rules or from a learning model, for example a neural network, trained with data, estimated requirements and results obtained in the days or weeks following the treatment. The training data can be data obtained by the autonomous mobile device and / or other similar data, for example obtained by other autonomous mobile devices. According to particular embodiments, the requirements are further determined based on weather forecast data.

[0067] After estimating needs, for example water and / or composition needs, a corresponding quantity of water and / or composition is distributed (step 415), for example using the dispenser 235 described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0068] [Fig. 5] illustrates a second example of steps of a water or composition dispensing routine, for example the water or composition dispensing routine 325 illustrated in [Fig. 3], according to embodiments of the invention.

[0069] As illustrated, a first step is intended to verify whether the autonomous mobile device is in an area to be treated (step 500). This step is similar to step 400 described with reference to [Fig. 4]. It may be based on a map of the areas to be treated, determined during a configuration phase, as are areas to be mowed for a robotic lawnmower, and on the position of the autonomous mobile device, determined absolutely (for example using a GPS) or relatively (for example using motion sensors).

[0070] If the autonomous mobile device is not in an area to be treated, no treatment is performed. On the contrary, if the autonomous mobile device is in a area to be treated, the position of the autonomous mobile device is preferably transmitted to a remote system, for example a remote server (step 505). According to particular embodiments, measurements are obtained to determine a need for water and / or composition and transmitted to the remote system, for example from one or more sensors embedded in the autonomous mobile device or from one or more remote sensors. Alternatively, the remote system may obtain these measurements from one or more remote sensors. Again, when several remote sensors are used, the measurements obtained, for example the measurements obtained from the three sensors closest to the autonomous mobile device, may be used to estimate values ​​at the location of the autonomous mobile device, for example by interpolation, by weighting the measurements obtained by the distance from the autonomous mobile device to the sensors.Alternatively, only the values ​​received from the sensor closest to the autonomous mobile device are taken into account, these values ​​being considered as corresponding to those which would have been measured at the location of the autonomous mobile device.

[0071] The measurements obtained or estimated are then used by the remote system to estimate a water and / or composition requirement, preferably at the location of the autonomous mobile device. This water and / or composition requirement is transmitted to the autonomous mobile device (step 510), in response to the transmission of the position of the autonomous mobile device, to the transmission of measurements or upon request from the autonomous mobile device. Again, this estimation can be carried out, depending on the plants to be treated, from thresholds (requirements being associated with ranges of values), from rules or from a learning model, for example a neural network, trained with data, estimated requirements and results obtained in the days or weeks following the treatment.The training data may be data obtained by the autonomous mobile device and / or other similar data, for example obtained by other autonomous mobile devices. According to particular embodiments, the needs are further determined based on weather forecast data.

[0072] After obtaining requirements, for example water and / or composition requirements, a corresponding quantity of water and / or composition is dispensed (step 515), for example using the dispenser 235 described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0073] The remote system is for example integrated into a fixed base station which can, optionally, integrate one or more sensors used to obtain measurements making it possible to determine a need for water and / or composition.

[0074] [Fig.6] illustrates an example of a controller or a computer capable of implementing a method according to particular embodiments of the invention, in particular the methods illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The computer 600 is by example an embedded PC type computer (acronym for personal computer in Anglo-Saxon terminology).

[0075] As illustrated, the computer 600 comprises a power supply 625, for example a battery, providing the electrical energy necessary for the components of the computer 600. It further comprises one or more communication buses, shared or not, to which are connected:

[0076] - a central processing unit or microprocessor 605 (CPU, acronym for central Processing unit in Anglo-Saxon terminology) which may also include one or more coprocessors, for example of the GPU type (acronym for graphical processing unit in Anglo-Saxon terminology), making it possible to accelerate calculations (for example by parallelizing them), in particular calculations of a learning model;

[0077] - a random access memory or cache memory 610 (RAM, acronym for random access memory in Anglo-Saxon terminology) comprising registers adapted to record variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of programs implementing the steps described previously;

[0078] - a 615 read-only memory (ROM, acronym for read only memory in terminology Anglo-Saxon) which may include an operating system and programs implementing the steps described above;

[0079] - a storage medium 620, fixed or removable, which may in particular comprise rules used by the expert system and / or which can be used to store results from the artificial intelligence engine(s) and / or the expert system;

[0080] - an input interface 630 for receiving data from sensors; and

[0081] - an output interface 635 for controlling one or more actuators, for example to control a water and / or composition dispenser and / or movement motors of the autonomous mobile device in which the calculator is embedded. The input and output interfaces may or may not be separate. This may be, for example, a standard input / output interface.

[0082] The computer 600 further comprises, preferably, a communication interface 640 connected to a communication network, for example a wireless communication network and / or a local communication network, the interface being capable of transmitting and receiving data, in particular to or from another of the servers, computers, tablets and / or smartphones. The communication interface 640 is for example compliant with one of the standards Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, etc.

[0083] Optionally, the computer 600 may also have a display 645, in particular a touch-sensitive display allowing a user to interact with programs implemented by the computer 600, and input means such as a keyboard and / or a mouse allowing a user to interact with programs implemented by the computer 600.

[0084] The communication bus allows communication and interoperability between the different elements included in the computer 600 or connected to it. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the central processing unit is capable of communicating instructions to any element of the computer 600 directly or via another element of the computer 600.

[0085] The executable code of the programs allowing the computer 600 to implement, in whole or in part, the method according to the invention, can be stored, for example, in the read-only memory 615. According to a variant, the executable code of the programs can be received via the communication network, via the interface 640, to be stored in a manner identical to that described previously. More generally, the program(s) can be loaded into one of the storage means of the computer 600 before being executed.

[0086] The central processing unit 605 will control and direct the execution of the instructions or portions of software code of the program(s) according to the invention, instructions which are stored, for example, in the read-only memory 615 or in the other aforementioned storage elements. When the power is switched on, the program(s) which are stored in a non-volatile memory, for example the read-only memory 615, are transferred into the random access memory 610 which then contains the executable code of the program(s), as well as registers for storing the variables and parameters necessary for implementing the method according to the invention.

[0087] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples. It extends to other variants.

[0088] Depending on the embodiment selected, certain acts, actions, events or functions of each of the methods described herein may be performed or occur in a different order than that in which they were described, or may be added, merged or not performed or not occur, as the case may be. Furthermore, in some embodiments, certain acts, actions or events are performed or occur concurrently and not successively.

[0089] Although described through a number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the proposed device, system and method include various variations, modifications and improvements which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it being understood that these various variations, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. In addition, different aspects and features described above may be implemented together, or separately, or substituted for each other, and all of the various combinations and sub-combinations of the aspects and features are within the scope of the invention. In addition, it may be that certain The systems and equipment described above do not incorporate all of the modules and functions described for the preferred embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. Autonomous mobile device (110) for supplying water and / or at least one composition to meet a need of a set of plants, the device comprising: - a controller (220) configured to obtain an estimate of a quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition to be distributed, according to at least one data item relating to said need of plants, in water and / or in at least one composition, at the location of said autonomous mobile device; and - a dispenser of water and / or of said at least one composition (235) for supplying, to said plants, said estimated quantity obtained of water and / or of said at least one composition, at the location of said mobile device.

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one reservoir (245) for storing water and / or said at least one composition and / or an element for directly connecting said autonomous mobile device to an external source of water and / or said at least one composition.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to estimate said quantity of water or said at least one composition.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for receiving meteorological data (225), said quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition being estimated as a function of said received meteorological data.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a sensor (240) for obtaining said at least one data item relating to said need for plants.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising receiving means (225) for receiving said at least one data item relating to said need, said at least one data item relating to said need being received from at least one remote sensor (125).

7. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 or according to claim 5 or claim 6, dependent on claim 1 or claim 2, according to which the controller is further configured to transmit a position of said autonomous mobile device and, in response to said transmission, receive said estimate of said quantity of water or said at least one composition.

8. Assembly comprising a device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and at least one fixed base station (115) making it possible to recharge said device (110) with electricity, water and / or said composition.

9. Method for dispensing water and / or at least one composition, to meet a need of a set of plants, in an autonomous mobile device (110), the method comprising - obtaining (405) an estimate of a quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition to be dispensed, according to at least one data item relating to said need of plants; and - dispensing (415) water and / or of said at least one composition (235) to provide, to said plants, said obtained estimated quantity of water and / or of said at least one composition, at the location of said mobile device.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising monitoring (330) a level of water or said composition in at least one reservoir of said autonomous mobile device (110) and, based on said monitored level, generating a command to instruct said autonomous mobile device to access a fixed base station (115) to fill said at least one reservoir.

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