A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) provided to at least one farming vehicle (17) to ensure that at least one farming process applied to a farming area is carried out with respect to plant yield and soil health. Accordingly, it's novelty is characterized in that it comprises at least one imaging unit (13) placed in at least one position on the said farming vehicle (17); a farming cloud platform (20) associated with a farming database (21) that stores artificial intelligence-based process steps that, when read, enable remote control of the farming vehicle (17); a communication unit (14) to enable the exchange of data with the said farming cloud platform (20); a processor unit (11) arranged in such a way as to ensure that a farming data related to the farming vehicle (17) is generated by ensuring that at least one image taken from the said imaging unit (13) is controlled according to the artificial intelligence-based process steps stored in the said farming database(21) by means of the communication unit (14); to ensure the operation of at least one drive mechanism (15) placed on the farming vehicle (17) to enable the farming vehicle (17) to carry out the said farming process according to the said farming data.

Description

[0001] A CLOUD-SUPPORTED, REMOTE CONTROLLED INTELLIGENT AND AUTONOMOUS FARMING SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system provided to an autonomous farming vehicle to ensure that at least one farming process applied to a farming area is carried out with respect to plant yield and soil health.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Tractors and farming implements are used for various purposes such as pushing, pulling, transporting, digging, transferring, sowing, planting, hoeing, spraying, fertilizing, etc. on farming lands. Tractors and farming implements are divided according to their area of use. The most common area of use is farming tractors and farming implements that enable fertilization, hoeing, sowing, planting, etc. on farming lands. Combine harvesters are used for harvesting. The use of tractors, combine harvesters and farming implements is similar to that of automobiles. However, tractors, combine harvesters and farming implements do not have the comfort of automobiles since they are land vehicles. Depending on the condition of the land, this causes the driver to get tired in a short time due to bouncing, hopping, etc. depending on the movement of the tractor. The driver getting tired results in a lack of attention. Lack of attention can lead to environmental pollution due to the wrong pesticide being thrown in the wrong place, reduced yield due to incorrect plowing of the land, loss of yield due to incorrect harvesting, excessive use of chemicals and reduced yield due to incorrect fertilization, and an accident that can be caused by not noticing an obstacle in front of them. These situations can lead to unnecessary time loss, environmental waste and financial losses.

[0006] As a result, all the aforementioned problems have made it necessary to realize a novelty in the relevant technical field.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and introduce new advantages to the related technical field.

[0008] An object of the invention is to set forth a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system to increase efficiency in farming areas.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to set forth a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system to reduce farming inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers and seeds.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to set forth a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system to reduce costs.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to set forth a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system that enables the production of data-based intelligent farming technologies for the sustainable digitalization of farming.

[0012] In order to achieve all of the aforementioned objects and those which will be apparent from the detailed description below, the present invention relates to a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system provided to at least one farming vehicle to ensure that at least one farming process applied to a farming area is carried out with respect to plant yield and soil health. Accordingly, it comprises at least one imaging unit placed in at least one position on the said farming vehicle; a farming cloud platform associated with a farming database that stores artificial intelligencebased process steps that, when read, enable remote control of the farming vehicle; a communication unit to enable the exchange of data with the said farming cloud platform; a processor unit arranged in such a way as to ensure that a farming data related to the farming vehicle is generated by ensuring that at least one image taken from the said imaging unit is controlled according to the artificial intelligence-based process steps stored in the said farming database by means of the communication unit; to ensure the operation of at least one drive mechanism placed on the farming vehicle to enable the farming vehicle to carry out the said farming process according to the farming data. A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the farming process is a variable rate fertilization process.

[0013] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the farming vehicle comprises a fertilization drive mechanism to enable the variable rate fertilization process to be carried out.

[0014] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the farming process is a localized spraying process.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the farming vehicle comprises a spraying drive mechanism to enable the localized spraying process to be carried out.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the farming process is a hoeing process.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the farming vehicle comprises a hoeing drive mechanism to enable a visual hoeing process to be carried out.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a user interface associated with a farming cloud platform to enable data entry related to the farming vehicle.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that a plurality of imaging units are provided.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the imaging unit is a camera.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a memory unit for storing the data associated with the processor unit. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the process steps of receiving at least one image from the imaging unit by means of the processor unit; controlling the said image by means of the processor unit according to the artificial intelligence-based process steps stored in the farming database by means of the communication unit, generating a farming data related to the farming vehicle by the processor unit, operation of at least one drive mechanism provided to the farming vehicle which enables the said farming process to be carried out by means of the processor unit, in order to enable the farming vehicle to carry out at least one farming process according to the said farming data, saving the applied processes by means of the processor unit in the farming database, saving the applied processes by means of the processor unit in the memory unit.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a representative view of a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a representative view of the operating scenario of a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is described only by way of examples for a better understanding of the subject matter, without any limiting effect.

[0027] The invention relates to a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) provided to at least one farming vehicle (17) to ensure that at least one farming process applied to a farming area is carried out with respect to plant yield and soil health. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the farming vehicle (17) refers to farming vehicles (17) such as tractors, combine harvesters, etc. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the said cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) enables remote control of all farming implements and equipment used in the field of farming without being limited to combine harvesters and tractors, with artificial intelligence algorithms in a cloud- supported manner. With reference to Fig. 1 , the said cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) comprises at least one imaging unit (13) placed in at least one position on the autonomous farming vehicle (17). The said imaging unit (13) allows imaging of the surroundings of the farming vehicle, thereby the images of the farming area are taken. In a possible embodiment of the invention, a plurality of imaging units (13) are provided for placement in a plurality of positions. In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least some of the imaging units (13) are placed above the cabin part of the farming vehicle (17). Thus, a 360eimage of the farming area is obtained. In a possible embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to use a camera as the imaging unit (13).

[0028] With reference to Fig. 1 , a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) comprises a farming cloud platform (20) associated with a farming database (21) that stores artificial intelligence-based process steps that enable remote control of the farming vehicle (17) when read. There is provided a communication unit (14) to enable the exchange of data with the said farming cloud platform (20). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the said communication unit (14) is configured to enable wired communication. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the communication unit (14) is configured to enable wireless communication. In a possible embodiment of the invention, a cache and pre-storage substructure in the communication unit (14) enables the data to be stored in the farming database (21 ) to be backed up during a possible communication problem, thus preventing data loss. In a possible embodiment of the invention, a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) is in constant remote communication with the farming cloud platform (20) via the communication unit (14) and enables data to be stored in the farming database (21) to be analyzed with farming artificial intelligence software (22).

[0029] There is provided a processor unit (11) arranged in such a way as to ensure that a farming data related to the farming vehicle (17) is generated by ensuring that at least one image taken from the said imaging unit (13) is controlled according to the artificial intelligence-based process steps stored in the farming database by means of the communication unit (14); to ensure the operation of at least one drive mechanism (15) placed on the farming vehicle (17) to enable the farming vehicle (17) to perform the said farming process according to the said farming data. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the processor unit (11) may be a microcontroller, a CPU, etc. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the farming data comprises a yield analysis of the farming area. The processor unit (11 ) enables the said yield analysis to be generated as a yield map over the farming area. The said yield map is presented to the user. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the farming data comprises a water stress analysis of the farming area. The processor unit (11) enables the said water stress analysis to be generated as a water stress map over the farming area. The said water stress map is presented to the user. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the farming data comprises a nitrogen analysis of the farming area. The processor unit (11) enables the said nitrogen analysis to be generated as a nitrogen map over the farming area. The said nitrogen map is presented to the user. The processor unit (11 ) allows the determination of the variable rate fertilization needs of the farming area according to at least one of the yield map, water stress map and nitrogen map. The processor unit (11) allows the determination of the spraying needs of the farming area according to at least one of the yield map, water stress map and nitrogen map. The processor unit (11 ) allows the determination of the hoeing needs of the farming area according to at least one of the yield map, water stress map and nitrogen map.

[0030] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the farming process is a variable rate fertilization process. The drive mechanism (15) provided to the farming vehicle (17) comprises a fertilizing drive mechanism (151). The farming vehicle (17) comprises the said fertilization drive mechanism (151) to enable the variable rate fertilization process to be carried out. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the fertilization drive mechanism (151 ) is provided to the farming vehicle (17) in a detachable form. The processor unit (11 ) ensures the operation of the fertilization drive mechanism (151) according to the variable rate fertilization process. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the farming process is a localized spraying process. The drive mechanism (15) provided to the farming vehicle (17) comprises a spraying drive mechanism (152). The farming vehicle (17) comprises the said spraying drive mechanism (152) to enable the localized spraying process to be carried out. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the spraying drive mechanism (152) is provided to the farming vehicle (17) in a detachable form. The processor unit (11 ) ensures the operation of the spraying drive mechanism (152) according to the localized spraying process. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the farming process is a visual hoeing process. The drive mechanism (15) provided to the farming vehicle (17) comprises a hoeing drive mechanism (153). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the hoeing drive mechanism (153) is provided to the farming vehicle (17) in a detachable form. The farming vehicle (17) comprises the said hoeing drive mechanism (153) to enable the visual hoeing process to be carried out. The processor unit (11 ) ensures the operation of the hoeing drive mechanism (153) according to the visual hoeing process.

[0031] A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) comprises a user interface (16) associated with a farming cloud platform (20) to enable data entry related to the farming vehicle (17). In a possible embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to use a mobile application, etc., which can be logged in via a mobile device, as the user interface (16). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to use a website, etc., which can be logged in via a mobile device, as the user interface (16). The user interface (16) is not limited to the interfaces described herein as exemplary embodiments. The user interface (16) can be any platform that allows data to be presented to the user. Data exchange between the farming cloud platform (20) and the user interface (16) is enabled through the communication unit (14).

[0032] With reference to Fig. 1 , the farming cloud platform (20) acts as a coordinator that ensures constant communication between the farming artificial intelligence software, the farming database (21 ) and the cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the farming cloud platform (20) performs remote control and guidance of farming equipment and analysis of the data stored in the farming database (21) in the process of information exchange with the user through the mobile applications and web interface thereof.

[0033] There is provided a memory unit (12) associated with the processor unit (11 ). The said memory unit (12) allows data to be stored for later use. The processor unit (11) enables the comparison of the data stored in the memory unit (12) with the past and current status of the farming area and presents it to the user through the user interface (16). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the processor unit (11) analyzes the data from the imaging unit (13) in a very short time such as minimum 10 ms and maximum 100 ms. Thus, the cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) operating in the farming area recognizes and analyzes all plants without missing any of them and enables the data to be stored in the farming database (21) by communicating with the farming cloud platform (20). This allows the data to be stored at two different points. This prevents the loss of data.

[0034] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the farming vehicle (17) comprises a user terminal, configured to allow the user to input data and inform the user, placed in a position near the steering wheel where the user can follow with their eyes and interact by touching. The said user terminal screen is waterproof and has high resolution. Through the user terminal, the user is informed about the direction and speed of the farming vehicle (17), pre- and post-sowing, fuel, fertilization, spraying, etc. Furthermore, the communication unit (14) enables the farming vehicle (17) to exchange data with another farming vehicle (17) located nearby via user terminals. This enables a collective control of the farming vehicles (17) located at a predetermined distance.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 2, the processor unit (11) is configured to enable the reading of the artificial intelligence-based software and the execution of the read software instructions. When the instruction lines of the said software are read by means of the processor unit (11 ), it is ensured that at least one farming process applied to a farming area is carried out according to at least one of the soil yield, water stress analysis and nitrogen analysis. The said software includes artificial intelligence models previously learned with deep learning and artificial intelligence algorithms and saved in the farming database (21). The processor unit (11) ensures that the data received from the imaging unit (13) is input to the artificial intelligence models. The said models are decision-making systems that enable the analysis of data as a result of learning, similar to the human brain. The processor unit (11) enables at least one image received from the imaging unit (13) to be analyzed instantaneously with the artificial intelligence method. The processor unit (11) ensures the generation of a yield model from the analyzed images to enable the application of variable rate fertilization process to the farming area. The processor unit (11) ensures that the areas in the farming land that require variable rate fertilization are colored in different colors in order to present them to the user in the said yield model. The processor unit (11) ensures that the yield model is instantaneously saved in the memory unit (12). The processor unit (11 ) ensures that the yield model is instantaneously saved in the farming database (12). The processor unit (11) ensures that the yield model is transmitted to the user interface (16) via the communication unit (14). Through the user interface (16), the user can adjust the amount of fertilizer that should be applied according to the regions in the farming area. This ensures that each region in the farming area is evaluated separately and more fertilizer is applied to the regions in need of more fertilizer and less fertilizer is applied to the regions in need of less fertilizer. Thus, unnecessary fertilizer use is prevented and efficiency of the farming area is increased. The processor unit (11) ensures the operation of the fertilization drive mechanism (151 ) at the locations where fertilizer will be applied to the farming area. This enables autonomous variable rate fertilization process.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 2, the processor unit (11 ) also enables the generation of a plant analysis by an artificial intelligence method from at least one image received from the imaging unit (13) and the operation of the hoeing drive mechanism (152) according to the said plant analysis. The plants detected in the said plant analysis and the results of the analysis are processed on the image to generate a new image. The processor unit (11 ) ensures that the newly generated image is presented to the user through the user interface (16). The processor unit (11 ) ensures that the generated new images, in which the unfamiliar plant species are marked, are instantaneously saved in the memory unit (12). The processor unit (11) ensures that the generated new images, in which the unfamiliar plant species are marked, are instantaneously saved in the farming database (21). Thus, it is ensured that the useful plant species in the farming area are separated from the unfamiliar plant species and identified. Thus, it is ensured that only unfamiliar plant species on the farming area are subjected to hoeing, thereby protecting the useful plant species. This helps to increase efficiency and reduce the use of labor force in farming. This is because wild plants can disrupt the structure and production of useful plants. At the same time, there is a need to increase farming yields, which have been declining due to fewer people working in the field of farming. The processor unit (11) enables plant analysis and hoeing processes to be presented to the user on the user interface (16).

[0037] The processor unit (11) also ensures the operation of the spraying drive mechanism (153) according to the yield model and plant analysis. Thus, it is ensured that the useful plants on the farming land are sprayed at the rate needed for the foliar feeding process. Also, it is ensured that the unfamiliar weeds and plants are separated with the imaging unit and artificial intelligence models and spraying is carried out on useless plants and unfamiliar weeds. This ensures healthy growth of the plants grown for farming production. Thus, with a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system that can perform visual spraying, the use of chemicals in farming can be significantly reduced. The processor unit (11) enables the spraying processes to be presented to the user on the user interface (16).

[0038] The processor unit (11 ) ensures that all data transmitted to the user interface (16) via the communication unit (14) is saved in the memory unit (12). In this way, with a cloud- supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) that receives image data throughout the entire development process of the plant in the field and saves it to the memory unit (12), orthophoto maps of the fields and plants are kept cumulatively. New analyses are made with farming artificial intelligence algorithms based on these maps and the big data generated. These analyses include generating a yield map, digital soil characterization, water stress analysis, and generating a nitrogen requirement map of the plant and soil. Thus, it is possible to make a comparison on the farming area according to historical data.

[0039] The cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) enables the tracking and management of multiple farming vehicles (17) as a fleet through the farming cloud platform (20).

[0040] An exemplary operating scenario of the invention is described below:

[0041] A user is enabled to drive an artificial intelligence-based autonomous farming vehicle (17) autonomously in a field. The user first initiates the autonomous operating process by means of the user terminal provided near the steering wheel. When the farming vehicle (17) is switched to autonomous operation mode, images are first taken from the imaging unit (13) placed on the farming vehicle (17). The received images are interpreted by an artificial intelligence-based image detection algorithm by means of the processor unit (11 ). New information is processed on the interpreted images by means of the processor unit (11) and presented to the user on the user interface (16). Thus, new images are generated from the images taken. The processor unit (11) enables the generation of the yield model and the heat map of the farming area. Thus, it is ensured that the areas in need of fertilizer within the farming area are detected. The processor unit (11) ensures that the generated yield model is transmitted to the user through the user interface (16). Thus, the user can decide which regions on the farming area should be fertilized. The processor unit (11 ) ensures the operation of the fertilization drive mechanism (151) to fertilize the detected regions. The processor unit (11 ) enables the generation of plant analyses in the images received from the imaging unit (13). According to the said plant analysis, unfamiliar weeds and plants on the farming area are detected. By generating a digital twin of the land from the detected plants, it enables analyzes such as disease, water requirement, fertilizer requirement, distance measurement, and number of plants per decare. The processor unit (11 ) ensures that the detected unfamiliar plants and analysis results are processed on the image and presented to the user through the user interface (16). On the user interface (16) screen, the unfamiliar weeds among the plants in the vicinity of the farming vehicle (17) are displayed in a different color tone to inform the user about the unfamiliar weeds. The processor unit (11) ensures the operation of the hoeing drive mechanism (153) depending on the plant analysis. The hoeing drive mechanism (153) ensures that the farming area is cleared of unfamiliar weeds. The processor unit (11 ), based on the yield model and plant analysis, enables the detection of regions on the farming area that require spraying. The processor unit (11) ensures the operation of the spraying drive mechanism (152) for spraying the detected regions.

[0042] The scope of protection of the invention is set out in the appended claims and shall in no way be limited to what is described in this detailed description for illustrative purposes. Indeed, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with similar embodiments in light of the foregoing description without departing from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWING

[0043] 10 Farming system

[0044] 11 Processor unit 12 Memory unit

[0045] 13 Imaging unit

[0046] 14 Communication unit

[0047] 15 Drive mechanism

[0048] 151 Fertilization drive mechanism 152 Spraying drive mechanism

[0049] 153 Hoeing drive mechanism

[0050] 16 User interface

[0051] 17 Farming vehicle

[0052] 20 Farming cloud platform 21 Farming database

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) provided to at least one farming vehicle (17) to ensure that at least one farming process applied to a farming area is carried out with respect to plant yield and soil health, characterized in that it comprises at least one imaging unit (13) placed in at least one position on the said farming vehicle (17); a farming cloud platform (20) associated with a farming database (21) that stores artificial intelligence-based process steps that, when read, enable remote control of the farming vehicle (17); a communication unit (14) to enable the exchange of data with the said farming cloud platform (20); a processor unit (11 ) arranged in such a way as to ensure that a farming data related to the farming vehicle (17) is generated by ensuring that at least one image taken from the said imaging unit (13) is controlled according to the artificial intelligence-based process steps stored in the said farming database (21 ) by means of the communication unit (14); to ensure the operation of at least one drive mechanism (15) placed on the farming vehicle (17) to enable the farming vehicle (17) to carry out the said farming process according to the said farming data.

2. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the farming process is a variable rate fertilization process.

3. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the farming vehicle (17) comprises a fertilization drive mechanism (151) to enable the variable rate fertilization process to be carried out.

4. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the farming process is a localized spraying process.

5. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the farming vehicle(17) comprises a spraying drive mechanism (152) to enable the localized spraying process to be carried out.

6. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the farming process is a hoeing process.

7. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the farming vehicle (17) comprises a hoeing drive mechanism (153) to enable the visual hoeing process to be carried out.

8. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a user interface (16) associated with the farming cloud platform (20) to enable data entry related to the farming vehicle (17).

9. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that a plurality of imaging units (13) are provided.

10. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the imaging unit (13) is a camera.

11. A cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a memory unit (12) for storing the data associated with the processor unit (11).

12. A method for implementation in a cloud-supported, remote controlled intelligent and autonomous farming system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises the process steps of:- receiving at least one image from the imaging unit (13) by means of the processor unit (11);- controlling the said image by means of the processor unit (11) according to the artificial intelligence-based process steps stored in the farming database (21 ) by means of the communication unit (14),- generating a farming data related to the farming vehicle (17) by the processor unit (11),- operation of at least one drive mechanism (15) provided to the farming vehicle (17) which enables the said farming process to be carried out by means of the processor unit (11), in order to enable the farming vehicle (17) to carry out at least one farming process according to the said farming data, - saving the applied processes by means of the processor unit (11 ) in the farming database (21 )- saving the applied processes by means of the processor unit (11 ) in the memory unit (12).

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