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BR-202024018022-U2 - Adaptable portable platform for automated application of aqueous solutions in plants with AI-based detection.

BR202024018022U2BR 202024018022 U2BR202024018022 U2BR 202024018022U2BR-202024018022-U2

Abstract

PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS ON PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION. This utility model belongs to the field of agricultural machinery and implements, referring to a platform designed to receive and support different development boards, such as AGX Orin and Xavier, among others, for the automated application of aqueous solutions on plants. The platform uses image processing with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect plants in real time, position the applicator under the plant, and automatically activate the application mechanisms. The system consists of: (1) AI interface for plant detection, (2) touchscreen monitor, (3) cabinet, (4) main on/off switch, (5) main fuse, (6) ESP32 microcontrollers, (7) MOSFET modules, (8) voltage converters, (9) coolers for internal cooling, (10) USB hubs, (11) cameras, and (12) Mike connectors. The electronic components are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) inside a stainless steel computer-type enclosure, with space reserved for the NVIDIA development board, providing power, protection, and conditions for the automation of aqueous solution application in agricultural machinery in real time.

Inventors

  • JHONATA SANTOS SANTANA

Assignees

  • JHONATA SANTOS SANTANA

Dates

Publication Date
20260317
Application Date
20240901

Claims (11)

  1. 1. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, consisting of a system composed of (1) an interface with artificial intelligence (AI) for plant detection, (2) a touchscreen monitor, (3) a computer-type cabinet constructed of galvanized steel, (4) a main on/off switch, (5) a main fuse, (6) ESP32 microcontrollers, (7) MOSFET modules, (8) voltage converters, (9) internal cooling fans, (10) USB hubs, (11) cameras, (12) Mike connectors, and accessory devices such as (A) section control switches, (B) indicator lights, (C) GPS modules, and (D) an additional set of internal monitoring, characterized by being designed to receive and support different development boards, such as AGX Orin and Xavier, converting them into controllers for the automated application of aqueous solutions in In these plants, the electronic components are mounted on a printed circuit board, ensuring secure fixation, adequate protection, power supply, and ideal operating conditions for the development board. This allows for real-time plant detection, positioning of the applicator under the plant, and automatic activation of application mechanisms in agricultural machinery.
  2. 2. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by its adaptability to receive and support different NVIDIA development boards, such as AGX Orin and AGX Xavier, among others, allowing the flexibility to upgrade and integrate existing agricultural machinery or application systems with recent and future artificial vision technologies, enabling precise and selective automation in the input application process.
  3. 3. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS ON PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized in that the artificial intelligence (AI) interface for plant detection is based on a YOLO (You Only Look Once) convolutional neural network, allowing real-time plant identification, so as to enable precise positioning of the applicator on each plant for targeted application.
  4. 4. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by being configurable with or without accessory components and devices, such as (A) section control switches, (B) indicator lights, (C) GPS modules, and (D) an additional set of internal monitoring, which, although not essential for the execution of the platform's main function, offer additional functionalities that complement and enhance the equipment's performance.
  5. 5. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by optionally including an additional internal monitoring set consisting of an ESP32 connected to an LCD display, a current and voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, which continuously monitor the operating conditions of the development board, displaying the data in real time to facilitate maintenance and ensure the safe performance of the system.
  6. 6. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by the use of MOSFET modules to control the actuation of solenoid valves, responsible for positioning the applicator and applying aqueous solutions, ensuring precision of movement and efficiency in the use of inputs.
  7. 7. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by the use of Mike connectors to establish communication with the solenoid valves, sending control signals that allow the positioning of the applicator, the application of the aqueous solution, and the retraction of the system after use.
  8. 8. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by including strategically positioned internal coolers to provide efficient cooling of electronic components, ensuring the maintenance of the ideal operating temperature of the development board during continuous operation.
  9. 9. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS ON PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by having a portable and compact construction that allows its installation in small spaces inside tractors or spraying robots, and the possibility of disassembly for transport in a backpack, being powered by a portable battery, expanding its versatility in different field conditions.
  10. 10. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS ON PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by including a touchscreen monitor that allows configuration of application parameters, real-time monitoring of the process, and adjustment of the AI interface to adapt to different crops and agricultural scenarios.
  11. 11. PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS IN PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION, according to claim 1, characterized by having a real-time plant detection system that performs precise counting of applications, automatically adjusts the volume of solution applied per plant and avoids multiple applications on the same plant, optimizing the use of inputs and ensuring operational efficiency.

Description

Field of invention [001] PORTABLE ADAPTABLE PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS TO PLANTS WITH AI-BASED DETECTION. This utility model falls within the technical sector of agricultural machinery and implements, particularly in devices intended for irrigation and spraying of perennial and forestry crops, but can also be applied in management systems for annual agricultural crops. The present invention relates to an adaptable platform for the automated application of aqueous solutions to plants, using visual detection based on artificial intelligence (AI). This platform is designed to receive and integrate different processing boards, such as AGX Orin and AGX Xavier, among others, converting them into dedicated controllers for automated agricultural tasks. With this flexibility, the solution allows the incorporation of advanced computer vision and AI technologies to detect plants in real time, position the applicator directly over the plant, and activate the mechanisms for applying aqueous solutions, such as water, pesticides, or fertilizers. [002] The system consists of (1) an AI interface for plant detection, which processes captured images in real time; (2) a touchscreen monitor, which offers a user-friendly interface for control and monitoring; (3) a computer-type cabinet, which houses all electronic components and protects against environmental damage; (4) a main on/off switch for controlling the power supply; (5) a main fuse for overcurrent protection; (6) ESP32 microcontrollers, responsible for managing communication and controlling sensors and actuators; (7) MOSFET modules for controlling the application solenoid valves; (8) voltage converters to adjust power levels as needed; (9) coolers for internal cooling, ensuring the safety of the electronic components; (10) USB hubs for connecting various peripherals, including (11) cameras that capture images of the planting rows; and (12) Mike connectors, which establish efficient communication with the solenoid valves, allowing the precise transmission of signals for positioning the irrigator or sprayer over the plant. Fundamentals of the invention [003] In the current state of the art, the application of aqueous solutions to plants, such as irrigation or spraying, is generally carried out indiscriminately across the entire area or manually, using a button activated by the operator in the cab of the tractor or agricultural machine. Furthermore, some automation systems used in Brazil for irrigating eucalyptus seedlings utilize RGB cameras combined with color detection filters, which activate irrigation whenever a green object enters the camera's field of view. This method is based on the fact that green is the predominant color in eucalyptus plantations, especially in seedlings, which are the main targets of irrigation. However, this approach presents several limitations, such as activating irrigation over weeds and other unwanted elements, resulting in inefficiencies in resource use, water waste, and excessive application of inputs. [004] The proposed utility model overcomes these limitations by introducing an adaptable portable platform for the automated application of aqueous solutions to plants, using an artificial intelligence (AI) interface with visual detection based on convolutional neural networks, such as YOLO. This technology allows for more precise detection of target plants, differentiating them from weeds or other unwanted objects, ensuring that only specific seedlings are irrigated or sprayed. As a result, the platform provides more efficient automation, reduces waste of inputs and water, and improves control of the application process, resulting in resource savings, greater precision, and sustainability in agricultural operations. Brief description of the drawings [005] In order to better illustrate the report, reference is made to the attached drawings so that: Figure 1 - Presents the front view of the platform, highlighting some of its essential components: (1) AI interface for plant detection, (2) touchscreen monitor, (4) main on/off switch, (5) main fuse, in addition to accessory devices, such as (A) section control switches, (B) indicator lights, and (D) LCD display, which is part of a larger internal monitoring system, of which only the display is visible in this view. Figure 2 - Shows the rear view of the platform, highlighting components such as the (3) cabinet, (10) USB hub, and (12) Mike connectors, which provide power to the components and communication to the solenoid valves. The Mike connectors perform three functions: (green rectangle) they activate the hydraulic cylinder to center the plant in the image; (blue rectangle) they send the signal for the application of the aqueous solution; The (red rectangle) controls the realignment of the hydraulic cylinder, ensuring that the camera and applicator remain centered for the next detection and application. Figure 3 - Shows the left and right side views of the platfo