Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Performing Smart Farming to Increase Agricultural Production and Method Thereof

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Title: Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Performing Smart Farming to Increase Agricultural Production and Method Thereof The present disclosure proposes a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100) equipped with a soil sampling unit (112) that assists a farmer by determining soil parameters and generating soil maps of farmland for improving agricultural production. The multi-rotor UAV (100) comprises a base (102), a propeller (108), a soil sampling unit (112) and a controller (130). The proposed multi-rotor UAV (100) enables a farmer to make informed decisions regarding crop management practices. The proposed multi-rotor UAV (100) collects soil samples at varying depths, up to 20 cm, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient soil sampling, and providing valuable data for soil fertility analysis and mapping. The proposed multi-rotor UAV (100) is cost-effective and consumes less time, reduces resource wastage, and reduces the need for labor and machinery to perform smart farming

Specification

Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of crop monitoring and surveillance systems, and in specific, relates to a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a soil sampling unit that assists a farmer by determining soil parameters and generating soil maps of farmland for improving agricultural production.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Agriculture, which serves as a crucial source of income and employment for one-third of India's workforce, is experiencing continuous advancements. To tackle challenges such as climate fluctuations, water scarcity, rising production costs, and labor shortages, new equipment, schemes, and approaches are being implemented. Automation, driven by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing, has significant potential to revolutionize the sector. However, adopting these technologies comes with its own set of challenges. Managing rapid weather changes, real-time crop yield monitoring, and continuous oversight of agricultural parameters are among the complexities involved.

[0003] Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) emerge as a game-changing innovation. These UAVs, controlled remotely or autonomously via onboard computers, offer invaluable assistance in areas where conventional soil sampling methods fall short. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) play a pivotal role in modern soil sampling practices, particularly in rugged terrains where manual access and navigation prove challenging. The process of soil environment sampling entails the retrieval of representative soil specimens from agricultural fields or specific cultivation zones.

[0004] These collected samples undergo essential treatments to refine them into analytical specimens for subsequent analysis. Traditionally, soil sampling techniques involve both single-point sampling, focusing on specific locations, and mixed sampling, which amalgamates samples from various points within an area. UAVs, renowned for their precision and operational efficiency, significantly bolster these sampling methodologies, thereby fostering improvements in agricultural productivity. However, despite their utility, UAVs face limitations in maneuverability, especially concerning interaction with crops.

[0005] UAVs often restrict mobility, rendering them incapable of accessing remote or obstructed regions within agricultural landscapes. This deficiency poses a challenge in effectively utilizing UAVs for comprehensive soil sampling across all types of terrain. In essence, while UAVs offer substantial benefits in soil sampling efficiency and accuracy, their constrained maneuverability hampers their ability to navigate through densely cultivated areas or inaccessible terrains.

[0006] In existing technology, the soil environment sampling device faces challenges to collect samples from multi-points during its use, leading to a decrease in sampling efficiency. Consequently, there is a need for an innovation solution. Thus, the unmanned aerial vehicle-based soil environment sampling device is introduced to address these issues comprehensively. This advanced device ensures seamless mixing of samples from various points, thereby enhancing sampling efficiency and accuracy. However, the unmanned aerial vehicle-based soil environment sampling device does not determine soil parameters. The unmanned aerial vehicle-based soil environment sampling device consumes more time to collect samples.

[0007] Therefore, there is also a need for a multi-rotor UAV that determines soil parameters and assists the farmer in improving agricultural production. There is also a need for a multi-rotor UAV that has excellent manoeuvrability, thereby allowing it to interact directly with crops. There is also a need for a multi-rotor UAV that interacts directly with the crops so as to collect crop data more accurately. There is also a need for a multi-rotor UAV that consumes less time to collect samples from the crop. Further, there is also a need for a multi-rotor UAV that consumes less time to collect samples from the crop.
Objectives of the invention:
[0008] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a soil sampling unit that assists a farmer by determining soil parameters and generating soil maps of farmland for improving agricultural production.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that enables a farmer to make informed decisions regarding crop management practices.

[0010] The other objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that collects soil samples at varying depths, up to 20 cm, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient soil sampling, and providing valuable data for soil fertility analysis and mapping.

[0011] The other objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that provides superior maneuverability, thereby enabling it for direct interaction with crops and access hard-to-reach areas, thereby improving crop management practices and sustainability.

[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that capable of collecting soil samples from crops and analyzing them using multiple sensors. This process delivers detailed information about soil conditions, which enhances crop yield and quality, ultimately boosting profits and productivity.

[0013] The other objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that provides a solution for soil monitoring in agriculture, contributing to increased agricultural production and improved crop management practices.

[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that provides precise control over its position and orientation in all directions, ensuring reliable and accurate operations, especially in loose soil conditions.

[0015] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor UAV that costs less, consumes less time, reduces resource wastage, and reduces the need for labor and machinery.

[0016] Further objective of the invention is to provide a multi-rotor multi-rotor UAV that analysis soil samples obtained from the crop so as to provide timely information on soil fertility and moisture content to farmers within less time.
Summary of the invention:
[0017] The present disclosure proposes a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming to increase agricultural production and method thereof. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0018] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a soil sampling unit that assists a farmer by determining soil parameters and generating soil maps of farmland for improving agricultural production.

[0019] According to an aspect, the invention provides a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming to increase agricultural production. In one embodiment herein, the multi-rotor UAV comprises a base, a propeller, a soil sampling unit and a controller. The multi-rotor UAV assists a user in making informed decisions regarding crop management, thereby improving agricultural production.

[0020] In one embodiment herein, the base having plurality of arms. In addition, each of the plurality of arms is mounted to the base through a holder. In one embodiment herein, the propeller is mounted to the each of the plurality of arms. The propeller is configured to be rotated upon activating a respective motor, which is a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. In one embodiment herein, the soil sampling unit having plurality of legs is connected to the base through fasteners. The plurality of legs is movably connected to the soil sampling unit through adjustable members. The plurality of legs is configured to position the multi-rotor UAV on the farmland at the desired position for collecting the soil samples.

[0021] The soil sampling unit comprises a first driving unit, a supporting member, a drilling member, a soil collecting chamber and a sensing unit. In one embodiment herein, the first driving unit is configured to be activated for rotating a telescopic member through a gear mechanism, thereby extending the telescopic member in a linear direction. In one embodiment herein, the supporting member is rotatably connected to the telescopic member through a bearing unit. The supporting member is configured to be actuated for performing both translational and rotational movements of the drilling member.

[0022] In one embodiment herein, the drilling member is rotatably connected to the supporting member. The drilling member is configured to be actuated to move in a linear downward direction for performing a drilling operation at a desired place in farmland for at least 30 cm, and subsequently move in a linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing a drilling operation, thereby collecting a soil sample. In one embodiment herein, the soil collecting chamber having a guide plate is configured to collect and store the soil samples upon performing the drilling operation. The guide plate is configured to ensure proper collection of the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber.

[0023] In one embodiment herein, the sensing unit is disposed in the soil collecting chamber. The sensing unit is configured to detect plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample. The plurality of soil parameters includes nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, temperature levels, and organic matter content and nutrient levels.

[0024] In one embodiment herein, the controller is in communication with the sensing unit, the first driving unit and the motor. The controller is configured to activate the first driving unit to move the drilling member in the linear downward direction for performing the drilling operation at the desired position in the farmland for at least 30 cm through the telescopic member, and subsequently move in the linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber.

[0025] The controller is configured to activate a second driving unit to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber towards the sensing unit using a lead screw via a plate for better analysis. The controller is configured to receive detected data from the sensing unit and analyze the detected data to generate soil fertility maps, thereby displaying generated fertility maps of the soil samples to a user through a user interface.

[0026] In one embodiment herein, the gear mechanism provides a reduction ratio of 1:1 between the first driving unit and the drilling member and a reduction ratio of 10:3 between the drilling member and the telescopic member of the supporting member. The gear mechanism is configured to transmit power from the first driving unit to the drilling member through the telescopic member. In one embodiment herein, the soil sampling unit comprises a lid for opening and closing the soil collecting chamber. In one embodiment herein, the multi-rotor UAV comprises a power source for supplying electrical power to the first driving unit, the second driving unit, the user interface, and the motor.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for operating the multi-rotor UAV to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming. At one step, the controller activates the first driving unit to move the drilling member in the linear downward direction for performing a drilling operation at the desired position in a farmland for at least 30 cm through a telescopic member, and subsequently move in the linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting soil samples into a soil collecting chamber.

[0028] At one step, the controller activates the second driving unit to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber towards a sensing unit using a lead screw via the plate for better analysis. At one step, the sensing unit detects the plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample, thereby transmitting detected data to the controller. At one step, the controller receives and analyse the detected data from the sensing unit to generate the soil fertility maps, thereby displaying the generated fertility maps of the soil samples to the user through the user interface.

[0029] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a multi-rotor UAV with a soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the multi-rotor UAV with the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the multi-rotor UAV with the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-rotor UAV, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a telescopic member of the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a soil collecting chamber of the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of the multi-rotor UAV with the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 6B illustrates a right view of the multi-rotor UAV with the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a multi-rotor UAV with the soil sampling unit, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0043] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0044] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a soil sampling unit that assists a farmer by determining soil parameters and generating soil maps of farmland for improving agricultural production.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGs. 1A-1C refer to isometric, side and front views of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 100 to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming to increase agricultural production. In one embodiment herein, the multi-rotor UAV 100 to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming comprises a base 102, a propeller 108, a soil sampling unit 112 and a controller 130. The multi-rotor UAV 100 assists a user in making informed decisions regarding crop management, thereby improving agricultural production.

[0046] In one embodiment herein, the base 102 having plurality of arms 104. In addition, each of the plurality of arms 104 is mounted to the base 102 through a holder 106. In one embodiment herein, the propeller 108 is mounted to the each of the plurality of arms 104. The propeller 108 is configured to be rotated upon activating a respective motor 110, which is a brushless DC (BLDC) motor.

[0047] In one embodiment herein, the soil sampling unit 112 having plurality of legs 111 is connected to the base 102 through fasteners 10. The plurality of legs 111 is movably connected to the soil sampling unit 112 through adjustable members 113. The plurality of legs 111 is configured to position the multi-rotor UAV 100 on the farmland at the desired position for collecting the soil samples.

[0048] The soil sampling unit 112 comprises a first driving unit 118, a supporting member 116, a drilling member 114, a soil collecting chamber 124 and a sensing unit 128. In one embodiment herein, the first driving unit 118 is configured to be activated for rotating a telescopic member 120 through a gear mechanism 122, thereby extending the telescopic member 120 in a linear direction. In one embodiment herein, the supporting member 116 is rotatably connected to the telescopic member 120 through a bearing unit 117. The supporting member 116 is configured to be actuated for performing both translational and rotational movements of the drilling member 114.

[0049] In one embodiment herein, the drilling member 114 is rotatably connected to the supporting member 116. The drilling member 114 is configured to be actuated to move in a linear downward direction for performing a drilling operation at a desired place in farmland for at least 30 cm, and subsequently move in a linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing a drilling operation, thereby collecting a soil sample. In one embodiment herein, the soil collecting chamber 124 having a guide plate 126 is configured to collect and store the soil samples upon performing the drilling operation. The guide plate 126 is configured to ensure proper collection of the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber 124.

[0050] In one embodiment herein, the sensing unit 128 is disposed in the soil collecting chamber 124. The sensing unit 128 is configured to detect plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample. The plurality of soil parameters includes nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, temperature levels, and organic matter content and nutrient levels.

[0051] In one embodiment herein, the controller 130 is in communication with the sensing unit 128, the first driving unit 118 and the motor 110. The controller 130 is configured to activate the first driving unit 118 to move the drilling member 114 in the linear downward direction for performing the drilling operation at the desired position in the farmland for at least 30 cm through the telescopic member 120, and subsequently move in the linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber 124.

[0052] The controller 130 is configured to activate a second driving unit 132 to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber 124 towards the sensing unit 128 using a lead screw via a plate 135 for better analysis. The controller 130 is configured to receive detected data from the sensing unit 128 and analyze the detected data to generate the soil fertility maps, thereby displaying generated fertility maps of the soil samples to a user through a user interface.

[0053] In one embodiment herein, the gear mechanism 122 provides a reduction ratio of 1:1 between the first driving unit 118 and the drilling member 114 and a reduction ratio of 10:3 between the drilling member 114 and the telescopic member 120 of the supporting member 116. The gear mechanism 122 is configured to transmit power from the first driving unit 118 to the drilling member 114 through the telescopic member 120.

[0054] In one embodiment herein, the soil sampling unit 112 comprises a lid 133 for opening and closing the soil collecting chamber 124. In one embodiment herein, the multi-rotor UAV 100 comprises a power source for supplying electrical power to the first driving unit 118, the second driving unit 132, the user interface, and the motor 110.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a perspective view of the multi-rotor UAV 100. In one embodiment herein, the base 102 is a regular hexagonal plate constructed from a carbon fiber, which offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio, thereby enhancing the overall durability and performance of the UAV 100. The base 102 is divided into bottom and top sections by six holders 106, each of which is securely attached to the vertices of the base 102 using fasteners 10. In addition, the fasteners 10 includes, but not limited to, nuts and bolts.

[0056] In one embodiment herein, the plurality of arms 104 is prepared by carbon fiber cylinders, which provides both lightweight and robust support. The each of the plurality of arms 104 is connected to the holder 106 using grub screws, thereby ensuring a firm and reliable attachment. In one embodiment herein, the each motor 110 is mounted on the each of the plurality of arms 104 using the holders 106. The motor 110 includes, but not limited to, a brushless (BLDC) motor. These holders 106 are essential to the UAV 100, as they ensure the motors 110 are securely fixed onto the plurality of arms 104.

[0057] The holders 106 are attached to the base 102 using fasteners 10 such as M4 bolts and nuts, which not only secure the motor 110 but also create a frictional hold that enhances motor stability during flight. In one embodiment herein, the propellers 108 are carefully selected with dimensions of 14 x 4.7 inches to generate sufficient thrust.

[0058] Each propeller 108 is capable of producing a thrust of at least 1.2 kg per motor, which is crucial for maintaining smooth and stable flight. This thrust capacity is achieved when the motors 110 are powered by the power source, i.e., 22.2V, 6-cell, 8000mAh LiPo battery. This power configuration ensures that each motor 110 operates efficiently, thereby providing the necessary lift and maneuverability for the UAV 100.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIGs. 3A-3C refers to isometric, bottom and top views of the soil sampling unit 112. In one embodiment herein, the first driving unit 118 is configured to be activated to provide necessary energy to drive both the drilling member 114 and the supporting member 116. In addition, the gear mechanism 122 transmits electrical power from the first driving unit 118 to both the drilling member 114 and the supporting member 116. The gear mechanism 122 ensures that the driving unit's power is distributed effectively to facilitate the drilling process.

[0060] The gear mechanism 122 provides the reduction ratio of 1:1 between the first driving unit 118 and the drilling member 114 i.e., the rotational speed of the driving unit 118 is directly transferred to the drilling member 114 without any speed change. The gear mechanism 122 provides the reduction ratio of 10:3 between the drilling member 114 and the telescopic member 120 of the supporting member 116 i.e., the movement of the supporting member 116 is slowing down when compared to the rotation of the drilling member 114.

[0061] In one embodiment herein, the telescopic member 120 is a critical part of the UAV 100 that allows for the combined rotational and translational motion of the drilling member 114. In one embodiment herein, the drilling member 114 is utilized for performing the drilling operation into the soil of the farmland. The drilling member 114 having the ability to pulverize the soil, thereby making it easier to extract soil samples.

[0062] In one example embodiment herein, the gear mechanism 122 divides the electrical power by maintaining the 1:1 reduction ratio for the drilling member 114 and the 10:3 reduction ratio of the supporting member 116 upon activating the first driving unit 118. The drilling member 114 is rotatably connected to the gear mechanism 122 through the supporting member 116 and the telescopic member 120. The drilling member 114 is configured to rotate and drill into the soil at the desired place or location. The drilling member 114 ensures both rotational speed and feed rate for performing optimal drilling operation, thereby making the soil sampling process smooth and efficient.

[0063] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 refers to the telescopic member 120 of the soil sampling unit 112. In one embodiment herein, the telescopic member 120 is rotatably connected to the drilling member 114 through the supporting member 116 for performing necessary drilling motion. The telescopic member 120 is connected to the gear mechanism 122 using a spine coupler 134, which facilitates the transfer of power to the drilling member 114. The telescopic member 120 is configured to be actuated upon activating the first driving unit 118 through the gear mechanism 122.

[0064] The telescopic member 120 comprises plurality of concentric spline shafts (138, 140, 141), which includes a first spline shaft 138, a second spline shaft 140 and a third spline shaft 141. This concentric arrangement contributes to the compactness of the soil sampling operation. The third spline 141 of the telescopic member 120 is connected to the drilling member 114 through the supporting member 116. The first spline shaft 138 of the telescopic member 120 is connected to the gear mechanism 122.

[0065] The plurality of concentric spline shafts (138, 140, 141) performs both rotational and translational movements simultaneously. The telescopic member 120 with the plurality of concentric spline shafts (138, 140, 141) achieves a compact form. The telescopic member 120 minimizes the space required, thereby making the soil sampling unit 112 more portable and easier to handle. The telescopic member 120 is configured to be actuated upon activating the first driving unit 118 through the gear mechanism 122 so as to extend the plurality of concentric spline shafts (138, 140, 141) for performing the drill operation efficiently as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0066] In one embodiment herein, the controller 130 activates the first driving unit 120 to extend the telescopic member 120. In addition, the first spline shaft 138 extends in the downward direction upon actuation of the first driving unit 120. Later, the second spline shaft 140 extends in the downward direction upon completion of the first spline shaft 138. Finally, the third spline shaft 141 extends in the downward direction upon completion of the second spline shaft 140. The supporting member 116 rotatably connected to the third spline shaft 141 so as to extend in the downward direction to drill the farmland using the drilling member 114 for collecting soil samples.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 refers to the soil collecting chamber 124 of the soil sampling unit 112. In one embodiment herein, the soil collecting chamber 124 is configured to collect and store the soil samples upon performing the drilling operation through the guide plate 126. In addition, the drilling member 114 is configured to be actuated to move in the linear direction through the guide plate 126 and drill the farmland at the desired location for collecting the soil samples.

[0068] In one embodiment herein, the second driving unit 132 is configured to be activated by the controller 130 to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber 124 towards the sensing unit 128 using the lead screw via the plate 135 for better analysis. The sensing unit 128 detects the plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample and transmits the detected data to the controller 130. Later, the controller 130 receives the detected data from the sensing unit and analyzes the detected data to generate the soil fertility maps, thereby displaying the generated fertility maps of the soil samples to the user through the user interface.

[0069] According to another embodiment herein, FIGs. 6A-6B refers to side and right views of the multi-rotor UAV 100 with the soil sampling unit 112. In one embodiment herein, the multi-rotor UAV 100 is configured to collect soil samples from the farmland at the desired locations. For example, the multi-rotor UAV 100 assists the user or a farmer by collecting the soil samples from the farmland, thereby analyzing the collected data for determining the soil parameters. This assists the user in supplying sufficient feed for the soil sample.

[0070] In one example embodiment herein, the multi-rotor UAV 100 is enabled to collect and analyse the soil samples at selected portions. For example, the user needs to select at least one portion in the farmland through the user interface for determining the soil parameters. The controller 130 activates the motors 110 of the propellers 108 to move towards the desired location. Later, the controller 130 activates the plurality of legs 111 to position at the desired location through the adjustable members 113.

[0071] The controller 130 activates the first driving unit 118 to actuate the telescopic member 120 through the gear mechanism 122. In addition, the gear mechanism 122 enables the first driving unit's rotational motion to be transferred and appropriately divided to drive the drilling member 114 and the telescopic member 120. Next, the telescopic member 120 extends its concentric spline shafts (138, 140, 141) in the downwards direction. Next, the drilling member 114 extends downwards using the supporting member 116 to drill the farmland for collecting the soil sample. In addition, the drilling member 114 moves through the guide plate 126 to collect the soil sample.

[0072] The concentric spline shafts (138, 140, 141) of the telescopic member 120 rotate freely due to the flange member 136. The guide plate 126 ensures proper collection of the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber 124. The guide plate 126 assists in directing the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber 124 during drilling and creating a cylindrical pathway from the soil surface to the lid 133 so that they can move up and down freely to accommodate soil movement.

[0073] In one embodiment herein, the controller 130 activates the second driving unit 132 to compress the collected soil samples in the soil collecting chamber 124 towards the sensing unit 128 using the lead screw via the plate 135 for better analysis. The sensing unit 128 detects the plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample and transmits the detected data to the controller 130. Now, the controller 130 receives and analyses the detected data from the sensing unit 128 to determine the soil parameters. Later, the controller 130 displays the determined parameters on the user interface for the user.

[0074] In one embodiment herein, the lid 133 is attached at the bottom portion of the soil sampling unit 112. The lid 133 remains closed when the UAV 100 lands on the farmland to prevent soil from escaping. The lid 133 opens when the UAV 100 is in the air, thereby allowing collected soil to be removed after analysis.

[0075] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7 refers to a flowchart 700 of a method for operating the multi-rotor UAV 100 to monitor soil fertility to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming. At step 702, the controller 130 activates the first driving unit 118 to move the drilling member 114 in the linear downward direction for performing the drilling operation at the desired position in the farmland for at least 30 cm through the telescopic member 120, and subsequently move in the linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber 124.

[0076] At step 704, the controller 130 activates the second driving unit 132 to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber 124 towards the sensing unit 128 using a lead screw via the plate 135 for better analysis. At step 706, the sensing unit 128 detects the plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample, thereby transmitting detected data to the controller 130. At step 708, the controller 130 receives and analyse the detected data from the sensing unit 128 to generate the soil fertility maps, thereby displaying the generated fertility maps of the soil samples to the user through the user interface.

[0077] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 100 to monitor soil fertility for performing smart farming to increase agricultural production is disclosed. The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 is equipped with a soil sampling unit 112 that assists a farmer by determining soil parameters and generating soil maps of farmland for improving agricultural production.

[0078] The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 enables a farmer to make informed decisions regarding crop management practices. The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 collects soil samples at varying depths, up to 20 cm, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient soil sampling, and providing valuable data for soil fertility analysis and mapping. The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 provides superior maneuverability, thereby enabling it for direct interaction with crops and access hard-to-reach areas, thereby improving crop management practices and sustainability.

[0079] The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 capable of collecting soil samples from crops and analyzing them using multiple sensors. This process delivers detailed information about soil conditions, which enhances crop yield and quality, ultimately boosting profits and productivity. The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 provides a solution for soil monitoring in agriculture, contributing to increased agricultural production and improved crop management practices.

[0080] The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 provides precise control over its position and orientation in all directions, ensuring reliable and accurate operations, especially in loose soil conditions. The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 costs less, consumes less time, reduces resource wastage, and reduces the need for labor and machinery. The proposed multi-rotor UAV 100 analysis soil samples obtained from the crop so as to provide timely information on soil fertility and moisture content to farmers within less time.

[0081] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

, C , Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100) for performing smart farming to increase agricultural production, comprising:
a base (102) having plurality of arms (104), wherein each of the plurality of arms (104) is mounted to the base (102) through a holder (106);
a propeller (108) mounted to the each of the plurality of arms (104), wherein the propeller (108) is configured to be rotated upon activating a respective motor (110);
a soil sampling unit (112) having plurality of legs (111) connected to the base (102) through fasteners (10), wherein the soil sampling unit (112) comprises:
a first driving unit (118) configured to be activated for rotating a telescopic member (120) through a gear mechanism (122), thereby extending the telescopic member (120) in a linear direction;
a supporting member (116) rotatably connected to the telescopic member (120) through a bearing unit (117), wherein the supporting member (116) is configured to be actuated for performing both translational and rotational movements of a drilling member (114),
wherein the drilling member (114) is rotatably connected to the supporting member (116), wherein the drilling member (114) is configured to be actuated to move in a linear downward direction for performing a drilling operation at a desired place in farmland for at least 30 cm, and subsequently move in a linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting soil samples;
a soil collecting chamber (124) having a guide plate (126) configured to collect and store the soil samples upon performing the drilling operation, wherein the guide plate (126) is configured to ensure proper collection of the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber (124);
a sensing unit (128) disposed in the soil collecting chamber (124), wherein the sensing unit (128) is configured to detect plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample; and
a controller (130) in communication with the sensing unit (128), the first driving unit (118) and the motor (110), wherein the controller (130) is configured to:
activate the first driving unit (118) to move the drilling member (114) in the linear downward direction for performing the drilling operation at the desired position in the farmland for at least 30 cm through the telescopic member (120), and subsequently move in the linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting the soil samples into the soil collecting chamber (124),
activate a second driving unit (132) to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber (124) towards the sensing unit (128) using a lead screw via a plate (135) for better analysis, and
receive detected data from the sensing unit (128) and analyze the detected data to generate soil fertility maps, thereby displaying generated fertility maps of the soil samples to a user through a user interface.
2. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soil parameters includes nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, temperature levels, organic matter content and nutrient levels.
3. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs (111) is movably connected to the soil sampling unit (112) through adjustable members (113), wherein the plurality of legs (111) is configured to position the multi-rotor UAV (100) on the farmland at the desired position for collecting the soil samples.
4. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soil sampling unit (112) comprises a lid (133) for opening and closing the soil collecting chamber (124).
5. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear mechanism (122) provides a reduction ratio of 1:1 between the first driving unit (118) and the drilling member (114) and a reduction ratio of 10:3 between the drilling member (114) and the telescopic member (120) of the supporting member (116).
6. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear mechanism (122) is configured to transmit power from the first driving unit (118) to the drilling member (114) through the telescopic member (120).
7. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-rotor UAV (100) comprises a power source for supplying electrical power to the first driving unit (118), the second driving unit (132), the user interface, and the motor (110).
8. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-rotor UAV (100) assists the user in making informed decisions regarding crop management, thereby improving agricultural production.
9. The multi-rotor UAV (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (110) is a brushless DC (BLDC) motor.
10. A method of operating a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100), comprising:
activating, by a controller (130), a first driving unit (118) to move a drilling member (114) in the linear downward direction for performing a drilling operation at the desired position in a farmland for at least 30 cm through a telescopic member (120), and subsequently move in the linear upward direction to reach its initial position upon performing the drilling operation, thereby collecting soil samples into a soil collecting chamber (124);
activating, by the controller (130), a second driving unit (132) to compress the soil samples in the soil collecting chamber (124) towards a sensing unit (128) using a lead screw via a plate (135) for better analysis;
detecting, by the sensing unit (128), plurality of soil parameters from the collected sample, thereby transmitting detected data to the controller (130); and
receiving and analysing, by the controller (130), the detected data from the sensing unit (128) to generate soil fertility maps, thereby displaying generated fertility maps of the soil samples to a user through a user interface.

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