System and method for automated plant maintenance and communication alerts

A system for automated plant condition notification, detection, and watering to improve plant growth and maintenance including a computing unit, an optical sensor, a soil moisture sensor, a water tank level sensor, a pump, and a computing unit. The computing unit includes a memory and a processor that receives a first input indicative of a user identifier and a communication type, a second input indicative of a plant type, a soil moisture input, a water level input, and an optical sensor input. The processor also determines a water pump initiation threshold and a water pump completion threshold based on one or more of the plant type, the optical sensor input, or the soil moisture input and determines a plant maturity optical value based on the plant type. Additionally, the processor transmits a water pump initiation, a water pump completion signal, and a notification via a selected communication method.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to automated plant maintenance, and in particular, computerized systems and methods for watering plants and notifying users about the condition of plants.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, fruit and vegetation are manually watered and can become unhealthy or die when not properly cared for. For example, a user's delivery of too much water, too little water, or inconsistent delivery of water can affect the health of a plant. Additionally, fruit and vegetation are also manually monitored to determine ripeness or maturity. Fruit and vegetation that are not picked at the proper ripeness can spoil and become unusable for consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for automated plant condition notification, detection, and watering to improve plant growth and maintenance, that includes a computing unit, an optical sensor communicably connected to the computing unit, a soil moisture sensor communicably connected to the computing unit, a water tank level sensor communicably connected to the computing unit, a pump communicably connected to the computing unit. In some embodiments, the computing unit includes a processor and a memory, the processor capable of executing instructions stored on the memory and configured to receive a first input indicative of a user identifier and a communication type; receive a second input indicative of a plant type; receive a soil moisture input from the soil moisture sensor indicative of a soil moisture level; receive a water level input indicative of a water level reading from the water tank level sensor; and receive an optical sensor input from the optical sensor. In other embodiments, the processor may also determine a water pump initiation threshold and a water pump completion threshold based on one or more of the plant type, the optical sensor input, or the soil moisture input; determine a plant maturity optical value based on the plant type; transmit a water pump initiation signal to initiate a watering event based on the water pump initiation threshold; and transmit a water pump completion signal to stop the watering event based on the water pump completion threshold. In yet another embodiment, the processor may transmit a notification to the user identifier, via the communication type, the notification including one or more of a plant maturity message when the optical sensor input is within a range of the plant maturity optical value, a water level message when the water level input is less than the water level threshold, and a soil moisture level message.

In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to receive a third input indicative of a communication interval time. In other embodiments the notification is sent at the communication time interval time and includes one or more of the soil moisture input, the water pump completion signal, and the optical sensor input. In yet other embodiments, the first input is one of a phone number, an email address, an instant message username, or a social media profile identifier and the water pump initial signal is transmitted in response to the soil moisture input falling below a lower threshold value. In other embodiments, the water pump completion signal is in response to the soil moisture input reaching an upper threshold value and the soil moisture threshold value is based on the plant type. In yet other embodiments, the notification includes at least one of a phone call, a text message, an email, or a social media post.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is discloses for automated plant condition notification, detection, and watering to improve plant growth and maintenance including a computing unit, an optical sensor communicably connected to the computing unit, a soil moisture sensor communicably connected to the computing unit, a water tank level sensor communicably connected to the computing unit, and a pump communicably connected to the computing unit. In some embodiments, the computing unit may include a processor and a memory, the processor capable of executing instructions stored on the memory, and the processor configured to receive a first input indicative of a user identifier and a communication type; a second input indicative of a plant type; a third input indicative of a communication interval time; a soil moisture input from the soil moisture sensor indicative of a soil moisture level; a water level input indicative of a water level reading from the water tank level sensor; and an optical sensor input from the optical sensor. In other embodiments, the processor may also determine a water pump initiation threshold and a water pump completion threshold based on one or more of the plant type, the optical sensor input, or the soil moisture input; a plant maturity optical value based on the plant type; and a water level threshold based on one or more of the plant type and a water tank type. In yet other embodiments, the process may be further configured to transmit a water pump initiation signal to initiate a watering event based on the water pump initiation threshold; a water pump completion signal to stop a watering event based on the water pump completion threshold; and a notification to the user identifier, via the communication type. In some embodiments, the notification including one or more of: a plant maturity message when the optical sensor input is within a range of the plant maturity optical value, and a water level message when the water level input is less than the water level threshold. In some embodiments, the system may further include that at the communication interval time, the notification includes one or more of the soil moisture input, the water pump completion signal, and the optical sensor input.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method for growing plants, comprising receiving, at a computing unit, a first input indicative of a user identifier and a communication type; receiving, at the computing unit, a second input indicative of a plant type; receiving, at the computing unit, a soil moisture input from the soil moisture sensor indicative of a soil moisture level; receiving, at the computing unit, a water level input indicative of a water level reading from the water tank level sensor; and receiving, at the computing unit, an optical sensor input from the optical sensor. Some embodiments may also include determining, at a computing unit, a water pump initiation threshold and a water pump completion threshold based on one or more of the plant type, the optical sensor input, or the soil moisture input; determining, at the computing unit, a plant maturity optical value based on the plant type; transmitting, from the computing unit, a water pump initiation signal based on the water pump initiation threshold; transmitting, from the computing unit, a water pump completion signal to stop the watering event based on the water pump completion threshold; and transmitting, from the computing unit, a notification to the user identifier, via the communication type. In other embodiments, the notification including one or more of a plant maturity message when the optical sensor input is within a range of the plant maturity optical value, a water level message when the water level input is less than the water level threshold, and a soil moisture level message.

In some embodiments, the method may also include receiving a third input, at the computing unit, a third input indicative of a communication interval time. In other embodiments, transmitting a notification occurs at the communication interval time and includes one or more of the soil moisture input, the water pump completion signal, and the optical sensor input and the water pump initiation signal is in response to the water level input falling below a threshold measurement associated with the growth phase. In yet other embodiments, the first input is one of a phone number, an email address, an instant message username, or a social media profile identifier and/or the communication interval is set to correspond with the soil moisture level falling below a threshold value. In some embodiments, the water pump completion signal is in response to the soil moisture input reaching an upper threshold value or the soil moisture threshold value is based on the plant type. In other embodiments, the notification includes at least one of a phone call, a text message, an email, or a social media post.

These and other capabilities of the disclosed subject matter will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods are described herein for automated watering and maintenance of plants. To address some of the aforementioned plant watering and maintenance issues, in some embodiments, watering of plants is automated using a computer device to monitor a moisture sensor, optical sensor, and water level sensor. In some embodiments, when a moisture level, color level, or water level is outside of a threshold level, water is automatically applied to a plant and/or a notification is sent to a user. The user notification can include a message instructing the user to provide more water or to tend to the plant (e.g., picking fruit that has ripened, or flowers that have reached full maturity).

FIG. 1is a system diagram showing an automated watering system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 1shows an automated plant maintenance system100, including plant102, water container104, water dispenser106, water pump108, water sensor110, optical sensor112, moisture sensor114, plant condition controller120, user device130, connection132. In some embodiments, the plant maintenance system100may further include a video camera (not shown).

Plant102is any type of fruit, vegetable, or other vegetation. In some embodiments, plant102requires at least water to survive and can reach optimal growth points. For example, an optimal growth point for a plant can include producing fruit of a particular ripeness or flowers at a specified phase of maturity. As explained in more detail below, the ripeness of fruit or the maturity of vegetation can be determined based on a color of the fruit or vegetation or some other visual characteristic of the fruit or vegetation.

The amount of water needed by plant102depends on the type of plant, a growth phase of the plant, and the environmental conditions surrounding the plant. As described in more detail below, the amount of water needed by plant102can be determined by measuring the soil moisture around the plant.

Water container104is a receptacle for holding water for the plant. Water container104can also hold other fluids for delivery to the plant, e.g., fertilizer, insecticide. Water from water container104can be provided to plant102via water dispenser106. Water dispenser106can be positioned to deliver water to the plant from any position that results in water being provided to one or more portions of the plant (e.g., from the top wetting leaves, flowers, and/or fruit first; from the top wetting the top of the soil first; from the bottom wetting roots of the plant first). The position of water dispenser106can depend on a type of plant102. Water dispenser106can include one or more outlets for dispensing water.

Water pump108provides water from water container104to water dispenser106. Water pump108can be a motorized device that pulls or otherwise transports water from water container104and forces water through water dispenser106. Water pump108can be controlled, as described in more detail below, to turn on and off and to provide varying amounts of water to plant102. Water pump108can include an individual or multiple mechanisms by which differing amounts of water may be dispensed to different portions of plant102. Similarly, water dispenser106may comprise more than one water dispenser avenues by which water may be dispensed by water pump108to plant102.

Water sensor110senses an amount of water remaining in water container104. In some embodiments, water sensor110determines a water level in water container104. Water sensor110can be positioned within water container104or external to water container104. Water sensor110can measure a water level from within the container, for example, based on an amount of water sensor submerged in water. Water sensor110can also measure a water level outside of the container, for example, by a distance of the water level from either the top or bottom of the container104. Water sensor110is operably coupled to plant condition controller120using either a wired or wireless connection. Water sensor110communicates information related to the water level within water container104to plant condition controller120.

Optical sensor112measures a color of plant102. The color of a surface of the plant can be detected, for example, by shining light on plant102and measuring the light reflected off plant102. Optical sensor112is operably coupled to plant condition controller120using either a wired or wireless connection. Optical sensor112communicates color information of the plant102to plant condition controller120. As described in more detail below, plant condition controller120can use the color information to adjust an amount of water provided to plant102or to send a message relating to the condition of plant102. For example, plant condition controller120can use the color information to determine that a flower or fruit of plant102is mature or ripe and send a message to a user notifying the user that the flower or fruit can be harvested.

In some embodiments, plant102is placed in soil or some other medium in which to grow plant102. The soil can be one or more of sand, silt, clay, or any other organic material, such as bark or sawdust. Moisture sensor114measures a moisture level of the soil surrounding plant102. In some embodiments, moisture sensor114measures the moisture level of the soil surrounding the plant102within a range of values. Moisture sensor114is operably coupled to plant condition controller120using either a wired or wireless connection. Moisture sensor114communicates moisture information of the soil surrounding plant102to plant condition controller120. As described in more detail below, plant condition controller120can use the moisture information to adjust an amount of water provided to plant102or to send a message relating to the condition of plant102.

Plant condition controller120receives information from water sensor110, optical sensor112, and moisture sensor114and processes the received information to control water pump108and/or to send messages to a user device130. As described in more detail below, plant condition controller120can also receive inputs from user device130or from any other input device connected to plant condition controller120. Through user device130or another input source, plant condition controller120can receive plant-specific information (e.g., a type of plant, plant maturity, plant health) and be programmed to process received moisture and color information differently based on the plant-specific information. Plant condition controller120may also determine plant-specific information based on received inputs. For example, plant condition controller120may be able to determine plant maturity based on the received plant growth color from optical sensor112. User device130communicates with plant condition controller via a connection132, which can be a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, connection132is a wireless connection that supports text messages and email communications.

FIG. 2is a system diagram showing the components within plant condition controller220, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Plant condition controller220corresponds with plant condition controller120shown inFIG. 1and includes a display222, a keypad224, a processor226, a memory228, an optical sensor input230, a tank sensor input232, a communications interface234, a pump interface236, a moisture sensor input238, and a power source240. In some embodiments, plant condition controller220may comprise a pre-assembled computing unit such as an Arduino computing system or Rasberry Pi. Power source240may be a self-contained power source, such as a battery or power bank, or an external power source, such as a wall plug or external battery. In some embodiments, plant condition controller220may also include a camera input (not shown) capable of receiving video feed of plant102.

Display222may be configured to display inputs indirectly received from a user via keypad224. Display222may also be configured to receive inputs directly by way of a touch-pad or other touch functionality. In some embodiments, display222may be configured to display messages in response to inputs received via at least one of optical sensor input230, tank sensor input232, communication interface234, pump interface236, and moisture sensor238.

Processor226may execute commands received from memory228, as triggered by inputs received via optical sensor input230, tank sensor input232, communication interface234, pump interface236, and moisture sensor238. Memory228may include executable commands programmed by a user using keypad224. In some embodiments, memory228may receive executable commands from a user via wired or wireless programming inputs from a separate computing device (not shown). Memory228may store information regarding plant102such as plant type, plant growth phase metrics (e.g., size, shape, color), threshold moisture values, watering schedule time entries, user identifiers (e.g., phone number, email address, social media accounts), and soil composition or type, among others. In some embodiments, memory228may store data in a relational format such that the information regarding plant102is associated. For example, memory228may associate a specific plant type with a related growth phase matrix or water sequence schedule. Memory228may also store commands and alert strings intended for a user via user device130.

Optical sensor input230receives inputs regarding the visual characteristics of plant102from optical sensor112(shown inFIG. 1). Tank sensor input232receives inputs regarding the level of the fluid in water container104from sensor110(shown inFIG. 1). Moisture sensor input238receives input regarding the moisture level of the soil in plant102from moisture sensor114(shown inFIG. 1). Pump interface236provides commands, from processor226and memory228, to water pump108(shown inFIG. 1) which, when executed, cause water pump108to dispense water from water container104.

Communications interface234sends communications to user device130(shown inFIG. 1) over connection132. Communications sent via communications interface234may include alerts such as messages alerting a user that the plant soil has a low moisture level, as read by moisture sensor114, a low water level in water container104as received by tank sensor input232, or a plant color that is abnormal as received via optical sensor input230from optical sensor112. Communications interface234can be programmed to only send alerts at discrete time intervals as set by a user during monitoring operation. Communications interface234can also send video feed still images or video feed live images received from a video camera via the camera input (not shown). In some cases, the video feed still images or video feed live images may be sent as part of the message (e.g., text message or email) sent to the user device130. In some embodiments, communications interface234may enable bi-directional communication between plant condition controller220and a user. In such embodiments, communications interface234may receive commands executed by a user via user device130and execute or respond to the received command.

Memory228and processor226may communicably coupled to each of keypad224, optical sensor230, tank sensor input232, communication interface234, pump interface236, and moisture sensor238such that inputs received from those inputs and interfaces may be stored in memory228or executed upon by process226. In some embodiments, a user may use keypad224to enter a user phone number to be stored in memory228. Additionally, a user may enter a number corresponding to a plant type stored in a table within memory228, wherein the plant type includes associated watering intervals, color profiles, and growth pattern for the plant type. In yet another embodiment, the user may enter via keypad224a numeric time interval for when processor226should send a text message to a user via communication interface234.

For example, memory228may be programmed by a user to include instructions to water a plant, such as plant102inFIG. 1, when an input received via moisture sensor input238falls below a threshold value set by a user. In such a case, processor226may receive instruction from memory228, based upon the input received from moisture sensor input238, to send instructions via pump interface236to water pump108, shown inFIG. 1, to operate until moisture sensor238indicates that the soil of plant102has a moisture value above the threshold value set by the user. In another embodiment, processor226may receive inputs via both optical sensor input230and moisture sensor input238indicating that plant102.

FIG. 3is a flow chart showing a process for automated watering of plants, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to step302, plant condition controller120receives user information and plant information. User information can include a phone number, email address, or other username or device identifier. User information can be used by plant condition controller120to send messages to a user device130associated with the user information. For example, user information can include information for user “Jane Doe,” such as a phone number (e.g., (123) 456-7890)), an email address (e.g., jane.doe@iloveplants.com), or other user identifier (e.g., Jane Doe's social media user name). Plant condition controller120sends Jane Doe messages by texting Jane Doe at her phone number, sending an email to Jane Doe's email address, or by posting a message on Jane Doe's social media account.

Plant information can include a plant type or plant condition. As described in more detail below, plant information can be used to set different thresholds (e.g., minimum water level, minimum amount of soil moisture, colors associated with ripeness or maturity) that are further used to determine the timing and amount of water to provide to plant102or the timing, content, and/or frequency of messages sent to user device130. Plant information can be received by plant condition controller120from user device or from a separate input device connected to plant condition controller120. For example, user Jane Doe, using a user interface on device132can input a plant type (e.g., rose, tomato, strawberry) and other plant information such as a color (e.g., “orange” rose, “yellow” tomato).

For example, in step302, a user may, first, use a keypad or touch-enabled display to type in his or her phone number into the plant condition controller to be stored within the memory. Second, a user may indicate the plant type by typing a number corresponding to a specific plant type programmed in the memory of the plant condition controller. Third, a user can indicate the time interval by which they want to receive periodic updates about the status of the plant. In some cases, a user may want to receive updates about the soil moisture level and optical sensor reading every day or once a week. In some embodiments, the time interval may be set as a function of the plant type identified by the user.

Referring to step304, plant condition controller120determines a moisture threshold, plant color threshold, and water level threshold based on the received plant information. For example, plant condition controller120sets the moisture threshold to a higher value for a plant that requires a relatively high amount of water during a watering cycle and sets the moisture threshold to a lower level for a plant that requires a relatively small amount of water during a watering cycle. To set the appropriate moisture threshold, plant condition controller120can correlate the received plant information with plant information stored in memory228. Plant information in memory228can be stored in a relational format that associates plant type and plant condition with different moisture, plant color, and water level thresholds. Moisture threshold can also be directly input by a user as a parameter in the received plant information. Plant condition controller120similarly sets moisture threshold and plant color threshold values based on received plant information.

In some embodiments, plant condition controller120can set multiple threshold levels for each of a moisture threshold, plant color threshold, and water level threshold based on the received plant information. For example, plant color threshold can include a healthy color threshold level (e.g., green leaves turning yellow indicate that more water is needed) and/or a ripeness threshold level (e.g., tomatoes turning a certain shade and uniformity of red are ready for harvest). In other embodiments, plant color threshold may determine the growth of weeds around plant102, for example by detecting a spike in the color green or other visual indicators of undesired growth.

Referring to step306, plant condition controller120receives a water level, plant color, and moisture level from water sensor110, optical sensor112, and moisture sensor114, respectively. Water level can include information indicative of an amount of water measured from the bottom of container104to the surface of the water (e.g., “1 inch”) or relative water level (e.g., higher or lower than a threshold). Plant color can include information indicative of an absolute plant color (e.g., red, orange, yellow, purple) or an RGB (red-green blue) or XYZ color value. Moisture level can include information indicative of an amount of water in the soil (e.g., a percentage of water in the soil).

Referring to step308, plant condition controller120causes water pump108to dispense water from water tank104to plant102based on the moisture level being less than a threshold level or a color level being less than a specified color level. Plant condition controller120may execute a water initiation command the trigger water pump108. The operation of water pump108can be executed in response to a triggering event. In some embodiments, the triggering event may be the moisture level of the soil surrounding plant102falling below a threshold value set by the user. The triggering event may also be the color of plant102falling outside the bounds of a color profile as set by a user.

In other embodiments, the triggering event may be based on the combined measurements received at plant condition controller120from both optical sensor112and moisture sensor114. For example, a user may program the memory of plant condition controller120to recognize, based on a selected plant type as explained above, the growth phase of plant102based on the input received via optical sensor112. After determining the growth phase of plant102, plant condition controller120may identify an associated optimum moisture level for that determined growth phase. Plant condition controller120may then execute operation of water pump108if the moisture level determined from moisture sensor114is below the optimum moisture level associated with the determined growth phase of plant102.

Referring to step310, plant condition controller120sends a message to user based on the beginning or ending of a triggering event, as described above in conjunction with step308. For example, plant condition controller120may send a message to a user based on the water level in water tank104being less than a threshold level or the color level exceeding a ripeness or maturity color level. Similarly, plant condition controller120may send a message to a user based on the moisture level in plant102reaching the desired moisture content level and indicating that a successful watering operation has concluded. In other embodiments, the user may receive a message from plant condition controller120based on the set message interval as described above, regardless of the measured values from optical sensor112and moisture sensor114. For example, the message sent by plant condition controller120may include “Your plant is ripe,” “Water Tank Empty,” “New growth detected,” “Your plant is properly watered,” “Weed detected,” “Your plant is healthy” or other messages relevant to the nurtured growth of plant102. Following the receipt of the message at step310, a user can then decide how to proceed with the best course of action to nurture the growth of plant102.