WO2023285943A1

WO2023285943A1 - Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for managing pollination of crops

Info

Publication number: WO2023285943A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056382
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mykhailo LAZARENKO; Maksym HORINOV
Original assignee: Agrolabs Limited
Priority date: 2021-07-13
Filing date: 2022-07-11
Publication date: 2023-01-19

Abstract

A beehive access control device for a beehive. The beehive access control device comprises a body, a hive door, a servo mechanism, photodetectors, an infrared LED, a processor, and a memory. The servo mechanism pivotally rotates the hive door about an axis perpendicular to a first exterior surface of the body for closing and opening two channels of the body based on the command. Bees enter the interior space by moving through a first channel and exit the interior space by moving through a second channel based on the opening. Moving of the bees through the two channels interrupts illuminating of the photodetectors by the infrared LED to generate signals. The processor analyzes the signals, determines a number and a direction of movement of the bees, and generates a command based on the number of the bees that entered and exited the beehive, a current time, and a schedule.

Description

METHODS, SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES, AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING

POLLINATION OF CROPS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/221144, entitled “Beehive Access Control System and Method”, which was filed on Jul. 13, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present disclosure relates to the field of plant husbandry. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for managing pollination of crops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Greenhouses may use bumblebees for natural pollination as it results in a significant increase in yield. However, bumblebees are very complex creatures that are to be protected. At certain times, it is important to close and/or reduce access to a hive to prevent bumblebees in greenhouses from flying to artificial lighting or spraying and dying. However, if a farm is quite large such as twenty hectares, it may be difficult to simultaneously service the hives located on the farm. Additionally, it may be important to understand activity at each hive in order to avoid low pollination.

Therefore, there is a need for improved methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for facilitating systems, methods, apparatuses, and devices for managing pollination of crops that may overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems and/or limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter’s scope.

Disclosed herein is a beehive access control device for a beehive, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the beehive access control device may be configured to be coupled to the beehive. Further, the beehive access control device may include a body, a hive door, at least one servo mechanism, a plurality of photodetectors, an infrared light emitting diode (LED), a processor, and a memory. Further, the body may include two channels. Further, each of the two channels may include a first opening on a first exterior surface of the body and a second opening on a second exterior surface of the body opposite to the first exterior surface. Further, the hive door may be pivotably attached to the first exterior surface. Further, the hive door may be configured to be pivotally rotated about an axis perpendicular to the first exterior surface between a plurality of positions in relation to the first opening on the first exterior surface for at least one of closing and opening at least one of the two channels. Further, a plurality of bees enters the interior space by moving through a first channel of the two channels and exits the interior space by moving through a second channel of the two channels based on the opening of the two channels. Further, the at least one servo mechanism may be operatively coupled with the hive door. Further, the at least one servo mechanism may be configured for pivotally rotating the hive door about the axis perpendicular to the exterior surface between the plurality of positions. Further, the plurality of photodetectors may be attached to an inner surface of each of the two channels. Further, the infrared light emitting diode (LED) may be attached to the inner surface opposite to the plurality of photodetectors. Further, an infrared light emitted by the infrared LED illuminates the plurality of photodetectors. Further, the moving of each of the plurality of bees through each of the two channels interrupts the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors.

Further, the plurality of photodetectors may be configured for generating a plurality of signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating. Further, the processor may be communicatively coupled with the plurality of photodetectors and the at least one servo mechanism. Further, the processor may be configured for analyzing the plurality of signals. Further, the processor may be configured for determining a number and a direction of movement of the plurality of bees moved through at least one of the two channels based on the analyzing of the plurality of signals. Further, the processor may be configured for generating a command for the at least one servo mechanism based on the number of the plurality bees at least one of entered and exited the beehive, a current time, and a schedule may include one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels. Further, the pivotally rotating of the hive door between the plurality of positions may be based on the command. Further, the memory may be communicatively coupled with the processor. Further, the memory may be configured for storing the schedule.

Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a beehive access control device for a beehive, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the beehive access control device, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a side view of the beehive access control device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the beehive access control device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a region B of FIG. 4, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the beehive access control device with the beehive, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a disassembled view of the beehive access control device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a system for managing pollination of crops in a crop growing facility using bees, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a beehive access control system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the beehive access control device of the beehive access control system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a computing device for implementing the methods disclosed herein, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above- disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and/or issuing here from that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein — as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term — differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and/or issued here from. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for managing pollination of crops, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

Overview:

The present disclosure describes methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for managing pollination of crops. The system and method for beehive access control are able to preserve bumblebees for a longer period of time, automate the opening and closing of one or more hives, and analyze activity at the one or more hives. In one example, the beehive access control device may be mounted on a bumblebee hive and may execute one or more remote commands including opening the hive, closing the hive, counting one or more bees, stopping counting the one or more bees, and reporting status information associated with the hive. The beehive access control device may have one or more sensors that may be used to count bumblebees, and swappable batteries, and may be controlled using a server computing device via a communication network. In one example, the server computing device may be in radio communication with a GSMconnected gateway device such as at least one hub device. The beehive access control system and method may be used by users such as professional farmers that may grow bumblebee pollinated crops. Farmers may purchase a large number of bumblebee hives each year. In addition, commercial bumblebee breeders may also operate a very large number of bumblebee hives. Each of these hives should be opened and closed at optimal times and it is important to track the activity at each hive to avoid low pollination. As a result, the beehive access control device can reduce labor costs associated with manual opening/closing of the hives as well as assist in achieving an increase (e.g. a 2x increase) in the volume of marketable crops as a result of efficient pollination.

Further, the present disclosure describes the usage of IR, Ultrasound, Visual sensors, and cameras on a hive-mounted device in order to estimate the amount of pollen being transported into the hive by a bumblebee. With sensors identifying not only the number of bees traveling but also the amount of pollen transported by bees, an informational system with AI can be used to estimate % of the greenhouse plants that were pollinated.

Further, the present disclosure describes the usage of various sensors including IR flight activity counters, environmental sensors, and camera systems collected from a hive- mounted device in a combination with an AI predictive analysis system to estimate the expected remaining lifetime of a bumblebee hive. Ability to automatically place orders with suppliers of bumblebee hives based on the information gathered by the system in order to ensure continuous pollination in the crop growing facility. Bumblebee hives have an active life cycle of 8 to 12 weeks. In order to secure continuous pollination, farmers are required to manually check the hive activity and estimate times of replacement which is not always accurate. The hive lifetime can be predicted based on the hive and environmental data collected, information about crops grown, and factors in the supply timeframes of replacement hives in order to secure continuous high-quality pollination.

Further, the present disclosure describes an estimation of the sufficiency of installed bumblebee hives per unit of greenhouse area to achieve optimal pollination level. The system analyses data collected from various sensors including IR flight activity counters, environmental sensors, and camera systems collected from a hive-mounted device in a combination with an AI predictive analysis system and crop information in order to estimate whether a sufficient number of bumblebee hives is installed per unit of area. Bumblebee hive suppliers provide rough estimates of how many hives have to be placed per area of greenhouse space in order to achieve optimal pollination for different types of crops. However, this is not based on data and often local differences result in either insufficient or too large a number of hives being placed in the farming facility. The present disclosure describes a system that collects real-time data on hive activity, environment, and crop development stage to estimate an optimal number of hives.

Further, the present disclosure describes the optimization of hive positioning in the greenhouse in order to achieve optimal pollination levels. The system analyses data collected from various sensors including IR flight activity counters, environmental sensors, and camera systems collected from a hive-mounted device in a combination with AI predictive analysis system and crop information in order to determine whether the hives are correctly positioned within the greenhouse facility. Hive activity can be affected by its position in relation to crop, ventilation and light sources, etc. With the solution, we are able to determine whether hives are optimally positioned and provide tips on hive repositioning based on real-time data.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a beehive access control device 100 for a beehive 602, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the beehive access control device 100 may be configured to be coupled to the beehive 602. Further, the beehive access control device 100 may include a body 102, a hive door 104, at least one servo mechanism 106, a plurality of photodetectors 108-114, an infrared light emitting diode (LED) 116-118, a processor 120, and a memory 122.

Further, the body 102 may include two channels 124-126. Further, each of the two channels 124-126 may include a first opening (128 and 130) on a first exterior surface 136 of the body 102 and a second opening (502 and 504), as shown in FIG. 5, on a second exterior surface 302 of the body 102 opposite to the first exterior surface 136. Further, the second opening (502 and 504) aligns with at least one opening of the beehive 602 based on the coupling of the beehive access control device 100 to the beehive 602 for coupling the two channels 124-126 with an interior space of the beehive 602.

Further, the hive door 104 may be pivotably attached to the first exterior surface 136. Further, the hive door 104 may be configured to be pivotally rotated about an axis perpendicular to the first exterior surface 136 between a plurality of positions in relation to the first opening (128 and 130) on the first exterior surface 136 for at least one of closing and opening at least one of the two channels 124-126. Further, a plurality of bees enters the interior space by moving through a first channel 124 of the two channels 124-126 and exits the interior space by moving through a second channel 126 of the two channels 124-126 based on the opening of the two channels 124-126. Further, the plurality of bees may be bumblebees. Further, the hive door 104 may include a panel and a plane of the panel may be parallel to the first exterior surface 136.

Further, the at least one servo mechanism 106 may be operatively coupled with the hive door 104. Further, the at least one servo mechanism 106 may be configured for pivotally rotating the hive door 104 about the axis perpendicular to the exterior surface between the plurality of positions. Further, the at least one servo mechanism 106 may include a servo.

Further, the plurality of photodetectors 108-114 may be attached to an inner surface 132-134 of each of the two channels 124-126. Further, the plurality of photodetectors 108- 114 may be phototransistors.

Further, the infrared light emitting diode (LED) 116-118 may be attached to the inner surface 132-134 opposite to the plurality of photodetectors 108-114. Further, an infrared light emitted by the infrared LED 116-118 illuminates the plurality of photodetectors 108-114. Further, the moving of each of the plurality of bees through each of the two channels 124-126 interrupts the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors 108-114. Further, the plurality of photodetectors 108-114 may be configured for generating a plurality of signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating.

Further, the processor 120 may be communicatively coupled with the plurality of photodetectors 108-114 and the at least one servo mechanism 106. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for analyzing the plurality of signals. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for determining a number and a direction of movement of the plurality of bees moved through at least one of the two channels 124-126 based on the analyzing of the plurality of signals. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for generating a command for the at least one servo mechanism 106 based on the number of the plurality bees at least one of entered and exited the beehive 602, a current time, and a schedule may include one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels 124-126. Further, the pivotally rotating of the hive door 104 between the plurality of positions may be based on the command. Further, the processor 120 may include a processing unit.

Further, the memory 122 may be communicatively coupled with the processor 120. Further, the memory 122 may be configured for storing the schedule.

Further, in some embodiments, the processor 120 may be configured for analyzing the number and the direction of movement of the plurality of bees. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for generating an activity information of an activity of the plurality of bees associated with the beehive 602 based on the analyzing of the number and the direction of movement. Further, the activity corresponds to the number of the plurality of bees at least one of entered and exited the beehive 602 in a period of time. Further, the beehive access control device 100 may include a radio module 202, as shown in FIG. 2, communicatively coupled with the processor 120. Further, the radio module 202 may be configured for transmitting the activity information to at least one device 206, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the radio module 202 may include a communication interface. Further, the at least one device 206 may include a computing device.

In further embodiments, the beehive access control device 100 may include a radio module 202. Further, the radio module 202 may be communicatively coupled with the processor 120. Further, the radio module 202 may be configured for receiving one or more first schedules associated with one or more crop growing activities performed in a crop growing facility from at least one device 206, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the one or more crop growing activities may include artificial lighting, watering, fertilizer application, pesticide application, etc. of the plurality of crops. Further, the beehive access control device 100 and the beehive 602 may be placed in the crop growing facility. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for analyzing the one or more first schedules. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for determining the one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels 124-126 based on the analyzing of one or more first schedules. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for generating the schedule based on the determining of the one or more times.

In further embodiments, the beehive access control device 100 may include at least one sensor 204. Further, the at least one sensor 204 may be communicatively coupled with the processor 120. Further, the at least one sensor 204 may be configured for generating at least one sensor data based on detecting at least one environmental condition of an environment of a crop growing facility. Further, the crop growing facility may include a greenhouse. Further, the at least one environmental condition may include a moisture level, a lighting level, a temperature, etc. Further, the beehive access control device 100 and the beehive 602 may be placed in the crop growing facility. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for analyzing the at least one sensor data. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for determining the one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of each of the two channels 124-126 based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data. Further, the processor 120 may be configured for generating the schedule based on the determining of the one or more times.

Further, in an embodiment, the analyzing of the at least one sensor data may include analyzing the at least one sensor data using at least one machine learning model. Further, the at least one machine learning model may be trained for identifying optimal times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels 124-126. Further, the determining of the one or more times may be based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data using the at least one machine learning model.

Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of photodetectors 108-114 may include a first array of photodetectors (108 and 112) and a second array of photodetectors (110 and 114). Further, the first array of photodetectors (108 and 112) and the second array of photodetectors (110 and 114) may be parallelly attached on the inner surface 132-134.

Further, in an embodiment, the interrupting of the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors 108-114 may include the interrupting of the illuminating of the first array of photodetectors (108 and 112) and the second array of photodetectors (110 and 114) in a pattern based on the parallelly attaching of the first array of photodetectors (108 and 112) and the second array of photodetectors (110 and 114) on the inner surface 132-134.

Further, in an embodiment, the generating of the plurality of signals may include generating a plurality of first signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating of the first array of photodetectors (108 and 112) and a plurality of second signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating of the second array of photodetectors (110 and 114). Further, the plurality of signals may include the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals.

Further, in an embodiment, the analyzing of the plurality of signals may include analyzing the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals. Further, the determining of the direction of movement of each of the plurality of bees may be based on the analyzing of the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals.

In further embodiments, the beehive access control device 100 may include a radio module 202. Further, the radio module 202 may be communicatively coupled with the at least one servo mechanism 106. Further, the radio module 202 may be configured for receiving a request from at least one device 206. Further, the pivotally rotating of the hive door 104 between the plurality of positions may be based on the request.

Further, in some embodiments, the analyzing of the plurality of signals may include triggering a count based on the plurality of signals and incrementing the count by one based on the triggering. Further, the determining of the number of the plurality of bees may be based on the count.

Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of positions of the hive door 104 may include a first position, a second position, and a third position. Further, the hive door 104 covers the first opening (128 and 130) of each of the two channels 124-126 in the first position for closing each of the two channels 124-126. Further, the hive door 104 covers the first opening 130 of the second channel 126 and does not cover the first opening 128 of the first channel 124 in the second position for closing the second channel 126 and opening the first channel 124. Further, the hive door 104 does not cover the first opening (128 and 130) of each of the two channels 124-126 in the third position for opening each of the two channels 124-126.

Further, in some embodiments, the two channels 124-126 may be parallelly arranged in the body 102.

In further embodiments, at least one light filter 208-210 may be optically coupled with the plurality of photodetectors 108-114. Further, the at least one light filter may be an infrared pass filter. Further, the at least one light filter 208-210 may include HWB-850 filter. In further embodiments, at least one polarising film 212-214 may be optically coupled with the plurality of photodetectors 108-114.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the beehive access control device 100, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the beehive access control device 100, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the beehive access control device 100, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the beehive access control device 100 with the beehive, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a disassembled view of the beehive access control device 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the beehive access control device 100 may include a main hull 704, a shutter 705, a battery compartment lid 706, a circuit board 707, PCBs, a servo 714, an arm 715, six neodymium magnets, LittoKala NCR18650B 717, a PCB 718, a counter body 719, IR_filter_holder_R_side, IR_filter_holder_R_side 721, a photoreceiver_PCB 722, IR_diodes_PCB 723, and IR_filter 724.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a system 800 for managing pollination of crops in a crop growing facility 810 using bees, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the system 800 may include at least one beehive access control device 802-804, at least one crop sensor 812-814, a processing device 816, and a communication device 818.

Further, the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 may be configured to be coupled with at least one beehive 806-808 disposed in the crop growing facility 810. Further, each of the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 may include at least one channel and a hive door. Further, the hive door may be configured for transitioning the at least one channel between an open state and a closed state. Further, a plurality of bees associated with each of the at least one beehive 806-808 at least one of enters and exits each of the at least one beehive 806-808 by moving through the at least one channel based on the open state of the at least one channel. Further, each of the at least one beehive 806-808 may include at least one counting sensor (820 and 822). Further, the at least one counting sensor (820 and 822) may be configured for generating at least one counting sensor data based on detecting a number of bees at least one of entering and exiting each of the at least one beehive 806-808.

Further, the at least one crop sensor 812-814 may be disposed in the crop growing facility 810. Further, the at least one crop sensor 812-814 may be configured for generating at least one crop data associated with a plurality of crops grown in the crop growing facility 810. Further, the at least one crop sensor 812-814 may include a visible light camera, an infrared camera, an ultraviolet camera, a temperature sensor, a soil sensor, a moisture sensor, etc.

Further, the processing device 816 may be communicatively coupled with the at least one counting sensor (820 and 822) of each of the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 and the at least one crop sensor 812-814. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for analyzing the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining a pollination performance of the plurality of bees associated with each of the at least one beehive 806-808 based on the analyzing. Further, the pollination performance corresponds to an ability of the plurality of bees of each of the at least one beehive 806-808 to pollinate the plurality of crops Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for generating at least one recommendation for enhancing the pollination of the crops based on the pollination performance. Further, the processing device 816 may be a processor, a processing unit, etc.

Further, the communication device 818 may be communicatively coupled with the processing device 816. Further, the communication device 818 may be configured for transmitting the at least one recommendation to at least one device 824. Further, the communication device 818 may be a communication interface, etc. Further, the at least one device 824 may include a computing device. Further, in some embodiments, each of the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 may include at least one sensor 826 communicatively coupled with the processing device 816. Further, the at least one sensor 826 may be configured for generating at least one sensor data based on detecting an amount of pollen carried by each of the plurality of bees of each of the at least one beehive 806-808. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for analyzing the at least one sensor data. Further, the determining of the pollination performance may be based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data.

Further, the at least one sensor 826 may include a visible light camera, an infrared camera, an ultraviolet camera, a weight sensor, etc.

Further, in some embodiments, each of the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 may include at least one environment sensor 828 communicatively coupled with the processing device 816. Further, the at least one environment sensor 828 may be configured for generating at least one environment sensor data based on detecting at least one environmental condition of an environment of the crop growing facility 810. Further, the at least one environmental condition may include a lighting level, a temperature, a pressure, a moisture level, etc. Further, the processing device 816 may be further configured for analyzing the at least one environment sensor data. Further, the determining of the pollination performance may be further based on the analyzing of the at least one environment sensor data.

Further, in an embodiment, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining a remaining lifetime of each of the at least one beehive 806-808 based on the analyzing of the at least one environment sensor data and the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data. Further, the generating of the at least one recommendation may be based on the remaining lifetime.

Further, in an embodiment, the analyzing of the at least one environment sensor data may include analyzing the at least one environment sensor data using at least one machine learning model. Further, the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data may include analyzing the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data using the at least one machine learning model. Further, the at least one machine learning model may be trained for estimating a lifetime of bees based on an activity of the bees and environmental conditions. Further, the determining of the remaining lifetime may be based on the analyzing of the at least one environment sensor data using the at least one machine learning model and the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data using the at least one machine learning model.

Further, in some embodiments, the generating of the at least one crop data may include generating a pollination data associated with the plurality of crops based on detecting a level of pollination of each of the plurality of crops. Further, the at least one crop data may include the pollination data. Further, the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data may include analyzing the at least one counting sensor data and the pollination data. Further, the determining of the pollination performance of the plurality of bees associated with each of the at least one beehive 806-808 may be further based on the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the pollination data.

Further, in an embodiment, the processing device 816 may be further configured for determining a sufficiency of the at least one beehive 806-808 for the crop growing facility 810 based on the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the pollination data. Further, the generating of the at least one recommendation may be based on the sufficiency of the at least one beehive 806-808.

Further, in an embodiment, the generating of the at least one crop data may include generating a crop position data of each of the plurality of crops based on detecting a position of each of the plurality of crops in the crop growing facility 810. Further, the at least one crop data may include the crop position data. Further, the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data further may include analyzing the at least one counting sensor data, the pollination data, and the crop position data. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining a position of the at least one beehive 806-808 in the crop growing facility 810 based on the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data, the pollination data, and the crop position data. Further, the generating of the at least one recommendation may be based on the position of the at least one beehive 806-808 in the crop growing facility 810.

Further, in some embodiments, the generating of the at least one crop data may include generating the a crop development data associated with the plurality of crops based on detecting a stage of development of each of the plurality of crops. Further, the at least one crop data may include the crop development data. Further, the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the at least one crop data may include analyzing the at least one counting sensor data and the crop development data. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining a requirement of pollination for each of the plurality of crops based on the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data and the crop development data. Further, the generating of the at least one recommendation may be based on the requirement of the pollination.

Further, in some embodiments, each of the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 may include a body. Further, the at least one channel may include two channels comprised in the body. Further, each of the two channels may include a first opening on a first exterior surface of the body and a second opening on a second exterior surface of the body opposite to the first exterior surface. Further, the second opening aligns with at least one opening of each of the at least one beehive 806-808 based on the coupling of each of the at least one beehive access control device 802-804 to each of the at least one beehive 806-808 for coupling the two channels with an interior space of each of the at least one beehive 806- 808.

Further, in an embodiment, the hive door may be pivotably attached to the first exterior surface. Further, the hive door may be configured to be pivotally rotated about an axis perpendicular to the first exterior surface between a plurality of positions in relation to the first opening on the first exterior surface for at least one of closing and opening at least one of the two channels. Further, the plurality of bees enters the interior space by moving through a first channel of the two channels and exits the interior space by moving through a second channel of the two channels based on the opening of the two channels.

In further embodiments, at least one servo mechanism may be operatively coupled with the hive door. Further, the at least one servo mechanism may be configured for pivotally rotating the hive door about the axis perpendicular to the exterior surface between the plurality of positions.

Further, in an embodiment, the at least one counting sensor (820 and 822) may include a plurality of photodetectors and an infrared light emitting diode (LED). Further, the plurality of photodetectors may be attached to an inner surface of each of the two channels. Further, the infrared LED may be attached to the inner surface opposite to the plurality of photodetectors. Further, an infrared light emitted by the infrared LED illuminates the plurality of photodetectors. Further, the moving of each of the plurality of bees through each of the two channels interrupts the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors. Further, the plurality of photodetectors may be configured for generating a plurality of signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating.

Further, in an embodiment, the processing device 816 may be communicatively coupled with the at least one servo mechanism. Further, the at least one counting sensor data may include the plurality of signals. Further, the analyzing of the at least one counting sensor data may include analyzing the plurality of signals. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining a number and a direction of movement of the plurality of bees moved through at least one of the two channels based on the analyzing of the plurality of signals. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for generating a command for the at least one servo mechanism based on the number of the plurality bees at least one of entered and exited each of the at least one beehive 806-808, a current time, and a schedule may include one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels. Further, the pivotally rotating of the hive door between the plurality of positions may be based on the command.

In further embodiments, a memory may be communicatively coupled with the processing device 816. Further, the memory may be configured for storing the schedule.

Further, in an embodiment, the processing device 816 may be configured for analyzing the number and the direction of movement of the plurality of bees. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for generating an activity information of an activity of the plurality of bees associated with each of the at least one beehive 806-808 based on the analyzing of the number and the direction of movement. Further, the activity corresponds to the number of the plurality of bees at least one of entered and exited each of the at least one beehive 806-808 in a period of time. Further, the communication device 818 may be configured for transmitting the activity information to at least one device 824.

Further, in an embodiment, the communication device 818 may be configured for receiving one or more first schedules associated with one or more crop growing activities performed in the crop growing facility 810 from at least one device 824. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for analyzing the one or more first schedules. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining the one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels based on the analyzing of one or more first schedules. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for generating the schedule based on the determining of the one or more times.

In further embodiments, at least one sensor may be communicatively coupled with the processing device 816. Further, the at least one sensor may be configured for generating at least one sensor data based on detecting at least one environmental condition of an environment of the crop growing facility 810. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for analyzing the at least one sensor data. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for determining the one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of each of the two channels based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data. Further, the processing device 816 may be configured for generating the schedule based on the determining of the one or more times.

Further, in an embodiment, the analyzing of the at least one sensor data may include analyzing the at least one sensor data using at least one machine learning model. Further, the at least one machine learning model may be trained for identifying optimal times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels. Further, the determining of the one or more times may be further based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data using the at least one machine learning model.

Further, in an embodiment, the plurality of photodetectors may include a first array of photodetectors and a second array of photodetectors. Further, the first array of photodetectors and the second array of photodetectors may be parallelly attached on the inner surface.

Further, in an embodiment, the interrupting of the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors may include the interrupting of the illuminating of the first array of photodetectors and the second array of photodetectors in a pattern based on the parallelly attaching of the first array of photodetectors and the second array of photodetectors on the inner surface. Further, in an embodiment, the generating of the plurality of signals may include generating a plurality of first signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating of the first array of photodetectors and a plurality of second signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating of the second array of photodetectors. Further, the plurality of signals may include the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals.

Further, in an embodiment, the analyzing of the plurality of signals may include analyzing the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals. Further, the determining of the direction of movement of each of the plurality of bees may be further based on the analyzing of the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals.

Further, in an embodiment, the communication device 818 may be communicatively coupled with the at least one servo mechanism. Further, the communication device 818 may be configured for receiving a request from at least one device 824. Further, the pivotally rotating of the hive door between the plurality of positions may be based on the request.

Further, in an embodiment, the analyzing of the plurality of signals may include triggering a count based on the plurality of signals and incrementing the count by one based on the triggering. Further, the determining of the number of the plurality of bees may be further based on the count.

Further, in an embodiment, the plurality of positions of the hive door may include a first position, a second position, and a third position. Further, the hive door covers the first opening of each of the two channels in the first position for closing each of the two channels Further, the hive door covers the first opening of the second channel and does not cover the first opening of the first channel in the second position for closing the second channel and opening the first channel. Further, the hive door does not cover the first opening of each of the two channels in the third position for opening each of the two channels.

Further, in an embodiment, the two channels may be parallelly arranged in the body.

In further embodiments, at least one light filter may be optically coupled with the plurality of photodetectors. Further, the at least one light filter may be an infrared pass filter. In further embodiments, at least one polarising film may be optically coupled with the plurality of photodetectors.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a beehive access control system 900, in accordance with some embodiments. The beehive access control system 900 may include a plurality of computing devices and other devices including at least one beehive access control device 902, at least one hub device 904, at least one client computing device 908, and at least one server computing device 910 that communicate via a communication network 906. The at least one client computing device 908 and the at least one server computing device 910. The at least one client computing device 908 and the at least one server computing device 910 may execute and deploy beehive access control application 912.

The at least one client computing device 908 is configured to receive data from and/or transmit data to the at least one server computing device 910, the at least one beehive access control device 902, and the at least one hub device 904 through the communication network 910. Although the at least one server computing device 910 is shown as a single computing device, it is contemplated that the at least one server computing device 910 may include multiple computing devices. In addition, although the at least one client computing device 908 is shown as a single computing device, it is contemplated that the at least one client computing device 908 may include multiple computing devices.

The communication network 906 can be the Internet, an intranet, or another wired or wireless communication network. For example, the communication network 906 may include a Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, 3 rd Generation Partnership Project (GPP) network, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a wireless application protocol (WAP) network, a WiFi network, a Bluetooth network, a satellite communications network, or an IEEE 802.11 standards network, as well as various communications thereof. Other conventional and/or later developed wired and wireless networks may also be used.

The at least one server computing device 910 includes at least one processor to process data and memory to store data. The processor processes communications, build communications, retrieves data from memory, and stores data in memory. The processor and the memory are hardware. The memory may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory, e.g., a computer-readable storage medium such as a cache, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or other memory to store data and/or computer- readable executable instructions such as a portion or component of the beehive access control application 912. In addition, the at least one server computing device 910 further includes at least one communications interface to transmit and receive communications, messages, and/or signals.

The at least one client computing device 908 can be a laptop computer, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a standard personal computer, or another processing device. The at least one client computing device 908 may include a display, such as a computer monitor, for displaying data and/or graphical user interfaces. The at least one client computing device 908 may also include a Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware device for determining a particular location of the client computing device 908, an input device, such as a camera, a keyboard or a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, trackball, pen, or touch screen) to enter data into or interact with graphical and/or other types of user interfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the display and the input device may be incorporated together as a touch screen of the smartphone or tablet computer.

The at least one client computing device 908 may display on the display a graphical user interface (or GUI). The graphical user interface may be provided by the beehive access control application 912. The graphical user interface enables a user of the at least one client computing device 908 to interact with the beehive access control application 912.

The beehive access control application 912 may be a component of an application and/or service executable by the at least one server computing device 910, the at least one client computing device 908, the at least one hub device 904, and the at least one beehive access control device 902. For example, the beehive access control application 912 may be a single unit of deployable executable code or a plurality of units of deployable executable code. According to one aspect, the beehive access control application 912 may include one component that may be a web application, a native application, and/or a mobile application (e.g., an app) downloaded from a digital distribution application platform that allows users to browse and download applications developed with mobile software development kits (SDKs) including the App Store and GOOGLE PLAY@, among others. The beehive access control system 900 may also include a relational database management system (RDBMS) or another type of database management system such as a NoSQL database system that stores and communicates data from at least one database 914.

As an example, the at least one database 914 may store beehive access control information for a plurality of beehive access control devices 902 including a number of bees that have entered a particular hive in a particular period of time, a number of bees that have exited a particular hive in a particular period of time, battery level information for the beehive access control device, a name of each beehive access control device, network connectivity information for each beehive access control device, and shutter information for each beehive access control device (e.g., open, closed, partially open).

In one example, the at least one hub device 904 may be a gateway device that includes a radio transceiver to communicate with the at least one beehive access control device 902, and the at least one server computing device 910. The at least one hub device 904 may control and connect to hundreds of beehive access control devices that may be located in a greenhouse area of approximately one hectare. The at least one hub device 904 may include one or more buttons or switches that may allow a user to (1) change a position of the shutter or hive door on one or more of the beehive access control devices 902 that are connected to the hub device and (2) sync one or more of the beehive access control devices to the hub device 904.

An optimal time for opening and closing the shutter or hive door may be dependent upon an artificial lighting schedule in a greenhouse as well as other factors such as plant spraying/watering schedules. A user may use the client computing device 902 to setup a schedule to open and close the shutter or hive door that is based on a particular situation. The schedule may be sent from the server computing device 910 to the hub device 904 and/or the beehive access control device 902. Each beehive access control device 902 may automatically execute commands based on the schedule. As another example, the beehive access control application 912 may train an artificial intelligence engine that may automatically identify times when it is most efficient or optimal to open or close the hive to bees. The artificial intelligence may be based on a lighting level or a moisture or humidity level as determined by the beehive access control device 902 and/or the hub device 904. The beehive access control device 902 may send bee activity information to the hub device 904, which may transmit the information to the server computing device 910. As a result, the beehive access control application 912 may automatically determine and analyze a number of bees that enter and exit the hive over a particular period of time. As pollination can significantly improve a crop yield for a farm, it may be very important for a grower to identify hives that may have low activity quickly and replace the hive.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the beehive access control device 902 of the beehive access control system 900, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the beehive access control device 902 includes an optic counting module 1001 that has one or more infrared (IR) LEDs 1002 that provides an IR light 1004 that is detected by one or more IR transistors 1006. The IR transistors 1006 are connected to one or more comparators 1008 and the optic counting module is powered by an optic power control unit 1010.

Further, the beehive access control device 902 may include one or more servo units 1012 or servomechanisms that may include one or more servos 1014 that are powered by one or more servo power control units 1016. The servo unit 1012 is in communication with one or more microcontroller units (MCUs) 1018 has one or more processors that also are in communication with one or more radio modules 1020. The one or more MCUs 1018 are powered by one or more power control units 1022.

Further, the beehive access control device 902 may have one or more counting sensors that may be housed within a body or shell. The beehive access control device 902 may have one or more parallel access channels, openings, passageways, or holes. Each of the parallel access channels may have one or more photo transistors and one or more infrared LEDs. In one example, there may be eight phototransistors and two infrared LEDs, and there may be four phototransistors in one channel and four phototransistors in the other channel. The four phototransistors may be arranged in one or more arrays such that there may be two parallel arrays or strips of two phototransistors. At the bottom of the channel or hole, there may be an infrared LED to illuminate the phototransistors. The beehive access control device 902 may perform a counting process when the flow of light from the LED to the phototransistor is interrupted. When this occurs, the beehive access control device 902 triggers a count and adds one to the count. Thus, the beehive access control device 902 may perform infrared (IR) tracking of bumblebee movement with the two arrays or rows of phototransistors to identify a particular direction of movement for each bumblebee. In addition, the opening and closing of the one or more channels or holes may be executed by one or more servos 1012. The servo may be mounted to a hive door, shutter, or a device that may close the channel. Depending on a command, the servo 1012 may rotate the shutter in one of three positions and may block one of the channels of the counting sensor. As an example, the three positions may be closed when both channels are closed, open for access or only getting into the hive when only one channel is open, and open for access and entering and exiting of the hive when both channels are open. In addition, the beehive access control device 902 may provide two-way communication using a particular communication protocol that allows remote execution of control commands for the hive door, shutter, or devices that open or close the channels. Further, the beehive access control device 902 may have one or more batteries or power devices such as one or more lithium-ion batteries. The lithium ion batteries may be lithium ion batteries or another type of battery. When the one or more lithium ion batteries are fully charged, the beehive access control device 902 may work autonomously for a period of time such as up to twelve weeks. The batteries may be mounted on a mounting system or holders within the beehive access control device 902. In addition, the batteries may be protected by a battery cover that may be quickly detached and reattached to the case or shell of the beehive access control device 902 using one or more magnets such as four neodymium magnets.

With reference to FIG. 11, a system consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure may include a computing device or cloud service, such as computing device 1100, which can be for example any computing device making up the beehive access control device 902, the hub device 904, the client computing device 908, and the server computing device 910. In a basic configuration, computing device 1100 may include at least one processing unit 1102, and a system memory 1104. Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, system memory 1104 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. random-access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination. System memory 1104 may include operating system 1105, one or more programming modules 1106, and may include a program data 1107. Operating system 1105, for example, may be suitable for controlling computing device 1100’s operation. In one embodiment, programming modules 1106 may include image-processing module, machine learning module. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 11 by those components within a dashed line 1108.

Computing device 1100 may have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 1100 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 11 by a removable storage 1109 and a non-removable storage 1110. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 1104, removable storage 1109, and non-removable storage 1110 are all computer storage media examples (i.e., memory storage.) Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by computing device 1100. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 1100. Computing device 1100 may also have input device(s) 1112 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a touch input device, a location sensor, a camera, a biometric sensor, etc. Output device(s) 1114 such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used.

Computing device 1100 may also contain a communication connection 1116 that may allow device 1100 to communicate with other computing devices 1118, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet. Communication connection 1116 is one example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct- wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein may include both storage media and communication media.

As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in system memory 1104, including operating system 1105. While executing on processing unit 1102, programming modules 1106 (e.g., application 1120 such as a media player) may perform processes including, for example, one or more stages of methods, algorithms, systems, applications, servers, databases as described above. The aforementioned process is an example, and processing unit 1102 may perform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include machine learning applications.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, general purpose graphics processor-based systems, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, application specific integrated circuit-based electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer- readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random- access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, solid state storage (e.g., USB drive), or a CD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods’ stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the disclosure.

Although the present disclosure has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A beehive access control device for a beehive, wherein the beehive access control device is configured to be coupled to the beehive, wherein the beehive access control device comprises: a body comprising two channels, wherein each of the two channels comprises a first opening on a first exterior surface of the body and a second opening on a second exterior surface of the body opposite to the first exterior surface, wherein the second opening aligns with at least one opening of the beehive based on the coupling of the beehive access control device to the beehive for coupling the two channels with an interior space of the beehive; a hive door pivotably attached to the first exterior surface, wherein the hive door is configured to be pivotally rotated about an axis perpendicular to the first exterior surface between a plurality of positions in relation to the first opening on the first exterior surface for at least one of closing and opening at least one of the two channels, wherein a plurality of bees enters the interior space by moving through a first channel of the two channels and exits the interior space by moving through a second channel of the two channels based on the opening of the two channels; at least one servo mechanism operatively coupled with the hive door, wherein the at least one servo mechanism is configured for pivotally rotating the hive door about the axis perpendicular to the exterior surface between the plurality of positions; a plurality of photodetectors attached to an inner surface of each of the two channels; an infrared light emitting diode (LED) attached to the inner surface opposite to the plurality of photodetectors, wherein an infrared light emitted by the infrared LED illuminates the plurality of photodetectors, wherein the moving of each of the plurality of bees through each of the two channels interrupts the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors, wherein the plurality of photodetectors is configured for generating a plurality of signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating; a processor communicatively coupled with the plurality of photodetectors and the at least one servo mechanism, wherein the processor is configured for: analyzing the plurality of signals; determining a number and a direction of movement of the plurality of bees moved through at least one of the two channels based on the analyzing of the plurality of signals; and generating a command for the at least one servo mechanism based on the number of the plurality bees at least one of entered and exited the beehive, a current time, and a schedule comprising one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels, wherein the pivotally rotating of the hive door between the plurality of positions is based on the command; and a memory communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein the memory is configured for storing the schedule.

2. The beehive access control device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured for: analyzing the number and the direction of movement of the plurality of bees; and generating an activity information of an activity of the plurality of bees associated with the beehive based on the analyzing of the number and the direction of movement, wherein the activity corresponds to the number of the plurality of bees at least one of entered and exited the beehive in a period of time, wherein the beehive access control device further comprises a radio module communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein the radio module is configured for transmitting the activity information to at least one device.

3. The beehive access control device of claim 1 further comprising a radio module communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein the radio module is configured for receiving one or more first schedules associated with one or more crop growing activities performed in a crop growing facility from at least one device, wherein the beehive access control device and the beehive is placed in the crop growing facility, wherein the processor is further configured for: analyzing the one or more first schedules; determining the one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels based on the analyzing of one or more first schedules; and generating the schedule based on the determining of the one or more times.

4. The beehive access control device of claim 1 further comprising at least one sensor communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured for generating at least one sensor data based on detecting at least one environmental condition of an environment of a crop growing facility, wherein the beehive access control device and the beehive is placed in the crop growing facility, wherein the processor is further configured for: analyzing the at least one sensor data; determining the one or more times for at least one of the closing and the opening of each of the two channels based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data; and generating the schedule based on the determining of the one or more times.

5. The beehive access control device of claim 4, wherein the analyzing of the at least one sensor data comprises analyzing the at least one sensor data using at least one machine learning model, wherein the at least one machine learning model is trained for identifying optimal times for at least one of the closing and the opening of at least one of the two channels, wherein the determining of the one or more times is further based on the analyzing of the at least one sensor data using the at least one machine learning model.

6. The beehive access control device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of photodetectors comprises a first array of photodetectors and a second array of photodetectors, wherein the first array of photodetectors and the second array of photodetectors are parallelly attached on the inner surface.

7. The beehive access control device of claim 6, wherein the interrupting of the illuminating of the plurality of photodetectors comprises the interrupting of the illuminating of the first array of photodetectors and the second array of photodetectors in a pattern based on the parallelly attaching of the first array of photodetectors and the second array of photodetectors on the inner surface.

8. The beehive access control device of claim 7, wherein the generating of the plurality of signals comprises generating a plurality of first signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating of the first array of photodetectors and a plurality of second signals based on the interrupting of the illuminating of the second array of photodetectors, wherein the plurality of signals comprises the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals.

9. The beehive access control device of claim 8, wherein the analyzing of the plurality of signals comprises analyzing the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals, wherein the determining of the direction of movement of each of the plurality of bees is further based on the analyzing of the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals.

10. The beehive access control device of claim 1 further comprising a radio module communicatively coupled with the at least one servo mechanism, wherein the radio module is configured for receiving a request from at least one device, wherein the pivotally rotating of the hive door between the plurality of positions is based on the request.

11. The beehive access control device of claim 1, wherein the analyzing of the plurality of signals comprises: triggering a count based on the plurality of signals; and incrementing the count by one based on the triggering, wherein the determining of the number of the plurality of bees is further based on the count.

12. The beehive access control device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of positions of the hive door comprises a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the hive door covers the first opening of each of the two channels in the first position for closing each of the two channels, wherein the hive door covers the first opening of the second channel and does not cover the first opening of the first channel in the second position for closing the second channel and opening the first channel, wherein the hive door does not cover the first opening of each of the two channels in the third position for opening each of the two channels.

13. The beehive access control device of claim 1, wherein the two channels are parallelly arranged in the body.

14. The beehive access control device of claim 1 further comprising at least one light filter optically coupled with the plurality of photodetectors, wherein the at least one light filter is an infrared pass filter.

15. The beehive access control device of claim 1 further comprising at least one polarising film optically coupled with the plurality of photodetectors.