- BOTSWANA’S FIRST EVER PATENT, ALSO GRANTED INTERNATIONALLY: THE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SORTING OF DIAMONDS:
First in Botswana’s history, the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Invention has been granted a patent in respect of the invention “Method and System for Sorting of Diamonds.” This invention, filed under the BIUST name, was invented by Professor Adamu Murtala Zungeru, Dr. Ernest Gomolemo Modise, and Professor Joseph Monamati Chuma.
The patent application was first filed in 2020 through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), examined at the European Patent Office (EPO), and was found to meet all requirements for a patent following successful international examination. Resultantly, a patent in respect of this invention was granted both locally and internationally in:
- Botswana, in April 2023;
- South Africa (October 2023);
- the Russian Federation in November 2023;
- African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) with 12 designated states in March 2024; and
- the United States of America (USA), the largest market in the world, in July 2024.
The invention has also met the patentability criteria in Europe, with 39 designated counties, and is awaiting a patent grant. It has also been published in Canada and China.
BIUST appreciates the support of the Botswana Innovation Fund through the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub for funding this invention in the sum of P3,800,000. The Diamond Sorting Machine (the First of its kind) is now being designed in-house. As the first to lead in intellectual property and a knowledge-based economy, it will add significant value to the nation.
2. A PATENT FOR AN ELECTRICAL SWITCHING SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING OR INSTALLATION:
The grant of a patent in August 2024 in respect of the invention “An Electrical Switching System for a Building or Installation”, an invention invented by Professor Adamu Murtala Zungeru, Professor Joseph Monamati Chuma, Jwaone Gaboitaolelwe, and Mmoloki Mangwala, is yet another significant milestone for BIUST and the nation at large. This marks the 2nd Invention in BIUST to be granted a patent in Botswana. The invention, which is broadly related to switching electricity in buildings or installations, is a pioneering system and method for providing both course building control of electricity and fine load/appliance level control of electricity within the building. A prototype of this groundbreaking invention can be found in the BIUST Off-Grid Secured Smart House.
The secured smart home switching system provides some basic smart home functionality such as centralized local control, remote control over SMS, and security of a building power supply starting from the switch box up to the sockets and switches. This is achieved using a (1) Smart hub; (2) Smart socket; (3) Smart switch; and (4) Smart switchboard. The smart hub is the centre of the secured smart home switching system. It provides centralised control and monitoring of a building’s electricity. By interacting with the smart hub, an authorised user can remotely as well as locally monitor, control, and lock the power states of smart switches, smart sockets and smart switchboards in a building and hence monitor and control the state of appliances connected to a building’s power supply.
In the public sector, Botswana could benefit from the proposed system by using it in public or government buildings such as schools, offices, and hospital facilities. These are buildings with high volumes of people and large spaces to monitor. The application of the proposed system in such buildings improves building management. It provides management methods for controlling who has access the building’s electricity, and it also provides a means of controlling or monitoring multiple appliances from a central point.
Moreover, under the private sector, landlords with multi-tenant offices, buildings, and residences can benefit from this invention by using it to partition their buildings/home’s electrical sockets and switches based on tenant’s rooms or living spaces. Tenants who do not pay for the electricity, waste electricity, or use unauthorised appliances can have their sockets isolated and locked to prevent them from using them. Adding security or access control to homes/buildings smart sockets and switches adds a new layer of functionality that can be explored through creative software designs. This is to create new services and interesting ways for home/building owners to impose restrictions on how users interact with their homes/buildings’ power supply.
3. A PATENT FOR THE INVENTION “FARMYARD ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD” TO REVOLUTIONIZE AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
BIUST also wishes to proudly announce the patent granted to it, “Farmyard Access Control System and Method”, developed and invented by Professor Adamu Zungeru, Prof. Joseph Chuma, Dr Mmoloki Mangwala, and Ms. Keobakile Tlaang. This marks the 3rd Invention in BIUST to be granted a patent in Botswana. This system, the latest in BIUST’s growing portfolio of technological advancements, is set to revolutionise agricultural operations by automating animal management processes and providing farmers with real-time data on livestock movements.
The “Farmyard Access Control System” is a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution that enables farmers to control, monitor, and track animals within farmyard enclosures without requiring constant physical intervention. This system comprises a series of sensors, counters, and gate modules that work together seamlessly, offering a scalable solution to improve farm efficiency and ensure livestock security.
Key Features and Advantages of the System
- Automated Gate Operation
The system is designed to respond intelligently to animal movements. An access gate equipped with motorised mechanisms can open and close in response to sensor signals. A practical feature of the system is that it can hold the gate open for a set period, allowing animals to move freely in or out of the enclosure and then close automatically after a pre-determined idle time.
2. Precision Animal Counting
Farmers can keep an accurate count of animals using the system’s counter module, which registers each animal that passes through the access opening. This feature provides a valuable inventory tool that helps farmers maintain accurate records without manual tracking, reducing labour and the possibility of counting errors.
3. Real-Time Data Monitorin
By integrating a Visual Sensor Network (VSN), the farmyard system is capable of transmitting animal movement data to remote displays, offering farmers a holistic view of livestock movements from anywhere with network access. This capability is especially useful for large-scale farms where animals may have multiple points of entry and exit.
4. Flexible Sensor Options
The system’s highly adaptable sensor arrangement includes options for infrared, proximity, optical, and mechanical sensors. This variety ensures that the system can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different farm environments, from small livestock farms to more extensive operations.
5. Versatile for Diverse Farm Setups
This access control system can be adapted for various types of animal enclosures. It can manage multiple entry points and work with an individual motor for each gate, enabling a flexible arrangement that can serve small and large farms alike.
Advanced Technological Design for Robust Operation
- Hardware and Software Options
The farmyard access control system is designed with versatility in mind, offering both hardware and software configurations. This includes Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) with discrete electronic components and software modules that can be customized based on operational needs. This modular design ensures robustness and reliability in challenging outdoor farm environments.
2. Centralized Data Management
To facilitate long-term management, the system supports a centralized database that records each animal’s movement data. This database enables farmers to analyse historical movement patterns and manage livestock health, feeding schedules, and even breeding cycles more effectively.
3. User-Friendly Interface
The system features a straightforward input arrangement, such as push-button or toggle switches, making it accessible to farmers regardless of their technological expertise. This ease of use means that farmers can focus on managing livestock with minimal technical concerns.
4. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Designed with sustainability in mind, the system is energy-efficient and can be powered by solar technology, making it suitable for Botswana’s sunny climate. This feature reduces reliance on traditional energy sources, aligning with environmentally friendly practices.
Enhancing Botswana’s Agricultural Sector Through Innovation
- Supporting National Development Goals
The development of this patented system supports Botswana’s Vision 2036, which envisions an IP-driven economy focused on innovation and sustainability. By promoting solutions tailored to Botswana’s unique agricultural landscape, BIUST is helping drive economic development and sustainability in local communities.
2. Training and Knowledge Transfer
To maximize the system’s impact, BIUST is committed to providing workshops and training sessions for farmers across Botswana. These initiatives will raise awareness about the benefits of automation in agriculture and empower local farmers to adopt more efficient farming practices, ultimately strengthening Botswana’s agricultural sector.
3. Future Commercialization and Industry Partnerships
As part of its dedication to fostering technology transfer, BIUST plans to pursue partnerships with agribusiness firms to bring the “Farmyard Access Control System” to the market. This will ensure the technology reaches a broad audience and enables widespread adoption, creating new opportunities for Botswana’s agricultural sector.
A Collaborative Effort Reflecting BIUST’s Research Excellence
- Research Team Behind the Invention
The research team, led by Prof. Zungeru, developed this system with BIUST’s Office of Technology Transfer support. Each inventor contributed their unique expertise, creating an interdisciplinary approach demonstrating cross-sector collaboration’s potential in solving local challenges.
2. Celebrating BIUST’s Role in Botswana’s Technological Advancement
This patent underscores BIUST’s role as a leader in research and innovation in Botswana. With its ongoing commitment to knowledge creation and intellectual property development, BIUST is helping pave the way for Botswana to become a centre for technological excellence in Africa.
3 . BIUST’s Strategic Commitment to Agricultural Innovation
BIUST recognises agriculture as a vital economic sector in Botswana and is committed to delivering research and technological solutions to enhance farming practices. This invention not only addresses the immediate needs of local farmers but also establishes a foundation for future research in agricultural technology.
Looking Ahead
Long-Term Vision for Technology-Driven Agriculture
BIUST envisions a future where technology is deeply integrated into agriculture, transforming traditional practices and creating sustainable systems that address food security and resource management in Botswana. This invention is a significant step in realizing this vision.
