Low-power-consumption sectional type water level sensor system suitable for farmland environment

Abstract

The invention discloses a low-power-consumption sectional type water level sensor system suitable for a farmland environment, and relates to the technical field of agricultural monitoring, the low-power-consumption sectional type water level sensor system comprises a water level detection terminal and a central control module, the exterior of the water level detection terminal is tightly wrapped with an aluminum shell, and the central control module is arranged in the middle of the interior of the shell; the outer wall of the lower portion of the shell is sleeved with an annular clamp, a water level detection probe is installed on the outer wall of the annular clamp, and the water level detection probe is composed of a probe sheath, a probe positive electrode and a probe negative electrode. The probe positive electrode and the probe negative electrode are both designed in a sectional mode and embedded with a first water level sensor and a second water level sensor which are stacked up and down. By adopting the probe segmentation design, the water level quantitative measurement function is achieved, analog quantity jump and misjudgment caused by factors such as water drop adhesion and liquid surface tension can be effectively reduced, the objectivity and accuracy of water level value judgment are ensured, and the precision and reliability of water level measurement are improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates to the technical field of agricultural monitoring, in particular to a low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environment. BACKGROUND

[0002] The water level of farmland is one of important factors affecting agricultural production. Different crops have different tolerance to water level. Once the water level exceeds the tolerance range of crops, the normal growth of crops is inhibited, resulting in yield reduction, or even crop death. Therefore, it is of great significance for agricultural production practice to accurately and timely grasp the water level data of farmland.

[0003] The existing farmland water level monitoring equipment mostly uses single probe or non-segmented sensor, which has the problems of low measurement accuracy, easy environmental interference, high power consumption and short service life. Especially in outdoor farmland environment, factors such as water quality change, temperature fluctuation and moisture evaporation will affect the stability and accuracy of the sensor. In addition, the traditional equipment often lacks effective quantitative segmentation mechanism, resulting in large water level measurement error, which is difficult to meet the demand of modern agriculture for precise irrigation.

[0004] Patent document CN112150897B discloses a sensor device for measuring field water level. The patent has the advantages of simple structure, easy installation, easy maintenance, low power consumption, stable operation and long service life. The data transmission is real-time and accurate, the structure is simple and easy to install and maintain, the online monitoring of water level can meet the actual production needs, and has good application prospect.

[0005] The patent discloses that the second sensing hole is connected with the second cavity, and the first sensing hole is connected with the first cavity. Under different water levels, a pressure difference is formed between the second cavity and the environment atmospheric pressure. The water level sensor converts the pressure difference into a measurable voltage signal, which is transmitted to the device connected with the water level sensor device through the communication cable. The pressure difference and the water level are obtained by ADC acquisition and MCU calculation of the external device, and the current water level value is obtained. However, the patent lacks effective quantitative segmentation mechanism, resulting in large measurement error.

[0006] Therefore, the application provides a low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environment, which can accurately measure the water level. SUMMARY

[0007] The application aims to provide a low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environment, which solves the technical problem of lacking quantitative segmentation mechanism in the background technology.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environments, comprising a water level detection terminal and a central control module. The water level detection terminal is tightly wrapped with an aluminum shell. The central control module is located in the middle of the shell. An annular clamp is fitted on the lower outer wall of the shell, and a water level detection probe is installed on the outer wall of the annular clamp.

[0009] The water level detection probe consists of a probe sleeve, a probe positive electrode, and a probe negative electrode;

[0010] The top of the probe sleeve is plugged into and connected to the annular clamp. The positive and negative probe electrodes are arranged in parallel and fixedly connected to the bottom of the probe sleeve. The ends of the positive and negative probe electrodes away from the probe sleeve extend vertically downward. The positive and negative probe electrodes of the water level detection probe are both designed in a segmented manner and are equipped with a first water level sensor and a second water level sensor arranged in an upper and lower superimposed layout.

[0011] Preferably, the probe positive and negative electrodes are uniformly distributed with conductive segments made of corrosion-resistant conductive material arranged along the probe axis. The length of each conductive segment ranges from 0.5 to 2 cm. Adjacent conductive segments are separated by laser cutting to form an isolation groove, which is filled with insulating material. The insulation isolation width between the conductive segments ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 cm.

[0012] Preferably, the measuring range of both the first and second water level sensors is 0-7cm. The first and second water level sensors have two deployment methods: the first and second water level sensors are connected end to end by a magnetic connector, and the system measuring range after connection is 0-14cm; the first and second water level sensors are installed independently at a vertical interval of Ncm, and the system measuring range is 0-7cm-Ncm-N+7cm, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the housing of the water level detection terminal is provided with a power supply module, the power supply module is provided with a storage battery, and a solar panel is provided above the power supply module. The solar panel is made of monocrystalline silicon and is connected to the built-in battery through wires. The power supply module is connected to the central control module through a signal line. The sensor system works at a frequency of uploading 24 data points per day when the storage battery is fully charged. The standby time is 4-6 months, and it can work continuously for 30 days under continuous rainy conditions.

[0014] Preferably, the probe sleeve of the water level detection probe is provided with a signal line at the top, and a data preprocessing communication module is provided inside the probe sleeve. The data preprocessing communication module is connected to the output terminals of the probe's positive and negative terminals respectively. One end of the signal line is connected to the data preprocessing communication module inside the probe sleeve, and the other end of the signal line is connected to the central control module through a pre-set wiring pipe inside the housing. The data preprocessing communication module converts the detection data from the water level detection probe into digital values ​​and transmits them to the central control module through the signal line.

[0015] Preferably, the central control module is internally equipped with a data processing unit, a positioning unit, a data transmission unit, and an anomaly detection unit. The data transmission unit is connected to the data processing unit, the positioning unit, and the anomaly detection unit via signal lines. The data processing unit receives digital values ​​converted by the data preprocessing communication module via signal lines and performs analysis and processing. The processed data is then sent to the data transmission unit. The data transmission unit combines the data from the data processing unit with the location information obtained by the positioning unit into a data packet and sends it to the remote server.

[0016] Preferably, the data preprocessing communication module of the probe sheath is equipped with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a 4G communication unit. The data processing unit of the central control module is equipped with a microcontroller (MCU). The ADC converts the continuous analog voltage signal measured by the water level detection probe into a digital value that the MCU can understand and process. The MCU receives the digital value through the signal line and executes the built-in sampling stabilization algorithm. The algorithm continuously collects three ADC sampling values ​​and performs stability judgment. When the sampling is determined to be stable, the MCU takes the arithmetic mean of the three sampling values ​​as the final ADC result. The MCU then converts this ADC average value into a water level value according to the preset calibration curve. If the difference between the three sampling values ​​does not meet the stability condition, the MCU instructs to resample until stable data is obtained. The data processing unit also reads the battery level and signal strength and manages the sleep and wake-up of the management device.

[0017] Preferably, the anomaly detection unit in the central control module is electrically connected to the data processing unit. The anomaly detection unit is configured to monitor the data update status and battery voltage status. When the data stops updating for more than a preset time threshold and the battery voltage is lower than 3.3 volts, the anomaly detection unit will trigger an anomaly signal and send the anomaly signal to the remote server through the data transmission unit.

[0018] Preferably, the data transmission unit of the central control module is a wireless communication unit and is configured to upload data at preset time intervals. Each uploaded data packet includes the following fields: device serial number, device model, SIM card identification code, first water level value, second water level value, analog quantity of the first analog-to-digital converter, analog quantity of the second analog-to-digital converter, location information, battery voltage value, wireless signal strength index, number of times data is repeatedly transmitted, device wake-up method code, and device software version number.

[0019] Preferably, a support rod is installed at the bottom of the housing of the water level detection terminal. The bottom of the support rod is designed to be conical, and an annular bracket is fitted at the connection between the support rod and the housing.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] 1. This invention achieves the function of quantitative water level measurement by adopting a segmented probe design, which can effectively reduce analog quantity jumps and misjudgments caused by factors such as water droplet adhesion and liquid surface tension, ensuring the objectivity and accuracy of water level value judgment, and improving the accuracy and reliability of water level measurement;

[0022] 2. By designing the sensor deployment method, this invention achieves the function of flexible range configuration. Different ranges can be selected according to the actual water depth requirements of farmland, avoiding the problem of being unable to measure due to water level exceeding the range or needing to replace the entire device, greatly enhancing adaptability and flexibility.

[0023] 3. This invention improves the accuracy of data by installing a data processing unit. The built-in sampling stabilization algorithm can effectively filter out numerical fluctuations caused by water ripples and instantaneous interference, ensuring that the reported water level data is the true value under stable conditions.

[0024] 4. This invention achieves convenient installation and maintenance by adopting an insert-type installation design. It only requires inserting the bracket into the soil, eliminating the need for complex wiring and civil engineering. The modular design makes sensor stacking, battery replacement, and component repair easier. The system's long lifespan and low maintenance requirements provide users with extremely high long-term value. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operation process of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the water level detection probe structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the probe structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the segmented water level sensor structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the central control module structure of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Water level detection terminal; 2. Housing; 3. Ring clamp; 4. Water level detection probe; 5. Bracket; 6. Support rod; 7. Power supply module; 8. Solar panel; 9. Central control module; 10. Signal line; 11. Probe sleeve; 12. Probe positive electrode; 13. Probe negative electrode; 14. First water level sensor; 15. Second water level sensor; 16. Data preprocessing communication module; 17. Data processing unit; 18. Positioning unit; 19. Data transmission unit; 20. Anomaly detection unit; 21. Conductive section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environments includes a water level detection terminal 1 and a central control module 9. The water level detection terminal 1 is tightly wrapped with an aluminum housing 2. The central control module 9 is located in the middle of the housing 2. An annular clamp 3 is fitted on the lower outer wall of the housing 2. A water level detection probe 4 is installed on the outer wall of the annular clamp 3. The water level detection probe 4 consists of a probe sleeve 11, a probe positive electrode 12, and a probe negative electrode 13. The top of the probe sleeve 11 is plugged into the annular clamp 3. The probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 are arranged in parallel and are vertically fixed to the bottom of the probe sleeve 11. The ends of the probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 away from the probe sleeve 11 extend vertically downward. The probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 of the water level detection probe 4 are both designed in a segmented manner and have a first water level sensor 14 and a second water level sensor 15 arranged in a stacked layout.

[0037] The top of the probe sleeve 11 of the water level detection probe 4 is provided with a signal line 10. One end of the signal line 10 is connected to the probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 inside the probe sleeve 11, and the other end of the signal line 10 is connected to the central control module 9 through a pre-set wiring pipe inside the housing 2.

[0038] Furthermore, this embodiment elaborates on the overall structure and basic workflow of the water level sensor system. The system includes a water level detection terminal 1 and a central control module 9. The water level detection terminal 1 is tightly wrapped by an aluminum shell 2. This aluminum shell 2 not only provides robust physical protection for the internal precision electronic components, enabling them to withstand possible bumps and pressures in the farmland environment, but also, due to the excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum, helps to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the internal central control module 9 during operation to the outside air, avoiding performance degradation or damage to components due to internal heat accumulation. This ensures the long-term stability of the system at the physical level. The annular clamp 3 fitted on the lower outer wall of the shell 2 allows for fine-tuning and tightening of the angle, ensuring that the water level detection probe 4 connected to the annular clamp 3 can be inserted into the water in the best posture, avoiding measurement errors caused by installation tilt.

[0039] The water level detection probe 4 consists of a probe sleeve 11, a probe positive electrode 12, and a probe negative electrode 13, forming a complete sensing unit. The probe sleeve 11 serves as the structural frame, with its top connected to the annular clamp 3 via a plug-in connection. This design provides the device with high on-site maintainability and flexibility. If a probe is damaged or requires calibration, the entire water level detection terminal 1 does not need to be disassembled; simply remove the old probe and replace it with a new one, greatly reducing maintenance costs and time. The probe positive electrode 12 and probe negative electrode 13 are arranged in parallel and vertically fixed to the bottom of the probe sleeve 11. This parallel design ensures that the two probes are in a basic position in the liquid. Under the same environmental conditions, the impact of water flow, temperature changes and water quality are consistent, which provides a basis for subsequent differential measurement or redundancy verification. They extend vertically downward from the bottom of the probe sleeve 11 and are directly immersed in the water body to be measured. The probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 both adopt a segmented design, and the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 are embedded inside them. The first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 are sealed and protected in specific sections inside the probe, which makes the entire water level detection probe 4 a robust whole that can resist the scouring of impurities in the water and the corrosion of long-term immersion.

[0040] The entire system begins with the interaction between the probe's positive electrode 12 and negative electrode 13 and the water being measured. The probe senses changes in the physical properties of the water, generating a raw analog electrical signal. This signal is transmitted through a signal line 10 led out from the top of the probe sheath 11, via a pre-installed waterproof and electromagnetically shielded conduit inside the housing 2, to the central control module 9 located in the middle of the housing 2. After receiving this raw signal, the central control module 9 initiates its integrated complex processing flow, including signal conditioning, digital conversion, algorithm execution, and data packaging. Finally, it wirelessly transmits the processed information, such as precise water level values ​​and equipment status, to a remote monitoring platform, thereby achieving unmanned, remote, and precise monitoring of farmland water levels.

[0041] Example 2: Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5A low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environments includes a water level detection terminal 1 and a central control module 9. The water level detection terminal 1 is tightly wrapped with an aluminum shell 2. An annular clamp 3 is fitted on the lower outer wall of the shell 2. A water level detection probe 4 is installed on the outer wall of the annular clamp 3. The probe positive electrode 12 and probe negative electrode 13 of the water level detection probe 4 have evenly distributed conductive segments 21 made of corrosion-resistant conductive material arranged along the probe axis. The length of each conductive segment 21 ranges from 0.5 to 2 cm. An isolation groove is formed between adjacent conductive segments 21 by laser cutting. The isolation groove is filled with insulating material. The insulation isolation width between conductive segments 21 ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 cm.

[0042] Furthermore, this embodiment focuses on describing the specific structure of the segmented probe in the water level sensor system and its role in improving measurement accuracy. The segmented design of the probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 is physically achieved by uniformly distributing conductive segments 21 made of corrosion-resistant conductive materials, such as special stainless steel or gold-plated copper alloy, on both probes. The conductive segments 21 are precisely arranged along the probe axis, and the length of each conductive segment 21 is strictly controlled between 0.5-2 cm. Too short a segment length will result in overly dense segmentation, increasing manufacturing complexity and the risk of insulation failure, while too long a segment length will reduce the measurement resolution and make it impossible to effectively identify subtle water level changes. The conductive segments 21 are connected by high precision The laser cutting process forms a physical isolation groove. The advantage of laser cutting is that it has a small heat-affected zone and precise and uniform cut. It can form a narrow isolation band with a width of only 0.1-0.5cm without changing the properties of the surrounding materials. The isolation groove is filled with insulating material, which is an epoxy resin polymer. The thermal expansion coefficient of the insulating material is similar to that of the metal material constituting the conductive section 21. This ensures that when the outdoor temperature changes drastically, the expansion and contraction ratios of the two materials are similar, and no excessive internal stress will be generated at the bonding interface. This avoids the insulation layer from cracking or falling off from the isolation groove, thus ensuring the long-term integrity of the probe structure and the reliability of electrical isolation.

[0043] The purpose of the segmented structure design is to achieve quantitative measurement of water level, transforming the continuous and easily disturbed analog signal sensing into a discrete judgment of whether a specific conductive segment 21 is submerged. As the water level rises or falls, water sequentially covers or exposes different conductive segments 21. Due to the conductivity of water, the resistance or capacitance characteristics between submerged conductive segments 21 will change significantly, while the segments exposed to air maintain their high impedance state. This design can effectively reduce analog signal jumps and misjudgments caused by water droplet adhesion, liquid surface tension, or slight fluctuations in the water surface. Even if water droplets are attached to the non-submerged segment, they do not physically connect the two insulated conductive segments 21 and cannot form an effective conductive path, thus not having a substantial impact on the measurement results. This ensures the objectivity and accuracy of the water level judgment, improving the accuracy and reliability of the entire system from the source of the sensing principle.

[0044] Example 3: Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 A low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environments includes a water level detection terminal 1 and a central control module 9. The probe positive electrode 12 and probe negative electrode 13 of the water level detection terminal 1 are both segmented and embedded with a first water level sensor 14 and a second water level sensor 15. The measuring range of both the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 is 0-7cm. The first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 have two deployment methods: First, the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 are connected end-to-end via a magnetic connector, resulting in a system measuring range of 0-14cm; second, the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 are independently installed at a vertical interval of Ncm, resulting in a system measuring range of 0-7cm-Ncm-N+7cm, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0045] The top of the housing 2 of the water level detection terminal 1 is equipped with a power supply module 7, which contains a storage battery. A solar panel 8 is installed above the power supply module 7. The solar panel 8 is made of monocrystalline silicon and is connected to the built-in battery through wires. The power supply module 7 is connected to the central control module 9 through a signal line 10. When the storage battery is fully charged, the sensor system works at a frequency of uploading 24 data points per day. The standby time is 4-6 months, and it can work continuously for 30 days under continuous rainy conditions.

[0046] The bottom of the housing 2 of the water level detection terminal 1 is equipped with a support rod 6. The bottom of the support rod 6 is designed to be a pointed cone shape, and an annular bracket 5 is fitted at the connection between the support rod 6 and the housing 2.

[0047] Furthermore, this embodiment details the flexible deployment scheme, sustainable power supply design, and mechanical structure for easy field installation of the sensors in the water level sensor system. The first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15, embedded within the probe positive electrode 12 and probe negative electrode 13, each have a single measurement range of 0-7 cm. To adapt to the varying water level measurement range requirements of different crops, different growth stages, and different field topography, the system provides two highly flexible deployment methods: First, the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 can be quickly and physically superimposed using a magnetic connector. This magnetic connection allows the two sensor probes to be connected without tools. The two sensors are firmly connected end to end, and the internal electrical connection is reliably conducted through magnetic contact points. The overall measurement range of the superimposed system is expanded to 0-14cm, which doubles the measurement range. Secondly, the two sensors can also be installed independently at a specific distance Ncm apart in the vertical direction, where N is an integer greater than 0. In this way, the measurement range of the first sensor group covers the shallow water level of 0-7cm, while the measurement range of the second sensor group covers the deep water level of 0-7cm-Ncm-N+7cm. This deployment method is suitable for monitoring the moisture of different soil layers and for terraced fields with steep slopes, enabling long-term unattended field work.

[0048] The power supply module 7 is integrated into the top of the housing 2. The power supply module 7 contains a 1300 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery to provide power for the continuous operation of the system. A monocrystalline silicon solar panel 8 is installed above the power supply module 7. Monocrystalline silicon has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and can collect more solar energy in a limited area. The installation position of the solar panel 8 should be higher than the crops to prevent the crops from blocking the sunlight and affecting the normal working efficiency of the solar panel 8. The solar panel 8 should also be installed in a sunny position to ensure that it can receive sufficient sunlight to ensure the stability of solar power supply. The solar panel 8 is connected to the built-in battery below through wires. During the day, it converts solar energy into electrical energy and charges the battery, thereby extending the continuous working time of the system. When fully charged, if the system operates at a typical frequency of uploading 24 data points per day, its standby time can reach 4-6 months. Even under extreme conditions of continuous cloudy and rainy days for up to 30 days, the system can still work continuously by relying on the energy stored in the battery and will not lose critical data due to power interruption.

[0049] In terms of installation, a support rod 6 is installed at the bottom of the housing 2 of the water level detection terminal 1. The bottom of the support rod 6 is designed as a pointed cone, which allows installers to easily insert the support rod 6 into the soil of the farmland without the need for large machinery or complex civil engineering. A ring-shaped bracket 5 is also fitted at the connection between the support rod 6 and the housing 2. This bracket 5 can play a role in auxiliary support and stabilizing the center of gravity, preventing the equipment from tilting due to external forces or uneven weight, ensuring that the water level detection probe 4 can always be vertically submerged in the water, and guaranteeing the accuracy of the measurement data. This design, which integrates flexible range, long-term power supply and convenient installation, greatly improves the adaptability and practicality of the system in different farmland environments.

[0050] Example 4: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 A low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environments includes a water level detection terminal 1 and a central control module 9. A data preprocessing and communication module 16 is installed inside the probe sheath 11. The data preprocessing and communication module 16 is connected to the output terminals of the probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13, respectively. One end of the signal line 10 is connected to the data preprocessing and communication module 16 inside the probe sheath 11, and the other end of the signal line 10 is connected to the central control module 9 through a pre-set wiring pipe inside the housing 2. The data preprocessing and communication module 16 converts the detection data from the water level detection probe 4 into digital values ​​and transmits them to the central control module 9 through the signal line 10. The central control module 9 is equipped with a data processing unit 17, a positioning unit 18, a data transmission unit 19, and an anomaly detection unit 20. The data transmission unit 19 is connected to the data processing unit 17, the positioning unit 18, and the anomaly detection unit 20 through the signal line 10.

[0051] The probe sheath 11 has a data preprocessing communication module 16 internally equipped with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a 4G communication unit. The central control module 9 has a data processing unit 17 internally equipped with a microcontroller (MCU). The ADC converts the continuous analog voltage signal measured by the water level detection probe 4 into a digital value that the MCU can understand and process. The MCU receives the digital value through the signal line 10 and executes the built-in sampling stabilization algorithm. The algorithm continuously collects three ADC sample values ​​and performs stability judgment. When the sampling is determined to be stable, the MCU takes the arithmetic mean of the three sample values ​​as the final ADC result. The MCU then converts this ADC average value into a water level value according to the preset calibration curve. When the difference between the three sample values ​​does not meet the stability condition, the MCU instructs to resample until stable data is obtained. The data processing unit 17 also reads the battery power and signal strength and manages the sleep and wake-up of the management device.

[0052] The anomaly detection unit 20 in the central control module 9 is electrically connected to the data processing unit 17. The anomaly detection unit 20 is configured to monitor the data update status and battery voltage status. When the data stops updating for more than a preset time threshold and the battery voltage is lower than 3.3 volts, the anomaly detection unit 20 will trigger an anomaly signal and send the anomaly signal to the remote server through the data transmission unit 19.

[0053] The data transmission unit 19 of the central control module 9 is a wireless communication unit and is configured to upload data at preset time intervals. Each uploaded data packet includes the following fields: device serial number, device model, SIM card identification code, first water level value, second water level value, analog quantity of the first analog-to-digital converter, analog quantity of the second analog-to-digital converter, location information, battery voltage value, wireless signal strength index, number of times data is repeatedly transmitted, device wake-up method code, and device software version number.

[0054] Furthermore, this embodiment elaborates on the collaborative workflow and core data processing algorithms of the sub-modules within the central control module 9 of the water level sensor system. The probe sheath 11 integrates a data preprocessing and communication module 16. The central control module 9 integrates a functionally defined and collaborative data processing unit 17, a positioning unit 18, a data transmission unit 19, and an anomaly detection unit 20. The data preprocessing and communication module 16 internally houses an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the data processing unit 17 internally houses a microcontroller (MCU). When the water level detection probe 4 generates a continuous, weak analog voltage signal due to contact with water, this analog signal is first acquired by the ADC and converted into discrete digital values ​​that the MCU can understand and process. The analog data is then sent to the cloud via the 4G communication unit built into the data preprocessing and communication module 16, facilitating product upgrades for developers. Subsequently, the MCU receives the digital values ​​and begins executing its built-in sampling stabilization algorithm. The specific process is as follows: The MCU instructs the ADC to continuously and rapidly acquire the sampled values ​​of three analog quantities. Then, it compares these three values ​​pairwise and calculates the absolute value of their differences. If the absolute value of the difference between the three sampled values ​​is within the preset threshold range, it is determined that the current sampling has reached a stable state. Once the sampling is determined to be stable, the MCU will take the arithmetic mean of the three sampled values ​​as the final ADC result of this measurement. Then, the MCU will accurately convert the calculated stable ADC average value into the water level value according to the calibration curve established by experiments to establish the correspondence between the ADC value and the actual water level depth. Conversely, if the difference between the three sampled values ​​does not meet the stability condition, the MCU will determine that this sampling is invalid and immediately instruct to re-sample until stable data is obtained. This effectively filters out numerical fluctuations caused by water ripples, instantaneous electromagnetic interference, and biological contact, ensuring that the reported water level data is the true value under stable conditions.

[0055] Meanwhile, the positioning unit 18 continuously acquires the longitude and latitude information of the device; the data processing unit 17 is also responsible for reading the system's battery voltage and wireless communication signal strength indicators in real time. All this information, including the processed water level value, the original ADC analog quantity, location information, battery voltage, and signal strength, is sent to the data transmission unit 19. The data transmission unit 19 is a wireless communication unit that combines these data into data packets of a specified format at preset time intervals and sends them to the remote server. The anomaly detection unit 20 is electrically connected to the data processing unit 17. It continuously monitors the health status of the system, including whether data updates have stopped for more than a preset time threshold and whether the battery voltage is lower than the danger threshold of 3.3 volts. Once any abnormal condition is met, the anomaly detection unit 20 immediately triggers an abnormal signal, enjoys a high transmission priority, and sends an alarm to the remote server through the data transmission unit 19 to remind the management personnel to intervene in a timely manner. This constitutes a complete, reliable, and intelligent closed-loop system from data acquisition, processing, transmission to status self-checking.

[0056] Example 5: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 A low-power segmented water level sensor system suitable for farmland environments includes a water level detection terminal 1 and a central control module 9. The top of the probe sleeve 11 of the water level detection probe 4 is provided with a signal line 10. The probe sleeve 11 is provided with a data preprocessing communication module 16. The data preprocessing communication module 16 is connected to the output terminals of the probe positive electrode 12 and the probe negative electrode 13 respectively. One end of the signal line 10 is connected to the data preprocessing communication module 16 inside the probe sleeve 11, and the other end of the signal line 10 is connected to the central control module 9 through a pre-set wiring pipe inside the housing 2. The data preprocessing communication module 16 converts the detection data from the water level detection probe 4 into digital values ​​and transmits them to the central control module 9 through the signal line 10.

[0057] The central control module 9 is internally equipped with a data processing unit 17, a positioning unit 18, a data transmission unit 19, and an anomaly detection unit 20. The data transmission unit 19 is connected to the data processing unit 17, the positioning unit 18, and the anomaly detection unit 20 via a signal line 10. The data processing unit 17 receives digital values ​​converted by the data preprocessing communication module 16 via the signal line 10 and performs analysis and processing. The processed data is then sent to the data transmission unit 19. The data transmission unit 19 combines the data from the data processing unit 17 with the location information obtained by the positioning unit 18 into a data packet and sends it to the remote server.

[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment comprehensively describes the entire process of the water level sensor system from deployment and operation to data reporting. In specific farmland application scenarios, installers will select suitable installation points based on the geographical location and field shape of the area to be monitored. Then, using the pointed conical end of the support rod 6 at the bottom of the housing 2, it is firmly inserted into the soil beside the field ridge or between crop rows. The annular bracket 5 located on the upper part of the support rod 6 further enhances the upright stability of the equipment in the mud by increasing the contact area with the ground, effectively preventing tipping over due to wind, water flow, or animal contact. Next, the installers selected the deployment mode of the water level detection probe 4 based on the typical water depth requirements of the current crop. If the expected water level would not exceed 7cm, a single water level sensor could be used. If the expected water level was between 7-14cm, the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 could be quickly superimposed using magnetic connectors, extending the measurement range to 0-14cm. During the flood season or heavy rainfall, the first water level sensor 14 and the second water level sensor 15 were set independently at intervals of Ncm, extending the measurement range to 0-7cm-Ncm-N+. To accommodate potential water level rises, the water level detection probe 4 is inserted and locked into the annular clamp 3 at the bottom of the housing 2 via the probe sleeve 11, ensuring that the positive electrode 12 and the negative electrode 13 of the probe are vertically submerged in the water. After the device is powered on, the monocrystalline silicon solar panel 8 on the top of the housing 2 starts working, converting light energy into electrical energy and charging the 1300 mAh battery in the power supply module 7 below, providing the energy required for the entire system to operate. After the segmented probe of the water level detection probe 4 is submerged in the water, the conductive section 21 on the probe surface, made of corrosion-resistant conductive material, is adjusted according to the immersion depth. Different depths exhibit different resistance characteristics and are converted into analog electrical signals in real time. The ADC inside the probe sleeve 11 converts the analog electrical signals into digital values. The digital values ​​are sent to the central control module 9 through the shielded signal line 10 led out from the probe sleeve 11, through the pre-set wiring conduit inside the housing 2 for protection and wiring organization. The MCU in the data processing unit 17 of the central control module 9 receives the digital values ​​and strictly executes the sampling stabilization algorithm. By continuously acquiring three ADC values ​​and comparing and averaging them, a stable water level value is finally calculated.

[0059] Meanwhile, the positioning unit 18 continuously updates the latitude and longitude coordinates of the device, and the data processing unit 17 also collects the battery voltage and network signal strength simultaneously. All data, including the device's unique serial number, SIM card identification code, calculated water level value, original ADC analog quantity used for deep diagnosis, location information, battery voltage, signal strength, wake-up reason code, and software version number, are packaged by the data transmission unit 19 according to a preset rhythm and sent to the remote agricultural IoT cloud platform through its built-in wireless communication unit. The anomaly detection unit 20 continuously monitors the continuity of the data stream and the health status of the battery. Once it detects that the data update has stopped or the voltage has dropped below 3.3 volts, it immediately interrupts the normal process and sends an anomaly alarm to the platform first.

[0060] Through this highly integrated and intelligent collaborative design, the entire system achieves stable, accurate, and reliable water level monitoring for up to several months without human intervention in harsh farmland environments, providing solid data support for precision agriculture and efficient water resource management.

[0061] Working Principle: The water level sensor system is activated by a timed or abnormal signal. First, the segmented water level detection probe 4 senses the water body. The conductive section 21 on the probe, which is insulated, exhibits varying resistance characteristics with different immersion depths. This analog signal is digitized by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) built into the probe sleeve 11 and transmitted to the central control module 9 via the signal line 10. The microcontroller (MCU) in the central control module 9 receives the digital value and executes a sampling stabilization algorithm. It continuously collects three values ​​for comparison and averaging to eliminate fluctuation interference. Finally, it calculates the accurate water level value based on the preset calibration curve. The positioning unit 18 collects location information, and the data transmission unit 19 combines the data with the device identification information into a complete data packet, which is then sent to the remote server by the wireless communication unit at a set frequency. Throughout the process, the abnormality detection unit 20 continuously monitors the data update status and voltage level. Once a data interruption or voltage drop below the threshold is detected, an abnormality alarm is immediately triggered and reported first. After data reporting is completed, the system automatically enters a low-power sleep state, waiting for the next working cycle to start, thereby achieving long-term stable automated water level monitoring.

[0062] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment, characterized by: Including water level detection terminal (1) and central control module (9), the outer part of the water level detection terminal (1) is tightly wrapped with an aluminum shell (2), the central control module (9) is arranged in the middle part of the shell (2), the annular clamp (3) is arranged on the lower outer wall of the shell (2), and the water level detection probe (4) is arranged on the outer wall of the annular clamp (3); The water level detection probe (4) is composed of a probe sheath (11), a probe positive electrode (12) and a probe negative electrode (13); The top of the probe sheath (11) is plug-connected with the annular clamp (3), the probe positive electrode (12) and the probe negative electrode (13) are arranged in parallel and are vertically fixedly connected with the bottom of the probe sheath (11), the probe positive electrode (12) and the probe negative electrode (13) extend vertically downward away from the probe sheath (11), and the probe positive electrode (12) and the probe negative electrode (13) of the water level detection probe (4) are designed in a segmented mode and are embedded with a first water level sensor (14) and a second water level sensor (15) arranged in a stacked mode.

2. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The probe positive electrode (12) and the probe negative electrode (13) are uniformly provided with conductive sections (21) made of corrosion-resistant conductive material and arranged along the probe axial direction, the length of each conductive section (21) ranges from 0.5cm to 2cm, an isolation groove is formed between adjacent conductive sections (21) through laser cutting, the isolation groove is filled with insulating material, and the insulating isolation width between the conductive sections (21) ranges from 0.1cm to 0.5cm.

3. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The range of the first water level sensor (14) and the second water level sensor (15) is 0-7cm, the first water level sensor (14) and the second water level sensor (15) have two deployment modes: the first water level sensor (14) and the second water level sensor (15) are butt-jointed through magnetic connecting pieces, and the system range after butt-joint is 0-14cm; the first water level sensor (14) and the second water level sensor (15) are independently installed at positions vertically spaced by Ncm, and the system range is 0-7cm-Ncm-N+7cm, wherein N is an integer greater than 0.

4. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The shell (2) of the water level detection terminal (1) is provided with a power supply module (7) at the top, the power supply module (7) is internally provided with a storage battery, a solar cell panel (8) is arranged above the power supply module (7), the solar cell panel (8) is made of monocrystalline silicon and is connected with the built-in battery through wires, the power supply module (7) is connected with the central control module (9) through a signal line (10), the sensor system works at a frequency of uploading 24 data points per day under the condition that the battery is fully charged, the standby time is 4-6 months, and the sensor system can continuously work for 30 days under the condition of continuous rainy days.

5. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The probe sheath (11) of the water level detection probe (4) is provided with a signal line (10) at the top, and a data preprocessing communication module (16) is arranged in the probe sheath (11). The data preprocessing communication module (16) is connected with the output ends of the probe positive electrode (12) and the probe negative electrode (13) respectively. One end of the signal line (10) is connected with the data preprocessing communication module (16) in the interior of the probe sheath (11), and the other end of the signal line (10) is connected with the central control module (9) through a preset wiring pipeline in the shell (2). The data preprocessing communication module (16) converts the detection data from the water level detection probe (4) into digital values and transmits them to the central control module (9) through the signal line (10).

6. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The central control module (9) is provided with a data processing unit (17), a positioning unit (18), a data transmission unit (19) and an abnormality detection unit (20) in the interior. The data transmission unit (19) is connected with the data processing unit (17), the positioning unit (18) and the abnormality detection unit (20) through the signal line (10). The data processing unit (17) receives the digital values converted by the data preprocessing communication module (16) and analyzes them through the signal line (10). The data processed is sent to the data transmission unit (19). The data transmission unit (19) combines the data from the data processing unit (17) with the position information obtained by the positioning unit (18) into a data packet and sends it to the remote server.

7. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The data preprocessing communication module (16) in the probe sheath (11) is provided with an analog-digital converter ADC and a 4G communication unit. The data processing unit (17) in the central control module (9) is provided with a microcontroller MCU. The ADC converts the continuous voltage analog signal measured by the water level detection probe (4) into a digital value that can be understood and processed by the MCU. The MCU receives the digital value through the signal line (10) and executes the built-in sampling stability algorithm. The algorithm continuously collects three ADC sampling values and judges their stability. When the sampling values are judged to be stable, the MCU takes the arithmetic mean of the three sampling values as the final ADC result. The MCU converts the ADC average value into a water level value according to the preset calibration curve. When the difference between the three sampling values does not meet the stability condition, the MCU instructs to re-sample until stable data is obtained. The data processing unit (17) also reads the battery capacity, signal strength and manages the sleep and wake-up of the device.

8. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The abnormality detection unit (20) in the central control module (9) is electrically connected with the data processing unit (17). The abnormality detection unit (20) is configured to monitor the data update state and the battery voltage state. When the data stops updating for more than a preset time threshold and the battery voltage is lower than 3.3 volts, the abnormality detection unit (20) will trigger an abnormal signal and send it to the remote server through the data transmission unit (19).

9. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The data transmission unit (19) of the central control module (9) is a wireless communication unit and is configured to upload data at a preset time interval. Each uploaded data packet includes the following fields: Device serial number, device model, SIM card identification code, first water level value, second water level value, first analog-digital converter analog quantity, second analog-digital converter analog quantity, location information, battery voltage value, wireless signal strength index, data repeated sending number and device wake-up mode code and device software version number.

10. The low power consumption segmented water level sensor system suitable for use in an agricultural field environment of claim 1, wherein: The bottom of the shell (2) of the water level detection terminal (1) is provided with a supporting rod (6), the bottom of the supporting rod (6) is designed as a sharp cone, and a ring-shaped support (5) is sleeved at the connecting position of the supporting rod (6) and the shell (2).

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