Solar water level monitoring system for farmland
By combining segmented probe groups with solar power units, the problem of long-term stable operation of farmland water level monitoring systems in remote areas has been solved, achieving high-precision, anti-interference, and efficient water level data uploading, supporting farmland water conservancy management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511497675.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing farmland water level monitoring systems suffer from problems such as complex structure, susceptibility to interference, limited measurement accuracy, reliance on wired power supply or frequent battery replacements, and inability to be deployed long-term in remote areas without mains power.
The system employs a segmented probe group and a solar power supply unit. The probe group consists of a first probe and a second probe. The conductive segments are arranged alternately in the vertical direction and isolated by an insulating isolation ring. Combined with the stable delay and multi-point consistency judgment of the main control unit, the system utilizes solar power to achieve long-term stable operation and uploads data through the communication unit.
It improves the accuracy and reliability of water level measurement, enhances anti-interference capabilities, enables long-term stable operation in remote farmland environments, provides efficient and reliable water level data uploading, and supports farmland water conservancy management.
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Figure CN121409359A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of farmland water level monitoring technology, specifically to a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as farmland water conservancy management and precision irrigation, continuous and accurate monitoring of farmland water levels is crucial for achieving efficient water resource utilization. Currently, existing farmland water level monitoring technologies have the following limitations. First, in terms of water level sensing, traditional float-type or pressure-type sensors suffer from problems such as easy mechanical jamming, low accuracy, and susceptibility to siltation. Meanwhile, some resistance probes are prone to measurement deviations in the complex water quality environment of farmland, exhibiting insufficient stability and adaptability.
[0003] The existing solar-powered water level monitoring systems for farmland have the following drawbacks:
[0004] 1. Patent document CN118882785B discloses a farmland water level monitoring system. "This invention discloses a farmland water level monitoring system, relating to the field of agricultural water conservancy water level monitoring technology. It includes an outer shell, a cylindrical section, and a water storage tank. A hollow tube is fixedly installed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the cylindrical section. A detection mechanism for detecting the looseness of the planting soil is installed inside the hollow tube. A water level control mechanism for adjusting the water level according to the looseness of the planting soil is installed between the top end face of the hollow tube and the bottom of the water storage tank. A water level monitoring device is installed inside the inner cavity of the outer shell." The float assembly monitors the rise and fall of water levels. This invention, when monitoring water levels in farmland, first detects the compactness of the planting soil and then adjusts the water level based on this compactness, maintaining different water levels for soils with varying compactness, thus providing the most effective response to water level fluctuations in the farmland. However, the farmland water level monitoring system described in the above document suffers from technical problems such as complex structure or single-point operation, susceptibility to interference, limited measurement accuracy, reliance on wired power supply or frequent battery replacements, and inability to be deployed long-term in remote areas without mains power. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background section.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland, comprising a water level sensing unit, a main control unit, a communication unit, and a solar power supply unit:
[0007] The water level sensing unit is used to collect simulated water level signals;
[0008] The main control unit is electrically connected to the water level sensing unit and is used to process the water level simulation signal and generate water level data;
[0009] The communication unit is connected to the main control unit and is used to send the water level data to a remote server;
[0010] The solar power supply unit is used to provide power to the system;
[0011] The water level sensing unit includes at least one set of segmented probes, which consists of a first probe and a second probe arranged side by side. The surfaces of the first probe and the second probe are provided with multiple mutually insulated conductive segments. The conductive segments on the first probe and the conductive segments on the second probe are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, and an insulating isolation ring is provided between any two adjacent conductive segments in the vertical direction.
[0012] Preferably, the main control unit is configured to perform the following operations:
[0013] a. At a preset sampling time, sampling of the simulated water level signal is initiated to obtain initial sample values;
[0014] b. Wait for a preset stabilization delay to avoid the initial fluctuation phase of the signal;
[0015] c. After the stabilization delay, continuously collect at least three real-time sample values;
[0016] d. Determine whether the difference between the at least three real-time sampled values is less than or equal to a preset stability threshold;
[0017] e. If the judgment is yes, then the last collected real-time sampled value is determined as the effective analog quantity;
[0018] f. If the result is negative, discard the current sampling sequence and wait until the next sampling period to re-execute steps a to e.
[0019] Preferably, the main control unit is further configured to convert the effective analog quantity into a water level value based on a pre-established analog quantity-water level mapping relationship, wherein the analog quantity-water level mapping relationship is established by calibrating the relationship between conductivity and analog quantity under different water quality conditions, and different mapping curves are provided for different water qualities.
[0020] Preferably, the system includes two sets of segmented probe groups, which are fixed on the same support in the vertical direction and their ranges are logically connected end to end to extend the total water level measurement range of the system. The main control unit is configured to dynamically select to enable one or two sets of probe groups according to the received configuration instructions and adjust the water level calculation logic accordingly.
[0021] Preferably, the solar power supply unit includes a solar panel, a charging management circuit, and a built-in battery. The main control unit has a timer-based low-power sleep mode and is configured to: during non-sampling periods, control the non-essential circuits of the main control unit, communication unit, and water level sensing unit to enter sleep or power-off states, and only wake up at a set time when the preset data acquisition and reporting cycle arrives, and enter sleep again after completing one water level data acquisition and reporting cycle. The system is configured to have a standby time of 4 to 6 months when reporting 24 data per day.
[0022] Preferably, the data packets reported by the communication unit include device status information, which includes one or more of the following: device serial number, SIM card information, battery voltage, GPS coordinates, signal strength, device wake-up method, or CPU temperature. The main control unit is configured to perform trend analysis on battery voltage data for multiple consecutive reporting cycles to predict the remaining battery life.
[0023] Preferably, the main control unit is further configured to perform anomaly diagnosis, and when at least one of the following conditions is met, determine that the device is abnormal and report the abnormal status code through the communication unit:
[0024] Data failed to be uploaded successfully in multiple consecutive data collection and reporting cycles;
[0025] The voltage of the built-in battery was detected to be below 3.3V;
[0026] If the analog data collected by the water level sensing unit is continuously analyzed and its value exceeds the preset normal physical range, the sensor is determined to be faulty.
[0027] Preferably, the conductive segments of the segmented probe assembly are made of corrosion-resistant metal material and have their surfaces roughened to increase the contact area with water.
[0028] Preferably, the operating steps of this solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland are as follows:
[0029] S1. After the system is powered on, the solar power supply unit starts working: the solar panel converts light energy into electrical energy, charges the built-in battery through the charging management circuit, and provides power to the entire system. The main control unit initializes, loads preset parameters, and starts a low-power sleep mode to save energy.
[0030] S2. During non-sampling periods, the main control unit controls itself, the communication unit and the water level sensing unit to enter a sleep or power-off state for non-essential circuits. The main control unit has a built-in timer that automatically wakes up the system according to the preset acquisition and reporting cycle. The system can work continuously for 4 to 6 months in standby mode.
[0031] S3. After the main control unit is woken up, the water level sensing unit is started. The water level sensing unit uses a segmented probe group to collect water level simulation signals. The conductive segments on the first and second probes of the probe group are staggered in the vertical direction. The water level is detected by measuring the conductivity.
[0032] a. Start sampling at the preset sampling time to obtain initial sample values;
[0033] b. Wait for a preset stabilization delay to avoid the initial fluctuation phase of the signal;
[0034] c. After a stable delay, continuously collect at least three real-time sample values;
[0035] d. Determine whether the differences between these real-time sampled values are all less than or equal to a preset stability threshold;
[0036] e. If the difference is within the threshold, the last real-time sampled value is determined as a valid analog quantity; otherwise, the current sampling sequence is discarded, and the sample is re-acquired in the next sampling period.
[0037] S4. Based on the pre-established analog quantity-water level mapping relationship, the main control unit converts the effective analog quantity into a water level value. When the system is configured with multiple probe groups, the main control unit will dynamically select to enable one or two probe groups according to the received configuration instructions, and adjust the water level calculation logic to expand the range.
[0038] S5. The main control unit collects device status information, including device serial number, SIM card information, battery voltage, GPS coordinates, signal strength, device wake-up method, CPU temperature, etc.
[0039] The main control unit performs anomaly diagnosis:
[0040] Check if data uploads failed within multiple consecutive data collection and reporting cycles;
[0041] Monitor the built-in battery voltage; if the voltage is below 3.3V, it is determined to be a power supply abnormality.
[0042] If the analog data collected by the water level sensing unit continues to exceed the preset normal physical range, the sensor is determined to be faulty.
[0043] When any abnormal condition is met, the main control unit generates an abnormal status code;
[0044] S6. The main control unit packages the water level data, equipment status information and abnormal status codes into a data packet, and the communication unit sends the data packet to the remote server. At the same time, the main control unit performs trend analysis on the battery voltage data for multiple consecutive cycles to predict the remaining battery life.
[0045] S7. After completing the data reporting, the main control unit immediately controls the system to enter a low-power sleep state again until the next data acquisition and reporting cycle arrives.
[0046] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0047] 1. This invention achieves precise segmented detection of water level height with a simple structure by arranging the conductive segments of the first and second probes alternately in the vertical direction and using an insulating isolation ring to achieve electrical isolation. This significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of water level measurement. At the same time, this segmented design reduces the system's dependence on a single sensing element and enhances its anti-interference capability. Combined with a solar power supply unit, the system achieves energy self-sufficiency and is very suitable for long-term stable operation in remote farmland environments. Finally, the system can upload accurate water level data to a remote server in a timely manner through a communication unit, providing efficient and reliable technical support for farmland water conservancy management.
[0048] 2. This invention, through the sampling and processing mechanism of the main control unit, introduces stable delay and multi-point consistency judgment, effectively filtering out initial signal fluctuations and random interference, ensuring the stability and reliability of the simulated water level data collected each time, thereby significantly improving the measurement accuracy of water level values. At the same time, its pre-established multi-mapping curve model based on conductivity calibration for different water qualities effectively overcomes measurement errors caused by changes in farmland water quality, greatly enhancing the system's adaptability, versatility, and measurement accuracy under different regions and complex water quality conditions, providing a solid data foundation for precision agricultural irrigation;
[0049] 3. This invention effectively expands the total range of water level measurement by connecting two sets of segmented probes end to end in the vertical direction. It can widely adapt to the different farmland water level monitoring needs from shallow to deep water. At the same time, the main control unit can dynamically select to activate one or two sets of probes according to the configuration instructions and adjust the water level calculation logic accordingly. This intelligent design enables the system to activate only one set of probes during low water levels to reduce power consumption and equipment wear, while automatically activating all probes during high water levels to ensure measurement continuity. Thus, while ensuring full-range measurement capability, it optimizes system power consumption and extends equipment lifespan, greatly enhancing the flexibility and economy of the application.
[0050] 4. This invention integrates a timer-based low-power sleep strategy with a solar power supply unit, achieving an ultra-long standby time of 4 to 6 months under high-frequency operating conditions with 24 data reports per day. This significantly improves the continuous operation capability in farmland environments without stable mains power. The rich device status information in its communication data packets and the life prediction function based on voltage trends together constitute a powerful remote operation and maintenance and predictive maintenance capability, enabling managers to remotely monitor the health status of the equipment. The automated anomaly diagnosis mechanism can promptly detect and report problems, greatly reducing the frequency and cost of on-site maintenance. In addition, the conductive section of the probe is made of corrosion-resistant material and roughened, effectively improving corrosion resistance and measurement stability. These factors together ensure the reliability, durability, and intelligent management level of the entire system in various complex farmland environments over a long period of time. Attached Figure Description
[0051] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention;
[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water level signal sampling process structure of the main control unit of the present invention;
[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the analog quantity-water level conversion process structure of the present invention;
[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-probe group dynamic configuration and water level calculation process of the present invention;
[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the low-power sleep and power management process structure of the present invention;
[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment status monitoring and data analysis process structure of the present invention;
[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the system anomaly diagnosis and status reporting process structure of the present invention;
[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the system working steps and flow structure of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides an embodiment of a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland, comprising a water level sensing unit, a main control unit, a communication unit, and a solar power supply unit. The water level sensing unit is used to collect simulated water level signals. The main control unit is electrically connected to the water level sensing unit and is used to process the simulated water level signals and generate water level data. The communication unit is connected to the main control unit and is used to send the water level data to a remote server. The solar power supply unit is used to provide power to the system. The water level sensing unit includes at least one set of segmented probe groups, which are composed of a first probe and a second probe arranged in parallel. Multiple mutually insulated conductive segments are provided on the surfaces of the first probe and the second probe. The conductive segments on the first probe and the conductive segments on the second probe are staggered in the vertical direction, and an insulating isolation ring is provided between any two adjacent conductive segments in the vertical direction.
[0063] Furthermore, the segmented probe assembly can be directly installed vertically in the water area to be measured, eliminating the need to replace or configure multiple sensors for different water level ranges. The multiple conductive segments arranged in an alternating pattern on the probe are equivalent to integrating multiple water level switches, achieving multi-purpose functionality with a single device. Whether it is a shallow irrigation canal or a deep water storage tank, one set of equipment can cover the entire measurement range, greatly simplifying the installation process and reducing hardware costs and deployment complexity. After the system is powered on, the main control unit will sequentially detect the conduction status of each conductive segment. Since the conductive segments are arranged in an alternating pattern in the vertical direction, any slight change in the water level will trigger the combined conduction of different conductive segments. This design effectively avoids false alarms of short circuits between adjacent contacts caused by water surface fluctuations or water droplet splashes, ensuring the accuracy and stability of water level data and enabling the acquisition of reliable water level information at the centimeter level or even higher.
[0064] The main control unit accurately calculates the current water level based on the location of the conductive segment and automatically sends the data packet to the remote server through the communication unit. Thanks to the stability of the probe measurement, the generated water level data fluctuates little, effectively improving communication efficiency and avoiding wasted power due to repeated data correction. This ensures the continuity and accuracy of data on the remote monitoring platform. The solar power unit provides green power to the entire system, enabling long-term unattended operation in the field. The segmented probe structure is simple and has no complex mechanical moving parts, fundamentally reducing failures caused by dirt adhesion, biological accumulation, or mechanical wear. Combined with solar power, the system achieves near-perpetual low-power operation, significantly reducing the frequency and cost of subsequent maintenance.
[0065] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The present invention provides an embodiment of a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland. The main control unit is configured to perform the following operations: a. initiate sampling of the water level analog signal at a preset sampling time to obtain an initial sample value; b. wait for a preset stabilization delay to avoid the initial fluctuation phase of the signal; c. after the stabilization delay, continuously collect at least three real-time sample values; d. determine whether the difference between the at least three real-time sample values is less than or equal to a preset stability threshold; e. if the determination is yes, then determine the last collected real-time sample value as a valid analog quantity; f. if the determination is no, then discard the current sampling sequence and wait until the next sampling cycle to re-execute steps a to e. The main control unit is also configured to convert the valid analog quantity into a water level value based on a pre-established analog quantity-water level mapping relationship. The analog quantity-water level mapping relationship is established by calibrating the relationship between conductivity and analog quantity under different water quality conditions, and different mapping curves are set for different water qualities.
[0066] Furthermore, the system automatically starts the measurement program at a preset time point to perform the first water level signal sampling. The entire process requires no manual intervention, realizing fully automated data acquisition and laying the foundation for unattended long-term monitoring. After the first sampling, the system will automatically wait for a short stabilization delay, which can effectively filter out signal jitter caused by the moment the circuit is powered on or the sensor is in contact, avoiding invalid data from the source and ensuring the high reliability of the measurement starting point. After the stabilization delay ends, the system will continuously collect multiple real-time sampling values at high speed and automatically determine whether the fluctuation between these values is less than the preset stabilization threshold. This process simulates the professional operation of manually observing the readings to stabilize before recording. It can intelligently identify and eliminate abnormal data caused by water surface fluctuations, instantaneous interference or external noise, and finally determine only the most stable and reliable sampling value as valid data.
[0067] After obtaining the effective analog quantity, the system will automatically call the corresponding analog quantity-water level mapping curve for conversion according to the water quality type selected at the monitoring point, and finally output the accurate water level value. This can solve the problem of water level measurement error caused by the difference in conductivity of different water qualities. Therefore, no matter where the equipment is used, the system can ensure the accuracy and comparability of water level readings under different water quality environments through the "locally adapted" conversion method, which greatly improves the versatility and measurement accuracy of the system.
[0068] If the system determines that the data is unstable in the third step, it will automatically discard the data and silently retry in the next cycle until stable and valid data is obtained. This ensures that every piece of data uploaded to the server is authentic and reliable, avoids misreporting erroneous or fluctuating data as the actual water level, and greatly guarantees the integrity and effectiveness of remote decision-making data.
[0069] Please see Figure 4 The present invention provides an embodiment of a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland. The system includes two sets of segmented probe groups, which are fixed on the same support in the vertical direction and whose ranges are logically connected end to end to extend the total water level measurement range of the system. The main control unit is configured to dynamically select to activate one or two sets of probe groups according to the received configuration instructions and adjust the water level calculation logic accordingly.
[0070] Furthermore, during the installation of the monitoring system, the bracket equipped with two sets of probes is vertically fixed in the water area to ensure coverage of the entire range from the lowest to the highest water level. This ensures that the system can easily monitor both shallow ditches and deep reservoirs, as the two sets of probes connected end to end can easily handle both. This completely eliminates the hassle and cost of purchasing or installing new equipment due to changes in water level range. Simultaneously, it can meet actual monitoring needs by sending configuration commands to the equipment through a remote management platform, easily selecting the following modes:
[0071] Mode 1: Only the upper probe group is activated, focusing on precise monitoring of high water levels;
[0072] Mode 2: Only the lower probe group is enabled for monitoring during low water levels or dry seasons;
[0073] Mode 3: Simultaneously activate two sets of probes for seamless full-range monitoring;
[0074] Without needing to go to the site in person, the system's work priorities can be adjusted remotely and flexibly, achieving ultimate ease of operation and adaptability to different scenarios;
[0075] Furthermore, after sending the configuration command, the main control unit will automatically adjust its water level calculation logic. For example, in full-range mode, it can automatically identify which set of probes is currently activated and seamlessly splice the data, ultimately presenting a coherent and complete water level value in the background. This eliminates the need to worry about the complex data splicing process. The system intelligently eliminates the data jumps or interruptions caused by range switching, ensuring that what is seen from the monitoring center is always a clear, accurate, and continuous water level reading, greatly reducing the complexity of data interpretation.
[0076] When only a portion of the water level needs to be monitored over a long period, the system can be configured to activate only one set of probes. The system will automatically cut off the power supply and signal detection of the other set of probes, which significantly reduces the overall power consumption of the system. For field equipment that relies on solar power, this greatly improves energy efficiency and extends the system's endurance. At the same time, when one set of probes fails unexpectedly, another set can be activated remotely as a backup, greatly enhancing the system's reliability and fault tolerance.
[0077] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7This invention provides an embodiment of a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland. The solar power supply unit includes a solar panel, a charging management circuit, and a built-in battery. The main control unit has a timer-based low-power sleep mode and is configured to: during non-sampling periods, control the non-essential circuits of the main control unit, communication unit, and water level sensing unit to enter sleep or power-off states; only when a preset data acquisition and reporting cycle arrives, it is periodically woken up, completes one water level data acquisition and reporting cycle, and then enters sleep again. The system is configured to have a standby time of 4 to 6 months under the condition of reporting 24 data points per day. The data packets reported by the communication unit include device status information, including device serial number, SIM card information, battery voltage, and GPS. The main control unit is configured to perform trend analysis on battery voltage data for multiple consecutive reporting cycles to predict the remaining battery life. The main control unit is also configured to perform anomaly diagnosis. When at least one of the following conditions is met, the device is judged to be abnormal and the abnormal status code is reported through the communication unit: data is not successfully uploaded within multiple consecutive acquisition and reporting cycles; the voltage of the built-in battery is detected to be lower than 3.3V; the analog data collected by the water level sensing unit is analyzed. If the value continues to exceed the preset normal physical range, the sensor is judged to be faulty. The conductive section of the segmented probe group is made of corrosion-resistant metal material and the surface is roughened to increase the contact area with water.
[0078] Furthermore, once the equipment is installed, there is no need for frequent charging or battery replacement. Through low-power sleep technology and the collaborative operation of the solar charging system, it achieves long-term operation after a single deployment. Under standard operating conditions, it can work continuously for 4 to 6 months, greatly reducing the manpower and time costs of energy replenishment and daily maintenance. Moreover, there is no need to be physically present on-site. Data packets can be received regularly at the remote monitoring center, and the equipment health reports can be easily viewed, including key status information such as battery voltage, GPS location, and signal strength. This allows for a clear understanding of the power, location, and operating environment of the equipment in the field, comprehensively improving the visualization and proactivity of management. The system background automatically analyzes the continuously reported battery voltage data. When it determines that the battery has a long-term degradation trend, it will issue an early warning notification that the battery life is about to end. Maintenance or replacement can be arranged calmly before the equipment is completely shut down due to power failure, effectively avoiding the risk of data loss and monitoring interruption caused by sudden power failure, and ensuring business continuity.
[0079] When a system malfunctions, the main control unit sends an alarm message containing a specific "malfunction status code" and reports it via the communication unit. This allows for rapid identification of the root cause of the problem based on the code. For example:
[0080] Receiving a "continuous communication failure" code indicates a network problem;
[0081] A "low battery voltage" code was received, indicating that the power supply needs to be monitored.
[0082] If a "sensor data exceeds limits" code is received, it indicates a probe malfunction or an abnormal water level.
[0083] This not only helps to identify problems but also to accurately pinpoint their source, greatly shortening troubleshooting time and significantly improving operational efficiency.
[0084] The probe is made of corrosion-resistant material and has been roughened to effectively resist chemical corrosion and biological adhesion in water. At the same time, it ensures stable and sensitive conduction even in water with many impurities. From a hardware perspective, it guarantees the long-term reliability and measurement accuracy of the core sensor in harsh environments and extends the service life of the equipment.
[0085] Please see Figure 8 The present invention provides an embodiment of a method for using a solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland.
[0086] S1. After the system is powered on, the solar power supply unit starts working: the solar panel converts light energy into electrical energy, charges the built-in battery through the charging management circuit, and provides power to the entire system. The main control unit initializes, loads preset parameters, and starts a low-power sleep mode to save energy.
[0087] S2. During non-sampling periods, the main control unit controls itself, the communication unit and the water level sensing unit to enter a sleep or power-off state for non-essential circuits. The main control unit has a built-in timer that automatically wakes up the system according to the preset acquisition and reporting cycle. The system can work continuously for 4 to 6 months in standby mode.
[0088] S3. After the main control unit is woken up, the water level sensing unit is started. The water level sensing unit uses a segmented probe group to collect water level simulation signals. The conductive segments on the first and second probes of the probe group are staggered in the vertical direction. The water level is detected by measuring the conductivity.
[0089] a. Start sampling at the preset sampling time to obtain initial sample values;
[0090] b. Wait for a preset stabilization delay to avoid the initial fluctuation phase of the signal;
[0091] c. After a stable delay, continuously collect at least three real-time sample values;
[0092] d. Determine whether the differences between these real-time sampled values are all less than or equal to a preset stability threshold;
[0093] e. If the difference is within the threshold, the last real-time sampled value is determined as a valid analog quantity; otherwise, the current sampling sequence is discarded, and the sample is re-acquired in the next sampling period.
[0094] S4. Based on the pre-established analog quantity-water level mapping relationship, the main control unit converts the effective analog quantity into a water level value. When the system is configured with multiple probe groups, the main control unit will dynamically select to enable one or two probe groups according to the received configuration instructions, and adjust the water level calculation logic to expand the range.
[0095] S5. The main control unit collects device status information, including device serial number, SIM card information, battery voltage, GPS coordinates, signal strength, device wake-up method, CPU temperature, etc.
[0096] The main control unit performs anomaly diagnosis:
[0097] Check if data uploads failed within multiple consecutive data collection and reporting cycles;
[0098] Monitor the built-in battery voltage; if the voltage is below 3.3V, it is determined to be a power supply abnormality.
[0099] If the analog data collected by the water level sensing unit continues to exceed the preset normal physical range, the sensor is determined to be faulty.
[0100] When any abnormal condition is met, the main control unit generates an abnormal status code;
[0101] S6. The main control unit packages the water level data, equipment status information and abnormal status codes into a data packet, and the communication unit sends the data packet to the remote server. At the same time, the main control unit performs trend analysis on the battery voltage data for multiple consecutive cycles to predict the remaining battery life.
[0102] S7. After completing the data reporting, the main control unit immediately controls the system to enter a low-power sleep state again until the next data acquisition and reporting cycle arrives.
[0103] The working principle involves arranging the conductive segments of the first and second probes alternately in the vertical direction and using an insulating isolation ring for electrical isolation. This simple structure enables precise segmented detection of water level height, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of water level measurement. Simultaneously, this segmented design reduces the system's dependence on a single sensing element, enhances its anti-interference capability, and, combined with a solar power unit, achieves energy self-sufficiency, making it ideal for long-term stable operation in remote farmland environments. Finally, the system can promptly upload accurate water level data to a remote server via a communication unit, providing efficient and reliable technical support for farmland water conservancy management. The sampling data is obtained through this main control unit. The system incorporates a stable delay and multi-point consistency judgment mechanism, effectively filtering out initial signal fluctuations and random interference. This ensures the stability and reliability of each collected water level analog data, significantly improving the measurement accuracy. Furthermore, its pre-established multi-mapping curve model, based on conductivity calibration for different water qualities, effectively overcomes measurement errors caused by variations in farmland water quality. This greatly enhances the system's adaptability, versatility, and measurement accuracy under different geographical and complex water quality conditions, providing a solid data foundation for precision agricultural irrigation. By connecting two segmented probe groups end-to-end in the vertical direction, the total range of water level measurement is effectively extended, enabling wide adaptability. To meet the varying water level monitoring needs of farmland from shallow to deep water, the main control unit can dynamically select to activate single or dual probes based on configuration commands and adjust the water level calculation logic accordingly. This intelligent design allows the system to activate only one probe during low water levels to reduce power consumption and equipment wear, while automatically activating all probes during high water levels to ensure measurement continuity. This optimizes system power consumption and extends equipment lifespan while maintaining full-range measurement capabilities, significantly enhancing application flexibility and economy. By integrating a timer-based low-power sleep strategy and a solar power supply unit, it achieves up to 4 hours of continuous operation under high-frequency conditions with 24 data reports per day. With an ultra-long standby time of up to 6 months, it significantly improves the continuous operation capability in farmland environments without stable mains power. The rich device status information in its communication data packets and the life prediction function based on voltage trends together constitute a powerful remote operation and maintenance and predictive maintenance capability, enabling managers to remotely monitor the health status of the equipment. The automated anomaly diagnosis mechanism can promptly detect and report problems, greatly reducing the frequency and cost of on-site maintenance. In addition, the conductive section of the probe is made of corrosion-resistant material and roughened, which effectively improves corrosion resistance and measurement stability. All of these factors together ensure the reliability, durability and intelligent management level of the entire system in various complex farmland environments for long-term operation.
[0104] 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 solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland, characterized in that: It includes a water level sensing unit, a main control unit, a communication unit, and a solar power supply unit: The water level sensing unit is used to collect simulated water level signals; The main control unit is electrically connected to the water level sensing unit and is used to process the water level simulation signal and generate water level data; The communication unit is connected to the main control unit and is used to send the water level data to a remote server; The solar power supply unit is used to provide power to the system; The water level sensing unit includes at least one set of segmented probes. The segmented probes are composed of a first probe and a second probe arranged side by side. Multiple mutually insulated conductive segments are provided on the surfaces of the first probe and the second probe. The conductive segments on the first probe and the conductive segments on the second probe are staggered in the vertical direction. An insulating isolation ring is provided between any two adjacent conductive segments in the vertical direction.
2. The solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit is configured to perform the following operations: a. At a preset sampling time, sampling of the simulated water level signal is initiated to obtain initial sample values; b. Wait for a preset stabilization delay to avoid the initial fluctuation phase of the signal; c. After the stabilization delay, continuously collect at least three real-time sample values; d. Determine whether the difference between the at least three real-time sampled values is less than or equal to a preset stability threshold; e. If the judgment is yes, then the last collected real-time sampled value is determined as the effective analog quantity; f. If the result is negative, discard the current sampling sequence and wait until the next sampling period to re-execute steps a to e.
3. The solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit is also configured to convert the effective analog quantity into a water level value based on a pre-established analog quantity-water level mapping relationship. The analog quantity-water level mapping relationship is established by calibrating the relationship between conductivity and analog quantity under different water quality conditions, and different mapping curves are provided for different water qualities.
4. The solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system includes two sets of segmented probe groups, which are fixed on the same support in the vertical direction. The ranges of the segmented probe groups are logically connected end to end to extend the total water level measurement range of the system. The main control unit is configured to dynamically select and activate one or two sets of probe groups according to the received configuration instructions, and adjust the water level calculation logic accordingly.
5. The solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solar power supply unit includes a solar panel, a charging management circuit, and a built-in battery. The main control unit has a timer-based low-power sleep mode and is configured to: during non-sampling periods, control the non-essential circuits of the main control unit, communication unit, and water level sensing unit to enter sleep or power-off states, and only wake up at a set time when the preset data acquisition and reporting cycle arrives, and enter sleep again after completing one water level data acquisition and reporting. The system is configured to report data 24 times a day.
6. The solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 5, characterized in that: The data packets reported by the communication unit contain device status information, which includes one or more of the following: device serial number, SIM card information, battery voltage, GPS coordinates, signal strength, device wake-up method, or CPU temperature. The main control unit is configured to perform trend analysis on battery voltage data for multiple consecutive reporting cycles.
7. A solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main control unit is also configured to perform anomaly diagnosis, and when at least one of the following conditions is met, it determines that the device is abnormal and reports the abnormal status code through the communication unit: Data failed to be uploaded successfully in multiple consecutive data collection and reporting cycles; The voltage of the built-in battery was detected to be below 3.3V; Analyze the analog data collected by the water level sensing unit. If the value continuously exceeds the preset normal physical range, the sensor is determined to be faulty.
8. The solar-powered water level monitoring system for farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive segments of the segmented probe assembly are made of corrosion-resistant metal material and have a roughened surface.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
A farmland water level monitoring system
CN118882785B