Irrigation Controller Coordination Using Assumption Broadcasts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently controlling and coordinating water flow across large geographic areas, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in water application, particularly due to the lack of effective communication and coordination between multiple irrigation controllers.

Innovation Solution

A centralized irrigation control system that communicates assumption broadcasts to satellite controllers, allowing for the sharing of control elements like master valves and sensors, enabling real-time updates and notifications to ensure consistent state information and efficient irrigation scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple irrigation controllers are used to control irrigation over a geographic area, then the coverage area is expanded, but the coordination and communication between controllers becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation coverage areaVSAvoidcontroller coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the irrigation control into a hierarchical structure with a central controller managing multiple satellite controllers. Each satellite controller independently manages specific control elements (valves, sensors) within its zone, reducing the coordination complexity that would exist if all controllers communicated directly with each other. The central controller coordinates between satellites, providing a managed communication pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central irrigation controller acts as an intermediary between satellite controllers, managing communication and coordination. When a satellite controller needs information about control elements it doesn't directly control, it queries the central controller, which mediates the information exchange and maintains system-wide coordination without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between all satellites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If control elements are shared between multiple irrigation controllers, then resource utilization is improved, but the reliability of control state information deteriorates due to potential inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol state information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where satellite controllers query the central controller for assumed states of control elements before operation. After executing irrigation commands, satellites provide feedback about actual states. The central controller maintains updated state information and can detect inconsistencies, allowing the system to verify and correct control element states, thereby maintaining reliability despite shared resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before a satellite controller operates a shared control element, it performs preliminary actions by querying the central controller for the assumed state of that element. This advance verification ensures the controller has accurate information before actuation, preventing conflicts and ensuring reliable coordination of shared resources across multiple controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If assumption broadcasts are used to communicate control states, then network traffic is reduced, but information updates may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork traffic volumeVSAvoidinformation update delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The central controller implements periodic assumption broadcasts at scheduled intervals rather than continuously updating all controllers. This periodic communication reduces network traffic volume significantly compared to continuous updates. The interval is optimized to balance energy savings from reduced transmission with the need for timely information updates across the irrigation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the communication parameter from continuous real-time updates to periodic batch updates. By transmitting assumed states at defined intervals rather than continuously, the network traffic volume is reduced while the timing parameters of updates are optimized to maintain acceptable responsiveness for irrigation control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11234379B2Methods and systems for use in controlling irrigation

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

Some embodiments provide systems and methods of controlling irrigation, comprising: communicating an assumption broadcast from a first irrigation controller to each of a plurality of other irrigation controllers defining assumed states of control elements, wherein the control elements are shared with one or more of the first irrigation controller and the other irrigation controllers; determining whether a reply is received from one or more of the other irrigation controllers in reply to the assumption broadcast; identifying, from the reply, a correction to a state corresponding to a first control element; updating state information corresponding to the first control element in response to the identifying the correction; and communicating a subsequent notification from the first irrigation controller to each of the plurality of other irrigation controllers of the irrigation system, where the subsequent notification comprises the updated state information corresponding to the first control element.