Cloud Irrigation Controller Zone Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently managing and coordinating the operation of multiple irrigation zones, often requiring manual programming of individual controllers, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based irrigation controller system that connects multiple local irrigation controllers, allowing for centralized coordination and management of irrigation zones. This system receives irrigation information from local controllers, generates stacks of simultaneously actuated zones to optimize water use, and provides updated irrigation instructions based on changing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple irrigation controllers are used to control different zones, then the watering area can be fully irrigated, but the coordination between controllers becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation coverageVSAvoidcontroller coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple irrigation controllers into a unified system where a central controller coordinates all zones across multiple controllers. The central controller receives zone information from multiple local controllers and generates coordinated actuation schedules, merging the functionality of separate controllers into an integrated system that manages water main capacity allocation across all zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary between multiple local irrigation controllers. This central controller acts as a mediator that receives zone information from local controllers, processes the data to determine optimal actuation schedules based on water main capacity, and sends coordinated control signals back to the local controllers, thereby simplifying the coordination complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If irrigation zones are programmed individually, then each zone can be controlled precisely, but the programming process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone control precisionVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having local irrigation controllers pre-programmed with zone information and characteristics before being integrated into the central system. The central controller then uses this pre-existing zone data to automatically generate coordinated actuation schedules, eliminating the need for manual programming of each zone while maintaining precise control through the automated schedule generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing the central controller to automatically generate irrigation schedules based on zone information received from local controllers. The system uses the provided zone data to autonomously determine optimal actuation times and durations, eliminating the need for manual programming and reducing errors while maintaining precise zone control through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single irrigation controller is used, then the system is simpler to manage, but it cannot control more zones than its capacity allows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem management simplicityVSAvoidzone control capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a central controller that can manage multiple local irrigation controllers and their respective zones simultaneously. The central controller serves multiple functions: receiving zone information from various local controllers, processing water main capacity data, generating coordinated actuation schedules, and distributing control signals to multiple controllers, thereby extending the system's zone control capacity while maintaining centralized management simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12295298B2Devices, systems, and methods for cloud-based irrigation control

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 SMART RAIN SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A cloud-based irrigation system may receive, at a cloud-based irrigation controller, irrigation information for a first plurality of irrigation zones for a first irrigation controller and a second plurality of irrigation zones for a second irrigation controller. A cloud-based irrigation system may, based on the irrigation information, generate a stack, the stack including a set of irrigation zones, the set of irrigation zones including a first irrigation zone from the first plurality of irrigation zones and a second irrigation zone of the second plurality of irrigation zones, the first irrigation zone and the second irrigation zone actuated simultaneously.