Cloud Irrigation Control for Multi-Zone Programming Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple zones and integrating operational changes, leading to time-consuming manual programming, errors, and potential damage to plants and equipment due to inadequate irrigation adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based irrigation manager system that receives job status notifications and location information from mobile devices, determines the relevant irrigation zone, and generates instructions to adjust irrigation programs accordingly, integrating operational changes seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple irrigation controllers are used to control multiple zones, then the irrigation system can cover a larger watering area, but the complexity of coordinating and programming the controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple irrigation controllers into a unified networked system where controllers communicate with each other and with a central management system. This merging approach allows the system to manage multiple zones across large areas while reducing coordination complexity through automated communication and centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation controllers are designed with multi-functional capabilities, including the ability to operate autonomously, communicate with other controllers, receive remote programming, and adapt to various irrigation scenarios. This universality allows a single controller design to handle diverse zone configurations and irrigation requirements across the entire watering area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If irrigation controllers are individually programmed, then each zone can be customized, but the time and effort required for programming increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured irrigation programs and templates that contain standard irrigation schedules and parameters for different zone types. These preliminary configurations allow operators to quickly deploy customized irrigation programs by simply selecting and modifying templates rather than programming each zone from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor actual irrigation performance, weather conditions, and zone-specific parameters. This feedback is used to automatically adjust and optimize irrigation programs, reducing the need for manual re-programming and allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining zone customization.
3Ease of operation
If irrigation operators manually travel to each controller to program zones, then programming can be done, but the process becomes unresponsive to changing irrigation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces wireless communication networks and remote interfaces as intermediaries between operators and irrigation controllers. Operators can program and adjust irrigation zones remotely using mobile devices or computers, eliminating the need to physically travel to each controller while maintaining full programming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically responding to changing conditions such as weather forecasts, soil moisture levels, and plant water requirements. The system can adjust irrigation schedules and parameters in real-time without manual intervention, making it responsive to changing irrigation conditions while remaining easy to operate.
4Device complexity
If irrigation system adjustments are not integrated with operations, then the system operates independently, but plants and equipment may be damaged due to inadequate adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges irrigation control with operations management by integrating job status notifications, location tracking, and irrigation programming into a unified platform. This integration ensures that irrigation adjustments are automatically made in response to operational activities such as planting, landscaping, or maintenance work, protecting plants and equipment while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation manager may receive, from a mobile device, a job status notification for a job within a watering area, the job status notification including job information and location information. An irrigation manager may, based on the job status notification, determine, within the watering area, an irrigation zone associated with a local irrigation controller in which the job is located. An irrigation manager may, based on the job information, generate irrigation instructions for the irrigation zone. An irrigation manager may transmit the irrigation instructions from the irrigation manager to the local irrigation controller.