Irrigation Decoder Address Assignment via Two-Wire Signal Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decoder-based irrigation control systems require manual entry of unique decoder addresses, which is time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large-scale systems with hundreds of decoders.

Innovation Solution

The system implements automatic discovery and assignment of decoder addresses, using a process that modulates data on a power signal to identify connected decoders and assign them to irrigation zones without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual entry of decoder addresses is used, then the system can be set up with existing methods, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress entry accuracyVSAvoidaddress entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-discovery of decoder addresses through the two-wire path. The controller automatically detects and assigns addresses to decoders without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to configure itself autonomously and eliminating time-consuming manual address entry processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of address entry (typing, writing, or scanning barcodes) with an automated electronic discovery process. The controller uses electronic signal transmission through the existing two-wire path to automatically detect and assign addresses, substituting manual operations with automated electronic detection and assignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If optical reading of barcodes is used, then address data can be captured, but the process requires bringing readers to decoders or moving decoders to scanners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress data capture speedVSAvoidaddress entry convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows decoders to be installed in their final locations and automatically discovered by the controller through the two-wire path. The automatic discovery process eliminates the need for installers to physically move decoders or bring reading devices to each location, enabling address capture without disrupting the installation workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing two-wire path, originally designed only for power and control signals, is utilized for multiple purposes including automatic address discovery and identification. This multi-functional use of the two-wire path eliminates the need for separate barcode scanning equipment or additional wiring, simplifying the overall operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If decoders are buried underground after installation, then the system is protected from environmental exposure, but decoders must be dug up to verify digital addresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from environmental exposureVSAvoidaddress verification accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback capability through the two-wire path, allowing the controller to communicate with buried decoders without physical access. The automatic discovery and verification process enables continuous monitoring and confirmation of decoder addresses and status, eliminating the need to excavate for verification while maintaining system protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical inspection (digging up decoders to verify addresses) with electronic detection through the two-wire path. The controller can electronically identify and verify decoder addresses remotely, substituting physical access requirements with wireless or conductive field communication capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces the time and error associated with address entry, allowing for more efficient setup and operation of large-scale irrigation systems.

Implementation Method 1

a process that modulates data on a power signal to identify connected decoders and assign them to irrigation zones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectData modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250185555A1Decoder-based irrigation control systems and user interfaces

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, an irrigation management system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various aspects of the irrigation management system. For example, the user interface displays decoder addresses assigned to irrigation stations and permits the user to manipulate various aspects of decoder address assignments to the irrigation stations and to perform various diagnostics and/or troubleshooting in connection with the decoders assigned to the irrigation stations.