Irrigation Control Software Graphical Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems lack flexibility and ease of use, particularly in managing large irrigation systems, with limitations in accuracy, maintenance, and remote control capabilities, and require extensive programming and manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The development of irrigation control software that provides a graphical user interface for efficient scheduling and control of advanced sprinklers, environmental sensors, and other data inputs, enabling centralized management and remote operation through satellite controllers and microprocessors within sprinklers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large irrigation system is managed manually with traditional controllers, then basic control functionality is achieved, but programming complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers and configures sprinkler devices on the network. When a new sprinkler is added, the controller automatically detects it, assigns it an address, and integrates it into the irrigation schedule without requiring manual programming, thereby eliminating time-consuming configuration steps while maintaining full system control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures sprinkler parameters and integration settings in advance through automatic detection and network assignment. By preparing the system configuration automatically before user intervention is needed, the patent eliminates the need for time-consuming manual programming while ensuring the system is ready for immediate operation
2Ease of operation
If mechanical arc adjustments are set at each sprinkler location, then individual sprinkler coverage is controlled, but the overall system setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and configures the optimal arc settings for each sprinkler based on the irrigation schedule and area requirements. The controller self-configures the arc parameters without requiring a user to physically visit each sprinkler location and make manual adjustments, thereby maintaining precise arc control while dramatically reducing setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical arc adjustment at each sprinkler with electronic control through the networked system. The controller electronically configures arc parameters and communicates them to the sprinklers via the network, substituting the mechanical adjustment process with an automated electronic configuration process that maintains control precision while eliminating time-consuming field adjustments
3Ease of repair
If pilot valves are located outside the sprinkler body, then valve replacement is possible, but water supply must be shut off and other sprinklers are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve is integrated inside the sprinkler body rather than being located externally. This nested configuration allows the valve to be accessed and replaced as part of the sprinkler assembly without requiring shutdown of the main water supply, enabling maintenance on individual sprinklers while keeping the rest of the irrigation system operational
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independently addressable sprinkler units, each with its own integrated valve. This segmentation allows individual sprinklers to be maintained or replaced without affecting the operation of other sprinklers on the system, enabling localized repairs while maintaining overall system continuity and reliability
4Extent of automation
If a centralized controller manages all sprinklers, then basic irrigation control is achieved, but flexibility and remote control capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a centralized control system for managing all sprinklers and as a networked system that enables remote control and monitoring. The same controller that provides automated irrigation scheduling also interfaces with the network to allow remote configuration, monitoring, and control, thereby maintaining centralized automation while adding versatility and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a networked architecture that enables both centralized and remote control capabilities from the outset. By configuring the controller with dual functionality before deployment, the patent ensures that the system can operate in centralized mode for automated control while also being ready for remote access and configuration when needed, providing flexibility without compromising automation
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 solution enhances the management of large irrigation systems by providing intuitive control interfaces, improving accuracy, reducing maintenance complexity, and enabling remote reconfiguration, thus optimizing water distribution and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine is usually made with a series of angular vanes on a central rotating shaft that is actuated by a flow of fluid subject to pressure
Implementation Method 2
A spring or other type of resilient element is interposed between the body and the riser to continuously urge the riser toward its retracted, subsurface, position, so that when water pressure is removed the riser assembly will immediately return to its retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes irrigation control software for a computer that interacts with the features of a plurality of advanced sprinklers, environmental sensors, and other available data. The irrigation control software provides a graphical user interface to create a more efficient irrigation scheduling control interface.