Irrigation Controller Code Base Sharing for Simulation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex irrigation control systems, the disparity between central and satellite controllers' operating systems leads to inaccurate simulations and increased development and maintenance costs due to the need for separate software and firmware development for each controller, resulting in inefficiencies and inaccuracies in watering schedule management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical control structure where irrigation controllers share a common code base, allowing a first set of machine code to be executed on a processor and based on source code used by a second set of machine code, enabling accurate simulation and execution of irrigation control functions across different operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate software and firmware are developed for each controller type, then each controller can operate independently on its own operating system, but development time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal code base that can be compiled and executed on multiple different operating systems (PC-based and microcontroller-based). The irrigation control application is written in a portable language and can be adapted to run on Windows-based PCs, Windows CE-based PCs, and embedded microcontrollers through compilation or interpretation, eliminating the need to develop separate software for each platform while maintaining controller independence
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate software and firmware are developed for each controller type, then each controller can function with its own operating system, but maintenance costs increase due to multiple code bases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single maintainable code base that serves multiple operating systems. Bug fixes, feature updates, and improvements are made to one universal application that automatically benefits all controller types. The portable code structure allows centralized maintenance while maintaining compatibility across Windows PCs, Windows CE devices, and embedded microcontrollers
3Adaptability or versatility
If different operating systems are used in central and satellite controllers, then each controller can be optimized for its specific function, but simulation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the central controller to execute a copy of the same irrigation control application that runs on satellite controllers. By using the identical portable code base, the central controller can accurately simulate satellite controller behavior, ensuring that dry run simulations and system-wide scheduling decisions reflect actual field controller operations. The copied application maintains the same logic and decision-making processes as the embedded controllers
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are described in which different irrigation controllers in an irrigation control system have machine code having a same code base. In one implementation, a first irrigation control unit comprises a processor and a medium storing a first set of machine code to be executed by the processor. The first set is based on a portion of source code on which a second set of machine code stored in a second irrigation control unit is based, and the first and second sets not identical to each other. The first and second irrigation control units are in a predefined hierarchical control relationship. In one variation, the first and second control units have at least related operating systems. In another variation, a central controller includes machine code developed from at least a portion of the same source code as machine code in a remote controller for simulation or execution purposes.