Modular Irrigation Controller Firmware Replacement via Plug-In Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation controllers lack a flexible and expandable architecture that allows for easy addition of new features and functionalities without requiring the purchase of a new controller, as expansion modules only provide additional station outputs without enhancing the controller's intelligence or functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular irrigation controller design with a removable and programmable control panel and a bus for communicating with various removable modules, enabling the transfer of new code and firmware to upgrade the controller's functionality, allowing for the addition of new features and capabilities without replacing the processor or memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new irrigation controller is purchased to add functionality, then the desired features are obtained, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion module contains a code replacement capability that allows new firmware or control logic to be transferred from the module to the base unit's memory. This copying mechanism enables functionality updates without requiring physical replacement of the entire controller, significantly reducing the cost of adding new features compared to purchasing a new controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic modification of the controller's operational parameters and control logic through code replacement. By changing the software parameters and firmware in the base unit, new functionalities are achieved without hardware changes, providing a cost-effective method for controller evolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller architecture is made modular with removable modules, then the number of controllable stations is increased, but the system lacks intelligence in the expansion modules
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion module incorporates a processor that can dynamically receive, interpret, and execute replacement code during runtime. This dynamic capability transforms the static, dumb expansion module into an intelligent component that can adapt its behavior and provide smart control functions, enabling features like automatic scheduling, sensor integration, and adaptive irrigation logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.