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 potential errors in watering schedule management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical control structure where irrigation control units 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 in another unit, 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 specific 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 Windows and embedded controller systems). This allows the same source code to serve both central controllers and satellite controllers, eliminating the need for separate software development for each controller type while maintaining system-specific functionality through conditional compilation and platform-specific adaptations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate software and firmware are developed for each controller type, then each controller can operate independently, but maintenance costs increase due to multiple code bases
Solution Approach 1:
By using a single universal code base that can be deployed across different controller platforms, the patent significantly reduces maintenance costs. Bug fixes, feature updates, and improvements need to be made only once in the universal source code, which then automatically benefits all controller types (central and satellite) without requiring separate maintenance efforts for each platform.
3Ease of operation
If simulations are performed on PC-based central controllers using satellite controller functionality, then scheduling can be tested, but accuracy decreases due to operating system differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables accurate simulations by copying and executing the actual satellite controller firmware code on the PC-based central controller. Instead of using separate simulation software that approximates satellite controller behavior, the system directly runs the real satellite controller code, ensuring that simulations accurately reflect actual controller operations and eliminate discrepancies between simulated and real-world performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different operating systems are used for central and satellite controllers, then each controller can be optimized for its specific function, but code sharing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the code base into modular components that can be selectively compiled for different platforms. The universal code is divided into core functionality modules and platform-specific modules, allowing the same source code to be adapted to different operating systems (Windows PC and embedded controllers) through conditional compilation and platform-specific build configurations, thereby maintaining both optimization and code sharing.
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.