Irrigation Controller Using Hybrid Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation controllers face challenges in efficiently adjusting water usage based on weather conditions due to the high cost of sensors required for accurate evapotranspiration calculations, and reliance on historical data can lead to inaccurate results as weather patterns are not always repeatable.
Innovation Solution
An automatically adjusting irrigation controller that uses a combination of current and historical data to determine plant water requirements, allowing users to selectively choose which sensors to use based on geographic and budget considerations, thereby reducing the need for a full weather station and minimizing inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used to provide current weather data for evapotranspiration calculations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection approach by separating current weather data collection from historical data. The system divides the evapotranspiration calculation inputs into two sources: real-time sensor data for available parameters and historical database values for missing parameters, allowing the system to achieve accurate calculations without requiring all sensors to be present simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a historical weather data database as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between incomplete current sensor data and the full set of parameters needed for evapotranspiration calculations. This intermediary storage system allows the controller to retrieve past weather patterns and use them to supplement current measurements, maintaining calculation accuracy without requiring expensive complete weather station equipment
2Device complexity
If only historical ET values are used to approximate plant water requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic data selection approach where the system automatically determines which data source to use for each parameter based on availability. The controller dynamically switches between historical database values and current sensor measurements on a parameter-by-parameter basis, optimizing the balance between system simplicity and calculation accuracy without requiring complex manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of historical weather data and evapotranspiration values in a database before they are needed for calculations. By pre-storing historical patterns and relationships, the system enables rapid, accurate determination of plant water requirements using simple logic that checks data availability and selects appropriate values, achieving high precision without complex real-time processing
3Measurement precision
If all sensors for complete weather data are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a flexible sensor configuration where users install only the sensors they need based on their specific requirements and budget. The system is designed to function effectively with any combination of weather parameters, using historical data to compensate for missing measurements. This allows customers to achieve sufficient accuracy for their needs without investing in complete, expensive weather station equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the system's operational parameters by allowing the evapotranspiration calculation to proceed with varying degrees of data completeness. The controller adapts its calculation methodology based on which parameters are available from sensors and which are retrieved from historical data, maintaining functional accuracy across different sensor configurations and price points
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation, an irrigation control unit comprises a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables used at least in part in calculating plant water requirements, and at least one input adapted to receive signals corresponding to current values of one or more of the plurality of variables. The unit also comprises a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory, the processor adapted to determine the plant water requirements at least in part using, for each of the plurality of variables, a current value in the event the current value is available and at least in part using, for each of the plurality of variables, a stored historical value in the event the current value is not available.