Irrigation Controller Global Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation control systems face challenges with clock drift in stand-alone timers, high energy consumption and complexity in wireless networks, and difficulty in providing reliable wireless signal coverage over diverse geographic areas, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, low-power irrigation control system utilizing a microcontroller with a global time receiver, transceiver, and actuator, synchronized by a mobile computer with geospatial capabilities, allowing for efficient scheduling and data transfer via Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, reducing the need for continuous synchronization messages and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stand-alone irrigation timers with quartz crystal timing are used, then each timer can operate independently with preset schedules, but clock drift occurs over time causing timers to no longer act in concert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple standalone timer functions into a single centralized controller that manages all irrigation zones. This central controller maintains a single accurate clock that all zones reference, eliminating the clock drift problem that occurs when multiple independent timers each maintain their own clocks. The controller integrates scheduling, timing, and control functions in one location rather than distributing them across multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller serves multiple functions: it acts as the central clock for all zones, stores irrigation schedules, controls multiple valves, and provides user interface capabilities. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized standalone timers, each performing limited functions independently, with one universal controller that handles all timing and control tasks centrally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stand-alone irrigation timers are individually programmed, then each timer can be configured for specific requirements, but the time needed to maintain the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the programming and configuration functions of multiple standalone timers into a single centralized controller. Instead of needing to program each individual timer separately, the user programs one central controller that then distributes schedules to all zones. This significantly reduces maintenance time while preserving the ability to configure each zone's specific requirements through the unified interface.
3Reliability
If a dedicated wireless network with central controller is used, then valves can be synchronized over wide areas, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless communication and centralized control functions from a complex dedicated wireless network into a simpler system using a mobile device as the central controller. The mobile device's existing wireless capabilities (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) replace the need for specialized wireless irrigation controllers, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to synchronize valves over wide areas through the mobile device's processing and communication abilities.
4Use of energy by moving object
If wireless nodes enter extended sleep periods to conserve power, then energy reserves are preserved, but system latency increases when bringing nodes back on-line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having the controller predict when irrigation events are needed and wake wireless nodes in advance of their actual operation. Rather than allowing nodes to remain in deep sleep until the last moment, the system proactively activates nodes before their scheduled irrigation tasks, ensuring they are ready to operate immediately when needed while still maximizing power savings through strategic sleep periods.
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
The system ensures accurate and synchronized irrigation operations with reduced energy usage and simplified configuration, maintaining efficient radio frequency spectrum usage while providing reliable coverage across diverse areas.
Implementation Method 1
a global time receiver, in communication with the microcontroller, configured to provide a real-time value
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation control system having an irrigation controller with a unique identifier and configured to execute irrigation schedules, collect, store and forward watering metrics and determine global time, together with a power source, a global time receiver in communication with the microcontroller and configured to provide time from an outside source to the microcontroller and a transceiver in communication with the microcontroller configured to send messages including its unique identifier, predefined irrigation schedules, stored watering metrics and current global time. The system further includes a mobile computer having a microprocessor, a wireless transceiver configured to receive the messages from the irrigation controller transceiver and transmit instructions to the irrigation controller via a communication link and a memory coupled to the microprocessor and configured to store predefined irrigation schedules, and watering metrics. Methods for providing watering metrics and controlling an irrigation control system or value controller are also disclosed.