Multi-Wire Irrigation Decoder Discovery for Address Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual entry of unique addresses for irrigation decoders in decoder-based irrigation systems is time-consuming and error-prone, often requiring manual scanning or digging up buried decoders for address verification, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An automated device discovery process using a modulated output power signal to detect and assign unique addresses to irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path irrigation system, eliminating the need for manual recording and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of unique addresses is used for irrigation decoders, then the system can be configured, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The decoder automatically performs address detection and configuration without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by autonomously identifying its unique address through the multi-wire path communication protocol, eliminating the need for installers to manually read and enter addresses from labels or barcodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of reading physical labels or barcodes with an automated electronic communication system. The controller communicates with decoders through the existing multi-wire path using digital protocols, substituting manual optical reading and data entry with automated electronic address detection.
2Ease of operation
If optical reading of bar codes is used to transfer addresses, then address entry is automated, but the process remains time-consuming since readers must be brought to decoders or decoders brought to scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The existing multi-wire path serves as an intermediary communication channel between the controller and decoders. Instead of requiring physical proximity for optical scanning, the address information is transmitted electronically through the multi-wire path that already connects all devices in the irrigation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wire path is utilized for multiple purposes: it provides power to decoders, enables communication between controller and decoders, and facilitates automatic address detection. This multi-functional use of the existing infrastructure eliminates the need for separate address reading equipment or procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If decoders are buried underground after installation, then the system is aesthetically pleasing and protected, but decoders must be dug up to verify digital addresses if errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from decoders through the multi-wire path communication system. The automatic address detection process allows the controller to verify that each decoder has been properly assigned a unique address, providing immediate feedback on installation correctness without requiring physical access to buried decoders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of digging up decoders to verify addresses with an electronic communication system. The controller can electronically query and verify decoder addresses through the multi-wire path, substituting physical excavation with digital communication and verification.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation control unit. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for use with irrigation control unit including a modulator and a control circuit to execute an automated device discovery process to cause the modulator to modulate data comprising a message on an output signal applied to a wire path extending into a landscape, the message indicating a portion of an address to match and prompting a response from one or more of the irrigation devices coupled to the wire path in which a corresponding portion of a device address matches the portion of the address to match.