Irrigation Decoder Auto-Association for Accurate Zone Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation control systems require manual programming of decoders with irrigation zones, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation control system that includes a controller, decoders with unique identifiers, and a mobile device for automatic association of decoders with irrigation zones using location and identifier information, allowing remote programming and precise control of valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual programming is used to associate decoders with irrigation zones, then the system can be configured, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-association of decoders with irrigation zones through sensor elements that autonomously identify decoders via unique identifiers and determine their physical locations. This eliminates manual programming requirements, simultaneously improving configuration speed and association accuracy without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical programming operations with electronic sensor-based identification and automated control signals. Sensor elements detect decoder unique identifiers and locations, then automatically transmit this information to the controller, substituting manual configuration processes with electronic automation.
2Ease of operation
If manual programming is used, then configuration can be completed, but labor effort and time are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic decoder identification and zone association without requiring operator intervention. Sensor elements scan for decoders, retrieve their unique identifiers, determine locations, and complete the association process autonomously, dramatically reducing both configuration time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor elements that proactively identify decoders and their locations before the association process is initiated. This preliminary detection and information gathering enables rapid automated configuration, eliminating time-consuming manual programming steps.
3Measurement precision
If automatic identification using sensor elements is implemented, then association accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor elements as intermediary components between the controller and decoders. These sensors act as mediators that automatically identify decoders through their unique identifiers and determine locations, providing accurate measurement information to the controller without requiring complex direct interaction between the controller and each decoder.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor elements to create informational copies of decoder identities and locations. Instead of directly programming each decoder association, the sensors capture and transmit copies of identifier and location data to the controller, which then automatically processes this information to establish accurate associations.
Data Source
AI summary
Am irrigation control system includes a controller element connected to one or more decoders that control sprinklers in one or more irrigation zones and a mobile electronic device or module configured to scan and identify individual decoders and provide irrigation program information to the controller element that provides instructions for watering at each of the irrigation zones, where the instructions are encoded or otherwise specified for execution by desired decoders.