Irrigation Control Interface for Large-Scale Station Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional central irrigation control systems are complex and difficult to operate, limiting the number of users who can effectively manage large-scale irrigation systems, such as those found on golf courses, due to their complexity and the need for specialized training.
Innovation Solution
The development of user-friendly irrigation management systems with intuitive interfaces that allow users to monitor and control irrigation stations through interactive maps, diagnostic tools, and mobile devices, enabling easier configuration, monitoring, and control of irrigation operations without extensive training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional central irrigation control systems are used to manage large-scale irrigation systems, then the system can control a very large number of valves or stations, but the system becomes complex and requires specialized training that is time-consuming and difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-scale irrigation control into multiple wireless networked components including field devices at individual irrigation stations, portable wireless devices for operators, and central control systems. Each segment operates semi-independently, allowing control of numerous stations without requiring the central system to be overly complex. The segmentation enables distributed intelligence where local devices can function autonomously while coordinating with the overall system.
2Productivity
If traditional central irrigation control systems are used, then irrigation schedules can be stored and executed, but the user interface is complex and requires specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces portable wireless devices (smartphones, tablets, PDAs) as intermediary interfaces between users and the irrigation control system. These devices provide user-friendly graphical interfaces that simplify interaction with the complex control functions. The intermediary devices handle the complexity of communication protocols and data processing, presenting simplified controls and displays to users while maintaining full irrigation schedule execution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation through automated irrigation schedule execution and wireless monitoring capabilities. Once schedules are programmed, the system automatically executes irrigation sequences without requiring continuous user intervention or complex manual control. Field devices autonomously receive and execute commands, and users can monitor system status passively through wireless devices, reducing the need for specialized operational training.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional irrigation control systems are used, then valves can be individually controlled, but monitoring and control require complex centralized software
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functionality into distributed field devices located at individual irrigation stations or valve assemblies. Each field device contains local intelligence to control its associated valve independently, eliminating the need for complex centralized software to manage individual valve operations. The segmentation allows each component to handle its own control logic while communicating status and receiving high-level commands through wireless networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by equipping field devices with embedded microprocessors and memory that enable autonomous decision-making and control at the local level. Each field device adapts to local conditions and executes control functions without requiring complex centralized processing. This distribution of intelligence allows individual valve control capabilities while simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.