Irrigation Control Interface with Map View and Interactive Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern irrigation control systems are not suited for quick and easy modification of multiple irrigation systems, especially when changes in weather or maintenance are needed, as they lack efficient user interfaces for remote monitoring and control.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface that presents a map view of geographic areas with interactive control panels for each irrigation system, allowing users to configure and control multiple irrigation systems concurrently, enabling real-time adjustments and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modern irrigation control systems are used to manage multiple irrigation systems, then the ability to control multiple systems is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot quickly and easily modify operations when in the field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple irrigation systemsVSAvoidease of modifying operations in the field

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a map view dimension that displays multiple irrigation systems geographically, allowing users to visually locate and select systems. This spatial dimension transforms the control interface from a list-based or menu-driven system to a visual map-based system, enabling users to quickly identify and modify operations of multiple systems by interacting with graphical representations on the map rather than navigating through multiple menus or screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control interface by providing individual interactive control panels for each irrigation system displayed on the map. Each graphical element on the map can be selected to display system-specific controls, allowing users to manage multiple systems independently and simultaneously. This segmentation enables users to focus on one system at a time while maintaining awareness of all systems through the map view, improving both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If users manually inspect irrigation systems in the field to make modifications, then operational control is achieved, but loss of time increases due to the need to physically travel to each system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to modify irrigation operationsVSAvoidtime to travel to and modify each system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical irrigation systems environment through the map view, which displays graphical representations of all irrigation systems and their locations. Users can interact with this virtual representation to modify system operations remotely without physically traveling to each system. The map view serves as a digital twin or copy of the physical system layout, enabling remote monitoring and control that eliminates travel time while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If traditional control interfaces are used for irrigation systems, then system control functionality is achieved, but productivity deteriorates because users cannot efficiently manage multiple systems concurrently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of managing multiple irrigation systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of control interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal map view interface that can display and control multiple types of irrigation systems simultaneously. The graphical map display serves multiple functions: locating systems, monitoring status, selecting systems for control, and providing navigation context. This multi-functional interface consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems or interfaces into a single unified platform, improving productivity while managing complexity through interface consolidation rather than proliferation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9149013B2Irrigation system including a graphical user interface

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 LINDSAY CORP

AI summary

A system for managing irrigation equipment comprises a first irrigation system for applying water in a first irrigated area, a second irrigation system for applying water in a second irrigated area, a control system for controlling the irrigation systems, and a user interface for enabling a user to configure the control system. The user interface presents a map view of a geographic area including the irrigated areas and includes a first graphical element corresponding to the first irrigation system and a second graphical element corresponding to the second irrigation system. The user interface further presents a first interactive control panel for controlling the first irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the first graphical element, and presents a second interactive control panel for controlling the second irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the second graphical element.