Map-Integrated Irrigation Control for Large-Property Zone Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems lack user-friendly and efficient interfaces for managing and manipulating watering zones, stations, and sprinklers, especially for large properties, which complicates water usage tracking and optimization.
Innovation Solution
A system that overlays an irrigation management interface on a map, such as Google Maps, allowing users to visualize and interact with irrigation zones, stations, and sprinklers using a computing device, enabling real-time control and manipulation through touch-based commands and sensors for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional irrigation system interfaces are used, then system control is achieved, but user accessibility and ease of manipulation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional flat, menu-based irrigation control interfaces to a two-dimensional map-based visual interface. Users can see the entire property layout with irrigation zones, sprinklers, and stations displayed geographically, allowing intuitive spatial navigation and control without complex menus or hierarchical navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital replica or copy of the physical irrigation system overlaid on a map of the property. This virtual model includes all sprinklers, zones, and stations positioned accurately to match their real-world locations, allowing users to interact with the system through this simplified digital representation rather than dealing with complex system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed irrigation system controls are provided, then system manipulation capability is improved, but user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system interface is segmented into distinct functional layers: the base map layer, the irrigation zone layer, the sprinkler head layer, and the control options layer. Users can interact with each element independently - clicking on a sprinkler shows its status and controls, while clicking on a zone displays associated sprinklers and scheduling options. This segmentation allows detailed control without overwhelming the user with a single complex interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The map-based interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays system status, provides navigation to different areas, enables zone selection, shows sprinkler locations, and offers control capabilities. A single interface element (the map) replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate screens or menus, providing universal access to all system functions through one unified interaction model.
3Ease of operation
If map overlay interface is implemented, then user accessibility and visualization are improved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary between the user and the irrigation system controller. The mobile device runs an application that communicates with the irrigation system via wireless protocols, translating user interactions into system commands and displaying system status in an intuitive map-based format. This intermediary handles the complexity of system integration while presenting a simplified interface to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for irrigation, and managing irrigation of, a property or landscape. The system may include an irrigation management server (“IMS”) with the information for an irrigation system. The system may access the irrigation system that has been input into the IMS as well as access a third party map that may display the irrigation system over the map. The system may provide for a user's GPS location to be accessed through and identify the location of the user with respect to the map and irrigation overlay. The system display may provide information regarding the landscape to a user. The system may allow for manipulation of the irrigation system while overlaid on the map by the creation and manipulation of zones within the irrigation system as well as the creation and manipulation of other commands, including watering times and watering duration.