Irrigation Sensor Field Sensing for Autonomous Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation systems face challenges in accurately locating autonomous devices, such as smart lawn mowers and autonomous vehicles, due to the need for precise proximity detection and location management, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation system that integrates sensors with field sensing capabilities, including sense loops and wireless communication modules, to determine the location of autonomous devices and guide their movements by sending signals between sensors and devices, utilizing electromagnetic or inductive sensing methods to detect changes in magnetic fields and measure resonant frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional irrigation sensors are used, then the system can detect moisture levels and send feedback to controllers, but the system cannot accurately determine the location of autonomous devices
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation sensors are enhanced to perform multiple functions: their original moisture detection capability is retained while adding electromagnetic field sensing capability for autonomous device location detection. This allows a single sensor system to serve both irrigation monitoring and autonomous device tracking purposes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sensor versatility and improving location detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If field sensing means are added to irrigation sensors, then autonomous device location can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field sensing means (electromagnetic field sensors, sense loops) are merged with the existing irrigation sensor infrastructure. Rather than deploying separate location detection systems, the patent integrates these sensing capabilities into the already-deployed irrigation sensors, thereby improving location detection accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity
3Reliability
If autonomous devices operate without precise location detection, then the system is simpler to operate, but property damage may occur due to boundary violations
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous devices are equipped with the capability to self-determine their location using the electromagnetic field signals from the irrigation sensors. This self-positioning capability enables reliable boundary enforcement without requiring complex external monitoring systems, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances the accuracy of autonomous device location detection and movement guidance, preventing property damage by ensuring devices stay within designated boundaries and respond to environmental changes, such as weather conditions, through improved communication and control signals.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary coil positioned on at least one of the irrigation hardware sensor or the autonomous device; a detector positioned in proximity to at least one of the irrigation hardware sensor or the autonomous devices, wherein the detector is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a change in a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the processor of the at least two irrigation sensors determines the location of the autonomous devices based on sense loop resonant frequency measurements
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system may be implemented to provide location data with respect to one or more autonomous devices. Irrigation hardware, such as moisture sensors, with known locations on a property, may be provided with field sensing to accurately determine the location of an autonomous device with respect to the known location of the irrigation hardware. Existing hardware, such as moisture sensors, may be retrofitted or provided with field sensing electronics to determine the location of autonomous devices.