Irrigation Tracking Control Module with GPS and Cellular Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems lack the ability to allow consumers to easily monitor the status and history of irrigation activities, and do not provide timely alerts for system shutdown or activation without physical observation.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation tracking and control system with a control module equipped with a GPS receiver, cellular modem, water pressure sensor, and current sensor that transmits position and status information to a web server, enabling consumers to access data via a website and receive alerts through various communication channels, and allowing remote shutdown of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If irrigation systems are equipped with electronic controls and microprocessors to control application rate and operation timing, then the system's control capability is improved, but the ability of consumers to easily monitor system status and history is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the irrigation system's microprocessor and the consumer. The control module communicates system status and history data to the web server, which then presents this information through a web interface. This mediator resolves the contradiction by making the automated system's data accessible without requiring the consumer to directly interact with or physically observe the automated irrigation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions monitoring from the physical dimension (requiring physical presence at the irrigation site) to the information dimension (accessing data remotely via internet browser). By implementing remote monitoring capabilities through web technology, consumers can access system status and history from any location with internet connectivity, fundamentally changing how monitoring is performed from on-site observation to remote digital access.
2Measurement precision
If consumers want to determine the amount of water applied and calculate field history, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required to obtain this information is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously collects and stores water application data, position information, and system status in real-time during irrigation operations. This preliminary action of continuous data accumulation means that when consumers need historical information about water applied or system performance, the data is already prepared and stored, eliminating the need for manual measurement or time-consuming data retrieval processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical methods of tracking water application (such as physical gauges, manual logging, or on-site instrumentation) with electronic sensors and digital data processing. Flow meters, position sensors, and microprocessors automatically measure and record water application rates and cumulative totals, substituting mechanical measurement systems with electronic ones that provide both precision and rapid data access through the web interface.
3Loss of information
If consumers want to receive alerts when the system shuts down or activates, then information availability is improved, but the system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control module continuously monitors system status (on/off state, position, water application) and automatically sends notifications to consumers when specific events occur, such as system activation or shutdown. This feedback loop provides timely status information without requiring complex additional hardware, as the notification capability is integrated into the existing control module that already contains a microprocessor and communication interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added to allow consumers to shut down the system via computer, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the irrigation control system and the communication interface for remote monitoring and control. The existing microprocessor and communication capabilities (web server interface, notification system) are leveraged to provide remote shutdown functionality. This universal design allows the same hardware to handle irrigation control, data logging, web communication, and remote command reception, avoiding the need for separate dedicated remote control hardware and thus minimizing the increase in system complexity.
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
Enables consumers to easily track the irrigation system's position and status, receive alerts, and access historical data, improving operational efficiency and convenience by providing real-time monitoring and control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver for tracking movement of the distal end of the irrigation system
Implementation Method 2
A water pressure sensor detects the presence and absence of water pressure at a sprinkler head
Implementation Method 3
a current sensor senses current for the system to be able to move or not move
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation tracking and control system includes a control module attached an irrigation system, with a GPS receiver in the module for tracking movement of the distal end of the irrigation system. A microprocessor in the module processes position information and status information regarding the irrigation system and transmits the same via a cellular telephone network to a web server hosting a website. The information is downloaded to the website, and predetermined consumers may access the information on the website.