Irrigation Sensor Network with Distributed Wireless Data Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems face limitations in data transmission due to the capacity constraints of data buses and point of transmission failures, which hinder accurate data capture and insights for irrigation decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A data management system with a communication bus and multiple communication systems that enable redundant communication protocols, allowing data to be transmitted via both wireless communication and a communication bus, ensuring reliable and increased data volume transmission, even in areas with poor wireless signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data is transmitted via a centralized data bus to a base unit, then data transmission is simplified, but the data bus becomes a limiting factor for data volume and a point of transmission failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data bus architecture into multiple distributed communication systems (tower boxes) positioned throughout the irrigation system. Each tower box independently captures and transmits data from local sensors, eliminating the single point of failure represented by the centralized data bus while enabling parallel data transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary transmission medium between tower boxes and the remote device. This intermediary enables data to bypass the limitations of the physical data bus, allowing larger data volumes to be transmitted without being constrained by bus capacity while maintaining transmission reliability through alternative pathways.
2Device complexity
If a single communication path is used for data transmission, then the system is simpler, but transmission failures can occur and data volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by equipping each tower box with independent communication capabilities and sensor arrays. Each tower box is optimized to capture and transmit local environmental data (soil moisture, temperature, etc.) independently, ensuring that data from different locations is collected with appropriate local characteristics rather than relying on a uniform centralized collection point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used in areas with poor signal strength, then installation flexibility is improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling tower boxes to adjust their communication behavior based on signal conditions. When wireless signal strength is insufficient, the system dynamically switches to alternative transmission methods or prioritizes data buffering, allowing the system to maintain operational flexibility in diverse environmental conditions while preserving data transmission reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data management system for an irrigation system and methods of controlling operations thereof are provided. The data management system directs data captured at a plurality of sensors on the irrigation system to a remote device. The data management system comprises a communication bus and a plurality of communications. The communication bus extends along the irrigation system. The plurality of communication systems are positioned on the irrigation system and are connected to the communication bus. Each of the communication systems is configured to receive signals representative of the data from one of the sensors and to transmit signals representative of the data, via wireless communication, to the remote device.