Map-Based Irrigation Zone Control for Easier Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart irrigation systems lack user-friendly and efficient interfaces for managing and manipulating irrigation zones, stations, and watering units, making it difficult for users to optimize water usage and system control.
Innovation Solution
A system that overlays an irrigation system on a map, such as Google Maps, allowing users to visually manipulate irrigation zones, stations, and watering units through a user-friendly interface on a computing device, enabling real-time control and optimization of water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional irrigation system interfaces are used, then system control functionality is maintained, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the irrigation system layout by overlaying it on a satellite map image. This graphical representation copies the spatial arrangement of irrigation zones, sprinklers, and boundaries, allowing users to interact with a familiar map interface rather than complex system menus, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional menu-based interface to a spatial map-based interface that incorporates visual depth and geographic context. By displaying irrigation zones as overlaid polygons on satellite imagery with clickable hotspots, the system adds a geographic dimension that makes navigation more intuitive and easier to operate
2Measurement precision
If detailed irrigation system data is displayed, then measurement precision is improved, but information overload and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed information only at specific locations on the map. Each irrigation zone boundary and sprinkler location contains embedded hotspots that, when clicked, reveal detailed zone data, sprinkler specifications, and operational parameters. This localized information delivery maintains precision while avoiding global information overload
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces clickable hotspots as an intermediary between the map display and detailed system data. These hotspots act as mediators that users can selectively activate to retrieve precise zone information, sprinkler details, and operational data without presenting all information simultaneously, thus maintaining interface simplicity while enabling precise measurement and control
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.