Modular Irrigation Control Interfaces for Large-Scale Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central irrigation control systems are complex and require specialized training, limiting the number of users who can properly operate them, especially in large-scale irrigation systems like those on golf courses.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation management application with intuitive user interfaces that allow users to configure, monitor, and control irrigation systems through interactive features on devices such as central computers, mobile devices, and standalone controllers, providing easy access to system functions without extensive training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If central irrigation control software is used to manage large-scale irrigation systems, then the system can control and monitor a very large number of valves or stations, but the software becomes complex and requires specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-scale irrigation control into modular components: a user interface layer for simplified interaction, a communication layer for data exchange, and a control layer for valve management. This segmentation allows the system to handle large numbers of valves while keeping each layer manageable and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary user interface layer that mediates between the user and the complex control software. This interface translates simple user actions into complex control commands, hiding the underlying complexity from the user while maintaining full system capability.
2Device complexity
If central irrigation control software with specialized training is used, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but the number of users who can properly operate the system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface acts as an intermediary that translates complex control logic into simple, intuitive interactions. Users can control irrigation systems without specialized training by interacting with the simplified interface, which handles the complexity behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified representations of the complex irrigation system in the user interface. Instead of requiring users to understand the full complexity of valve control, the interface provides simplified models and visual representations that are easy to interact with.
3Ease of operation
If a simplified user interface is provided for irrigation control, then ease of operation is improved, but the system may lack comprehensive control capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the user interface from the control logic into distinct layers. The simplified interface handles user interaction, while the control layer maintains comprehensive capability. This allows the interface to remain simple while the system underneath provides full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed to be universally applicable across different irrigation system configurations. A single simplified interface handles multiple control scenarios and system types, maintaining both simplicity and comprehensive capability through multi-functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.