Networked Irrigation Control Using Third-Party Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently managing water distribution across multiple zones, especially when the water supply is limited, as they often lack real-time data from third-party devices such as soil moisture sensors and weather stations, leading to suboptimal watering schedules.
Innovation Solution
A cross-network irrigation system that connects local irrigation controllers to a cloud-based network, allowing third-party devices to provide irrigation information which is then used to adjust watering schedules, optimizing water usage based on soil moisture, weather conditions, and other factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple irrigation controllers are used to control multiple zones, then the coverage area is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple irrigation controllers into a unified networked system where controllers communicate with each other and with a central management system. This allows coordinated control of multiple zones while maintaining individual controller functionality, effectively merging the systems to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation controllers are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating independently for basic zone control while also participating in networked operations for coordinated multi-zone management. This universal design allows the same hardware to serve multiple functions across different operational modes.
2Ease of operation
If irrigation schedules are based on fixed timing, then the system operation is simple, but the water usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where soil moisture sensors and weather data provide real-time information to the irrigation management system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of irrigation schedules based on actual conditions, optimizing water usage while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation schedule transitions from static fixed timing to dynamic adjustment based on real-time soil moisture levels and weather forecasts. The system automatically modifies watering times and durations in response to changing conditions, improving water efficiency while requiring minimal user intervention.
3Measurement precision
If third-party devices are integrated into the irrigation system, then the irrigation precision is improved, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway or intermediary device that bridges third-party soil moisture sensors and weather stations with the irrigation control system. This intermediary handles data format conversion and protocol compatibility, enabling precise measurements from external devices while shielding the core irrigation system from network complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation manager may connect a plurality of irrigation controllers to a local irrigation network. The irrigation manager may connect the local irrigation network to a cloud-based irrigation network. The irrigation manager may connect one of the plurality of irrigation controllers to third-party device in range of the one of the plurality of irrigation controllers. The irrigation manager may receive third-party irrigation information from the third-party device via the one of the plurality of irrigation controllers. The irrigation manager may adjust an irrigation program based on the third-party irrigation information.