Remote Irrigation Climate Control via Wireless Sensor Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack efficient and user-friendly methods for remotely monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in agricultural and landscape environments, limiting the ability to manage these systems effectively and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A web-based remote monitoring and control system that allows users to access and control irrigation or climate control systems through a user interface, utilizing a wireless sensor network and communication networks to gather data and send commands, featuring customizable dashboards and mobile compatibility for real-time monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a remote monitoring and control system is implemented, then system management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between users and irrigation/climate control systems. The server hosts the control software and communicates with control nodes via wireless networks, allowing users to remotely monitor and control systems without direct physical access. This intermediary approach improves management efficiency while distributing system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it at the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual, on-site mechanical control of irrigation and climate systems with automated electronic control through wireless communication networks. Control nodes receive electronic commands remotely and automatically adjust system parameters, eliminating the need for physical presence and manual operation, thereby improving efficiency while reducing the complexity of user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If real-time remote access is provided, then user interaction capability is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal web-based interface that can be accessed through various devices (personal computers, mobile devices, tablets) using standard web browsers. This multi-functional approach allows users to interact with the irrigation and climate control systems from any location and any device, improving ease of operation without requiring device-specific applications or complex communication protocols. The server handles all communication complexity centrally, presenting a simplified universal interface to users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12461496B2Methods and systems for irrigation and climate control

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).