Sprinkler Controller Remote Access Using Secure Token Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sprinkler systems require physical access for maintenance and adjustments, lack flexibility in irrigation schedules, and often rely on inaccurate weather data, leading to inefficient water usage and security concerns when connecting to home networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for remote and shared access to sprinkler systems, enabling control through digital security tokens, environmental variable monitoring, and secure network connections without revealing credentials, allowing for flexible scheduling and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual control systems are used, then physical access is required for maintenance and adjustments, but this reduces operational efficiency and increases security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the controller and user devices. The server handles authentication, authorization, and communication, allowing remote access without direct exposure of the controller to external networks. This mediator architecture enables remote operation while maintaining system security through centralized control and credential management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments functionality by separating the controller into a dedicated device that only handles irrigation control, while user interaction occurs through separate user devices (smartphones, tablets). The server further segments authentication and data management functions. This segmentation allows remote access capabilities to be added without compromising the security of the core irrigation control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sprinkler controllers are used, then only one or two irrigation schedules per zone are supported, but this limits scheduling flexibility and irrigation optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to irrigation control by implementing multi-level scheduling (daily, weekly, seasonal schedules with multiple start times and durations). Instead of being limited to simple on/off cycles, the system provides hierarchical time-based control that allows complex irrigation patterns without increasing hardware complexity. The server handles the computational complexity of schedule management.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal scheduling capabilities that can accommodate various irrigation needs through a standardized interface. The system supports multiple schedule types (daily, weekly, seasonal), manual overrides, and weather-based adjustments through a single unified controller, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Extent of automation
If sensors are deployed for weather-based irrigation adjustment, then automated control is improved, but sensor placement complexity and vulnerability to malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation by using publicly available weather data from online sources rather than requiring physical sensors at the irrigation site. The controller automatically retrieves weather information and adjusts schedules without human intervention, eliminating sensor placement and maintenance requirements while achieving the same automation goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the weather sensing function from the local irrigation system and relocates it to remote online weather services. By taking out the sensor requirement entirely and using external data sources, the system achieves weather-based automation without the complexity, cost, and vulnerability of local sensor deployment.
4Ease of manufacture
If network credentials are shared for device connection, then setup is simplified, but network security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles all authentication and credential management. During installation, the controller connects to the server which verifies credentials and establishes secure communication channels. Users never need to share network credentials; the server mediates all authentication, simplifying installation while maintaining network security through centralized credential protection.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method of granting a remote device access to a smart home network connected device is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an access request including identifying information related to the remote device; generating a digital security token that is encrypted and provides the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device without divulging network credentials; transmitting the digital security token to the remote device; receiving the decrypted digital security token from the remote device, the decrypted digital security token validating permissions of the remote device to access the smart home network connected device; and transmitting a remote access authorization to the remote device based on the decrypted digital security token, the remote access authorization providing the remote device with access to the smart home network connected device to connect the smart home network connected device to the network.