U.S. patent application number 11/325746 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for water timer and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tim Simon, Inc.. Invention is credited to Matthew T. Fisher, Timothy M. Simon, Blaine M. Smith.
Application Number | 20060217845 11/325746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37036219 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060217845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simon; Timothy M. ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
Water timer and method
Abstract
A water timer user interface has display areas for display of
water timer status information, including watering zone and
watering duration indicators, user input areas, and a
touch-sensitive screen. At least one of the display areas may
display a graphical representation of the watering duration
indicators for the watering zone identifiers. All of the display
and input areas may be single-function areas and may be
simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user. The display
areas may simultaneously display both graphical and numeric
representations of the watering duration indicators. An ambient
temperature sensor may be used to sense the ambient temperature and
humidity and provide corresponding signals to the controller to
permit the controller to modify the amount of water supplied.
Inventors: |
Simon; Timothy M.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Fisher; Matthew T.; (Reno, NV)
; Smith; Blaine M.; (Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYNES BEFFEL & WOLFELD LLP
P O BOX 366
HALF MOON BAY
CA
94019
US
|
Assignee: |
Tim Simon, Inc.
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
37036219 |
Appl. No.: |
11/325746 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60664561 |
Mar 23, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/284 ;
700/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 25/165
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/284 ;
700/017 |
International
Class: |
G05D 11/00 20060101
G05D011/00 |
Claims
1. A user interface for a water timer comprising: a user input
region comprising: a plurality of display areas for display of
water timer status information, said status information comprising
watering zone identifiers and watering duration indicators; a
plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs; and
a touch-sensitive screen so that the user can input water timer
inputs by touching the touch-sensitive screen.
2. The user interface according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the display areas is configured to display a graphical
representation of the watering duration indicators for respective
ones of the watering zone identifiers.
3. The user interface according to claim 2 wherein all of the
display areas and input areas are single-function areas and are
simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user.
4. The user interface according to claim 2 wherein the display
areas are configured to simultaneously display the graphical
representation and a numeric representation of the watering
duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone
identifiers.
5. A user interface for a water timer comprising: a user input
region comprising: a plurality of display areas for display of
water timer status information; and a plurality of input areas for
user input of water timer inputs; and all of the display areas and
input areas being single-function areas and being simultaneously
visible to and accessible by a user.
6. The user interface according to claim 5 wherein the user input
region comprises a touch-sensitive screen.
7. The user interface according to claim 5 wherein the user input
region comprises a touch-sensitive screen and hardware keys.
8. A user interface for a water timer comprising: a user input
region comprising: a plurality of display areas for display of
water timer status information, said status information comprising
watering zone identifiers and watering duration indicators; and a
plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs; and
at least one of the display areas configured to display a graphical
representation of the watering duration indicators for respective
ones of the watering zone identifiers.
9. The user interface according to claim 8 wherein the watering
duration indicators are touch-sensitive indicators capable of being
changed by touching.
10. The user interface according to claim 8 wherein the input areas
comprise a numeric input area coupled to the watering duration
indicators capable of changing the watering duration indicators
based upon numeric inputs to the numeric input area.
11. The user interface according to claim 8 wherein the display
areas are configured to simultaneously display the graphical
representation and a numeric representation of the watering
duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone
identifiers.
12. A water timer of the type comprising a user interface, a
controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide
control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control
devices, each flow control device capable of controlling the
passage of water from a water source to a watering zone, the
improvement comprising: an ambient temperature sensor operably
coupled to the controller to sense an ambient temperature and
provide an ambient temperature signal to the controller; an ambient
humidity sensor operably coupled to the controller to sense an
ambient humidity and provide an ambient humidity signal to the
controller; and the controller programmed to: store a base
temperature and a base humidity; calculate an increase or a
decrease in a watering amount according to any differences between
the base and ambient temperatures and humidities; and modify the
control signals, thereby modifying the amount of water supplied,
according to said calculated differences.
13. A water timer according to claim 12 wherein the controller is
programmed to decrease the watering amount according to an amount
the ambient humidity is greater than the base humidity, or to
increase the watering amount according to an amount the ambient
humidity is less than the base humidity.
14. A water timer according to claim 12 wherein the controller is
programmed to decrease the watering amount according to an amount
the ambient temperature is less than the base temperature and to
increase the watering amount according to an amount the ambient
temperature is greater than the base humidity, respectively.
15. A water timer according to claim 14 wherein the humidity is
expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100%, and wherein said amount
is equal to X times the percentage that the ambient humidity,
expressed as a percentage, is less than or greater than the base
humidity.
16. A water timer according to claim 15 wherein X ranges from about
1 to 4 and wherein the amount is about 1% to 10% per degree
Fahrenheit difference between the base an ambient temperatures.
17. A method for automatically adjusting the amount of water
supplied by a water timer, the water timer of the type comprising a
user interface, a controller coupled to the user interface and
programmed to provide control signals for controlling a plurality
of flow control devices, each flow control device capable of
controlling the passage of water from a water source to a watering
zone, the method comprising: sensing a base ambient temperature and
providing a base ambient temperature signal to the controller;
sensing a base ambient humidity and providing a base ambient
humidity signal to the controller; subsequently sensing a current
ambient temperature and providing a current ambient temperature
signal to the controller; subsequently sensing a current ambient
humidity and providing a current ambient humidity signal to the
controller; and modifying control signals, thereby modifying
watering amounts, according to the base and current ambient
temperature signals and the base and current ambient humidity
signals.
18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the base ambient
temperature and humidity sensing steps are carried out at a chosen
time of day on a chosen day and the subsequently sensing steps are
carried out on at least one day following the chosen day at a time
corresponding to said chosen time of day.
19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising selecting
the time corresponding to the chosen time of day to be the same
time of day.
20. The method according to claim 17 wherein: the humidity is
expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100%; and the control signals
modifying step: decreases the watering amount according to an
amount equal to X times the percentage that the ambient humidity is
greater than the base humidity; increases the watering amount
according to an amount equal to Y times the percentage that the
ambient humidity is less than the base humidity; decreases the
watering amount according to an amount L the ambient temperature is
less than the base temperature; and increases the watering amount
according to an amount G the ambient temperature is greater than
the base temperature.
21. The method according to a 20 wherein the control signals
modifying step is carried out with X and Y each ranging from about
1 to 4 and wherein the amounts L and G are each about 1% to 10% per
degree Fahrenheit difference between the base an ambient
temperatures.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional Patent Application No. 60/664,561, Attorney Docket TIMS
1009-1, entitled Water Timer And Method, filed 23 Mar. 2005. This
patent application is related to U.S. Patent Application No.
60/652,128, Attorney Docket TIMS 1010-1, entitled Ambient
Environment Sensor for Watering Timer, filed 11 Feb. 2005. This
patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______, Attorney Docket TIMS 1009-3, entitled Water Timer with
Watering Plan and Method, filed on the same day as this
application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to water timers used
to control the operation of flow control devices, typically
solenoid-actuated valves and pump relays, for watering systems
using one or more of sprinkler devices, drip irrigation devices and
other watering devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Conventional water timers typically require that they be
programmed by the user using hardware inputs, for example toggle
switches, sliding switches and rotatable knobs, or a combination of
hardware inputs and touch screen inputs. The screens are used to
display both operational functions and programming values. The user
enters commands into the water timer, such as for setting the
current time and date and programming the water timer, by pressing
keys and/or pressing at appropriate positions on a touch screen
display. In many cases an abbreviated set of instructions
explaining the steps that must be taken to operate the water timer
is printed on a door or cover of the water timer; complete
instructions are typically separately documented so that
programming such a water timer can be quite confusing and tedious.
Also, programming conventional water timers using screen displays
is typically accomplished only after selecting a series of
different screens on the display. In addition, information relating
to the status of the water timer is often accessible only by
reviewing different screens on the display.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a
user interface for a water timer comprising a user input region.
The user input region comprises a plurality of display areas for
display of water timer status information, said status information
comprising watering zone identifiers and watering duration
indicators, a plurality of input areas for user input of water
timer inputs, and a touch-sensitive screen so that the user can
input water timer inputs by touching the touch-sensitive screen. In
some embodiments at least one of the display areas is configured to
display a graphical representation of the watering duration
indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
All of the display areas and input areas may be single-function
areas and may be simultaneously visible to and accessible by a
user. The display areas may be configured to simultaneously display
the graphical representation and a numeric representation of the
watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering
zone identifiers.
[0007] A second aspect of the invention is directed to a user
interface for a water timer comprising a user input region, the
user input region comprising a plurality of display areas for
display of water timer status information and a plurality of input
areas for user input of water timer inputs. All of the display
areas and input areas are single-function areas and are
simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user.
[0008] A third aspect of the invention is directed to a user
interface for a water timer comprising a user input region, the
user input region comprising a plurality of display areas for
display of water timer status information, said status information
comprising watering zone identifiers and watering duration
indicators, and a plurality of input areas for user input of water
timer inputs. At least one of the display areas is configured to
display a graphical representation of the watering duration
indicators for respective ones of the watering zone
identifiers.
[0009] A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a water
timer of the type comprising a user interface, a controller coupled
to the user interface and programmed to provide control signals for
controlling a plurality of flow control devices, each flow control
device capable of controlling the passage of water from a water
source to a watering zone. The improvement comprises an ambient
temperature sensor operably coupled to the controller to sense an
ambient temperature and provide an ambient temperature signal to
the controller, and an ambient humidity sensor operably coupled to
the controller to sense an ambient humidity and provide an ambient
humidity signal to the controller. The controller is programmed to
store a base temperature and a base humidity; calculate an increase
or a decrease in a watering amount according to any differences
between the base and ambient temperatures and humidities; and
modify the control signals, thereby modifying the amount of water
supplied, according to said calculated differences. In some
embodiments the controller is programmed to decrease the watering
amount according to an amount the ambient humidity is greater than
the base humidity, or to increase the watering amount according to
an amount the ambient humidity is less than the base humidity. The
controller may be programmed to decrease the watering amount
according to an amount the ambient temperature is less than the
base temperature and to increase the watering amount according to
an amount the ambient temperature is greater than the base
humidity, respectively.
[0010] A fifth aspect of the invention is directed to a method for
automatically adjusting the amount of water supplied by a water
timer, the water timer of the type comprising a user interface, a
controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide
control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control
devices, each flow control device capable of controlling the
passage of water from a water source to a watering zone. The method
comprises sensing a base ambient temperature and providing a base
ambient temperature signal to the controller; sensing a base
ambient humidity and providing a base ambient humidity signal to
the controller; subsequently sensing a current ambient temperature
and providing a current ambient temperature signal to the
controller; subsequently sensing a current ambient humidity and
providing a current ambient humidity signal to the controller; and
modifying control signals, thereby modifying watering amounts,
according to the base and current ambient temperature signals and
the base and current ambient humidity signals.
[0011] Various features and advantages of the invention will appear
from the following description in which the preferred embodiments
have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a water timer made
according to the invention connected flow control devices, the flow
control devices coupled to watering lines and a watering
source;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the user interface of the water timer of
FIG. 1, the user interface including a user input region, the user
input region including a touch screen, hardware keys and status
lights;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates the touch screen of FIG. 2 with all of
the display areas, input areas and icons being visible for
identification purposes;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an overall view of the rain sensor of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rain collection head
of the rain sensor of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the rain sensor of
FIGS. 4 and 5; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a simplified, generic version of self-testing
circuitry suitable for use with the water timer of FIGS. 1-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The following description of the invention will typically be
with reference to specific structural embodiments and methods. It
is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the
invention to the specifically disclosed embodiments but that the
invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods
and embodiments.
[0020] A watering timer made according to embodiments of the
present invention may provide one or more of the following
advantages. All of the display areas and input areas may be
single-function areas. A graphical representation of the watering
duration for each watering zone may be provided. This provides the
user with an instantaneous, visual graphic (as well as a numeric)
indication of the watering duration for each zone for a watering
cycle. The controller may be programmed to modify the control
signals to the flow control devices according to, for example, the
ambient temperature and humidity so that the amount of watering can
be adjusted manually or automatically (such as using an automatic
system discussed below as the Water Logic system) accordingly. The
controller may also be programmed to a permit a user to select
input settings for a watering cycle, such as selecting the zone,
watering duration, start time and the day or days of the week, in
any order and all on the same screen. As used in this application,
all on the same screen means that everything needed for setting a
watering plan is simultaneously visible; this is possible when all
of the display areas and input areas are single-function areas.
This flexibility in setting a watering plan can greatly simplify
how the user creates a watering plan, the watering plan including
one or more watering cycles.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a water timer 10,
comprising a housing 11, connected to a number of flow control
devices 12, a temperature sensor 14, a humidity sensor 16 and a
rain sensor 18. Flow control devices 12 may include, for example,
solenoid valves, pump relays or a combination thereof. Water timer
10 includes a user interface 20 coupled to a controller 22.
Rainfall signals are provided to controller 22 through a line 23.
In one preferred embodiment temperature sensor 14 and humidity
sensor 16 are located within housing 11 with the expectation that
water timer 10 will be used outside or within a sheltered area,
such as within a garage, but not an area that is heated or cooled.
However, if desired one or both of temperature sensor 14 and
humidity sensor 16 may be positioned remote from water timer 10,
such as in the vicinity of rain sensor 18.
[0022] User interface 20 includes a user input region 24. A water
source 26, such as a municipal water supply, is also connected to
flow control devices 12. Flow control devices 12 control the flow
of water from water source 26 to watering lines 28 based upon
signals from water timer 10 through signal lines 30. A master valve
29 is open whenever any of the flow control devices 12 are open.
While master valve 29 may not be necessary, it reduces water usage
if there are leaks. Without the master valve, there is always
pressure to flow control devices 12. So if there are leaks at any
of flow control devices 12, and/or if one or more of flow control
devices 12 are not shutting the water completely off, water will be
dribbling out when there is no watering. Also, master valve 29 can
be replaced by, for example, a pump solenoid when a pump is used to
deliver water along watering lines 28, typically from a water well;
in this case the pump solenoid is typically actuated about one
second before any flow control device 12 is actuated.
[0023] While each flow control device 12 in FIG. 1 is shown to
control the flow of water through a single watering line 28, one or
more of flow control devices 12 may be used to control the flow of
water through more than one watering line 28. Watering lines 28 may
be a variety of watering lines used for variety of watering
purposes. For example, watering lines 28 may have one or more
sprinkler heads 31, or may be used for above ground or below ground
drip irrigation using drip irrigation lines 33. Also, one or more
of lines 23, 30 connecting sensor 18 and flow control devices 12 to
water timer 10 may be replaced by radiofrequency or other
non-hardwired connections.
[0024] The various features and components of water timer 10 and
rain sensor 18 will be discussed first, followed by a discussion of
the operation of the water timer.
Structural Details
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a water timer 10 made
according to the invention. User input region 24 includes broadly a
touch screen 32, hardware keys 34 and status lights 36. User input
region 24 provides, as will be discussed in more detail below, a
plurality of display areas for display of water timer status
information and a plurality of input areas for user input of water
timer inputs. One feature of the invention is that all of the
display areas and input areas are preferably single-function areas
and are simultaneously visible to and accessible by user. This
helps to greatly simplify use of water timer 10 by simultaneously
providing all information for a particular watering cycle (a
watering cycle starting on a designated day(s) and time(s)) to the
user without the need for scrolling, moving between different
screens, or other conventional operations common with devices in
which the display areas and/or input areas are multiple function
display and/or input areas used for displaying and/or inputting
multiple data entries for the same or different categories of
information. A watering plan may include one or more watering
cycles.
[0026] Many of the areas on touch screen 32 are touch-sensitive
areas used to input information. Other areas on touch screen 32 are
display areas used to display information, such as time,
temperature, status, etc.; some of the areas do both, that is are
touch-sensitive input areas and also are information display
areas.
[0027] Touch screen 32 includes numbered zone input areas 38 which
are selected by the user pressing on the appropriate zone number
which causes the particular zone input area to indicate selection
by being surrounded by a line, called being boxed, as illustrated
with zones 1-3 and 6-8 in FIG. 2. Zones 1-3 and 6-8 in FIG. 2 are
scheduled to be watered beginning with zone 1 at the next start
time, discussed below. Each zone input area 38 corresponds to a
watering zone 39 watered by a flow control device 12. Aligned with
each zone input area 38 is a watering duration area 40 which
provides the user with a quick, graphical visual indication of the
watering duration for the particular watering cycle being
displayed. A more accurate indication of a particular watering
duration (such as 12 minutes) can be accessed in a manner to be
discussed below. Below zones input areas 38 are increase and
decrease arrow input areas 42, 44 on either side of a date/time
display area 46. Below areas 42, 44, 46 are start time input areas
48 with a corresponding start time display area 50 directly beneath
each start time input area 48. The next start time will typically
flash when water timer 10 is unlocked (discussed below). Increase
and decrease arrow input areas 42, 44 are used for a number of
purposes including selecting watering duration, initially setting
the time for display area 46 and selecting or changing start times
for a watering cycle.
[0028] Select day input areas 52 are used to select the day or days
for a watering cycle for the watering plan. As shown in FIG. 3,
input areas 52 include Sunday through Saturday select day input
areas 54 and other select day input areas 56, specifically even
days, odd days, second day, third day and 14th day input areas. The
even and odd day input areas are possible because controller 22
includes a calendar; this permits the user to automatically comply
with even or odd day watering restrictions. The current day,
Tuesday in FIG. 2, is boxed.
[0029] To remove a start time, deselect the start time by setting
it to off; this is done using arrows 42, 44 to scroll the time at
area 46 to between 11:59 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. causing the start time
to be deselected and the word "off" to be displayed at area 46 and
at area 50. To deselect a day, touch the previously-selected input
area 52 and it will be deselected as indicated by removal of the
box. To remove a zone from a multiple zone watering plan, set the
watering zone duration to off (such as through the watering
duration area 40 for the selected zone) or by touching target zone
input area 38 for the selected zone. To remove a plan, set zone(s)
duration to off, or the start times to off and/or deselect all the
day(s).
[0030] The next portion of touch screen 32 relates to the use of
temperature, humidity and rain sensors 14, 16 and 18. Water timer
10 is typically programmed so that after a sufficient rainfall,
sensed by rain sensor 18, watering will be suspended, typically for
24 hours. Water timer 10 may also be programmed to provide an
automatic adjustment of the amount of watering in each watering
cycle according to how much the ambient temperature and humidity
differs from a reference temperature and from a reference humidity.
This automatic adjustment factor may be referred to as the Water
Logic feature or system. As is discussed more in more detail below,
if the humidity goes up and/or the temperature goes down from a
reference humidity and/or temperature, the amount of watering will
be decreased. Conversely, if the humidity goes down and/or the
temperature goes up from a reference humidity and/or temperature,
the amount of watering will be increased. This portion of touch
screen 32 includes an ambient temperature display area 58, an
ambient humidity display area 60, an ambient environment adjustment
icon/input area 61, also called Water Logic icon/input area 61, and
an adjustment factor display area 62 (which displays the watering
adjustment .+-.%, also called the delta factor, based upon the
ambient temperature and humidity). The automatic ambient
environment adjustment feature is activated by pressing on
icon/input area 61. The operation of the Water Logic feature is
described below.
[0031] Recognizing that windy days cause things to dry out more
quickly, a wind sensor could also be used as a part of the Water
Logic feature to permit the watering to be adjusted according to
wind speeds. A simply constructed ambient environment sensor that
reflects the effect of wind is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/652,128, Attorney Docket TIMS 1010-1, entitled
Ambient Environment Sensor for Watering Timer, filed 11 Feb. 2005,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
[0032] Touch screen 32 includes a number of status icons 64, see
FIG. 3, used to provide information regarding the status or
operation of water timer 10. A battery check icon 66 indicates when
the internal battery within water timer 10 should be changed;
batteries can be used to back up memory in case of AC power loss
and for off wall programming. The run/suspend icon 68 will appear
when the unit is on (active) but will blink (also called flash)
when touched and all watering cycles will be suspended. A 24 VAC
icon 70 is visible when the AC adapter voltage is available and
blinks (flashes) if missing; 24 VAC typically must be available to
run the valves 12. In addition, the 24 VAC led 96 (see FIG. 2) is
on when 24 VAC is available.
[0033] A rain suspend icon 72 will appear when operation of water
timer 10 has been suspended due to rain based upon either a signal
from rain sensor 18 or a manual rain suspend input, discussed below
with regard to hardware keys 34. The suspension of operation will
typically be for 12 hours, 24 hours, until the start of the next
day, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the suspension of
operation will be 24 hours. A check mode icon 74 is visible when
the user has placed water timer 10 in a check mode, discussed in
more detail below, during which each flow control device 12 is
operated for a set, typically short, period, such as two minutes,
to permit watering in the various watering zones 39 to be checked.
A watering can icon 76 is visible whenever water timer 10 signals a
flow control device 12 to water its respective watering zone 39. A
lock/unlock icon 78 shows if water timer 10 is in a locked or
unlocked state.
[0034] Hardware keys 34, see FIG. 2, include a run/suspend key 80.
Pressing key 80 suspends the operation of water timer 10 and causes
run/suspend icon 68 to blink; pressing key 80 again allows water
timer 10 to resume its normal watering functions and causes
run/suspend icon 68 to stay on. Touching icon 68 can also be used
for run/suspend instead of run/suspend key 80. Note that status
icons 64 are both display areas and are touch-sensitive areas.
However, because some of the status icons 64 are typically visible
only when the respective task/status is current/active, they will
often only be used to deactivate the particular state/task
represented by keys 34. Pressing rain suspend key 82 halts all
watering for a set period, such as 12 or 24 hours, after which
water timer 10 again resumes its normal watering functions; timer
10 does not go back to pick up any missed watering cycles. Rain
suspend icon 72 is visible while watering is suspended (touching
rain suspend icon 72 can also be used to halt all watering for a
set period).
[0035] Check mode key 84 is typically pressed when the user wants
to check the operation of the various watering lines 28; during a
check mode watering cycle each flow control device is actuated for
a set, typically two-minute, time period to permit the user to do
so. Check mode icon 74 is visible during a check mode watering
cycle. Touching check mode icon 74 can also be used for the same
purpose as check mode key 84. The check mode water cycle may be
started if water timer 10 is in its run or suspend states. When the
check mode key 84 is pushed, all other functions are overridden
during the check mode cycle. At the end of the check mode cycle,
the timer goes back to previous auto watering mode--run or suspend.
When in the check mode, touching check mode key 84 again shuts off
the check mode cycle.
[0036] Single watering cycle key 86, also called the+water hardware
key 86, is pressed to allow the user to put in a single cycle
watering plan for extra watering. Touching+water icon 76 can also
be used for this purpose. If another watering plan is running, the
single watering plan will run and when finished water timer 10 will
go back to such watering plan and finish it from that time. Once
the user has entered a single cycle watering plan, touching the
single watering cycle key 86, or in some embodiments touching
the+water icon 76, activates the single watering cycle and the
single watering plan runs just once. A previously-entered single
watering plan remains in memory and can be used or changed at any
time.
[0037] Lock/unlock key 88 is used to lock and unlock water timer
10. Pressing lock/unlock key 88 to place water timer 10 in an
unlocked state, indicated by lock/unlock icon 78 in an unlocked
configuration, permits full operational access to the touch
sensitive areas and hardware keys for setting watering plans. After
the watering plan has been entered into water timer 10, pressing
lock/unlock key 88 or lock/unlock icon 78 will lock the settings.
Alternatively, the user can wait for 60 seconds and the system will
automatically lock in the last settings.
[0038] Valve check buttons 90, also called the wire check buttons
90, one for each zone, directly operate flow control devices 12 to
permit the user to check the watering system in the chosen zone.
Pressing and holding a button 90 opens the associated flow control
device 12, thus causing watering to begin; releasing the button
turns off the water in that zone.
[0039] Valve check buttons 90 allows the user to bypass timer 10 to
check the operation of flow control devices 12. When the user is
first wiring the system, buttons 90 are a convenient way to test
each device 12. Once the system has been running, and a flow
control device 12 quits operating, the user does not know if water
timer 10 is malfunctioning or the flow control device, typically a
solenoid valve, is malfunctioning. Wiring check buttons 90 allow
the user to make that determination before the user returns water
timer 10 as defective.
[0040] Water timer 10 has two rows of status lights 36, that is
connection status lights 92 and watering status lights 94, with a
status light for each flow control device 12 in each row.
Connection status lights 92 remain illuminated so long as the
wiring for the associated zone is correct; if the wiring for any
zone is not correct, the associated connection status lights 92 is
not illuminated. Watering status lights 94 are illuminated whenever
a valve check button 90 is pressed or controller 22 has provided a
watering-on control signal to the associated flow control device 12
to place it in a watering state, and is therefore typically
watering, and is not illuminated otherwise.
[0041] Watering can icon 76 is generally visible whenever the
system is watering, that is during a watering cycle of the watering
plan, during a check mode watering cycle, and during a single
watering cycle. It is not visible when valve check button 90 is
pressed.
[0042] A 24 VAC status light 96 will come on when the adapter power
is properly connected and the internal power breaker is set. If the
AC 24V adapter, typically used with water timer 10, is not
connected, status light 96 will not be lighted. All programming
functions on the unit can be used on batteries without the AC 24V
adapter connected. The 24 VAC adapter must be connected, in a
preferred embodiment, to operate the sprinkler valves.
[0043] During a watering cycle, only the watering duration area 40
for the active zone will count down; all others will show their set
durations. Watering status light 94 will be illuminated to show
that the watering is active for that zone. Only one watering status
light 94 would be ON at any one time, plus any pump LED (not
shown), which may be used when a pump is used with the system.
[0044] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a simplified version of rain sensor 18.
Rain sensor 18 includes a mounting bracket 102 to which a support
arm 104 is secured at a pivot joint 106. A rain collection head 108
is mounted to the distal end of support arm 108 at a second pivot
joint 110. Head 108 includes a body 112 covered by a debris filter
114. Two electrically insulated wire leads 116 extend from an
electrical connector 118 and terminate at electrically uninsulated
detect points 120. Detect points 120 are positioned at the upper
end 119 of an adjustment screw 121 extending upwardly from the
bottom 122 of body 112. As indicated in FIG. 6, a cable 124
connects one of the wire leads 116 to a voltage source 126 through
a high resistance resistor 128 and the other wire lead 116 to
ground 130.
[0045] When the water level has reached detect points 120,
controller 22 detects a change in current passing between detect
points 120 and is therefore is provided an indication that it is
raining. Weep holes 132 are formed body 112 to permit water above
the level of weep holes 132 to slowly drain from rain collection
head 108. Therefore, after it has stopped raining, or if it is
raining very slowly, water level above weep holes 132 will slowly
drop to once again expose detect points 120 thus providing
controller 22 with an indication that it has stopped raining.
[0046] Adjustment screw 121 permits the location of detect points
120 to be adjusted relative to weep holes 132. Adjusting screw 121
so that detect points 120 are above the level of weep holes 132
causes controller 22 sense rain once the water level within body
112 has reached detect points 120. After the water level has
reached detect points 120, so long as the amount of rain entering
body 112 exceeds the amount of rain passing through weep holes 132,
controller 22 will continue to sense rain. The higher the level of
detect points 120, the greater the amount of rain that must be
collected before controller 22 senses that it is raining.
[0047] In some situations it may be desired to position detect
points 120 below the level of weep holes 132. After a rain has
caused detect points 120 to be immersed in water, the detect points
and will remain immersed until the water level has dropped due to,
for example, evaporation or manual extraction. If desired, weep
holes 132 may be provided at different levels. Also, some or all of
the weep holes may be variable restriction weep holes or the user
may be provided the option of adding or removing weep holes.
[0048] If water timer 10 is in a run mode, so that run/suspend icon
68 is not blinking, and rain is detected, the timer will go to a
suspend mode and the rain suspend icon 72 will come on. When there
is no longer rain detected for, in one embodiment, 12 hours, water
timer 10 will go back to a run mode, so that the rain suspend icon
72 is off, and continue the watering plans from that point. If rain
is again detected during the 12 hours, the rain suspend cycle is
restarted. If the blinking rain suspend icon 72 is pushed during
the 12 hours following the point in time at which rain is no longer
detected, water timer 10 will continue with the watering plans and
rain detector 18 will again be enabled after about 1 minute. If
rain suspend icon 72 is on, touching rain suspend icon 72 or rain
suspend button 82 will stop the rain suspend function until rain is
again detected.
[0049] Water timer 10 may be designed to go into a suspend state,
during which all watering is terminated, at and below, for example,
40.degree. F. (5.degree. C.). Also, an internal heater may be used
to protect touch screen 32 when the temperature goes below, for
example, 20.degree. F. (-7.degree. C.).
[0050] FIG. 7 is a simplified, generic version of test circuitry
that can be used with water timer 10. The basic concept is to
disconnect the load(s) (such as flow control solenoids 12) from a
controller, such as controller 22. This is typically accomplished
by first opening or removing the back plate containing the test
circuitry. Two simple tests, discussed below, are accomplished to
determine if a perceived problem is a problem with the controller
or with the load. The first step uses wiring test circuitry 138,
including a current-limiting resistor 140, an LED 142 and a diode
144 for each load, and a wiring test button 146. Closing wiring
test button 146 causes each LED 142 connected to its associated
load to illuminate only if the load is properly connected to power
source 148. If an LED 142 does not illuminate, there is a problem
with the connection of power source 148 to its associated load.
Therefore, this test shows that the load is getting power from
power source 148. (The current-limiting resistor 146 sufficiently
large to limit the amount of current supplied to the load to
prevent actuation of the load during this first test.) Assuming the
load is getting power from power source 148, the user proceeds to
the second test. The second test is accomplished by actuating the
function test switch/button 150, 152 of a second, test function
circuit 154 to "turn on" the load by connecting the load to power
source 148; if the load does not operate as expected (for example,
the flow control device 12 does not operate to allow water to flow
through the associated watering line 28), the problem is with the
load, not controller 22, because the load is properly connected to
power source 148. If the load does operate as expected, then the
perceived problem is with controller 22. This test circuitry can be
particularly useful for troubleshooting a perceived problem with
controller 22 during a telephone service call. Actuating a test
switch/button 150, 152 is similar to pressing a valve check button
90.
Operational Details
[0051] A basic goal of the invention is to strive to have the
ability to set the watering plan any way the user wishes. This
gives the user maximum flexibility. The system strives to be
seamless, i.e. a user should be able to set the watering plan as
user believes appropriate, not as a particular protocol demands.
Having all the necessary information and controls on a single touch
screen helps to achieve this goal.
[0052] One aspect of the invention is the recognition that there
are four basic selection that must be made for a single watering
plan: day, start time, zone and watering duration. In a preferred
embodiment the user can select these in any order. In other
embodiments there may be some restriction on the order of
selection. For example, in one embodiment a start time must be
selected before the zone and duration are selected, while the day
can be selected at any time; also, in this embodiment either (1)
the zone is first selected, by touching the appropriate zone input
area 38, and then the duration for the selected zone is selected
using either input areas 42, 44 or watering duration areas 40, or
(2) the zone is automatically and simultaneously selected by
touching the appropriate watering duration area 40 for that
zone.
[0053] With the present invention the user can choose to use
different types of watering plans. Two examples of watering plans
are called the zone based watering plan and the start time based
watering plan. Briefly, in a zone based watering plan the user
selects the watering duration for each zone, the watering select
start time(s), and what days are to be watered. With a start time
based watering plan each start time can have different zone
durations and different days. The objective is to be able to water
a zone with different durations in, for example, the morning and
evening, i.e. one duration per zone per start time, for maximum
versatility. The following, based upon one embodiment of the
invention, summarizes procedures followed with two types of
watering plans. Other embodiments may result in somewhat different
procedures.
Watering Plans--Basic Procedure
[0054] Press lock/unlock button 88 or lock/unlock icon 78 to unlock
water timer 10 to permit the watering plan to be entered. Start
time input area 48 for start time 1, also called the first start
time, flashes. (If a different start time is desired, such as input
area 48 for start time 3, the appropriate input area 48 is pressed
and will flash.) The start time is set by pressing on arrows 42,
44, such as by using a stylus (not shown), to advance and roll back
the time in display area 46 until the start time is displayed.
Touch a zone number at zone input areas 38 to select a zone; the
selected zone is boxed and flashes. The duration for the selected
zone is then set by either touching the appropriate position along
the water duration area 40 for the selected zone or by using
increase arrow 42, and decrease arrow 44 if necessary. In either
event, the watering duration will be illustrated graphically along
area 40 in a manner similar to a bar graph and by a numeric
indication at date/time display area 46. Select and set the desired
day or days for the selected start time by pressing one, some or
all of the day input areas 54 or by pressing one of the other
selected day input areas 56. The appropriate area(s) 54, 56 will be
boxed and blink.
[0055] In the disclosed embodiment if a start time for the selected
start time input and display areas 48, 50 has not been previously
entered, a start time must be entered for such selected start time
input and display areas 48, 50 before the duration for any zone for
that selected start time can be entered. Except for this minor
limitation with some embodiments (which will typically occur only
when water timer 10 is first used), a user can input original
information for a watering plan or changes to a watering plan
(zones, days, start times, durations) in any order. Also, each
start time has the same day(s) selection from input areas 54, 56
for any and all zones. In the disclosed embodiment water timer 10
has been programmed so that only a single flow control device 12
will be operational at any one time. Therefore, when multiple zones
are selected for the same start time, or if there is an overlap of
start times, the zones will be watered one at a time in numerical
order. Other embodiments may permit two or more flow control
devices to be a simultaneously operational so that there may be
watering overlap for this reason as well.
Zone Based Watering Plan
[0056] Following the Basic Procedure above, a user can store the
watering plan for the selected zone by touching the next desired
zone. The blinking zones 38, start times 50 and days 52 will all go
off. A different zone can then be selected and a new watering plan
can be entered for that zone. Note that the user can touch each
zone input area 3 8 to open it, to initially set, review or change
information relating to that zone. Touching zone input area 38
again stores that zone's watering plan. When finished, lock/unlock
key 88 is pressed to lock water timer 10 and returned to the run
mode.
Zone/Start Time Based Watering Plan
[0057] Following the Basic Procedure described above, a user can
proceed by selecting and setting a new start time. The Basic
Procedure is then repeated for the new start time. This procedure
can be repeated for other start times up to, in the disclosed
embodiment, 5 start times. To apply (store) each zone's watering
plan, touch the next desired zone. Each start time can have
different durations and days for each zone. Each zone can have
different durations for each start time. When finished, lock/unlock
key 88 is pressed to lock water timer 10 and returned to the run
mode.
Water Logic (Ambient Environment System)
[0058] When the water logic icon/input area 61 is touched, in one
preferred embodiment for 3 seconds, the present readings of
humidity at humidity display area 60 and temperature at temperature
display area 58 will be set as the 0% reference, i.e. the starting
point. These starting points are also referred to as the base
ambient temperature and the base ambient humidity. The following
percentage increases and decreases in watering time are exemplary
for one preferred embodiment.
[0059] If humidity goes up, the watering will be decreased by the
same percentage. (+1%=-1%) If humidity goes down, the watering will
increase by the same percentage. (-1%=+1%) The % increase or
decrease in the watering time is called the delta. When temperature
goes up, the watering will increase by, for example, 4% per degree
F. Example, 70 F to 95 F=+25 F, at 4% per degree F., the delta will
go from 0% to +100%. (+1 F=+4%) When temperature goes down, the
watering will decrease -4% per degree -F. Example, 70 F to 45 F is
-25 F, at -4% per degree F., the delta will go from 0% to -100%.
(-1 F=-4%) Other % per degree F. may be used, preferably between 1%
to 10% per degree F. In the disclosed embodiment the temperature
and humidity deltas are fixed in controller 22; other embodiments
may be constructed to permit the user to adjust the temperature and
humidity deltas.
[0060] Using international units, when the temperature goes up, the
watering will increase by, for example, 7.2% per degree C. Example,
21.degree. C. to 35.degree. C.=+14.degree. C., at 7.2% per degree
C., the delta will go from 0% to +100%. (+1 C=+7.2%) When
temperature goes down, the watering will decrease -7.2% per degree
C. Example, 21.degree. C. to 7.2.degree. C. is -13.8.degree. C., at
-7.2% per degree C., the delta will go from 0% to -100%. (-1
F=-7.2%) Other % per degree C. may be used, preferably between 1.8%
to 18% per degree C.
[0061] Because the temperature and humidity vary considerably in
different parts of the country, and across seasons, is preferred if
the user can easily set and/or reset a starting point. Initially,
when the user touches water logic icon 61, the starting point (0%
change) is whatever the temperature and humidity are at that time
of day, for example 2:00 p.m., sometimes referred to as the chosen
time of day. The initially sensed ambient temperature and humidity
are sometimes referred to as the base ambient temperature and the
base ambient humidity. Until the user initially touches water logic
input area 61, the water logic feature will not activate. The delta
change for the next watering cycle will be dependent on the base
temperature and the base humidity. The base temperature and base
humidity, in this embodiment, stays the same but is compared
against the current temperature and humidity each day at, in this
example, 2:00 PM as long as the water logic feature is on. The base
temperature and the base humidity are set and do not change so long
as the water logic feature is active. In other embodiments the base
temperature and the base humidity may change every day, or every
other day, or every week, etc. In either event delta changes, in
the preferred embodiment, will be effective for the next 24 hours.
The temperature and humidity measured for purposes of computing the
delta changes are measured each day at the chosen time of day,
again in this example 2:00 PM. To shut off the water logic
function, the user touches icon 61 again and it toggles off.
EXAMPLE
[0062] At 2 p.m. (the chosen time of day) the user touches water
logic input area 61 and the water logic function becomes
operational. The present temperature is reading 70 F (the base
ambient temperature) and present humidity reading is 40% (the base
ambient humidity) so these values will define the starting point
(0% delta).
[0063] Some days later the weather changed, three examples:
[0064] 1. The temperature went from 70.degree. F. to 90.degree. F.
(21.degree. C. to 32.degree. C.) and the humidity stayed at 40% at
2 p.m.; the watering would be increased by 80% (+4% change per
degree +F.) (+7.2% change per degree +C.) so that the display area
62 would display a delta of +80%.
[0065] 2. The temperature stayed at 70.degree. F. (21.degree. C.)
and the humidity went from 40% to 80% at 2 p.m.; the watering would
be decreased by 40% (-1% change per +1% humidity).
[0066] 3. The temperature went from 70.degree. F. to 90.degree. F.
(21.degree. C. to 32.degree. C.) and the humidity went from 40% to
80% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be increased by 40% (+80%
temperature delta -40% humidity delta).
[0067] The delta (adjustment) factor is on screen display area 62
only when the water logic function is on. This permits the user to
watch the delta factor at display area 62, learn how it works and
determine if and when the user wants to use the water logic
finction. Using the water logic function the user can accurately
determine and change the starting point when needed by watching the
temperature, humidity, and delta factor all at the same time,
anytime.
[0068] In the disclosed embodiment the base temperature and base
humidity are the sensed ambient temperature and humidity. In some
embodiments it may be desired to allow the user, or the
manufacturer, to input a base temperature and base humidity against
which the current base ambient temperature and base ambient
humidity are compared.
[0069] The watering adjustments are typically discussed with regard
to changing the length of time of watering. However, the amount of
water discharged in a watering cycle can also be adjusted by
changing the rate of water discharge, such as by changing the water
pressure applied to watering lines 28, or by both changing the
watering time and the rate of discharge.
[0070] Other modification and variation can be made to the above
disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject of the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example, the
number of zones, the number of start times, and the 12- or 24-hour
rain delay may be changed from those discussed above. The system
may be designed to operate on battery power only. Valves 12, or
other flow control devices, may be of types that operate on other
than 24 VAC, such as DC and other AC voltages.
[0071] Any and all patents, patent applications, and printed
publications referred to above are incorporated by reference.
* * * * *