U.S. patent application number 14/551407 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for system and method for wireless irrigation control with a remote application.
The applicant listed for this patent is ZBS Technology, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffery Stephen Bettcher, Deborah Gail Shupe, Michael Edward Shupe, Anthony Carlo Zambai.
Application Number | 20150105921 14/551407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48427698 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150105921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shupe; Deborah Gail ; et
al. |
April 16, 2015 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS IRRIGATION CONTROL WITH A REMOTE
APPLICATION
Abstract
Provided are a system and method for wireless irrigation control
with a remote application. According to one embodiment, the system
includes a processor and a plurality of interactive zone switches
for connection to at least one irrigation device, each zone switch
further structured and arranged to detect a state of the at least
one irrigation device. A non-volatile memory is coupled to the
processor and provided with processor executable instructions to
direct operation of each interactive zone switch. There is at least
one remote application to establish a schedule within the
non-volatile memory for operation for each interactive zone switch
and to receive the schedule from the non-volatile memory in
response to a users desire to review or modify the schedule. A
wireless network component is coupled to the processor and the
non-volatile memory and is in communication with the at least one
remote application to schedule operation of at least one
interactive zone switch and the at least one irrigation device.
Inventors: |
Shupe; Deborah Gail;
(Parker, CO) ; Shupe; Michael Edward; (Highlands
Ranch, CO) ; Bettcher; Jeffery Stephen; (Highlands
Ranch, CO) ; Zambai; Anthony Carlo; (Parker,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZBS Technology, LLC |
Parker |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48427698 |
Appl. No.: |
14/551407 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13302987 |
Nov 22, 2011 |
8930032 |
|
|
14551407 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/284 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 25/16 20130101;
G05D 7/0617 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101; H04W 4/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/284 |
International
Class: |
A01G 25/16 20060101
A01G025/16; G05D 7/06 20060101 G05D007/06; H04W 4/00 20060101
H04W004/00; G05B 15/02 20060101 G05B015/02 |
Claims
1. A non-transitory machine readable medium on which is stored an
application as a computer program for wireless irrigation control,
the computer program comprising instructions which when executed by
a computer system having at least one processor and a wireless
network component performs the steps of: providing a remote
scheduler by providing a scheduling interface upon a display of the
computer, the scheduling interface permitting a user to establish a
schedule for a plurality of interactive zone switches coupled to a
plurality of remote irrigation devices, and to directly control
each interactive zone switch; connecting to at least one wireless
network irrigation controller, comprising: a self containing
housing substantially enclosing; a processor; a plurality of
independently controllable interactive zone switches for connection
to a plurality of remote irrigation devices, each zone switch
further structured and arranged to detect a diagnostic state of
each irrigation device; a non-volatile memory coupled to the
processor having processor executable instructions to direct
operation of each interactive zone switch; a wireless network
component coupled to the processor and the non-volatile memory.
2. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, further
including: connecting with the wireless network irrigation
controller to retrieve a current schedule from non-volatile memory
for display to the user; permitting the user to review the current
schedule, and in response to a user directed change to the
schedule; changing the schedule in the non-volatile memory.
3. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the application permits the multiple zone activations of each
switch per day.
4. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the schedule for at least one zone is automatically divided across
multiple activations per day.
5. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 4, wherein
the division of the schedule for at least one zone is by time
interval.
6. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, the
non-transitory machine readable medium is provided to a user with
the wireless network irrigation controller.
7. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the schedule within the non-volatile memory of the controller is a
master schedule, a plurality of remote applications harmoniously
adjusting the schedule by retrieving the master schedule from the
non-volatile memory before establishing a change to the schedule
and uploading a new master schedule to the non-volatile memory.
8. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, wherein
the application receives notice of the diagnostic state of each
irrigation device.
9. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 1, wherein
at least one wireless irrigation device is coupled to a water flow
sensor, the application receiving notice of unintended or excessive
water flow.
10. A wireless irrigation controller for control by a remote
application, comprising: a wireless network irrigation control
module having a self containing housing enclosing; a processor; a
plurality of independently controllable interactive zone switches
for connection to a plurality of remote irrigation devices, each
zone switch further structured and arranged to detect a diagnostic
state of each irrigation device; a non-volatile memory coupled to
the processor having processor executable instructions to direct
operation of each interactive zone switch; a wireless network
component coupled to the processor and the non-volatile memory,
wherein the wireless network controller is adapted for
communication with a remote application providing a scheduler to
establish a schedule within the non-volatile memory for operation
for each interactive zone switch and to receive the schedule from
the non-volatile memory in response to a users desire to review or
modify the schedule, the application further permitting direct
control of each interactive zone switch.
11. The wireless irrigation controller of claim 10, wherein the
remote application is an application in a local area network apart
from an Internet.
12. The wireless irrigation controller of 10, wherein the remote
application is provided by a computer in a local area network.
13. The wireless irrigation controller of 10, wherein the remote
application is provided by at least one remote server accessed via
an Internet.
14. The wireless irrigation controller of 10, wherein the remote
application is provided by a smart phone, wirelessly communicating
with the wireless network irrigation control module.
15. The wireless irrigation controller of claim 10, wherein the
remote application permits the multiple zone activations of each
switch per day.
16. The wireless irrigation controller of 10, wherein the schedule
for at least one zone is automatically divided across multiple
activations per day.
17. The wireless irrigation controller of 16, wherein the division
of the schedule for at least one zone is by time interval.
18. The wireless irrigation controller of 10, wherein the schedule
within the non-volatile memory of the controller is a master
schedule, a plurality of remote applications harmoniously adjusting
the schedule by retrieving the master schedule from the
non-volatile memory before establishing a change to the schedule
and uploading a new master schedule to the non-volatile memory.
19. The wireless irrigation controller of 10, wherein the wireless
network irrigation controller is further coupled to a water flow
sensor.
20. A system for wireless irrigation control with remote
application, comprising: a wireless network irrigation control
module having a self containing housing enclosing; a processor; a
plurality of independently controllable interactive zone switches
for connection to a plurality of remote irrigation devices, each
zone switch further structured and arranged to detect a diagnostic
state of each irrigation device; a non-volatile memory coupled to
the processor having processor executable instructions to direct
operation of each interactive zone switch; a wireless network
component coupled to the processor and the non-volatile memory; at
least one remote application to establish a schedule within the
non-volatile memory for operation for each interactive zone switch
and to receive the schedule from the non-volatile memory in
response to a users desire to review or modify the schedule, the
application further permitting direct control of each interactive
zone switch and providing the user an option to automatically
divide the schedule for at least one zone across multiple
activations per day.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the schedule within the
non-volatile memory of the controller is a master schedule, a
plurality of remote applications harmoniously adjusting the
schedule by retrieving the master schedule from the non-volatile
memory before establishing a change to the schedule and uploading a
new master schedule to the non-volatile memory.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the division of the schedule
for at least one zone is by time interval.
23. The system of claim 21, wherein the division of the schedule
for at least one zone is by number of activations.
24. The system of claim 20, wherein the wireless network irrigation
controller is further coupled to a water flow sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/302,987 filed Nov. 22, 2011, now U.S. Pat.
No. ______. This continuing application claims the benefit of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/302,987.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
automated irrigation systems and methods for their control and more
specifically to automated irrigation systems controlled over
existing wireless networks in connection with remote
applications
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many homes enjoy private landscaping. Lawns, trees, shrubs
and plants of many varieties can be used by homeowners or
landscapers to create a pleasing personal outdoor environment. But
plants, even of the desert variety, do require water to
survive.
[0004] Many homes therefore are equipped with irrigation control
systems in an effort to help the homeowner or landscape caregiver
maintain the landscape plants. In their simplest form, a controller
can be a set of valves that are manually activated when watering is
desired. Manual operation is far from convenient in most settings
so such control systems are not highly desired.
[0005] Often control systems are equipped with a timer so that
valve operation can be established both for a given time of day and
for a given duration. Establishing this watering schedule may be a
tedious task involving tiny switches, codes and sequences of button
presses upon a keypad. Entering a wrong button press or sequence
can result in an undesired watering schedule that may or may not be
immediately evident to the programmer. If not discovered, such
errant programming may result in far too much water being provided,
potentially resulting in not only water waste, but also
overwatering if not flooding and damage land and structures. Too
little water may result in plant death.
[0006] Adjustments to such watering systems are not easily made, so
once a schedule is established many homeowners file the instruction
manual away and never opt to change the schedule. As weather
patterns change and perhaps even plants are replaced, grow or are
removed, the failure to adjust the watering schedule may well
result in waste of water resources as well less then desired care
for the plants. Moreover the established watering schedule is
maintained throughout the year, regardless of rain or heat.
[0007] Other shortcomings abound as well. Typical irrigation
control systems operate in a linear fashion, which is to say that
they operate a first zone for one duration, then move to activate a
second zone for another duration, and then a third zone for yet
another duration. Skipping a zone or watering zones out of order on
different days may not be possible, and even if possible may not be
easily achieved if the owner has misplaced his or her operating
manual.
[0008] Further, some plants such as young plants, fresh grass and
seeds for example often require frequent watering in short
durations. Typical watering systems operating in a linear zone by
zone fashion may not permit multiple repeated watering
schedules.
[0009] Should a zone malfunction such systems do not inform the
homeowner in any way, such that the first indication of a problem
is typically the owner's observation of either flooding or dead dry
plants.
[0010] Providing larger display panels on irrigation control
systems may well help the owner/operator in programming and
control, but such larger displays also increase costs. Also, as
most irrigation control systems are placed in garages or closets,
regardless of the display size and quality, actually viewing the
display easily and in a comfortable environment may not be easy for
all homeowners and operators.
[0011] Some watering systems have attempted to address some of
these issues, such as for example U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,396 to Ware
et al., entitled Irrigation Controller With Embedded Web Server,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,239 to Sieminski entitled Internet-Enabled
Central Irrigation Control, and US Patent Application 2009/0281672
to Pourzia entitled Weather Responsive Irrigation Systems and
Methods.
[0012] In Ware, U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,396, an irrigation controller
with an embedded web server activates irrigation devices in
accordance with an event schedule. More specifically, "the
controller 330 also contains an embedded web server that serves one
or more web pages (not shown) to the browser equipped client(s)
320." (Col. 6 lines 31-35).
[0013] Although perhaps beneficial in some settings, this
web-serving ability of the Ware irrigation controller raises the
complexity of the irrigation controller both in terms of it's
fabrication process as well as it's method of use. Updates to
features or corrections of software bugs must be made directly to
the controller, which of course requires that the controller be
on-line and in direct connection with the Internet. For users who
do not wish to avail themselves of the Internet, Ware is
impractical.
[0014] In Sieminski, U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,239, an irrigation
controller is coupled to a wide area network, such as the Internet.
More specifically, Sieminski teaches that a user does not
communicate with the Sieminski irrigation control except through
the Internet or via a stand alone controller, shown in Sieminski
FIG. 2, which as illustrated and described appears typical of the
existing display and button systems of conventional irrigation
controllers.
[0015] As taught by Sieminski, the user establishes the schedule
for watering with a web bases server that then transmits the
schedule back through the Internet to a wireless carrier 108 which
in turn is in communication with a plurality of wireless irrigation
controllers 110.
[0016] Moreover, Sieminski is most applicable to a commercial
setting where watering stations can be far apart such that wireless
communication between the irrigation controller and the watering
station is desirable. Centralization of the watering schedule with
an Internet connected database may be beneficial in some settings,
but if Internet access is not available or desired, the watering
schedule cannot be accessed and implemented. Indeed a user of
Sieminski must have not only a computer system, but also Internet
access even if he or she is directly proximate to the watering area
and controller if the web-based interface is to be used instead of
the traditional on-device display and button system.
[0017] In Pourzia, US Patent Application 2009/0281672, the emphasis
is for a weather responsive system that is truly composed of two
key elements--the irrigation controller itself and it's access
point. As is shown and described by Pourzia with respect to at
least FIGS. 1 and 2, a user communicates with the controller 12 by
way of a wireless access point 16 that is either coupled to the
users computer (FIG. 1) or to a router (FIG. 2), with this second
option being preferred so that the controller 12 can receive new
instructions based on weather monitoring systems.
[0018] Moreover, all control is accomplished through the additional
access point that is specific to the Pourzia system--not a
pre-existing wireless access point such as may be found in many
homes already. Further, all control is via web-browser interaction,
with the irrigation controller having a dedicated and specific user
interface system 56 which is again comprised of a typical output
device such as a liquid crystal display and an input device such as
a keypad as with many conventional irrigation controllers.
[0019] In addition, the master schedule is held by the client
application and not the controller. This client application can be
deployed to the user's computer or to the access point. Of course,
if it is maintained by the user's computer, then no other systems
can modify the system unless they are permitted access to the
user's computer, which also must be on. This appears to present a
potential problem. A user might well update the watering schedule
via his or her personal computer and then shut the computer off.
Later, an ASP server may attempt to update the schedule in response
to developments overnight, such as for example morning rain, that
the user was not aware of. However, as the master schedule is held
by the browser application and not the controller, the adjustments
attempted by the Internet based ASP server will not be reflected in
the users master schedule, if it is even implemented as the client
application was accessible. Pourzia does also teach that the access
point can host the client application--which in turn would require
greater complexity of the access point.
[0020] Moreover, many attempts have been made in repeated efforts
to provide improved irrigation control in a simple and easily
adjustable fashion. Although certainly necessary for the
maintenance of plants, most homeowners and or other users do not
see the watering system as being a priority and therefore are
unlikely to embrace expensive systems that may also have multiple
specialized components and or requirements.
[0021] Hence there is a need for a system and method that is
capable of overcoming the above identified challenges.
SUMMARY
[0022] Embodiments of this invention provide a system and method
for irrigation control, and more specifically to systems and
methods for irrigation control by way of existing wireless home
networks and remote configuration applications.
[0023] In particular, and by way of example only, according to one
embodiment of the present invention, provided is a system for
wireless irrigation control with remote application, including: a
processor; a plurality of interactive zone switches for connection
to at least one irrigation device, each zone switch further
structured and arranged to detect a state of the at least one
irrigation device; a non-volatile memory coupled to the processor
having processor executable instructions to direct operation of
each interactive zone switch; at least one remote application to
establish a schedule within the non-volatile memory for operation
for each interactive zone switch and to receive the schedule from
the non-volatile memory in response to a users desire to review or
modify the schedule; and a wireless network component coupled to
the processor and the non-volatile memory and in communication with
the at least one remote application to schedule operation of at
least one interactive zone switch and the at least one irrigation
device.
[0024] In yet another embodiment, provided is a method for wireless
irrigation control with remote application, including: providing a
plurality of interactive zone switches for connection to at least
one irrigation device, each zone switch further structured and
arranged to detect a state of the at least one irrigation device;
providing a non-volatile memory coupled to a processor, the memory
having processor executable instructions to direct the operation of
each interactive zone switch; providing a wireless network
component coupled to the processor and the non-volatile memory;
providing at least one remote application to establish via the
wireless network component a schedule within the non-volatile
memory for operation of each interactive zone switch; and in
response to a users desire to review or modify the schedule,
retrieving the schedule from the non-volatile memory.
[0025] Further, in yet another embodiment, provided is a system for
wireless irrigation control with remote application, including: a
remote scheduler structured and arranged to provide a scheduling
interface upon a display, the scheduling interface permitting a
user to establish a schedule for at least one interactive zone
switch coupled to at least one irrigation device; at least one
irrigation controller, comprising: a processor; a plurality of
interactive zone switches for connection to at least one irrigation
device, each zone switch further structured and arranged to detect
a state of the at least one irrigation device; a non-volatile
memory coupled to the processor having processor executable
instructions to direct operation of each interactive zone switch;
and a wireless network component coupled to the processor and the
non-volatile memory and in communication with the remote scheduler
to exchange the schedule of at least one interactive zone switch
and the at least one irrigation device, the schedule within the
non-volatile memory being a master schedule.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] At least one method and system for irrigation control will
be described, by way of example in the detailed description below
with particular reference to the accompanying drawings in which
like numerals refer to like elements, and:
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a level block diagram of an irrigation
control system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a further refined block diagram of the controller
and remote application for an irrigation control system in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a conceptual circuit diagram of the controller for
an irrigation control system in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for a method of irrigation control
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0031] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of at least one computer system in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be
appreciated that the present teaching is by way of example only,
not by limitation. The concepts herein are not limited to use or
application with a specific system or method for irrigation
control. Thus although the instrumentalities described herein are
for the convenience of explanation shown and described with respect
to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood and appreciated
that the principles herein may be applied equally in other types of
systems and methods for irrigation control.
[0033] Turning now to the figures, and more specifically to FIG. 1,
illustrated is a high level block diagram of a wireless irrigation
controlling system ("WICS") 100 in accordance with at least one
embodiment. As is further described in detail below, stated
generally for at least one embodiment, the WICS 100 is structured
and arranged to advantageous scheduling and control for a watering
system by way of existing wireless networks and resources.
[0034] Moreover, the WICS 100 is entirely operable within the
confines of a home network 102 or even an ad-hoc network, without
need or requirement for Internet 104 resources. As is further
discussed below, for some embodiments the Internet 104 may provide
further access and control options, but it is not a requirement for
each and every instance of use.
[0035] As conceptually illustrated within the home network 102,
there are one or more computer systems 106 and an existing wireless
network 108, such as but not limited to the 802.11 family of
network standards, e.g. at the time of this writing 802.11 a/b/g/n.
As shown the wireless access is provided by an existing device such
as a wireless router 110 that may also be proving the home network
102 with access to the Internet 104. The home network 102 may also
include one or more hand held computer devices 112, such as smart
phones or tablet computes.
[0036] Home network 102 may also be an ad-hoc network 114, as in a
decentralized wireless network that does not rely on preexisting
infrastructure such as routers or access points. Rather each device
or node participating in the ad-hoc network forwards data for other
notes when and as necessary. For example, in at least one
embodiment the home network 102 is, or may also include Bluetooth
wireless connectivity.
[0037] As is shown, WICS 100 includes a controller 116 having a
plurality of interactive switches for connection to at least one
irrigation device 118, of which irrigation devices 118A, 118B and
118C are exemplary. WICS 100 further includes at least one remote
application 120 to establish an irrigation schedule within the
controller 116. More specifically, it is understood and appreciated
that the controller 116 does not provide a direct interface for
establishing or modifying the irrigation schedule. Further, the
controller 116 does not provide active web-pages or a web-server
for establishing or modifying the irrigation schedule. Moreover,
the remote application 120 as is further described below is
responsible for establishing or modifying the irrigation
schedule.
[0038] The remote application 120 permits user operating a computer
106 or a hand held computer device 112, such as a smart phone or
tablet computer to establish an irrigation schedule for the
controller 116. Communication with the controller 116 is achieved
by way of an existing wireless network. As shown for the home
network 102 this may be a traditional wireless network 108 or an
ad-hoc network 114. In addition, it should also be appreciated that
where a user has only a hand held computing device 112 such as a
smart phone or tablet computer, the user may obtain the application
120 from a remote server 122 coupled to the Internet 104.
[0039] With respect to FIG. 1, it is also appreciated that the home
network 102 with controller 114 is shown as associated to a house
124. Exemplary houses 126 and 128 may also have similar home
networks and their own installations of WICS 100.
[0040] It should be further appreciated, that because the WICS 100
is established as an element within home network 102, where such a
home network 102 does provide access to the Internet, configuration
and scheduling of the controller 116 may be accomplished by
potentially any user having proper permission rights and computing
resources who is also connected to the Internet 40.
[0041] Moreover, a gardener or landscaping service tending to house
124 and 126 may have access to computer 130 having an instance of
the application 120. As computer 130 is coupled to the Internet 40,
this user may be provided with access to monitor and adjust both
installations of WICS 100 for houses 124 and 126.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates the home network 102 in enlarged form to
more fully appreciate the elements of the controller 116 and the
remote application 120 as they cooperatively provide WICS 100. For
at least one embodiment, the controller 116 is shown to have a
plurality of interactive zone switches 200, of which zone switches
200A, 200B, 200C and 200D are exemplary. As is described below,
each zone switch 200 is further structured and arranged to detect a
state of the irrigation device to which it is connected.
[0043] The controller 116 also has a processor 202 and a
non-volatile memory 204 coupled to the processor 202, the
non-volatile memory 204 having executable instructions to direct
the operation of each interactive zone switch 200, in accordance
with a master schedule 206 maintained by the non-volatile memory
204. A wireless network component 208 is also coupled to the
processor and the non-volatile memory 204.
[0044] By way of an existing wireless network, such as an 802.11
network, or an ad-hoc network, such as but not limited to a
Bluetooth connection, the wireless network component 208 permits
the controller 116 to be in communication with at least one
instance of the remote application 120 to establish a master
schedule 206 for at least one interactive zone switch 200 and the
irrigation device 118 to which it is connected.
[0045] With respect to the conceptual illustration of the
controller 116 in FIG. 2, it is to be specifically noted that the
controller 116 does not provide a web server or a local user
interface such as a display and keypad. Moreover, to provide
advantageous flexibility of features and ability with reduced
production cost, at least one embodiment of controller 116 does not
permit direct manual programming, requiring the operating user to
use the remote application to establish a master schedule 206
within the non-volatile memory 204 for operation of each
interactive zone switch 200.
[0046] Controller 116 may have a status light 210 that is operable
to indicate the general status of the controller 116. For example
the status light 210 may glow to indicate a general state of ON.
For varying embodiments the status light 210 may also glow in
different colors or blink to indicate various states, such as but
not limited to--green as general status ok, blinking to indicate
exchange of data with remote application 120, and or red to
indicate a fault. In yet another embodiment each zone is
represented by an indicator light such as an LED. Further, the LEDs
may be configured to provide an indication of status, e.g. green
for on, red for fault, and off for off. Further still, in at least
one embodiment, WICS 100 is configured with a master switch
operable to shut off all water supply, the master switch also
having an LED stats light.
[0047] For at least one embodiment, the interactive zone switches
200, processor 202, non-volatile memory 204 and wireless network
component 208 are disposed at least partially within a protective
case 212, such as but not limited to a polycarbonate case. Further,
although for ease of illustration the antenna 214 of wireless
network component 208 is shown extending from the controller 116,
the antenna 214 may be disposed within the case 212.
[0048] Controller 116 may also have an optional button 216 which
when pressed sets the controller 116 into a state intended to help
achieve initial wireless connection. For example, in at least one
embodiment, depressing this button permits controller 116 to accept
new Bluetooth paring, e.g. connections, for 60 seconds. If a
connection is not established the controller 116 returns to the
prior state. If a new connection is established, the remote
application 120 permits configuration of the controller 116 for
traditional wireless connection as well as Bluetooth connection.
Companies, such as for example Netgear, offer similar push to
connect options that may also be employed in varying
embodiments.
[0049] As noted, each zone switch 200 is intended for connection to
at least one irrigation device 118, of which irrigation devices
118A, 118B and 118C are exemplary. Each zone switch 200 is further
structured and arranged to detect a state of the irrigation device
to which it is connected. More specifically, in general the
irrigation device is at least in part a solenoid activated valve,
which when activated by the application of a current, permits water
218 to flow through the valve and irrigate the activated zone.
Deactivation of the current allows the solenoid to close, and
ceases the flow of water 218.
[0050] For at least one embodiment each zone switch 200 is
structured and arranged to detect the state of the irrigation
device by monitoring the current flow through the switch. For
example, as shown zone switches 200A and 200B can detect that the
irrigation devices 118A and 118B are operating as current is
flowing to indicate that the solenoids of irrigation device 118A
and 118B are operating. Zone switch 200D can detect that irrigation
device 118D is not operating as a proper current flow is not
detected indicating that the solenoid of irrigation device 118C has
failed. Moreover, in varying embodiments the state of the
irrigation device may be selected from the group consisting of
connected, disconnected, open and closed. Each of these states may
be compared to a record indicating the expected state to determine
not only that the state is correct, but also the proper functioning
of the irrigation device 118.
[0051] In addition, for at least one embodiment, WICS 100 may also
be coupled to a water flow sensor 132 so as to sense the state of
flow and confirm operation of a valve as intended and/or sense a
leak in the system. The flow sensor 132 may further permit
identification of a problem, such as where a drip line has been cut
and the rate of flow detected by the flow sensor is greater than
what a drip line would deliver. Of course, upon the detection of a
fault with a valve based on sensed current or the detection of
unintended or excessive water flow as provided by water flow sensor
132, for at least one embodiment, WICS is configured to send an
alert which is registered by the application 120, i.e., a push
message.
[0052] With respect to FIG. 2 a conceptual illustration of the
remote application 120 as it may appear upon a tablet computer 112
is also shown. As tablet computer and smart phones and even laptop
and desktop system continue to enjoy increasing diversities of
programming, graphical applications that are not traditional
websites are becoming more common A user may have remote
application 120, represented by an icon, which when selected
instantiates a functional instance of remote application 120 to
permit the user to establish, review and/or adjust the irrigation
schedule.
[0053] More specifically, application 120 is a graphical
application that polls the master schedule 206 from the
non-volatile memory 204. For at least one embodiment, an initial
default master schedule 206 is provided. For at least one
embodiment, this default master schedule 206 is defined to be to
permit irrigation on each connected irrigation device 118 for a
period of 20 minutes starting at what the controller believes to be
6:00 AM. For at least one embodiment, the controller 116 includes
instructions to poll, if possible an NTP time server or other
network resource to establish the current time for the controller's
location of installation.
[0054] Indeed it is to be understood and appreciated that in WICS
100, the master schedule 206 for irrigation is maintained by the
controller 116. As such, each instance of remote application 120 as
may be used to connect to controller 116 is ensured to receive the
current schedule. Harmony is thereby also maintained between
multiple instances of remote application 120 and/or multiple
users.
[0055] Moreover, when a computing device 106/112 having remote
application 120 loaded thereon is directed to connect to the
controller 116, the application will retrieve the master schedule
206 from the non-volatile memory 204 before establishing a change
to the schedule and uploading a new master schedule 206 to the
non-volatile memory 204. Modification of the master schedule 206
can be handled as an atomic transition to insure that simultaneous,
but different schedule adjustments do not occur.
[0056] Atomic transactions are guaranteed to have either of two
outcomes--either complete execution (commit) or leave no trace of
execution (abort), and when multiple processes attempt to perform
conflicting atomic transactions simultaneously, their atomic nature
guarantees that the transactions that succeed are serializable,
meaning that they appear to execute one after the other without
intermingling. Guaranteeing atomic transactions frees the
programmer from concerns over partial updates occurring, which
could lead to corruption of data and/or an errant view of the data.
Moreover, to interact attomically is to interact via atomic
transactions, such that each interaction either is or is not
completely successful.
[0057] It should be noted that interactive switch 200C has not been
connected. This has been shown so as to demonstrate that controller
116 is able to detect that there are only three current zones, and
the application properly reflects them as Zones A, B and C.
Moreover, controller 116 permits a user to wire the zones as he or
she sees fit, and if a switch is not connected for whatever reason
the controller 116 will self adjust.
[0058] With respect to the exemplary remote application 120, the
master schedule 206 as retrieved from the non-volatile memory 204
is displayed as schedule 220. For at least one embodiment, the user
is permitted to turn zones on or off, set start times and duration,
and Update the master schedule 206 when he or she is satisfied with
the schedule. The application also reports the status of each zone,
and as discussed above, Zone A and Zone B corresponding to
interactive switches 200A and 200B are shown to be "Good" whereas
Zone C corresponding to interactive switch 200D is shown to be
"Fault".
[0059] Further still, in this exemplary instance the application
120 indicates that this is an irrigation schedule for "Deb" 222.
For the sake of illustration and discussion, this user has been
illustrated as authorized to access a controller 116 present in
"Deb" 224 and another controller 116 present in "Mike." The "Mike"
224 button is shown in dotted relief to indicate it is not the
current selection.
[0060] Moreover, with respect to FIG. 2 WICS 100 can be summarized
as having two basic components. The first is a remote scheduler,
i.e., the remote application 120 on computer 112, structured and
arranged to provide a scheduling interface permitting a user to
establish a schedule 220 for at least one interactive zone switch
200 coupled to at least one irrigation device 118.
[0061] The second is at least one irrigation controller 116. The
irrigation controller 116 including a processor 202, a plurality of
interactive zone switches 200 for connection to at least one
irrigation device 118, each zone switch further structured and
arranged to detect a state of the irrigation device to which it is
connected. The controller 116 also includes a non-volatile memory
204, coupled to the processor 202 and having processor executable
instructions to direct operation of each interactive zone switch
200. Further, a wireless component 208 is coupled to the processor
202 and the non-volatile memory 204 and is structured and arranged
for communication with the remote scheduler to exchange the
schedule 206 of at least one interactive zone switch 200.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates a conceptual circuit 300 layout for at
least one prototype embodiment of controller 116. It will be
appreciated that circuit 300 does not include a display or key pad
input device as is typical with traditional irrigation control
systems.
[0063] With comparative reference to FIG. 2, in FIG. 3 the memory
204 and processor 202 of FIG. 2 are in FIG. 3 combined as the micro
controller 302. The micro controller 302 is coupled to the zone
switches 304 as well as a master switch 306, the master switch 306
permitting the micro controller 302 to halt all water flow to the
irrigation system in the event that a fault is determined, such as
an irrigation device 118 (see FIG. 2) being stuck open, or
unintended or excessive water flow detected by water flow sensor
132.
[0064] The micro controller 302 is also coupled to the WIFI Module,
308 (wireless network component 208 of FIG. 2), which in turn may
be optionally connected to a range extending antenna, 310.
[0065] Power from a power supply, such as a wall socket, is
received by a power conditioning element 312, which in turn
supplies power to the WIFI module 308, the micro controller 302 and
the current sensor 314. The current sensor 314, is also coupled to
the micro controller 302 and is structured and arranged such that
the micro controller 302 is aware of the flow of current indicating
that a selected zone switch 304 is properly operating or not.
[0066] The micro controller 302 is also coupled to a set of zone
indicator LEDs 316, which as suggested above are structured and
arranged to indicate the status of each zone--e.g., green for on,
red for fault, or light off for off Other colors and or indications
may also be provided in varying embodiments.
[0067] A reset button 318 is also provided to permit a reset of the
controller 116 back to factory default settings. An optional mode
button 320 is also provided to permit a user to set the controller
116, and specifically the micro controller 302 into an initializing
state for connection via an existing wireless network 118 or ad-hoc
wireless connection 114. For the embodiment shown, the micro
controller 302 is also coupled to a rain sensor 322 such that if
rain is detected, the micro controller 302 will skip scheduled
watering.
[0068] When the user installs the controller 116 and initializes
it, he or she provides the number of zones in his or her watering
environment. It is understood and appreciated that in general a
user will select a controller 116 with a sufficient number of zone
controlling switches to meet the needs of his or her watering
environment. For at least one embodiment the controller 116
includes an expansion port, not shown, which permits the connection
of an additional set of zone switches to be coupled to the
controller--thus permitting the user to advantageously enhance and
expand his or her watering environment without requiring a full
replacement of the controller 116 component of WICS 100.
[0069] FIG. 4, in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 conceptually
illustrates a high level flow diagram depicting at least one method
controlling irrigation in accordance with at least one embodiment.
It will be appreciated that the described method need not be
performed in the order in which it is herein described, but that
this description is merely exemplary of one method for controlling
irrigation.
[0070] In general, the method 400 commences with the controller 116
being provided and installed in a users home or other environment
where irrigation system control is desired. More specifically, a
plurality of interactive zone switches 200 for connection to at
least one irrigation device 118 are provided, block 402. Each
interactive zone switch 200 is structured and arranged to detect a
state of the irrigation device 118 to which it is connected.
[0071] A non-volatile memory 204 coupled to a processor 202 are
also provided, the memory having processor executable instructions
to direct the operation of each interactive zone switch, block 404.
A wireless network component 208 coupled to the processor and
non-volatile memory is also provided, block 406. Moreover, blocks
402, 404 and 406 represent the core elements of the controller 116,
and as indicated by dotted line 408 are for at least one embodiment
pre-fabricated into a single device with a protective housing.
[0072] The remote application 120 is also provided to establish via
the wireless network component 208 a schedule within the
non-volatile memory 204 for operation of each interactive zone
switch 200, block 410.
[0073] When installed and activated, the controller 116 enters a
state of awaiting connection by a user, block 412. Upon the
connection by a user, the master schedule is retrieved from memory,
block 414. As the controller is not providing web-pages, but merely
the data representing the schedule itself, the transfer rate of the
master schedule is anticipated to be quite high.
[0074] Upon receipt of this data, the remote application 120
interprets the data and provides it to the user graphically for
review, block 416. For at least one embodiment the master schedule
206, or metadata transmitted in addition can provide status
information regarding the state of each zone. If the user desires
to change the schedule, decision 418, he or she manipulates the
application to effectuate the desired change and uploads the
schedule to the non-volatile memory 204 of the controller 116,
block 420. If no change is desired, no action by the user is
required.
[0075] In at least one embodiment, the controller 116, has a master
power switch, so that it can be powered off by a user during
desired periods such as winter, or when maintenance is desired. As
such, the method 400 permits a decision 422 as to continue or
not.
[0076] For at least one embodiment, substantially concurrent with
the action of waiting for a connection by a user, block 412, the
controller 116 also acts to implement the master schedule 206,
block 424.
[0077] Implementation of the master schedule 206 generally occurs
with a scheduled trigger, decision 426. If the schedule does not
indicate a scheduled trigger, decision 426, the method 400 may
remain in a holding pattern, block 428.
[0078] In the event that a trigger is scheduled, decision 424, the
method 400 moves to select the triggered irrigation device, or more
specifically the interactive switch 200 in control of the
irrigation device to be triggered, block 430. The specified
irrigation device is then engaged or disengaged in accordance with
master schedule 206, block 432.
[0079] When the specified irrigation device is activated or
deactivated, the method 400 also evaluates the state of the
specified irrigation device, block 440. In the event the operation
is deemed proper, decision 436, no action is taken. In the event
the operation is deemed improper, decision 436, a log entry and or
notification to the user is dispatched, block 438.
[0080] For at least one optional embodiment, if a schedule does not
indicate a scheduled trigger, decision 424, the method 400 may
optionally check the state of all connected irrigation devices 118
at periodic intervals, block 438. Where state is determined to be
proper, decision 434 no further action is taken. If however, the
state is determined to be improper, a log and or notification may
be dispatched, block 436. Such proactive monitoring may
advantageously help a user of WICS 100 quickly address faults in
the irrigation system.
[0081] With respect to the exemplary method described, it is
clearly understood and appreciated that the schedule may include
multiple instances of activation for at least one zone. Moreover,
the user may establish a schedule in which zone 1, for example the
front lawn, is watered for a total of 30 minutes, but in 5 minute
intervals by scheduling 6 different activations. For at least one
embodiment, the scheduler may provide the user with the option to
automatically divide a scheduled zone activation time period by
time intervals or number of activations. In addition, in varying
embodiments, the user may establish multiple watering
schedules--i.e., front lawn, side lawn and bushes at 6:00 AM every
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and an additional schedule to water
the front lawn and vegetables at 4:30 AM on Tuesday and
Thursday.
[0082] With respect to the above description of WICS 100 and method
400, it is understood and appreciated that the method may be
rendered in a variety of different forms of code and instruction as
may be preferred for different computer systems and environments.
To expand upon the initial suggestion of a processor based device
such as computer systems 106/130 and or hand held computer devices
112, such as smart phones or tablet computers shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, and discussed above, FIG. 5 is a high-level block diagram of an
exemplary computer system 500. Computer system 500 has a case 502,
enclosing a main board 504. The main board has a system bus 506,
connection ports 508, a processing unit, such as Central Processing
Unit (CPU) 510 and a memory storage device, such as main memory
512, and optionally a solid state drive or hard drive 514 and/or
CD/DVD ROM drive 516.
[0083] Memory bus 518 couples main memory 512 to CPU 510. In
optional configurations the system bus 506 may also couple hard
drive 514, CD/DVD ROM drive 516 and connection ports 508 to CPU
510. Multiple input devices may be provided, such as for example a
mouse 520 and keyboard 522. Multiple output devices may also be
provided, such as for example a video display 524 and a printer
(not shown). In varying embodiments, the video display may also be
a touch sensitive input device.
[0084] Computer system 500 may be a commercially available system,
such as a desktop workstation unit provided by IBM, Dell Computers,
Gateway, Apple, Sun Micro Systems, or other computer system
provider. Computer system 500 may also be a smart phone or tablet
computer such as an iPhone or iPad provided by Apple, the HP Slate,
the Augen or Archos Android tablets, the Motorola Xoom or other
such device.
[0085] Computer system 500 may also be a networked computer system,
wherein memory storage components such as hard drive 514,
additional CPUs 510 and output devices such as printers are
provided by physically separate computer systems commonly connected
together in the network. Those skilled in the art will understand
and appreciate that physical composition of components and
component interconnections comprising computer system 500, and
select a computer system 500 suitable for use with WICS 100.
[0086] When computer system 500 is activated, preferably an
operating system 526 will load into main memory 512 as part of the
boot strap startup sequence and ready the computer system 500 for
operation. At the simplest level, and in the most general sense,
the tasks of an operating system fall into specific
categories--process management, device management (including
application and user interface management) and memory
management.
[0087] In such a computer system 500, the CPU 510 is operable to
perform one or more of the methods of irrigation control as
described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that a
computer-readable medium 528 on which is the remote application 120
for review, modification and/or establishing the master schedule
206 may be provided to the computer system 500. The form of the
medium 528 and language of the program 530 providing the remote
application 120 are understood to be appropriate for computer
system 500. Utilizing the memory stores, such as for example one or
more hard drives 514 and main system memory 512, the operable CPU
502 will read the instructions provided by the computer program 530
and operate to perform the remote application 120 and thereby
achieve WICS 100 as described above.
[0088] As suggested above with respect to FIG. 1, the computer
program 530 may also be provided by a non-portable media such as a
disc to a third party computer, such as computer 122, providing an
application platform such as but not limited to the Apple App
Store. A user can then connect his or her computer 106, or hand
held computer 112 to the third party computer, e.g. remote server
122 by a network (wired or wireless) through the Internet 104 other
communication channel and obtain remote application 120 so as to
adapt his or her computer 106/112/130 to perform the remote
application 120 in accordance with WICS 100.
[0089] Changes may be made in the above methods, systems and
structures without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus
be noted that the matter contained in the above description and/or
shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are
intended to cover all generic and specific features described
herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present
method, system and structure, which, as a matter of language, might
be said to fall there between.
* * * * *