U.S. patent application number 17/185575 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-17 for soil sensor grid.
The applicant listed for this patent is Smart Rain Systems, LLC. Invention is credited to Rudy Lars Larsen.
Application Number | 20210176931 17/185575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005417971 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210176931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larsen; Rudy Lars |
June 17, 2021 |
SOIL SENSOR GRID
Abstract
A system and method for providing optimal irrigation or
watering, and more specifically providing a soil sensor grid placed
in the ground of a landscaped property, in commercial, residential
or even agricultural areas. The soil sensor grid can allow for
optimal water usage in a specified irrigation area by providing
real time data to an irrigation system and a user to optimize water
usage. A soil sensor grid, or moisture sensor grid, may be
installed on a property, buried in the ground, to provide current
and real time feedback of the current moisture levels of the soil.
The moisture data is uploaded to the cloud and provided to a user
and the irrigation system allowing a user to automatically or
manually manipulate the irrigation system to properly water or
irrigate different portions of the property based on the data from
the soil sensor grid.
Inventors: |
Larsen; Rudy Lars;
(Bountiful, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Smart Rain Systems, LLC |
Centerville |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005417971 |
Appl. No.: |
17/185575 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15274593 |
Sep 23, 2016 |
10932424 |
|
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17185575 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 19/042 20130101;
G05B 2219/2625 20130101; A01G 25/167 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 25/16 20060101
A01G025/16; G05B 19/042 20060101 G05B019/042 |
Claims
1. A system for monitoring moisture content in a soil comprising:
an irrigation system comprising at least one first sprinkler; at
least one first moisture sensor and at least one second moisture
sensor, wherein the at least one first moisture sensor and the at
least one second moisture sensor are in communication with each
other; a moisture sensor grid comprising the at least one first
moisture sensor and the at least one second moisture sensor,
wherein the moisture sensor grid provides moisture content data
from the at least one first moisture sensor and the at least one
second moisture sensor to a relay device; at least one controller
in communication with the relay device; a cloud based platform in
communication with the controller; the cloud based platform
configured to receive the moisture content data from at least one
of: the at least one controller, the at least one first moisture
sensor, and the at least one second moisture sensor, the cloud
based platform further configured to communicate the moisture
content data to a user interface; wherein the irrigation system, in
response to receiving input from the cloud based platform, performs
one of either watering more or watering less based on the moisture
content data; the user interface configured to receive a
third-party map overlay, the third-party map overlay comprising a
satellite image of the moisture sensor grid displayed overlaid on
the satellite image at a location of the moisture sensor grid, the
at least one first sprinkler displayed overlaid on the satellite
image at a location of the at least one first sprinkler, and
moisture content data from the at least one first moisture sensor
displayed overlaid on the satellite image at a location of the
first moisture sensor; wherein the moisture content data displayed
is based on both the satellite image relating to the location of
the first moisture sensor and moisture sensor data from the at
least one first moisture sensor; the user interface displaying the
map overlay with real-time output data from the at least one first
moisture sensor, the user interface further comprising at least one
selectable secondary menu displayed overlaid on the satellite image
at a location of the at least one first sprinkler, such that when a
user selects the at least one first sprinkler, the secondary menu
is displayed overlaid on the satellite image at the location of the
at least one first sprinkler, the at least one selectable secondary
menu comprising predetermined, selectable commands relating to the
at least one first sprinkler.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one first
moisture sensor or the at least one second moisture sensor
communicates solely to the at least one controller via the relay
device.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one first moisture
sensor and the at least one second moisture sensor comprise a
plurality of sensors; and wherein the at least one controller
comprises a plurality of controllers.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the user interface is configured
to allow a user to manipulate the irrigation system and to
manipulate the plurality of sensors to adjust for at least one of
sensitivity and changes to landscape.
5. The system of claim 4 further comprising: a cloud based software
configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, wherein
the cloud based software stores instructions that when executed by
a processor cause the processor to perform instructions, the
instructions comprising: receiving data from the plurality of
moisture sensors; transferring data to the user interface; and
allowing a user to control the plurality of controllers from the
user interface based on the data from the plurality of moisture
sensors.
6. A system for optimizing irrigation in a soil comprising: an
irrigation system comprising at least one smart controller and a
first zone and a second zone; a moisture sensor grid comprising: a
plurality of moisture sensors installed in the soil in a grid
format in the first zone and the second zone, wherein the moisture
sensor grid provides moisture content data from at least one of the
plurality of moisture sensors to the at least one smart controller;
a cloud based platform in communication with at least one smart
controller, the cloud based platform configured to receive the
moisture content data from the at least one smart controller;
wherein the irrigation system, in response to receiving
communication from the cloud based platform, performs one of either
watering more or watering less at at least one of the first zone
and the second zone; and a map overlay comprising the plurality of
moisture sensors shown overlaid on a satellite image of a property
at a location of the plurality of moisture sensors, and further
comprising the first zone and the second zone shown overlaid on the
satellite image of the property at a location of the first zone and
the second zone; and a user interface displaying the map overlay
with real-time output data from the at least one of the plurality
of moisture sensors and from the satellite image of the property at
the location of the at least one of the plurality of moisture
sensors; wherein the user interface displaying the map overlay with
real-time output data from the at least one of the plurality of
moisture sensors further comprises selections for the user to
adjust a sensitivity; the user interface displaying the map overlay
with real-time output data from the plurality of moisture sensors,
the user interface further comprising a first selectable secondary
menu displayed overlaid on the satellite image at a location of the
first zone, such that when a user selects the first zone, the
secondary menu is displayed overlaid on the satellite image at the
location of the first zone, the first selectable secondary menu
comprising predetermined, selectable commands relating to the first
zone; and the user interface further comprising a second selectable
secondary menu displayed overlaid on the satellite image at a
location of the second zone, such that when a user selects the
second zone, the secondary menu is displayed overlaid on the
satellite image at the location of the second zone, the second
selectable secondary menu comprising predetermined, selectable
commands relating to the second zone, and wherein the
predetermined, selectable commands relating to the second zone are
distinct from the predetermined, selectable commands relating to
the first zone.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cloud based platform is
configured to receive moisture content data from at least one of
that at least one smart controller or the moisture sensor grid;
wherein the plurality of moisture sensors are equidistant from each
other.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a computer wherein the
computer comprises a desktop computer, a tablet, a laptop, or a
smartphone.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the user interface is configured
to allow a user to manipulate the irrigation system and to
manipulate the plurality of moisture sensors to adjust for at least
one of sensitivity and changes to landscape.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising: a cloud based
software configured to receive data from the moisture sensor grid,
wherein the cloud based software stores instructions that when
executed by a processor cause the processor to perform
instructions, the instructions comprising: receiving data from the
moisture sensor grid; transferring data to the user interface; and
allowing a user to control the plurality of controllers from the
user interface based on the data from the moisture sensor grid.
11. A method for optimizing watering for an irrigation system, the
method comprising the following steps in the following order:
installing at least one moisture sensor grid in a grid format in a
soil on a property, the at least one moisture sensor grid
comprising at least two moisture sensors; selectively powering the
at least two moisture sensors; sensing, by the at least two
moisture sensors, moisture levels in the soil of the property;
communicating the moisture levels from the at least two moisture
sensors to a relay device, the relay device in communication with a
controller, and the controller in communication with a cloud-based
platform; shutting off the at least two moisture sensors after the
moisture levels are communicated to the cloud-based platform;
transferring the moisture levels from the cloud-based platform to a
computer in communication with the irrigation system; wherein the
irrigation system, in response to receiving moisture levels from
the cloud based platform, performs one of either watering more or
watering less based on the moisture levels; obtaining a map overlay
comprising the at least two moisture sensors, the at least two
moisture sensors comprising a first moisture sensor and a second
moisture sensor, the first moisture sensor and the second moisture
sensor shown overlaid on a satellite image of a property at a
location of the first moisture sensor and the second moisture
sensor, respectively; displaying the at least one moisture sensor
grid on a user interface in communication with the cloud-based
platform, the user interface overlaid on the satellite image of the
property based on satellite data and moisture level data, the user
interface further comprising at least one selectable secondary menu
displayed overlaid on the satellite image at a location of the
first moisture sensor, such that when a user selects one of the
first moisture sensor, the secondary menu is displayed overlaid on
the satellite image at the location of the first moisture sensor,
the at least one selectable secondary menu comprising
predetermined, selectable commands relating to the first moisture
sensor.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least two moisture
sensors comprises a plurality of moisture sensors equidistant from
each other.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the moisture grid is customized
for the property.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises
installing at least one controller in communication with the at
least two moisture sensors.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one controller
comprises a plurality of controllers.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein transferring the moisture
levels to a computer comprises communicating the moisture levels in
a format, wherein the computer comprises a desktop computer, a
tablet, a laptop, or a smartphone.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: accessing the
moisture levels through the cloud based platform.
18. The method of claim 11 comprising: manipulating the irrigation
system in accordance with the moisture levels sensed from the
moisture sensor.
19. The method of claim 18 comprising: sending a signal to the at
least one controller to water the property in accordance with the
moisture levels provided by the moisture sensor.
20. The system of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a
power source for selectively powering the at least one first
moisture sensor and the at least one second moisture sensor and
selectively de-powering the at least one first moisture sensor and
the at least one second moisture sensor after the moisture content
data has been communicated to the cloud based platform.
21. The system of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a
power source for selectively powering the at least one first
moisture sensor and the at least one second moisture sensor when a
predetermined moisture level is reached.
22. The system of claim 2, further comprising a localized hub, each
of the first moisture sensor and the second moisture sensor in
communication with the localized hub, and the localized hub in
communication with the at least one controller and configured to
communicate the moisture content data to the at least one
controller.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 15/274,593, filed Sep. 23, 2016, the entire contents of
which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to irrigation management,
and more specifically to providing a soil sensor grid, placed in
the ground of a landscaped property, in commercial, residential or
even agricultural areas. The soil sensor grid can allow for optimal
water usage in a specified irrigation area.
BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART
[0003] Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. This
increasing scarcity is pressuring consumers and governments alike
to consider how they use water and how they can use it more wisely.
The costs of water are also increasing as a result of scarcity, and
home owners, farms, businesses and the like are under pressure to
reduce costs associated with using water.
[0004] Many irrigation users need water to maintain the grounds of
their business facilities, their farms or ranches, and their
residences. Some estimates speculate that landscape irrigation
accounts for nearly one-third of all residential water use, and
totals almost nine billion gallons per day. Much of that water is
wasted due to inefficient irrigation methods and systems.
[0005] As a result, water users are looking for options to reduce
water usage without negatively impacting their landscape. However,
doing so often requires expertise in landscape irrigation and may
require expensive equipment. Furthermore, some water users are
unsure whether they will ever recoup the investment they make in
the system. Many water users forgo the benefits of more
sophisticated irrigation systems and waste water as a result.
[0006] In addition, many irrigation systems can over water or under
water because there is no feedback from the soil to know if the
grounds are getting enough or too much water. Distribution of water
is consistently one of the biggest problems in the irrigation and
sprinkler industry.
[0007] Some irrigation systems are able to access information on
the cloud, such as weather forecasts, temperature forecasts and
other information to manipulate the irrigation system and its
watering duration. Some systems also utilize the evapotranspiration
(ET) information for a local area. However, sadly this information
may not be very sight specific or landscape specific for a
landscape owner or manager.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Disclosed herein is a system and method for providing
optimal water usage for a specific area of a property or landscape,
whether that is a commercial business, a residential neighborhood,
a park, a farm or ranch or other landscape. In one embodiment a
plurality of sensors may be placed in the ground in a landscaped
area. The sensors may be positioned in a grid like formation or
alternatively in a strategic pattern within a landscape to optimize
the usage of a sensor to sense the condition, or moisture level, of
the soil.
[0009] The soil sensor grid may be developed with an irrigation
management plan for a specific property using characteristics of
the property and thus positioning the sensors in the appropriate
pattern. Residential landscapes may be somewhat different from
commercial landscapes which may be different from agricultural
landscapes.
[0010] The appropriate system may be placed in an area that has yet
to be landscaped our utilized or can be placed in a previously
established landscaped area, such as a farm, commercial buildings
or residential neighborhoods. The method to install the system may
involve visiting the property that is to have an irrigation system
installed or that previously had an irrigation system installed. A
technician may identify one or more characteristics of the property
and what water usage is utilized and what may affect water usage.
The technician may develop an irrigation plan based on the
property, whether an irrigation system is already in use or if a
new irrigation system needs to be developed and installed.
[0011] The method may also involve determining a value of
irrigation system and the soil sensor system for the property. The
system itself will optimize the water usage by the sensors
providing feedback to the controller, or smart controller, allowing
for only optimum water usage in the appropriate areas where the
sensor grid is utilized. The sensor grid may be integrated with the
irrigation system and may be wired or wireless, or the sensor grid
may be separate from and independent from the irrigation system and
may be wired or wireless. The controller may allow for the sensor
grid and irrigation system to communicate thus allowing the optimum
water usage for the appropriate landscape.
[0012] Rather than rely solely on temperatures and forecasted
weather the sensor grid will provide real-time feedback to the
irrigation system regarding the state of the landscape. This, in
turn, provides for optimal water usage while maintaining the
landscape in a way that satisfies the property owner. The method
and system disclosed herein provides information to the cloud,
rather than simply taking information from the cloud.
[0013] Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various
aspects, of the present embodiments will become apparent to those
of skill in the art though consideration of the ensuing
description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a soil sensor grid in communication with
a controller;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the soil
sensor grid of FIG. 1 within the ground with the soil sensor grid
in communication with the controller;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the sensor
grid of FIG. 1 depicted in a commercial landscape setting; and
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a method of managing an irrigation system with
sensors or a sensor grid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring in general to the accompanying drawings, various
embodiments of the present method and system are illustrated to
show the structure and methods for a sensor grid which may be
integrated with an irrigation system. Common elements of the
illustrated embodiments are designated with like numerals. It
should be understood that the figures presented are not meant to be
illustrative of actual views of any particular portion of the
actual device structure, but are merely schematic representations
which are employed to more clearly and fully depict embodiments of
the system.
[0019] The following provides a more detailed description of ways
to implement the present system and method and various
representative embodiments thereof. The following description sets
forth the proper method of installing and implementing a soil
sensor grid system and how the system will interface with a smart
controller, or controller, to adequately water specific parts of a
property or landscape. In this description, some drawings may
illustrate landscapes or irrigation plans and while these are
representative of the system they are in no means meant to be
restrictive to the illustrated design. The system and method of the
embodiments described may be performed in numerous ways and are
considered part of this disclosure.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a soil sensor system 10, or moisture
sensor grid, may include a controller 12, which may be a smart
controller. The controller 12 may be the same controller that
controls an irrigation system 30 (see FIG. 3) that will utilize the
soil sensor system 10. Alternatively the controller 12 may be a
different controller than an irrigation system controller but may
be in communication with and provide information and data to the
irrigation system 30, whether it be the same controller or separate
controller. The controller 12 may be positioned in close proximity
to the irrigation system controller, if they are not one in the
same, and they may be linked via a centralized computer or the
cloud. The controller 12 may reside within an irrigation system
house, within a garage, on the side of a building or other adequate
location to communicate with sensors 18 (See FIG. 2).
[0021] The controller 12 may be in communication with a plurality
of sensor grids. A first sensor grid 14 may include a plurality of
sensors 16 that may be in communication with each other. The
controller 12 may also be individually in communication with at
least one sensor 18 or the plurality of sensors 16. Each sensor 18
may be in communication with each other and the plurality of
sensors 16 may be in communication with multiple sensor grids.
[0022] The first sensor grid 14 may be positioned within or
underneath a lawn or grassy landscape. The first grid 14 may
position sensors 18 that are equidistant from one another. The
distance between each sensor 18 will vary depending on the
irrigation system 30 that is utilized with the first grid 14. For
example, in a substantially flat grassy landscape it may make sense
to position each sensor 18 roughly one meter, or three feet, apart
from the next sensor 18. The distances may vary great depending on
the types of sprinkler heads, sprinklers, amount of water flow,
water timing and other factors utilized in irrigation management as
well as the landscape being irrigated. For instance, if the
landscape has numerous hills or valleys a greater number of sensors
may be utilized toward the top of peaks and less in the valleys, or
vice versa. Or the sensors 18 may be positioned continually
equidistant across the landscape regardless of the landscape or the
other factors previously mentioned.
[0023] A second sensor grid 20 may be in communication with the
controller 12 and may have sensors 18 positioned in a pattern to
mimic the landscape above where the second sensor grid 20 is
positioned under the ground. A third sensor grid 22 may also be in
communication with the controller 12 and may have multiple sensors
18 distributed in a pattern as well.
[0024] It will be appreciated that the number of sensor grids is
not limited to one, two or three, but rather any number of sensor
grids may be utilized to relay soil moisture information to the
controller 12. While three grids may have been previously
disclosed, any number of grids and any number of controllers is
contemplated herein. Likewise, any number of sensors within a
sensor grid is also contemplated herein.
[0025] The sensors 18 may be in communication with each other
either through wired or wireless relay. Alternatively they may
simply be wired in a single line, or multiple lines. The sensors 18
may communicate with each other and some may be wired while others
are wireless. For example a first set of sensors 24 may be wired
together and in communication with the controller 12. A second set
of sensors 26 may be wirelessly communicating with the first set 24
wherein the second set 26 obtains the information about the soil
moisture content and relays it to the first 24 which then relays
the information to the controller 12. This relay of information may
be mimicked or copied for any number of sets of sensors and each
subsequent set of sensors relays the information to the previous
set of sensors until the information is relayed to the controller
12 itself.
[0026] Alternatively, a first set of sensors 24 may be wired to the
second set of sensors 26 and the second set 26 is wired to a third
set, and so on and so forth wherein each subsequent set of sensors
is wired to the previous set sending an electrical signal of
moisture content of the soil back to the controller. In a wired
platform the electrical signal may be relayed or may simply be
directly sent to the controller 12 without relay through data
lines. In a wired configuration the wire may need to be buried
under the surface of the landscape at a distance that will not
allow the wire to be cut or chopped by landscaping tools such as
lawnmowers or weed trimmers. The wires utilized may need to be
robust enough to withstand landscaping tools. Furthermore, the
wires and wired sensors may be required to be manually buried in
the ground in the pattern as necessitated by the landscape. The
distance the wires and sensors may need to be buried may vary,
again, depending on the landscape and then alternatively depending
on the soil content. However, a number of centimeters, 2-10 cm, or
1-4 inches, between each sensor may be appropriate. In a wired
configuration power may be supplied to the sensors 18 via the wire
or power conduit that may be part of or coupled to the data
line.
[0027] In a wireless configuration the wireless sensors may need to
be positioned in such a manner that they may communicate with the
controller 12. Certain wireless sensors, such as ZigBee.RTM.
sensors (amongst other wireless sensors), may be utilized to
communicate with the controller and allow the moisture content of
the soil to be uploaded to the controller 12. The wireless sensors
may individually utilize a relay to communicate with the controller
12, particularly for those sensors that are at a distance where
they could not communicate with the controller 12 directly. For
those wireless sensors that are close in proximity to the
controller 12 each wireless sensor may individually provide the
moisture content of the soil information to the controller 12
directly. Wireless sensors may be manually installed into the
ground or may be installed via a plug-style installation. Likewise,
these sensors may need to be inserted into the soil at optimum
lengths below the service between 2-10 centimeters depending on the
soil content and landscape. In a wireless configuration the sensors
18 may each be individually battery powered or multiple sensors 18
may be coupled to a single battery pack. The sensors may also be
continually on or may turn on and off at certain times or intervals
to make them the most effective. For example, the sensor 18 may
turn on early in the morning for an interval of time to gather the
moisture content data and relay that data to the controller 12 and
then shut off. Alternatively, the sensor 18 may turn on multiple
times per day (e.g. morning, midday, night) and relay the
information to the controller 12. After information is relayed to
the controller 12 each time the sensor 18 will turn off, thus
conserving power. The wired or wireless versions of sensors 18 may
sense in a number of capacities and may be on continually or may
turn off and on as the examples provided describe.
[0028] As a means of moisture sensing a sensor 18 may sense in such
a manner as to "turn on" if the there is sufficient water whereas a
sensor 18 may remain off if there is not enough moisture to "turn
on" the sensor. Essentially like a switch that is activated by the
presence of water. Alternatively, the sensor 18 may turn on when
water is not sufficiently present to notify a user that water is
required.
[0029] Wireless sensors 18 will be required to only be buried in
the ground to a depth that will allow them to continue to relay
information wirelessly to the controller 12. Wired sensors 18 may
not have the restriction on depth of the sensor in order to
continue to relay information to the controller 12.
[0030] It will be appreciated that there are a number of
alternatives that may be used to relay information from the sensors
18 to the controller 12; such as, having a localized hub displaced
throughout each grid which hub may gather the information and
communicate with the controller 12.
[0031] The controller 12 may communicate information to the
irrigation system 30 based on the feedback from the sensors 18.
Computer software may be utilized, which may be cloud based
software, which allows the sensors and irrigation system 30 to
communicate with one another. Each sensor 18 may have an
identifying number that corresponds with a location in the
irrigation system 30. The sensors 18 may provide soil moisture
content to the controller 12 daily or multiple times per day. The
sensors 18 upload that information to the controller 12 and the
controller 12 may relay that information to the cloud based
software. The information provided by the sensors 18 may then be
reported to Google.RTM. Earth or other overlay image 32 of the
property that shows the moisture content at those sensor locations
and how they may correspond to zones in an irrigation system 30
(refer to FIG. 3).
[0032] The soil moisture content from the sensor(s) 18 information
may be relayed to multiple individuals or users, including
landscapers, installers, owners, and others. Each sensor 18 may be
depicted on the overlay image 32 and may be color-coded (e.g.
green=sufficient water, yellow=low water, red=insufficient water),
or other user friendly interface, to show the status of each
location in a landscape corresponding with a zone of the irrigation
system 30.
[0033] The software that communicates with the irrigation system 30
and the soil sensor system 10 may include actions to be taken by
the irrigation system 30 depending on the moisture content provided
from the sensors 18 to the controller 12. For example, one action
that may be relayed is the need to water a specific zone (or even a
specific sprinkler head) if the moisture content from a specific
sensor 18 is too low. Another possible action may be to stop
watering a specific zone (or even a specific sprinkler) if the
moisture content for a specific sensor 18 is too high. The moisture
sensor 18 may be sensitive enough and provide such real time
information to communicate with the irrigation system 30 such that
optimal water is provided to each zone and/or sprinkler.
[0034] It may be possible to provide optimal moisture continually
with the system disclosed herein or it may only be necessary to
utilize on a daily basis so as not to have irrigation systems
continually turning off and on as information is relayed from the
sensors 18. The system 10 may then allow for real time and property
specific moisture levels rather than relying on evapotranspiration
(ET) rates or relying on factors associated with temperature, rain,
weather forecasts, etc. Essentially it is similar to real time ET
rates.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a method 100 for
providing moisture content to the cloud or to the cloud and
ultimately to a user is contemplated. The method 100 may begin and
reference numeral 102, with the installation of moisture sensors
18, or a sensor grid, as well as a smart controller 12 on the
property. Installation may require different sensors 18 and
different numbers of sensors based on the landscape. Furthermore,
the depth of the sensors will also be considered depending on the
sensors utilized. Each of the sensors 18 may require configuration
104 for the location that the sensor is installed. For example more
sensors or different moisture levels may be required for a lawn or
grassy area versus a location with only shrubs and trees.
[0036] The moisture sensors may sense the moisture levels 106 in
the soil they are installed in. The moisture levels may be
determined a number of ways which are well known in the art for a
sensor to provide a moisture reading in the soil. For example a
sensor 18 may measure soil moisture tension in kilopascals (kPa)
and determine that if the sensors relay information that the
measurement is in the range of -10 kPa to -35 kPa (or anywhere
there between) that water may be needed. While these ranges are
purely illustrative levels below the and above those numbers may
require watering as well and these ranges may be expanded depending
on the types of irrigation, such as agricultural irrigation,
including tree crops, versus commercial irrigation versus
residential irrigation. Furthermore the landscape will determine
different ranges as well. The sensor may relay information 108
regarding the moisture levels to the smart controller. The data, or
information, provided to the smart controller may be simple or
complex. The sensor may provide such as the exact moisture content
of the soil or it may relay only enough data or information to the
smart controller to let it know that the soil in that area needs
water or doesn't need water, is too dry or is too wet, or that the
moisture level is satisfactory.
[0037] The information, or data, provided by the sensors to the
smart controller may then be uploaded 110 to the cloud, or the
cloud based software. The data on the cloud may then be dispersed
but may ideally be utilized by the property owner or manager, the
landscape manager or the person responsible for the irrigation
system. The data provided allows a user to utilize the data to
manage water usage on the landscape in a more efficient manner.
[0038] Moisture levels relayed to the cloud may be communicated 112
to a map overlay, such as Google.RTM. Earth or similar that shows a
map of the property with the landscape. The map overlay may be
comprised of a map showing the positioned sensors, or the sensor
grid, and the output data from each sensor on the map. The map may
also show individual sprinklers or sprinkler zones. A user may be
able to access 114 the map to see the moisture levels of the
landscape. The map may provide information to the user in a color
format, number format or other user friendly format to communicate
the moisture level to the user. As previously disclosed it may be
as simple as a color scheme of green means sufficient water, yellow
means low water, and red means no water or similar. A user may be
able to click on, or push, or tap each individual sensor on the map
screen and determine its moisture level.
[0039] The user may turn on or off 116 sprinklers, or zones of
sprinklers, based on the data provided by the sensors or sensor
grid. A user may be able to click on, or push, or tap on each
sprinkler or zone of sprinklers to determine what sprinklers are in
the vicinity of which sensors. The user may be able to tap on each
sprinkler, or zone of sprinklers, and with each tap or click, or
push, control each sprinkler, or zone of sprinklers, from the map
screen.
[0040] The user may set specific duration of watering, time of day
for watering, number of times to water in a day, week, month or
year. Furthermore the user may manually turn off and on sprinklers,
or zones of sprinklers, based on the data provided by the sensors.
Alternatively, a user may set up the system 10, or may manipulate
the system 10, after installation, to automatically water based on
the data provided by the sensors. For example, a sensitivity level
may be configured for each sensor and a user may manipulate that
sensitivity level such that when the moisture level in the soil
drops to a pre-determined level the sensor relays the moisture
level to the smart controller and to the cloud and pre-determined
moisture level sets off a trigger in the software to water that
area that was notified by the sensor and thus the sprinklers will
"automatically" water that area.
[0041] The data from the sensors is provided to the cloud and
therefore may be accessed on any computer device with cloud access.
The data access may be through cellular communication, radio
frequency, Wi-Fi, wired connection (such as Ethernet or other
modem).
[0042] Although the foregoing description contains many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention or of any of the appended claims, but merely as providing
information pertinent to some specific embodiments that may fall
within the scopes of the invention and the appended claims.
Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination.
In addition, other embodiments of the invention may also be devised
which lie within the scopes of the invention and the appended
claims. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and
limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention, as
disclosed herein, that fall within the meaning and scopes of the
claims are to be embraced by the claims.
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