SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
First Claim
1. A controller for controlling an irrigation schedule in an irrigation system, the irrigation system including a plurality of sprinkler heads connected via a plurality of conduits to a water source, the controller comprising:
- a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors located within a geographical area, the information including Period Reduction Factors for each sector;
an input means for permitting a user to enter irrigation parameters into the controller, wherein the parameters include;
a Maximum Irrigation Duration;
an identifier for identifying the sector in which the irrigation system is located; and
the current date; and
a microprocessor configured to adjust the Maximum Irrigation Duration that has been entered into the controller by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration for the current period for the identified sector, the microprocessor being further configured to cause the irrigation system to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of controlling the duration of irrigation is described, comprising compiling a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors (preferably identified by zip code) located within a geographical area. Period Reduction Factors for each sector are derived. Parameters are entered into the controller including a Maximum Irrigation Duration, a sector identifier; and the current date. The Maximum Irrigation Duration is adjusted by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration. The irrigation system is caused to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A controller for controlling an irrigation schedule in an irrigation system, the irrigation system including a plurality of sprinkler heads connected via a plurality of conduits to a water source, the controller comprising:
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a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors located within a geographical area, the information including Period Reduction Factors for each sector; an input means for permitting a user to enter irrigation parameters into the controller, wherein the parameters include; a Maximum Irrigation Duration; an identifier for identifying the sector in which the irrigation system is located; and the current date; and a microprocessor configured to adjust the Maximum Irrigation Duration that has been entered into the controller by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration for the current period for the identified sector, the microprocessor being further configured to cause the irrigation system to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of controlling the duration of irrigation by an irrigation system that includes a plurality of sprinkler heads connected via a plurality of conduits to a water source, the method comprising:
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compiling a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors located within a geographical area; deriving, from the information, Period Reduction Factors applicable over a year for each sector; entering irrigation parameters into the controller, wherein the parameters include; a Maximum Irrigation Duration; an identifier for identifying the sector in which the irrigation system is situated; and the current date; and adjusting the Maximum Irrigation Duration by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration for the current period for the identified sector; and causing the irrigation system to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification