Remotely sensing and adapting irrigation system
First Claim
1. An irrigation system, comprising:
- an image sensor configured to capture images of an irrigation area, the irrigation area being an area to be cared for by the irrigation system;
a steerable water delivery system configured to direct a stream of water to the irrigation area; and
a controller unit coupled to the image sensor and the steerable water delivery system and configured toreceive images from the image sensor,determine locations to water in the irrigation area,direct the steerable water delivery system to deliver water to the determined locations, including receiving images from the image sensor while the steerable water delivery system is directing the stream of water to the irrigation area, and controlling positioning of the steerable water delivery system using detected landing points of the stream of water.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An irrigation system continuously monitors status of lawns or plants under its care and directs water to where it is needed when it is needed to maintain lawn or plant health. The system can significantly reduce water usage, unnecessary seepage, and runoff. A water nozzle with a pan and tilt capability can direct water where it is needed. An image sensor can continually take and analyze images of the lawns or plants to determine watering needs. The image sensor can also monitor where the water is landing while the irrigation system is delivering water to the lawns or plants. This information can be used to adjust the water delivery aim to ensure that the intended spots are accurately irrigated. A laminar flow nozzle with minimal flow dispersion can improve water deliver accuracy and detection of where the water lands.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An irrigation system, comprising:
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an image sensor configured to capture images of an irrigation area, the irrigation area being an area to be cared for by the irrigation system; a steerable water delivery system configured to direct a stream of water to the irrigation area; and a controller unit coupled to the image sensor and the steerable water delivery system and configured to receive images from the image sensor, determine locations to water in the irrigation area, direct the steerable water delivery system to deliver water to the determined locations, including receiving images from the image sensor while the steerable water delivery system is directing the stream of water to the irrigation area, and controlling positioning of the steerable water delivery system using detected landing points of the stream of water. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for operating an irrigation system, the method comprising:
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determining whether the current time is appropriate for watering; acquiring one or more images of an irrigation area, the irrigation area being an area to be cared for by the irrigation system; determining locations in the irrigation area that need watering based at least in part on the acquired images; determining whether to water the locations determined to need watering; and watering the determined locations, when it is determined to water the locations determined to need watering, watering the determined locations including directing a steerable water delivery system to deliver water to the determined locations, acquiring one or more images of the irrigation area while the steerable water delivery system is delivering water to the determined locations, detecting landing points of the delivered water using the one or more images acquired while of the irrigation area while the steerable water delivery system is delivering water, and controlling positioning of the steerable water delivery system using the detected landing points. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for use in setting up an irrigation system, the method comprising:
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acquiring one or more images of an irrigation area using an image sensor, the irrigation area being an area to be cared for by the irrigation system; determining the extent of the irrigation area based at least in part on the acquired images; estimating the location of a steerable water delivery system relative to the irrigation area; directing the steerable water delivery system to deliver water to a plurality of points in the irrigation area; acquiring one or more images of the irrigation area while the steerable water delivery system is delivering water to the plurality of points in the irrigation area; detecting landing points of the delivered water using the one or more images acquired while of the irrigation area while the steerable water delivery system is delivering water; determining landing points of the delivered water the one or more images of the irrigation area acquired while of the irrigation area while the steerable water delivery system is delivering water; determining calibration information for the steerable water delivery system using the determined landing points; and saving the calibration information and the extent of the irrigation area for use in operating the irrigation system. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification