Sprinkler control systems and methods

• US 9,883,641 B2
• Filed: 05/07/2014
• Issued: 02/06/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vivint Incorporated (NRG Energy, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Vivint Incorporated (NRG Energy, Inc.)
• Inventors: Thomas, Jeffrey G.
• Primary Examiner(s): DUNN, DARRIN D
• Application Number:
  US14/272,212
• Publication Number:
  US 20150319942A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,371 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/16 Control of watering
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/165 Cyclic operations, timing systems, timing valves, impulse operations

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices are described for controlling a sprinkler system, including an apparatus for sprinkler system control that includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive operation instructions for the sprinkler system from a source that is separate from a control panel of the sprinkler system, and operate valves of the sprinkler system independent of instructions from the control panel.

Claims

1. An in-line apparatus for a sprinkler system, comprising:

a processor;

a control component to communicate with a home automation and security system;

a signal blocking component;

a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and

instructions stored in the memory, the instructions-being executable by the processor to;

receive a first operation signal from a control panel of the sprinkler system;

receive a second operation signal from a source that is separate from the control panel of the sprinkler system;

determine the source of the second operation signal;

determine whether the in-line apparatus is operating in a first mode that allows reception of the first operation signal from the control panel and the second operation signal, and transmitting only the received first operation signal to a valve of the sprinkler system, and whether the in-line apparatus is operating in a second mode that allows reception of the first operation signal and reception of the second operation signal and blocks at least one of the first operation signal or the second operation signal from being transmitted to the valve; and

initiate operation of the valve of the sprinkler system based at least in part on the whether the in-line apparatus operates in the first mode or the second mode.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein operating the valve of the sprinkler system includes overriding the first operation signal received from the control panel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is positioned in-line between the control panel and the valve.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving the second operation signal includes receiving communications from the home automation and security system.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:

communicate valve operation status information to the home automation and security system.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the communications are received via a wireless network.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving the second operation signal includes actuation of a system delay button.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving the second operation signal includes receiving communications from a mobile device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein operating the valve of the sprinkler system includes operating a limited number of a plurality of valves.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instruction to initiate operation of the valve further comprises instructions to:

initiate transmission of the first operation signal to the valve or block at least one of the first operation signal or the second operation signal based at least in part on determining whether the in-line apparatus is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mode is a sleep mode configured to allow the first operation signal to pass-through the in-line apparatus from the control panel to the valve of the sprinkler system.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instruction to initiate operation of the valve further comprises instructions to:

enter the second mode based at least in part on receiving a user input signal indicative of a change of mode.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mode is a sleep state.

10. A computer-program product for controlling a sprinkler system, the computer-program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to:

receive first instructions for operating valves of the sprinkler system from a control panel of the sprinkler system;

receive second instructions for operation of the valves of the sprinkler system from an automation system that is separate from the control panel of the sprinkler system;

determine that the second instructions were received from the automation system;

determine whether the processor is operating in a first mode that allows reception of the first operation signal from the control panel and the second operation signal and transmitting only the first instructions to the valves of the sprinkler system, and whether the processor is operating in a second mode that allows reception of the first instructions and reception of the second instructions and blocks at least one of the first instructions or the second instructions from being transmitted; and

initiate operation of the valves based at least in part on whether the processor is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

11. The computer-program product of claim 10, wherein receiving the second instructions includes receiving the second instructions from a remote device.

12. The computer-program product of claim 11, wherein the second instructions received from the remote device are directed through a control panel of an automation and security system.

13. The computer-program product of claim 10, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:

block the first instructions received from the control panel of the sprinkler system from reaching the valves prior to operating the valves.

14. The computer-program product of claim 10, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:

monitor frequency and duration of the operation of the valves.

15. The computer-program product of claim 10, wherein operating the valves of the sprinkler system includes turning the valves on and off and operating the valves for select time periods.

20. A computer-implemented method for controlling a sprinkler system, comprising:

receiving first instructions for operating valves of the sprinkler system from a control panel of the sprinkler system;

receiving second instructions for operation of the valves of the sprinkler system from a source that is separate from the control panel of the sprinkler system;

sensing the source of the received instructions;

determining a mode of operation for operating the valves of the sprinkler system, a first mode of operation allowing reception of the first instructions and the second instructions and transmitting only the first instructions to the valves of the sprinkler system and a second mode of operation allowing reception of the first instructions and reception of the second instructions and being indicative of whether the first instructions or the second instructions are blocked from being transmitted to at least one valve;

blocking the first instructions received from the control panel of the sprinkler system to at least some of the valves based at least in part on the determined mode of operation and the second instructions being received from the source separate from the control panel; and

initiating operation of the valves based at least in part on the second instructions and independent of the operation of the control panel,

wherein the blocking comprises preventing the at least some of the valves from receiving the first instructions.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

transmitting information related to operation of the valves to an automation and security system.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

transmitting information related to operation of the valves to a remote device that is separate from the control panel.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein receiving the second instructions includes receiving the second instructions from an automation and security system.