SPRINKLER CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20150319942A1
• Filed: 05/07/2014
• Published: 11/12/2015
• 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.
• Granted Patent: US 9,883,641 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 apparatus for sprinkler system control, comprising:

a processor;

a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and

instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being 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.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein operating the valves of the sprinkler system includes overriding instructions sent from the control panel to the valves.

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

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving operation instructions includes receiving communications from a 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 transmitted wirelessly.

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

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

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

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

operate the valves independent of and by overriding signals from the control panel to the valves.

11. The computer-program product of claim 10, wherein receiving instructions includes receiving instructions from an automation and security system.

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

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

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

block signals from the control panel to the valves prior to operating the valves.

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

monitor frequency and duration of operation of the valves.

16. 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.

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

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

blocking signals from the control panel to at least some of the valves; and

operating the valves independent of operation of the control panel.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

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

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

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

20. The method of claim 17, wherein receiving instructions includes receiving instructions from an automation and security system.