INTELLIGENT PRECISION IRRIGATION SYSTEM

An intelligent precision irrigation system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intelligent precision irrigation system comprises a power generator is coupled with a pipeline conveying a material. The power generator is configured to generate power when the material passes by the power generator. The intelligent precision irrigation system further comprises a valve coupled with the pipeline which is configured to control the flow of the material through the pipeline. The intelligent precision irrigation system further comprises an electronic controller configured to generate an instruction to the valve to control the flow of the material through the pipeline.

BACKGROUND

Current agricultural practice is moving toward using technology to more precisely control what practices are to be implemented. This includes crop selection, planting schedules, fertilization and pest control, harvesting, transport, etc. An important consideration is the irrigation scheduling. More specifically, when to irrigate and how much water to apply based upon precipitation, the water holding capacity of the soil, and where in the growing cycle the crop currently is in. Because water allocation between farming and other commercial activities has to be balanced with metropolitan use and ecological considerations, it is increasingly important to precisely control irrigation of crops as well.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the subject matter described herein is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. In some embodiments, all or portions of the electronic computing devices, units, and components described herein are implemented in hardware, a combination of hardware and firmware, a combination of hardware and computer-executable instructions, or the like. Furthermore, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, objects, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the subject matter.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an irrigation network100in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG. 1, network100comprises a control center101. In accordance with various embodiments, control center101is used to control the flow of fluids or gasses through pipeline132. In the following examples, operation of irrigation network100will focus on the use of network100for the purpose of agricultural irrigation. However, various embodiments are well suited for controlling other types of pipelines such as those used to convey other liquids such as petroleum products, chemicals, or the like. Other embodiments are well suited for controlling pipelines which convey other materials including, but not limited to, gases such as natural gas for commercial/residential use. In accordance with various embodiments, control center101comprises computer systems (e.g.,600ofFIG. 6), databases, communication transceivers, and other devices used to facilitate decision making processes and control of pipeline132. Additionally, control center101can be implemented as a stand-alone entity, or integrated into other networks. InFIG. 1, control center101receives data106from remote sensor(s)105. In accordance with various embodiments, remote sensor(s)105can comprise satellite imagery or data, aerial imagery or data, or terrestrially collected data such as from vehicle mounted, or handheld, sensors. Examples of data106include, but are not limited to weather data, projected weather data, crop data (e.g., crop height, crop cycle data, nitrogen content, etc.), ground moisture content, or the like which are used in deciding whether additional irrigation is needed in a given area. InFIG. 1, control center101generates commands (e.g.,102) via communications network110to sprinkler system120and/or pump130to respectively direct operation of these devices. In accordance with various embodiments, communications network110comprises a landline network, a wireless network, or a combination of both. Additionally, sprinkler system120and/or pump130are configured to collect and report data (e.g.,129) to control center101to facilitate in the operation of network100. In accordance with one embodiment, sprinkler system120and/or pump130can be configured with the capability to store and forward data. Thus, for example, pump130can received, store, and forward messages from control center101which are destined for sprinkler system120and to receive, store, and forward data from sprinkler system120which is destined for control center101.

FIG. 2Ashows an example sprinkler system120in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG. 2A, sprinkler system120comprises a controller121which is coupled with a power generator122and a valve123. In accordance with various embodiments, controller121comprises a processor and other components used to implement commands102received from control center101, to receive, store, and report data (e.g., from optional sensor125, or power management component514ofFIG. 5). Sprinkler system120further comprises a wireless communication device126, a power storage system124, and an optional sensor125. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, controller121, power generator122, power storage system124, and wireless communication device126are disposed within a housing150. In accordance with various embodiments, sprinkler system120is configured such that power generated by power generator122is used locally to power and recharge other proximate components. In other words, power generator122is not configured to power other devices than the components of sprinkler system120. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, valve123controls the flow133of water through pipeline132. In other words, when valve123is closed, no water will flow past to, for example, sprinkler heads210-1,210-2,210-N. It is noted that other valves123, as well as the other components of sprinkler system120described above, may be disposed further downstream along pipeline132such as between sprinkler heads210-1and210-2, or between sprinkler heads210-2and210-N. In operation, the disposition of valve123is governed by controller121. Thus, for example, in response to a command102from control center101, controller121may open valve123to permit a water to flow through pipeline132to the sprinkler heads coupled therewith. Control center101can also generate a command102to controller121to shut valve123when irrigation is to be terminated.FIG. 2Cshows an example sprinkler system120which is similar to the configuration described above with reference toFIG. 2Awith the exception that valve123is disposed within housing125.

In accordance with various embodiments, wireless communication device126may comprise either of a wireless communication receiver or transceiver operable to utilize any suitable wireless communication protocol including, but not limited to: WiFi, WiMAX, WWAN, implementations of the IEEE 802.11 specification, cellular, two-way radio, satellite-based cellular (e.g., via the Inmarsat or Iridium communication networks), mesh networking, implementations of the IEEE 802.15.4 specification for personal area networks, and implementations of the Bluetooth® standard. Personal area networks refer to short-range, and often low-data-rate, wireless communications networks. In operation, wireless communication device126is used to receive commands102from control center101and to convey data129to control center101via communications network110when sprinkler system120is configured to report data. For example, inFIG. 2A, an optional sensor125is coupled with controller121. In accordance with various embodiments, sensor125can include, but is not limited to, sensors which report data regarding precipitation, ground water holding capacity, or the like which may be used by control center101in determining an irrigation plan for sprinkler system120. Alternatively, sensor125can facilitate autonomous operation of sprinkler system120. For example, if sensor125comprises a ground water sensor, controller121can determine whether the ground water content has fallen below a pre-determined threshold. In response, controller121will autonomously generate a command to open valve123. In one embodiment, controller121will open valve123for a pre-determined time interval. After another time interval has elapsed, to permit the water to penetrate the soil, controller121can again compare the ground water content with the pre-determined threshold.

In accordance with various embodiments, power storage system124comprises a battery or capacitor which stores energy for the operation of controller121, valve123, sensor125, and/or wireless communication device126. In accordance with various embodiments, power storage system124interacts with power management component514such as for monitoring the state of charging of power storage system124.

In accordance with various embodiments, power generator122is for generating electrical current when a flow133of material (e.g., a gas, water or other liquid, etc.) passes through pipeline132. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2A, when valve123is opened and water flows through pipeline132, electrical power is generated when the water flows past power generator122. As will be explained in greater detail below, power generator122comprises an impeller coupled with a generator. In another embodiment, power generator122comprises a piezo-electric element coupled with a generator. Thus, in accordance with various embodiments, power generator122facilitates operation of sprinkler system120without the requirement of electrical wiring to power the system. This reduces the cost and complexity of installing an irrigation system, or other pipeline system. Additionally, some farmers are reporting thievery of electrical wiring from their irrigation systems. Due to the reduced need for electrical wiring, sprinkler system120lessens this risk for the farmer. It is noted that other sources of electricity, such as solar panels, can be used to supplement the power supplied by power generator122.

FIG. 2Bshows an example sprinkler system120in accordance with various embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the present discussion will not repeat a description of components described above with reference toFIG. 2A. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B, valve123controls the flow133of a material to sprinkler head260alone without affecting the flow133of that material through pipeline132. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, controller121, power generator122, valve123, power storage system124, wireless communication device126, and sprinkler head260are disposed within a housing150. Again, accordance with various embodiments, sprinkler system120is configured such that power generated by power generator122is used locally to power and recharge other proximate components. In other words, power generator122is not configured to power other devices than the components of sprinkler system120. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B, valve123and sprinkler head260are integrated as a single component of sprinkler system120and sprinkler head260is also disposed within housing150. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2D, valve123and sprinkler head260are separate components which can be disposed at respective locations. In yet another embodiment as shown inFIG. 2E, valve123and sprinkler head are integrated in a single component which is separate from controller121, power generator122, power storage system124, and wireless communication device126which are disposed within housing150. In operation, flow133of water through pipeline132can continue while valve123is closed in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B. As a result, individual sprinkler heads260can be opened/closed without affecting the flow of water to other sprinkler systems120coupled with pipeline132. Additionally, power generator122can generate power for sprinkler system120even when valve123is closed in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B. This permits much finer granularity in controlling the irrigation of a field. Also, as described above sprinkler system120can operate autonomously when coupled with sensors such as sensor125. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this permits allowing for differences within a given field such as soil type, or ground conformation, which create micro-zones within the field that can be accommodated using embodiments of sprinkler system120.

FIG. 3Ashows an example irrigation system300in accordance with various embodiments. For purposes of discussion, the irrigation system300shown inFIG. 3Aimplements a sprinkler system120shown inFIG. 2Aexclusively. It is noted that other implementations are possible as discussed below. InFIG. 3A, a plurality of sprinkler systems120(e.g.,120-1,120-2,120-3,120-4,120-5, and120-6) are coupled with pump130via pipeline132. In accordance with one embodiment, pump130is coupled with control center101via a wireless communications network110such as a wireless communications network. InFIG. 3A, each of sprinkler systems120-1,120-2,120-3,120-4,120-5, and120-6are respectively coupled with a plurality of sprinkler heads210. Also shown inFIG. 3Ais a shaded region310representing a ridgeline through a field. Because water runoff from ridgeline310will cause some of the water from sprinkler systems120-3and120-4to tend to run down into adjacent downhill areas, more water will be needed in the areas of sprinkler systems120-3and120-4and less water will be needed in the areas of sprinkler systems120-2and120-5. In accordance with various embodiments, this can be implemented by giving more water to sprinkler systems120-3and120-4(e.g., by irrigating longer or by irrigating more often). Similarly, the areas served by sprinkler systems120-2and120-5can receive less water (e.g., by irrigating for a shorter period or by irrigating less often).

FIG. 3Bshows an example irrigation system350in accordance with various embodiments. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3B, irrigation system350uses the sprinkler system120shown inFIG. 2B. As withFIG. 3A, a plurality of sprinkler systems120(e.g.,120-1-120-30) are coupled with pump130via pipeline132. Unlike the implementation shown inFIG. 3A, each sprinkler system120is individually controlled by a respective controller121. As a result, much greater control can be realized in the pattern, amount, and timing of irrigation. For example, the shaded region360represents a low lying area in a field which will tend to collect water and hold it as ground water than surrounding portions of the field. As a result, less water will need to be applied via the sprinkler systems120-6,120-7,120-11,120-12,120-16,120-17,120-18,120-22,120-23,120-24,120-25,120-28,120-29, and120-30. Again, this can be implemented by watering less often, or for shorter periods when compared to other sprinkler systems120used in irrigation system350. Additionally, sprinkler systems120adjacent to region360(e.g.,120-19and120-27) may also receive less water to reduce the amount of runoff into region360. It is noted that in various embodiments, a combination of the irrigation systems300and350shown respectively inFIGS. 3A and 3Bcan be implemented. For example, inFIG. 3B, an area which does not lie within region360can be replaced by a single-line sprinkler system120(e.g., sprinkler system120-1) in which a single controller121controls the flow of water to a plurality of sprinkler heads210. This can reduce the cost and complexity of installing and controlling irrigation system350. As discussed above, using sensor125, irrigation system350can autonomously determine whether irrigation is needed at a given time. For example, sensors coupled with sprinkler systems120-1-120-30can determine the ground water content proximate to their respective sprinkler systems. As an example, sprinkler systems120-6,120-7,120-11,120-12,120-16,120-17,120-18,120-22,120-23,120-24,120-25,120-28,120-29, and120-30will likely detect a greater ground water content than other sprinkler systems of irrigation system350as they are disposed in low-lying ground. As a result, the respective controllers121of sprinkler systems120-6,120-7,120-11,120-12,120-16,120-17,120-18,120-22,120-23,120-24,120-25,120-28,120-29, and120-30will initiate irrigation less often than the sprinkler systems120lying outside of shaded region360. This results in lower water usage and reduces the possibility of over-watering crops growing within shaded region360, or under-watering crops growing outside of shaded region360.

FIG. 4Ashows an example power generator12in accordance with various embodiments. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4A, an impeller410is placed into the flow133of water through pipeline132. As water passes by impeller410it rotates in the direction shown by arrow411. The shaft of impeller410is coupled with a micro generator420which generates electricity for charging power storage system124. It is noted that impeller410can be implemented in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, a propeller, a paddle, a turbine, etc.

FIG. 4Bshows an example power generator122in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG. 4B, impeller410is partially disposed within a housing430which moves impeller410outside of flow133to some extent. WhileFIG. 4Bshows impeller410moved outside of flow133, it is noted that impeller410can be moved in to, or out of, flow133to a greater or lesser degree than shown inFIG. 4B. As withFIG. 4Aabove, impeller410is coupled with micro generator420which generates electricity as flow133causes impeller410to rotate to rotate in the direction of arrow411.

FIG. 4Cshows an example power generator122in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG. 4C, micro generator420is coupled with a piezo-electric element430disposed within flow133of pipeline132. Piezo-electric generators convert mechanical strain into electrical current. In accordance with various embodiments, piezo-electric element430comprises a single-layer or multi-layer piezo-electric element which flexes or vibrates as flow133moves past it. This flexing or movement causes an electrical current which can be captured by electrodes disposed adjacent to the layer(s) of piezo-electric material comprising piezo-electric element430. In so doing, micro generator420can generate electrical current which can be used to charge power storage system124.

Example Controller

With reference now toFIG. 5, all or portions of some embodiments described herein are composed of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in computer-usable/computer-readable storage media of a computer system. That is,FIG. 5illustrates one example of a type of controller (e.g.,121ofFIGS. 2A and 2B) that can be used in accordance with or to implement various embodiments which are discussed herein. Controller121ofFIG. 5is well adapted to having peripheral computer-readable storage media502such as, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, digital versatile disc, universal serial bus “thumb” drive, removable memory card, and the like coupled thereto.

Controller121ofFIG. 5includes an address/data bus504for communicating information, and a processor506coupled to bus504for processing information and instructions. Processor506may be any of various types of microprocessors. Controller121also includes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory508, e.g., random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus504for storing information and instructions for processor506. Controller121also includes computer usable non-volatile memory510, e.g., read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus504for storing static information and instructions for processor506. Also present in controller121is a data storage unit512(e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus504for storing information and instructions. Controller121also includes power management component514for monitoring and controlling the state of power storage system124ofFIGS. 2A and 2B. Controller121also includes an input/output (I/O) device516coupled to bus504for communicating with an external wireless communication device126such as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

Referring still toFIG. 5, various other components are depicted for controller121. Specifically, when present, an operating system522, applications524, and data528are shown as typically residing in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory508(e.g., RAM), computer usable non-volatile memory510(e.g., ROM), and data storage unit512. In some embodiments, all or portions of various embodiments described herein are stored, for example, as an application524and/or module526in memory locations within RAM508, computer-readable storage media within data storage unit512, peripheral computer-readable storage media502, and/or other tangible computer readable storage media. As described above, in accordance with at least one embodiment, controller121is configured to act autonomously in controlling the operation of sprinkler system120. For example, based upon data from sensor125, controller121can be configured to autonomously determine whether irrigation is necessary for the region covered by its respective sprinkler head(s) (e.g.,210-1-210-N ofFIG. 2A, or260ofFIG. 2B). However, this does not preclude operating in conjunction with commands102from control center101as well.

Example Computer System

With reference now toFIG. 6, all or portions of some embodiments described herein are composed of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in computer-usable/computer-readable storage media of a computer system. That is,FIG. 6illustrates one example of a type of computer (computer system600) that can be used in accordance with or to implement various embodiments which are discussed herein, such as control system101, among others. It is appreciated that computer system600ofFIG. 6is only an example and that embodiments as described herein can operate on or within a number of different computer systems including, but not limited to, general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems, server devices, various intermediate devices/nodes, stand-alone computer systems, handheld computer systems, multi-media devices, and the like. Computer system600ofFIG. 6is well adapted to having peripheral computer-readable storage media602such as, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, digital versatile disc, universal serial bus “thumb” drive, removable memory card, and the like coupled thereto.

System600ofFIG. 6includes an address/data bus604for communicating information, and a processor606A coupled to bus604for processing information and instructions. As depicted inFIG. 6, system600is also well suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality of processors606A,606B, and606C are present. Conversely, system600is also well suited to having a single processor such as, for example, processor606A. Processors606A,606B, and606C may be any of various types of microprocessors. System600also includes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory608, e.g., random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus604for storing information and instructions for processors606A,606B, and606C. System600also includes computer usable non-volatile memory610, e.g., read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus604for storing static information and instructions for processors606A,606B, and606C. Also present in system600is a data storage unit612(e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus604for storing information and instructions. System600also includes an optional alphanumeric input device614including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus604for communicating information and command selections to processor606A or processors606A,606B, and606C. System600also includes an optional cursor control device616coupled to bus604for communicating user input information and command selections to processor606A or processors606A,606B, and606C. In one embodiment, system600also includes an optional display device618coupled to bus604for displaying information.

Referring still toFIG. 6, optional display device618ofFIG. 6may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device or other display device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor control device616allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movement of a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device618and indicate user selections of selectable items displayed on display device618. Many implementations of cursor control device616are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys on alphanumeric input device614capable of signaling movement of a given direction or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alphanumeric input device614using special keys and key sequence commands. System600is also well suited to having a cursor directed by other means such as, for example, voice commands System600also includes an I/O device620for coupling system600with external entities. For example, in one embodiment, I/O device620is a modem for enabling wired or wireless communications between system600and an external network such as, but not limited to, the Internet.

Referring still toFIG. 6, various other components are depicted for system600. Specifically, when present, an operating system622, applications624, modules626, and data628are shown as typically residing in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory608(e.g., RAM), computer usable non-volatile memory610(e.g., ROM), and data storage unit612. In some embodiments, all or portions of various embodiments described herein are stored, for example, as an application624and/or module626in memory locations within RAM608, computer-readable storage media within data storage unit612, peripheral computer-readable storage media602, and/or other tangible computer readable storage media.

Embodiments of the present technology are thus described. While the present technology has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present technology should not be construed as limited to these embodiments alone, but rather construed according to the following claims.