WIRELESS VALVE CONTROL

This invention provides for communicating wirelessly with irrigation control valves. This can greatly simplify and lower costs for installation of new irrigation systems. It can also provide existing installations with an option to quickly add new irrigation stations without digging ground to lay pipe. A programmed watering schedule on an irrigation controller determines when the irrigation control valves open and close. A wireless controller transceiver unit obtains signals from the irrigation controller and transmits these signals wirelessly to a valve transceiver. The irrigation control valves open or close according to the signals received by the valve transceiver.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to residential and commercial irrigation control valves, and more particularly, to a solenoid actuated valve controlled by wireless communication.

BACKGROUND

Irrigation control valves can include solenoid valves to control the flow of water in an irrigation system. In general, a solenoid valve is an electromechanical device in which a cylindrically wound coil of wire uses an electric current to generate a magnetic field which moves a mechanism that opens or closes an opening in the valve body to control the flow of fluid through a valve body. An irrigation controller can provide control signals to control the solenoid valve. In conventional irrigation systems, trenches are dug and wire is laid from irrigation controller to the irrigation control valves and signals from the irrigation controller traveling over the wires to the irrigation control valves can control the state of the solenoid valve.

SUMMARY

In many irrigation systems there is a demand to quickly and easily install wireless irrigation control valves without the cost and effort associated with digging trenches and laying wire.

A wireless irrigation system installation uses subterranean pipes to deliver water and eliminates the need to trench to lay extra wires for the irrigation control valves. A wireless irrigation system can include a conventional irrigation controller that is configured to provide control signals for wired connections to the irrigation control valves, and a controller transceiver that is configured to convert the set of wired control signals to a set of wireless control signals.

The wireless irrigation system further includes one or more wireless irrigation control valves. The wireless irrigation control valve can include a valve transceiver that is configured to convert the set of wireless control signals from the controller transceiver to wired control signals for wired connections and a wired irrigation control valve that is configured to receive the wired control signals from the valve transceivers to control the flow of water through the valve bodies and into the subterranean pipes.

In some aspects, the wireless irrigation control signals need to travel great distances. Several problems can arise when converting a wired set of signals into a wireless set of signals that need to travel great distances including multipath issues, interference from nearby radio frequency (RF) or noisy sources, and loss or degradation of signal due to buildings, landscape features or distance. The distance the wireless signal can travel is governed primarily by the strength of the transmitted signal, the sensitivity of the transceiver, the gain (or loss) of the antenna, and the losses in the transmission path. To a limited degree, the usage of modulation techniques and error correction codes can give an effective boost to the effective signal. Using spread spectrum techniques can not only aid the effective sensitivity but also aid in multipath problems and nearby noise sources. The tradeoff is with the effect of the spread spectrum techniques on overall data rate.

A wireless irrigation control valve will typically use a battery at the valve end to provide power to energize the solenoid and to operate the circuitry of the valve transceiver. To avoid frequent battery replacement, effective battery management of current consumption is essential. Power planning and limited use of on-air radio time can provide years of effective battery life while still delivering timely irrigation events.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of this disclosure are related to cost saving measures for irrigation system users to add irrigation control valves easily without the need for placing wires into the ground. The wireless systems disclosed are robust alternatives to wired irrigation systems and can be seamlessly integrated to be transparent to the user.

Wireless Irrigation Systems

FIG. 1illustrates an example irrigation system10that is configured to wirelessly transmit irrigation control signals from an irrigation controller12, such as a conventional irrigation controller that is configured to provide irrigation control signals over a wired physical connection, to one or more irrigation control valves22that are configured to receive the irrigation control signals over the wired physical connection, without providing the physical connection between the irrigation controller12and the irrigation control valves22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the irrigation system10comprises the irrigation controller12, a transformer25configured to supply power to the irrigation controller12, a controller transceiver unit16, a valve transceiver unit20, and the irrigation control valve22.

The irrigation controller12is configured to receive user input directed to a watering schedule and provide signals configured to control landscape irrigation in response to the user input. In an embodiment, the irrigation controller12is configured to provide electrical signals over a physical connection14to the controller transceiver unit16, which converts the electrical signals from the irrigation controller12to radio-frequency (RF) signals that are sent to the valve transceiver unit20over a wireless link24. The valve transceiver unit20converts the RF signals to electrical signals in a format that is usable to the irrigation control valve22and sends the electrical signals over the wired physical connection26to the irrigation control valve22to control the opening and closing of the valve body according to the watering schedule. In combination, the valve transceiver unit20and the irrigation control valve22comprise a wireless irrigation control valve.

In an aspect, the controller transceiver unit16can be in electrical communication with the irrigation controller12via the physical connection14, can be in electrical communication with the valve transceiver unit20via the physical connection18, and can be in wireless communication with the valve transceiver unit20via a wireless link24. The valve transceiver unit20can be in electrical communication with the irrigation control valve22via the physical connection26. The irrigation control valves22typically include solenoids which open and close to control the flow of water. The solenoids are controlled by the signals originating from the irrigation controller12and sent to the valves22via the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20.

Transformer25can be configured to provide power to the irrigation controller12. In some embodiments the transformer25can plug into a standard household 115 volt AC or 230 volt AC outlet and supply twenty-four volt AC power to the irrigation controller12. In some embodiments, the transformer25can be mounted internally in the irrigation controller12and be electrically connected to 115 volt or 230 volt power at the property.

In an embodiment, the irrigation controller12is in electrical communication with the controller transceiver unit16via the physical connection14comprising at least one wire or wire harness. In some embodiments, the physical connection14can be a cable that can include copper wires so that power can be supplied to the controller transceiver unit16. In some embodiments, data and commands can be sent on the same copper wires or on other copper wires in the physical connection14.

In some embodiments the controller transceiver unit16can be mounted externally to the irrigation controller12. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit16can be mounted internally within the irrigation controller12. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit16plugs into a receptacle inside the irrigation controller12and makes electrical connection with the irrigation controller12at the receptacle. The controller12and controller transceiver unit16can be mounted in a garage or other protected location. In some embodiments, the controller12and controller transceiver unit16can have a waterproof construction that allows them to be mounted outside.

In an embodiment, the irrigation system10employs a wireless communication link24between the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20. The irrigation system10may also employ other wired or other physical connections18for sending data and commands to the valve transceiver unit20. In some embodiments the physical connection18can be a fiber optic cable.

The valve transceiver unit20is in electrical communication with the irrigation control valve22via the physical connection26that can include a cable. In some embodiments, a valve transceiver unit20can comprise a battery to provide power to the valve transceiver unit20and to operate the irrigation control valve22. The valve transceiver unit20is typically mounted to a valve box lid or similar subterranean junction box containing the irrigation control valve22and wiring necessary to interface to the irrigation control valve22and its solenoid. The irrigation control valves22are typically mounted to subterranean pipes delivering water to the irrigated area. In some embodiments, the cable26can provide power to operate the solenoids in the irrigation control valves22.

FIG. 2illustrates another embodiment of an irrigation system30that is configured to wirelessly transmit irrigation control signals from an irrigation controller32, such as a conventional irrigation controller that is configured to provide irrigation control signals over a physical connection, to one or more irrigation control valves50that are configured to receive the irrigation control signals over the physical connection, without providing the physical connection between the irrigation controller32and the irrigation control valves50.

In the illustrated embodiment, the irrigation system30comprises the irrigation controller32, a transformer54configured to supply power to the irrigation controller32, a controller transceiver unit36, a repeater38, a valve transceiver unit44and the irrigation control valve50.

The irrigation controller32is configured to receive user input directed to a watering schedule and provide signals configured to control landscape irrigation in response to the user input. In an embodiment, the irrigation controller32is configured to provide electrical signals over a physical connection34to the controller transceiver unit36, which converts the electrical signals from the irrigation controller32to radio-frequency (RF) signals that are sent to the repeater38over a wireless link40. The RF signals are received by the repeater38and sent to the valve transceiver unit44over a wireless link46. The valve transceiver unit44converts the RF signals to electrical signals in a format that is usable to the irrigation control valve50and sends the electrical signals over the wired physical connection52to the irrigation control valve50to control the opening and closing of the valve body according to the watering schedule. In combination, the valve transceiver unit44and the irrigation control valve50comprise a wireless irrigation control valve.

In an aspect, the controller transceiver unit36can be in electrical communication with the irrigation controller32via a physical connection34, can be in electrical communication with the repeater38via a physical connection42, and can be in wireless communication with repeater38via the wireless link40. The repeater38can be in electrical communication via a physical connection48and in wireless communication via the wireless link46with the valve transceiver unit44. The valve transceiver unit44can be in electrical communication with the irrigation control valve50via the physical connection52. The irrigation control valves50typically include solenoids which open and close to control the flow of water. The solenoids are controlled by the signals originating from the irrigation controller32and sent to the irrigation control valves50via the controller transceiver unit36, the repeater38, and the valve transceiver unit44.

The irrigation system30is like the irrigation system10ofFIG. 1, except the irrigation system30includes one or more repeaters38. In some instances, obstacles and or excessive distance between the control transceiver unit36and the valve transceiver unit44can diminish the ability for reliable communications between them. In some embodiments, one or more repeaters38can enhance the communication between the controller transceiver unit36and the valve transceiver unit44.

In an embodiment, the controller transceiver unit36employs the wireless communication link40between the controller transceiver unit36and the repeater38. In some embodiments the irrigation system30can employ other wired or other physical connections42for sending data and commands. In some embodiments, the physical connection42can be a fiber optic cable. In an embodiment, the repeater38employs a wireless communication link46between the repeater38and the valve transceiver unit44. The irrigation system30may also employ other wired or other physical connections48for sending data and commands. In some embodiments, the physical connection48can be a fiber optic cable.

In some embodiments the controller transceiver unit36can be mounted externally to the irrigation controller32using at least one wire, or wire harness34. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit36can be mounted internally within the irrigation controller32. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit36plugs into a receptacle inside the irrigation controller32and makes electrical connection at the receptacle. The irrigation controller32and controller transceiver unit36can be mounted in a garage or other protected location. In some embodiments they can have a waterproof construction that allows them to be mounted out of doors. Irrigation control valves50are typically mounted to subterranean pipes delivering water to the irrigated area.

In some embodiments the transformer54can plug into a standard household 115 volt AC or 230 volt AC outlet and supply twenty-four volt AC power to the irrigation controller32. In some embodiments, the transformer54can be mounted internally in the irrigation controller32and be electrically connected to 115 volt or 230 volt power at the property. A valve transceiver unit44is typically mounted to a valve box lid or similar subterranean junction box containing the valves and wiring necessary to interface to the valves and solenoids. In some embodiments, cable34can include copper wires so that power can be supplied to the controller transceiver unit36. In some embodiments data and commands can be sent on the same copper wires or on other copper wires in the cable34. In some embodiments cable52can include copper wires so that power can be supplied to the irrigation control valves50.

Wireless Links

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the controller unit transceiver16,36, the valve transceiver unit20,44, and the repeater38, can implement a transceiver integrated circuit employing Long Range technology to form the wireless links24,40, and46. In an aspect, the Long Range (LoRa) technology is implemented at the physical (PHY) layer in the seven-layer OSI model of computer networking. As is known to one of skill in the art of computer networking, the physical layer or layer 1 of the seven-layer OSI model is the first and lowest layer. The implementation of this layer is often termed PHY. The physical layer consists of the basic networking hardware transmission technologies of a network. It can be a fundamental layer underlying the logical data structures of the higher level functions in a network.

An example of a transceiver integrated circuit can be, but not limited to, the Semtech SX1276 LoRa transceiver integrated circuit.

A LoRa transceiver employs spread spectrum modulation based on chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology similar to that used in some radar systems. It uses a wideband linear frequency modulated set of chirp pulses (i.e., sinusoidal signal whose frequency varies over time) that are used to encode information. This is a wideband radio system, and is more robust to noise and in-band interference than narrow band radio systems. CSS technology is also somewhat resistant to multi-path fading, Doppler effects and nearby interference. Unlike its modulation cousins, the DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) and FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum), CSS doesn't employ pseudo-random sequences in the encoding process to distinguish the modulation effect from noise background and doesn't have orthogonal multi-channel capabilities such as with CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). The Semtech chip SX1276 can provide receiver sensitivity as low as approximately −148 dBm albeit with reduced bit rates to compensate for the wider bandwidths and process gain. In addition, the LoRa transceiver can utilize built in CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) and variable error correction codes to achieve the increased receiver sensitivity.

In other embodiments and on occasions where higher data rates may be used, other modulation systems may be utilized such as FSK (Frequency-Shift Keying), OOK (On/Off Keying), GMSK (Gaussian Minimum-Shift Keying), MSK (Minimum-Shift Keying), or GFSK (Gaussian Frequency-Shift Keying). In still other embodiments, the irrigation systems10,30can employ network topologies such as star or mesh to centralize control and provide extended ranges. In still other embodiments, the irrigation systems10,30can utilize repeaters and gateways to further extend the range and connect to access points for a WIFI or Internet-based system.

In still other embodiments, the irrigation systems10,30may use a FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) modulation in addition to the LoRa-based CSS system to provide additional channel options for crowded spectrums. For yet another embodiment, to alleviate crowded radio spectrum issues and multiple in-band usage, a cognitive radio (CR) scheme may be employed to dynamically allocate wireless channels based on usage to avoid interference from nearby sources or noise. This CR scheme may also include adaptive transmission and reception adjustments to the transmitted power, bandwidth and bit rates to best allocate system resources in extremely crowded bandwidths.

Irrigation Controller

FIG. 3illustrates an example irrigation controller100that can be used in the irrigation systems10,30.FIG. 3shows a front elevation view of the irrigation controller100with its front door open to reveal its movable face pack. The irrigation controller100can provide signals to turn individual valves on and off in accordance within an irrigation program. In some instances, the controller100can include a housing102. In some embodiments, a door103can protect the inner portion of the irrigation controller100and can be opened to provide access for a user. A control panel104can comprise a microcontroller and appropriate circuitry to accomplish the control the irrigation of a landscaped area. In one embodiment, the control panel can include a selector switch106to access various functions and a display108to allow a user to view information regarding the selected function. In some embodiments, additional operator buttons110can allow a user to modify user definable functions of the irrigation program shown on the display108. In certain embodiments, the control panel104may not have the buttons110and or a selector switch106. In certain embodiments, the display108can be an interactive touch screen display.

The irrigation controller100can comprise a wiring hook up area and a control transceiver unit module.FIG. 4illustrates a front view of the controller100ofFIG. 3with the face pack opened illustrating the wiring hook up area and an example of a first style of a controller transceiver unit module. In some embodiments, the irrigation controller100comprises a wiring hookup area112disposed behind the control panel104. In an embodiment, the control panel104can be attached to the housing102by hinges105that allows the control panel104to swing open to provide access to the wiring hook up area112. In some embodiments, the control panel104can be rigidly mounted to the housing102and the wiring hookup area can be located adjacent to the control panel104.

In some embodiments, the irrigation controller100can be populated with removable output modules114and116. In one embodiment, the output module114can comprise a pump/master valve output. In some embodiments, the output modules114and116can comprise one or more station output terminals. In some embodiments, an output module114can comprise both one or more pump/master valve outputs and one or more station output terminals.

Embedded Controller Transceiver Unit

In some embodiments, the irrigation controller100can be populated with a controller transceiver unit module118that takes the space of two or more output modules in two or more output module locations as illustrated inFIG. 4. The controller transceiver unit module118can make an electrical connection with the irrigation controller100when it is installed into the two or more module locations. The controller transceiver unit module can include an internal antenna or other preinstalled antenna or can include termination points configured to provide an attachment to an external antenna.

FIG. 5illustrates an example controller transceiver unit module118including termination points120configured to provide an attachment for an external antenna. The antenna attachment points120can include screw terminals, as illustrated inFIG. 5, jacks, pig tail wires, or any other connection devices. Controller transceiver unit module118further includes programming connections122. The programming connections122can be used to associate valve transceivers units20,44to the controller transceiver unit module118. The programming connections122can be include one or more of plug outlets, pig tail wires, spring clamps, or any other connecting devices to provide a connection point. In some embodiments, a button or switch124can be used to initiate an association between the controller transceiver unit module118and the valve transceiver unit20,44.

FIG. 6is a front view of the irrigation controller100with the face pack opened illustrating the wiring hook up area and an example of a second style of a controller transceiver unit module126. In an aspect, the irrigation controller100can be populated with the controller transceiver unit module126that occupies a single output module location as illustrated inFIG. 6. The controller transceiver unit module126can makes an electrical connection with the irrigation controller100when it is installed into the output module location. The controller transceiver unit module126can contain an internal antenna or other preinstalled antenna, or can include one or more termination points to attach an external antenna.

FIG. 7illustrates an example controller transceiver unit module126including termination point128configured to provide an attachment for an external antenna. The termination point128can include a jack, such as a 3.5 mm jack as illustrated inFIG. 7, one or more screw terminals, pig tail wires or any other connection devices. Controller transceiver unit module126further includes programming connection130used to associate the valve transceiver units20,44, to the controller transceiver unit module126. The programming connection130can include a screw clamp terminal, as illustrated inFIG. 7, plug outlets, pig tail wires, spring clamps, or any other connecting devices to provide a connection point.

An irrigation controller can operate some irrigation control valves using conventional wiring and wirelessly communicate to valve transceiver units that then operate associated irrigation control valves. In some embodiments, the irrigation controller can operate all the irrigation control valves via wireless communications.

FIG. 8illustrates a representative irrigation system including the irrigation controller100having the controller transceiver unit module126, and a plurality of wired and wireless irrigation control valves. In the illustrated irrigation system ofFIG. 8, irrigation control valves136,138,140comprise wired irrigation control valves, a first wireless irrigation control valve includes valve transceiver unit144and irrigation control valve142, and a second wireless irrigation control valve includes valve transceiver unit150and irrigation control valve148.

Pressurized water can be supplied to an inlet pipe134. In one arrangement the irrigation controller100controls the operation of the irrigation control valves136,138, and140with conventional station wiring, such that the irrigation control valves136,138, and140are in wired electrical communication with the irrigation controller100. For example, irrigation control valve136can be wired to output1of the output module114. Similarly, irrigation control valve138can be wired to output2and irrigation control valve140can be wired to output3. Any of the irrigation control valves can be wired to any of the output terminals. A second wire from each of the irrigation control valves136,138, and140can be routed back to a common terminal142. In operation, when the irrigation controller100energizes output1, irrigation control valve136activates to cause water to flow through its associated pipe136ato supply water to the irrigation components attached to pipe136a. Such irrigation components can include sprinklers, drip irrigation devices, misters, or any other water distribution devices. When the irrigation controller100energizes output2, irrigation control valve138operates in the same manner allowing water to flow through pipe138a; and when the irrigation controller100energizes output3, irrigation control valve140operates in the same manner allowing water to flow through pipe140a.

In the illustrated irrigation system ofFIG. 8, irrigation control valves142and148are not in wired electrical communication with an output of the irrigation controller100. In some embodiments, a wireless controller transceiver unit module118or126can be installed into one or more output bays of the irrigation controller100.FIG. 8illustrates the controller transceiver unit module126inserted into a single output bay of the irrigation controller100. The controller transceiver unit modules126and118can share similar, or the same operational capabilities. In some embodiments, an external antenna132is connected to the antenna jack128.

Creating an Association

In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module126is preset to communicate to one or more valve transceiver units144and150. In some embodiments, an assignment can be programmed to create an association between the controller transceiver unit module126and each of the valve transceiver units144,150. For example, one or more wires of the valve transceiver unit144can be connected to the programming connection130on the controller transceiver unit module126. In some embodiments, these are the same wires that can later be used to connect the valve transceiver unit144to the irrigation control valve142. In another embodiment, at least one different wire is provided on the valve transceiver unit144to create the association.

In one embodiment, a user can connect the valve transceiver unit144to the programming port130. The user can then activate a desired station from the control panel of the irrigation controller100that coincides with a station that is normally accessible from the output bay in which the controller transceiver unit module126is installed. For example, inFIG. 8, the controller transceiver unit module126is inserted into the output bay that normally provides activations to stations11,12, and13. In this example, the controller transceiver unit module126can create an association with the valve transceiver unit144to operate with any of stations11,12, and13. When a user causes the irrigation controller100to activate the desired station and the valve transceiver unit144is connected to the programming connection130, an association is created so that the valve transceiver unit144only energizes the irrigation control valve142when the irrigation controller100commands that station to operate. As an example, if the valve transceiver unit144is connected to the programming connection130when the user commands station12to run, then the association will be made such that the wireless commands concerning station12are only acted on by the valve transceiver unit144to control the irrigation control valve142in coordination with the commands from irrigation controller100to control station12.

In some embodiments, a user can press the activation button124, or other user input, to enable the association of the irrigation controller100, the controller transceiver unit module118,126, and the solenoid valve transceiver unit144. In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit144can have a unique serial number, or other pre-assigned value. When the association is created between the controller transceiver unit module126and the valve transceiver unit144, a value representing that serial number, or other identifier of the valve transceiver unit144, is stored in a memory in the controller transceiver unit module126. Additionally, the controller transceiver unit module126establishes a coordination between that value and the station that the irrigation controller100is operating. When a command is transmitted by the controller transceiver unit module126, the command will include the value, or other code representing the value. Only valve transceiver unit144will respond to that code.

In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit144can comprise a programmable memory. When the association is created between the controller transceiver unit module126and the valve transceiver unit144, the controller transceiver unit module126assigns a value that is then stored in the memory of the valve transceiver unit144. The controller transceiver unit module126establishes a coordination between that value and the station that the irrigation controller100is operating. When a command for that station is transmitted by the controller transceiver unit module126, the command will include that value. Only the valve transceiver unit144will respond to that value and that value will only be transmitted relative to the command of the irrigation controller100in relation to the station that was in operation at the time the association was created.

In some embodiments, the commands to create the association are present at the programming connection130anytime a station is activated that is within the range of the stations normally operated within that output bay. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module126can detect that a valve transceiver unit is connected to the programming connection130and the commands to create the association are present when a valve transceiver unit144is connected to the programming connection130. Similarly, an association can be made between the controller transceiver unit module126and the valve transceiver unit150relative to a different station output command from the irrigation controller100. In still other embodiments, wireless access to remote devices such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets or the like can be used to display information from the controller transceiver unit126to the user or to provide two-way communication between the controller transceiver unit126and the user.

Embedded Controller Transceiver Unit

FIG. 9is a front view of an irrigation controller200with the face pack opened illustrating the wiring hook up area and a third style of a controller transceiver unit module218in electrical communication in accordance with an embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the irrigation controller200can comprise a wiring hook up area disposed behind a control panel204. In an embodiment, the control panel204can be attached to a housing202by hinges205that allows the control panel204to swing open to allow access to the wiring hook up area. In some embodiments, the control panel204can be rigidly mounted to the housing202and the wiring hookup area can be located adjacent to the control panel204.

In some embodiments, the irrigation controller200can be populated with station output locations212in the wiring hookup area. In the illustrated irrigation controller200, the wiring hookup area includes output station locations numbered from 1 to 13. In some embodiments, the station output locations212can be populated with removable output station modules that can be associated with any number of master valve/pump relay connections and irrigation control valves. In some embodiments, the controller200can be provided with a fixed number of station output locations212.

In some embodiments, a controller transceiver unit module218can be attached to one station output location212of the irrigation controller200. The controller transceiver unit module218can contain an internal antenna or other preinstalled antenna. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module218can use an external antenna214. The antenna214can attach to one or more jacks, pig tail wires or any other connection devices provided with the controller transceiver unit module218.

The controller transceiver unit module218includes programming connections220to associate valve transceiver units to the controller transceiver unit module218. In some embodiments, the programming connections can be one or more terminals, as illustrated inFIG. 9, plug outlets, pig tail wires or any other connection devices. In an embodiment, the controller transceiver unit module218can include a button, or other user input device to initiate an association between the controller transceiver unit module218and a valve transceiver unit.

FIG. 10illustrates a representative irrigation system comprising the irrigation controller200, the controller transceiver unit module218, a plurality of wired irrigation control valves236,238,240, and a wireless irrigation control valve that includes a valve transceiver unit244and an irrigation control valve242.

Pressurized water can be supplied to an inlet pipe234. In one arrangement the irrigation controller200controls the operation of the irrigation control valves236,238, and240with conventional station wiring. For example, irrigation control valve236can be in wired electrical communication with station output1of irrigation controller200. Similarly, irrigation control valve238can be in wired electrical communication with station output2and irrigation control valve240can be in wired electrical communication with station output3. Any of the valves can be wired to any of the output terminals. A second wire from each of the irrigation control valves236,238, and240can be routed back to a common terminal242. In operation, when the irrigation controller200energizes station output1, the irrigation control valve236is activated to cause water to flow through its associated pipe236ato feed the irrigation components attached to pipe236a. Such irrigation components can include sprinklers, drip irrigation devices, misters, or any other water distribution devices. When the irrigation controller200energizes station output2, irrigation control valve238operates in the same manner allowing water to flow through pipe238aand when the irrigation controller200energizes station output3, irrigation control valve240operates in the same manner allowing water to flow through pipe240a.

In the illustrated irrigation system ofFIG. 10, the irrigation control valve242is not wired directly to a station output of the irrigation controller200but is controlled via wireless communications. In some embodiments, a controller transceiver unit module218can be connected to the irrigation controller200. The controller transceiver unit module218can be electrically connected to the irrigation controller200via a wire harness that includes at least wires206,208and210. Additional wires such as a ground wire can be included. Wire210can be connected to one of the station outputs of the irrigation controller200. For illustrative purposes, the wire210is illustrated connecting to station output12. The wire210can be connected to any of the station outputs that the user desires.

In some embodiments an antenna is integrally mounted to the controller transceiver unit218. In some embodiments, an external antenna214is connected to the controller transceiver unit module218.

In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module218is preset to communicate with the valve transceiver unit244. In some embodiments, an assignment can be programmed to create an association between the controller transceiver unit module218and the valve transceiver unit244. In one embodiment, one or more wires of the valve transceiver unit244can be connected to the programming connection220on the controller transceiver unit module218. In some embodiments, these are the same wires that can be connected to the irrigation control valve242. In another embodiment, at least one different wire is provided on the valve transceiver unit244to create the association.

In one embodiment, a user can connect the valve transceiver unit244to the programming connection220. The user can then activate a desired station from the control panel that coincides with the station output that wire210is connected to. For example, inFIG. 10, the controller transceiver unit module218is in wired electrical communication with station output12. In this example, the controller transceiver unit module218can create an association with the valve transceiver unit244to operate with station12. When the irrigation controller200energizes that desired station and the valve transceiver unit244is connected to the programming connection220, an association is created so that the valve transceiver unit244only energizes the irrigation control valve242when the controller200commands that station to operate.

For example, if the solenoid valve transceiver unit244is connected to the programming connection220when the user commands station12to run, then the association will be made such that the wireless commands concerning station12are only acted on by valve transceiver unit244to control the irrigation control valve242in coordination with the controller's200commands to control station12. The association is between the controller transceiver unit module218and the valve transceiver unit244. Thus, once the association is created, the irrigation control valve242is activated when station12energizes. If a user later moves the wire210to a different station output212, then the irrigation control valve242will activate in accordance with the output of the new output station locations.

In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit244can have a unique serial number, or other pre-assigned value. When the association is created between the controller transceiver unit module218and the valve transceiver unit244, a value representing that serial number, or other identifier of the valve transceiver unit244, is stored in a memory in the controller transceiver unit module218. When controller transceiver unit module218transmits a command, the command will include the value, or other code representing the value. Only the valve transceiver unit244will respond to that code.

In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit244can comprise a programmable memory. When the association is created between the controller transceiver unit module218and the valve transceiver unit244, the controller transceiver unit module218assigns a value that is then stored in the memory of the valve transceiver unit244. The controller transceiver unit module218establishes a coordination between that value and the wire210that is connected to the station output that the irrigation controller200is operating. When a command for that station is transmitted by the controller transceiver unit module218, the command will include the value. Only the valve transceiver unit244will respond to that value.

In some embodiments, the commands to create the association are present at the programming connection220anytime the station is activated that is connected to wire210. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module218can detect that a valve transceiver unit is connected to the programming connection220and the commands to create the association are present when the valve transceiver unit244is connected to the programming connection220.

In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module218can include at least one user input device, such as a button, or other switch that the user can interact with during a solenoid valve transceiver unit association process. In some embodiments, the association between the controller transceiver unit218and the valve transceiver unit244is created when the valve transceiver unit244is connected to the programming connection220and a button, switch, or other user input device is activated. In this scenario, a station does not need to be energized by the irrigation controller200to accomplish the association. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module218can include at least one display, such as an LCD, LED, or other feedback device that the user can interact with during a valve transceiver unit association process. In still other embodiments, there is no enclosed display with the controller transceiver unit module218, but wireless access to remote devices such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets or the like can be used to display information to the user or to provide two-way communication between the controller transceiver unit218and the user.

FIG. 11illustrates an example irrigation control system including irrigation controller200, a controller transceiver unit module250having one or more wires230,232,234in electrical communication with the controller transceiver unit module250, a plurality of wired irrigation control valves236,238, a first wireless irrigation control valves including valve transceiver unit256and irrigation control valve254, a second wireless irrigation control valves including valve transceiver unit262and irrigation control valve260, and a third wireless irrigation control valves including valve transceiver unit270and irrigation control valve268in accordance with an embodiment.

Creating an Association

In some embodiments, an assignment can be programmed to create an association between the controller transceiver unit module250and individually to each of the valve transceivers256,262and270. In one embodiment, one or more wires of the valve transceiver unit256can be connected to the programming ports252on the controller transceiver unit module250. In some embodiments, these are the same wires that will later connect to the irrigation control valve254. In another embodiment, at least one different wire is provided on the valve transceiver unit to create the association.

In one embodiment, a user can connect the valve transceiver unit256to the programming port252. The user can then activate a desired station from the control panel of the irrigation controller200that coincides with a station that the user wants associated with the valve transceiver unit256. In this example, three wires230,232, and234of the controller transceiver unit module250can be connected to station outputs7,9, and11. Any number of available wires from the controller transceiver unit module250can be attached to any station outputs on the irrigation controller200that the user desires. When the irrigation controller200activates that desired station and the valve transceiver unit256is connected to the programming port252, an association is created so that the valve transceiver unit256energizes the irrigation control valve254when the irrigation controller200commands that station to operate.

For example, if the valve transceiver unit256is connected to the programming ports252when the user commands station7to run, then the association will be made such that the wireless commands concerning station7are only acted on by valve transceiver unit256to control the irrigation control valve254in coordination with the irrigation controller's200commands to control station7. In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit256can have a unique serial number, or other pre-assigned value. When the association is created between the controller transceiver unit module250and the valve transceiver unit256, a value representing that serial number, or other identifier of the valve transceiver unit256, is stored in a memory in the controller transceiver unit module250. Additionally, the controller transceiver unit module250establishes a coordination between that value and the wire that is connected to the station that the irrigation controller200is operating. In this example, that can be wire230that is connected to station7. When a command is transmitted by the controller transceiver unit module250, the command will include the value, or other code representing the value. Only the valve transceiver unit256will respond to that code.

In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit256can comprise a programmable memory. When the association is created between the controller transceiver unit module250and the valve transceiver unit256, the controller transceiver unit module250assigns a value that is then stored in the memory of the valve transceiver unit256. The controller transceiver unit module250also establishes an association between that value and the wire230that is connected to the station that the irrigation controller200is operating. When a command for that station is transmitted by the controller transceiver unit module250, the command will include the value. Only the valve transceiver unit256will respond to that value and that value will only be transmitted relative to the command of the irrigation controller200in relation to the wire230that was energized at the time the association was created.

In some embodiments, the commands to create the association are present at the programming ports252anytime a station is activated that is in electrical communication or wired to the controller transceiver unit module250. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module250can detect that a valve transceiver unit is connected to the programming ports252and the commands to create the association are only present when a valve transceiver unit is connected to the programming ports252. The commands can be communicated via the electrical connection between the controller transceiver unit module250and the valve transceiver unit256when the valve transceiver unit256is electrically connected to the programming ports252. In an embodiment, this communication path is a unidirectional communication path. In another embodiment, this communication path is a bidirectional communication path.

Similarly, an association can be made between the controller transceiver unit module250and the valve transceiver unit262relative to a different wire, such as wire232that can be connected to station output of the irrigation controller200. In this example, wire232can be wired to station9. Wire232can be connected to any station output terminal that the user desires. Similarly, an association can be made between the controller transceiver unit module250and the valve transceiver unit270relative to a different wire, such as wire234that can be connected to a-station output of the irrigation controller200. In this example, wire234can be wired to station11. Wire234can be connected to any station output terminal that the user desires.

In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module250can include at least one user input device, such as a button, or other switch that the user can interact with during a valve transceiver unit association process. In some embodiments, the controller transceiver unit module250can include at least one display, such as an LCD, LED, or other feedback device that the user can interact with during a valve transceiver unit association process.

In still other embodiments, there is no enclosed display with the controller transceiver unit module250, but wireless access to remote devices such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets or the like that can be used to display information to the user or to create a two-way communication between the remote device and the controller transceiver250. This can be accomplished wirelessly through Bluetooth, Zigbee, WIFI or other wireless means. It can also be accomplished through non-RF transport mediums such as infrared communications.

When an association is created, that association comprises an association between a wire, such as one of wires230,232, or234and one of a group of valve transceivers256,262, and270. The association between the irrigation controller200and the controller transceiver unit250is through the wires230,232, or234. If a user moves one the wires230,232, or234to a different station output212, then the valve transceiver unit associated with that wire will be controlled by the new station output location.

Wirelessly Creating an Association

In some embodiments, the association between any of the earlier described embodiments of a controller transceiver and a valve transceiver can be made wirelessly and thus does not require any physical connection to each other. In one embodiment a user can energize a valve transceiver. In an embodiment, the valve transceiver can be energized by installing a battery. In some embodiments, a valve transceiver can comprise a power switch that a user can move to an ON position to energize the valve transceiver. In either case, when the valve transceiver is energized, it will listen for a predetermined programming time period to sense a station ON command from the controller transceiver. The predetermined programming time can be fifteen seconds. The predetermined programming time can be more than fifteen seconds. The predetermined programming time can be less than fifteen seconds. During this predetermined programming time, a user can manually turn ON a station on the irrigation controller that is connected to the controller transceiver. When this station is energized, the controller transceiver will send a station ON command. When the valve transceiver senses the station ON command, it will store a station identifying code embedded in the transmission and will create the association for that station code with the controller transceiver. Once this association is made, the valve transceiver will only respond to communication from the controller transceiver that contains that station identifying code.

In some embodiments, the valve transceiver is already energized and a button, or other user interface can be provided on the valve transceiver to start the association process. In such an embodiment, a user can press the button, or otherwise manipulate the user interface to begin the association in the same way as energizing the valve transceiver as described above.

As an example, inFIG. 11the controller transceiver unit250and valve transceiver unit256can create an association wirelessly. A user can energize the valve transceiver unit256or activate a user interface on the irrigation control valve256if so equipped. A user may enter a manual start command for station7on the operator interface of the irrigation controller200. This causes the irrigation controller200to energize station7which is connected to the controller transceiver unit module250via wire230. The controller transceiver unit module250can transmit a station ON command. The station ON command can include a station identifying code. If this is accomplished within the programming time frame, the valve transceiver unit256can store the station identifying code in its memory. In some embodiments, the valve transceiver unit256will activate the irrigation control valve254to open and allow water to flow through the irrigation components connected to pipe254a. This can confirm to the user that the association between the controller transceiver unit module250and the valve transceiver258has been made. In an aspect, the valve transceiver unit256will only respond to commands from the controller transceiver unit module250that include that station identifying code. In some embodiments, a user can reassign the association of valve transceiver unit256by repeating the assignment procedure. In some embodiments, a user can create an association wirelessly between the controller transceiver250and the valve transceiver units262and270by repeating the assignment procedure with each of the valve transceiver units and energizing the appropriate station outputs in the irrigation controller.

FIG. 12is block diagram illustrating an example irrigation controller300and controller transceiver unit module302.FIG. 13is a block diagram illustrating an example valve transceiver unit312and irrigation control valve318.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13, the irrigation controller300provides power to the controller transceiver unit302via a wired cable304. A station output306provides an output signal for valve open and closure. A valve common308provides a return path for the signals and power. An antenna310provides a wireless signal to communicate to the valve transceiver unit312via an antenna314. A battery316provides power to the valve transceiver unit312. The valve transceiver unit312upon receipt of valve open or close signals from the controller transceiver unit module302, opens or closes the irrigation control valve318, accordingly, through a station signal320. A valve common322provides a signal return path for the irrigation control valve318.

FIG. 13also illustrates a connection from the battery316to a microcontroller analog-to-digital converter (ADC) embedded within the valve transceiver unit312. The microcontroller ADC senses the voltage level of the battery316and determines the state and charge of the battery316. Microcontroller ADC can be, but is not limited to Microchip PIC18F86K90. Microcontroller ADC can use a built-in analog to digital converter (ADC) to sense the battery voltage level. In other embodiments, this function can be implemented by a standalone ADC separate from the microcontroller, by a using a switched capacitor that measures the charging time of a known capacitor value to a predetermined voltage level, and the like. For example, the voltage thresholds for a 9-volt alkaline battery are: above about 8 volts denotes a full battery, about 8 volts to about 6 volts determines a mid-range discharge level, and below about 6 volts denotes a low battery that should be replaced to continue functioning. In an aspect, once the battery316has a low battery state, the valve side circuitry of the valve transceiver unit312turns off any irrigation control valves318that may be on. In an aspect, if the state of the battery316is too low to charge the circuit to turn off the irrigation control valve318, a backup capacitor can used to deactivate the irrigation control valve318to an off state. During this low battery state, it may not be possible to activate the irrigation control valve318until the battery316is replaced.

Valve Transceiver Power Management

To avoid frequent battery replacement, it is important to effectively manage current consumption. Power planning and limited use of on-air radio time can provide years of effective battery life while still delivering timely irrigation events

FIG. 14is a block diagram illustrating an example cyclic buck power system412that manages the battery power of a battery400in the wireless valve transceiver unit312in accordance with an embodiment. The battery400provides the valve transceiver unit312with an independent source of power. A low power comparator402with hysteresis can be implemented in one embodiment by utilizing a TLV3701 comparator by Texas Instruments. In other embodiments, other comparator devices can be used. A buck converter404can efficiently drop the variable voltage the battery sources to a level that is compatible with most microcontrollers and electronic circuitry. In one embodiment, the buck converter404can use a Microchip MIC5206. In other embodiments, other comparable devices can be used. The comparator402provides an enable function406to the buck converter404. The buck converter404is periodically enabled by the comparator402when the system voltage408drops below about a 2.6 volt threshold, in this example. A capacitor and blocking diode410are components used to smooth and filter the system voltage output.

FIG. 15is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the electronic components of the cyclic buck power system412that manages the battery power in the valve transceiver unit312in accordance with an embodiment.

Bidirectional Communication System

In some aspects, a bidirectional communication system implements the wireless functionality. Referring toFIG. 1, the controller transceiver unit16can initiate communication as well as receive communication asynchronously from the valve transceiver unit20. The controller transceiver unit16can primarily be listening in receiver mode whenever it is not actively transmitting. However, the valve transceiver unit20is primarily in sleep mode to conserve battery power and synchronously checks for wireless signal updates from the controller transceiver unit16. For example, the valve transceiver unit20can check for wireless signal updates about every 6 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 0.50 seconds, every 20 seconds, and the like.

FIGS. 17-23illustrate examples of message formats for the communications between the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20.

FIG. 17illustrates an example of a general message format for the wireless communication. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 17, the message format comprises a preamble380, a payload382, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)384. In general, the message begins with the preamble380, which is used to synchronize the receiver with the incoming data flow. In an embodiment, the preamble380is a 12-symbol long sequence, but the sequence be shortened to accommodate a quicker signal burst. In other embodiments, the preamble380may be greater than a 12-symbol sequence. The CRC384is a Cyclic Redundancy Check used as an error correcting code to ensure the integrity of the data. In an embodiment the CRC384utilizes 16 bits of the message. In other embodiments, the CRC384may be shorter than 16 bits or may be greater than 16 bits. The payload382is a variable length field that contains the actual data or message being conveyed.FIGS. 18-23illustrate examples of payloads382used to communicate data or acknowledge the valve state.

FIG. 18illustrates an example of an acknowledge (ACK) message sent by the valve transceiver unit20to the controller transceiver16in response to a request for an acknowledgement from the controller transceiver unit16. In the example valve transceiver ACK message, the payload382comprises 8 bits. The example ACK message provides a battery state in bits7and6, a valve status in bit4, and the address in bits0,1and2. Bits4and5are unused in this example. The battery state can be a 3-level representation of the battery, where 0 represents a low or nearly discharged battery state, 1 represents an approximately half discharged battery state, and 2 represents a fully charged battery state. The valve status indicates whether the irrigation control valve22controlled by the valve transceiver unit20is ON or OFF. An ON state is represented by a 1, and an OFF state is represented by a zero. The address can be used for messaging purposes and can be optional in many embodiments.

FIG. 19illustrates an example of a signal strength message sent by the valve transceiver unit20to the controller transceiver16. In the example valve transceiver signal strength message, the payload382comprises 8 bits. The signal strength message comprises the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and the transmitted signal strength indicator (TX STR). In example signal strength message, the RSSI is a level indicator that has 16 indicated levels at bits4-7. The transmit strength is a level indicator with 16 levels at bits0-3. The transmit strength indicator can be used to adjust up or down the amount of power used in the transmissions to accommodate noisy channels. The maximum and minimum levels used are adjustable within the allowable limits set by the governing body of the wireless spectrum in the region that the product is used.

FIGS. 20 and 21illustrate examples of messages that are sent by the controller transceiver unit16to the valve transceiver unit20in response to the controller transceiver unit16receiving the ACK message from the valve transceiver unit20. In the example controller transceiver ACK/NACK messages, the payload382comprises 8 bits. As described above, the ACK message (FIG. 18) from the valve transceiver unit20includes the state of the irrigation control valve22. When the state of the irrigation control valve22is correct, the controller transceiver unit16sends an ACK message, as illustrated inFIG. 20. When the state of the irrigation control valve22is incorrect, the controller transceiver unit16sends a non-ACK (NACK) message, as illustrated inFIG. 21.

In contrast to the valve transceiver unit ACK message (FIG. 18), the ACK (FIG. 20) and NACK (FIG. 21) messages from the controller transceiver unit16confirm the state or reject the state of the irrigation control valve22as relayed by the valve transceiver unit ACK message. Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, the controller transceiver ACK message is different from the controller transceiver NACK message and can be easily distinguished by the bit stream pattern. For example, the controller transceiver ACK message comprises the ACK in bits4-7while the controller transceiver NACK message comprises the NACK in bits0-3.

FIG. 22illustrates an example of an activate ON message sent by the controller transceiver unit16to the valve transceiver unit20to activate the irrigation control valve22such that the irrigation control valve22permits the flow of water through the valve body. In the example controller transceiver activate message, the payload382comprises 8 bits. The example activate ON message provides a bit to activate the valve in bit7, power level used indication (ST7and ST6) in bits6and5, and oscillator drift and offset errors indication (RF5-RF1) used to tune the oscillator in bits4-0. Bit7can be a logic level 1 to activate the irrigation control valve22.

FIG. 23illustrates an example of an activate OFF or deactivate message sent by the controller transceiver unit16to the valve transceiver unit20to deactivate the irrigation control valve22such that the irrigation control valve22stops the flow of water through the valve body. The example activate OFF message (FIG. 23) is similar to the activate ON message (FIG. 22) except that bit7in the activate OFF message can be a logic level zero to deactivate the irrigation control valve22. WhileFIGS. 22 and 23illustrate ON as logic level 1 and OFF as logic level zero, the reverse is also possible. The activate OFF message may be sent with a higher power level than the activate ON message to ensure that if an irrigation control valve were turned ON, it would be able to be turned OFF, even in a range-challenged situation.

FIG. 16is a flow diagram illustrating an example acknowledgement (ACK) request process between the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20. The controller transceiver unit16may periodically initiate communication by sending a request ACK message at step1602. When the message is received by the valve transceiver unit20, then an ACK message is sent from the valve transceiver unit20at step1604.FIG. 18illustrates an example of a valve transceiver ACK message.

When the controller transceiver unit16does not receive this ACK message within a time period, then the controller transceiver unit16resends a request ACK message at step1602until the ACK message from the valve transceiver unit20is received at step1604. The ACK request process is complete at step1606.

When the controller transceiver unit16receives an ACK message that indicates that the state of the irrigation control valve22is in error, for example, the ACK message from the valve transceiver unit20indicates that the irrigation control valve20is ON when it should be OFF, then a message to correct the state can be sent to the valve transceiver unit20.

When the controller transceiver unit16receives an ACK message that indicates a low battery, an LED indicator on the irrigation controller12or on the controller transceiver unit16can display a low battery message. In other embodiments, a low battery can be indicated by an LCD or an array of LEDs. In still other embodiments, wireless access to remote devices such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets or the like that can be used to display battery information to the user.

The ACK message may be sent by the valve transceiver unit20in response to other messages in addition to the ACK request message. For instance, anytime an ON or OFF message (FIG. 22 or 23) is sent by the controller transceiver unit16, the valve transceiver unit20may respond with an ACK message, acknowledging receipt of the message from the controller transceiver unit16. Additionally, under certain circumstances, such as changes in the battery's state of charge, the valve transceiver unit20may spontaneously transmit an ACK message (FIG. 18).

FIG. 24is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the asynchronous initiation of the ACK message sent by the valve transceiver unit20to the controller transceiver unit16. At step2402, the valve transceiver unit20determines that an ACK message should be initiated. The ACK message sent by the valve transceiver unit20can be sent synchronously at regular intervals or asynchronously. For example, the valve transceiver unit20can send a valve transceiver ACK message when irrigation is occurring, after a timeout has occurred, where the timeout indicates that a message from the transceiver controller unit16has not been received with the timeout period, when a battery low condition occurs, to inform the transceiver controller unit16of the transmit signal strength or the RSSI, when constant state updates need to occur rapidly, and the like.

Once the valve transceiver unit ACK message is sent at step2404, the controller transceiver unit16decodes the message and the informational content including the state of the irrigation control valve22and determines whether the state is in error. If the state of the irrigation control valve22is a valid state, the controller transceiver unit16sends a controller transceiver unit ACK message at step2406to the valve transceiver unit20signifying acceptance of the irrigation control valve state. An example of the controller transceiver unit ACK message is illustrated inFIG. 20. If the state of the irrigation control valve22is invalid, the controller transceiver unit16sends a controller transceiver unit NACK or non-ACK message at step2408to the valve transceiver unit20. An example of the controller transceiver unit NACK message is illustrated inFIG. 21.

In contrast to the valve transceiver unit ACK message (e.g.,FIG. 18), the controller transceiver unit ACK and NACK messages (e.g.,FIGS. 20 and 21) confirm the state or reject the state of the irrigation control valve22relayed by the valve transceiver unit ACK message. Once the controller transceiver unit NACK message is received by the valve transceiver unit20, the irrigation control valve state is set to an OFF state when the reported invalid state is an ON state. In another aspect, the irrigation control valve state is set to an ON state when the reported invalid state is an OFF state.

One purpose of the valve transceiver unit ACK message is to acknowledge the receipt of a message from the controller transceiver unit16, and to convey the state of the irrigation control valve22controlled by the valve transceiver unit20. The valve transceiver unit ACK message can also be sent whenever a status change has occurred, such as a battery low indication, insufficient transmission power, communication failure, or the like. Using the valve transceiver unit ACK message in this way provides quick bidirectional feedback to the controller transceiver unit16that the valve transceiver unit20is receiving the messages and aids in diagnosis of any problems.

For example, when the battery in the valve transceiver unit20is low or within a low region, the controller transceiver unit16can be made aware of this state and provide an indication to the user that the battery needs to be changed. The irrigation control valve22can be placed into a safe state as a result of this process.

Another failure mechanism is low signal or receive strength leading to low bit error rates (BER) that can cause communication failures. This informational state message system also provides a method of dynamically increasing the power of the transmission in cases where there is low received signal strength and lowering it when the strength is sufficient. These signal strength increases must still be within regulatory limits but can dramatically increase range and reception where environmental noise is present and where landscaping or terrain make reception difficult. When the valve transceiver ACK message is received by the controller transceiver unit16, the proper state of the valve transceiver unit20can be verified. Without this acknowledgement, the status change will be resent after a wait time of at least 5 seconds. In some embodiments the wait time is less than 5 seconds, or more than 5 seconds. Typically, the resend message will be sent at a higher transmit power level than the original message, if possible, within the FCC or governing body limits for the RF spectrum band.

FIG. 25is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the activation ON message flow process that occurs during irrigation control valve activation. At step2502, the irrigation controller12activates a station output, either manually or automatically. This creates an electrical signal that is received by the controller transceiver unit16and then passed along wirelessly to the valve transceiver unit20as an activation ON message at step2504. At step2506, the valve transceiver unit20receives the activate ON command. At step2508, the valve transceiver unit20sets the irrigation control valve22to allow water to flow and, at step2510, acknowledges receipt of the activate ON message by sending a valve transceiver ACK message to the controller transceiver unit16.

At step2512, the controller transceiver unit16determines whether a communication from the valve transceiver unit20has been received. Periodic communications between the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20can indicate that the two-way wireless communication link24is functioning properly. When the controller transceiver unit16determines that a communication from the valve transceiver unit20has been received, the process ends.

No commands or status updates from the valve transceiver unit20received by the controller transceiver unit16can indicate a failure of the two-way communication link24. The process moves from step2512to step2502, where steps2502-2512are repeated until the controller transceiver unit16confirms that the valve transceiver unit20has received the activate ON command.

FIG. 26is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the activation OFF message flow process in the wireless system in accordance with an embodiment. Once the station output on the irrigation controller12is deactivated, the process illustrated inFIG. 26is initiated. This activation OFF flow process illustrates two possible paths to deactivate the irrigation control valve22.

The left side path outlines the method initiated by the irrigation controller12. At step2602, the irrigation controller12activates a station output, either manually or automatically. This creates an electrical signal that is received by the controller transceiver unit16and then passed along wirelessly to the valve transceiver unit20as an activation OFF message at step2604. At step2606, the valve transceiver unit20receives the activate OFF command. At step2608, the valve transceiver unit20sets the irrigation control valve22to stop the flow of water, and, at step2610, acknowledges receipt of the activate OFF message by sending a valve transceiver ACK message to the controller transceiver unit16.

At step2612, the controller transceiver unit16determines whether a communication from the valve transceiver unit20has been received. As described above, periodic communications between the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20can indicate that the two-way wireless communication link24is functioning properly. When the controller transceiver unit16determines that a communication from the valve transceiver unit20has been received, the process ends.

No commands or status updates from the valve transceiver unit20received by the controller transceiver unit16can indicate a failure of the two-way communication link24. The process moves from step2612to step2602, where steps2602-2612are repeated until the controller transceiver unit16confirms that the valve transceiver unit20has received the activate OFF command.

The right-side path of the flow diagram inFIG. 26covers the possible condition where the deactivate message is not sent, cannot be sent, or is not received. At step2614, the irrigation control valve22is active, having been previously turned ON.

At step2616, the valve transceiver unit20reaches a programmed timeout period. The propose of this timeout period is to initiate an ACK command to confirm that a communications link still exists between the controller transceiver unit16and the valve transceiver unit20and that the irrigation control valve26is in a valid state. The timeout period can be 10 seconds, one minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and the like. In some embodiments, the timeout period can be a predetermined period of time that may range between 10 seconds and 15 minutes. In one embodiment, the timeout period is programmable. In another embodiment, the timeout period is tunable. In another embodiment, the timeout period can be included in the message from the controller transceiver unit16.

If timeout is reached then, at step2618, the valve transceiver unit20sends a message to the controller transceiver unit16requesting a controller transceiver ACK message.

At step2620, the valve transceiver unit20determines whether the controller transceiver unit16sent a control transceiver ACK message, sent a controller transceiver NACK message, or did not send any message.

When the controller transceiver unit16sends a controller transceiver NACK message, the process moves to step2608. Receipt of a controller transceiver NACK message indicates that the irrigation control valve22is in an invalid state and the valve transceiver unit20sets the irrigation control valve22such that water is prevented from flowing through the irrigation control valve22. In an embodiment, this can be considered a precaution to prevent unwanted watering from occurring when there is a failure of the two-way communication link.

When the controller transceiver unit16fails to reply, the process also moves to step2608. Failure to send a response indicates a failure of the two-way wireless communication network and the valve transceiver unit20sets the irrigation control valve22such that water is prevented from flowing through the irrigation control valve22. In an embodiment, this can be considered a precaution to prevent unwanted watering from occurring when there is a failure of the two-way communication link. In another embodiment, the valve transceiver unit20may set the irrigation control valve22to the OFF state at the end of the timeout period with or without requesting an ACK from the controller transceiver unit16.

When the controller transceiver unit16sends a controller transceiver ACK message to the valve transceiver unit20, the process moves to step2614, where steps2614-2620are repeated until the irrigation control valve22is set to an OFF state at step2608. Receipt of the controller transceiver ACK message indicates that the irrigation control valve22is in a valid state.

Example of Wireless Valve Transceiver Unit Circuitry

FIG. 27is a block diagram illustrating the wireless valve transceiver unit circuitry in accordance with an embodiment. The illustrated wireless valve transceiver ofFIG. 27comprises a crystal530, a microcontroller532, a solenoid activation circuit534, one or more solenoids536, a battery538, a power circuit540, and a wireless transceiver circuit542. In an embodiment, the microcontroller532can be a Microchip PIC18F86K90 microcontroller. The microcontroller532can be powered, along with the transceiver unit542and solenoid activation circuit534, by the battery538.

The battery538can have a minimum voltage of approximately 5 volts and have a maximum voltage of greater than approximately 12 volts. In an embodiment, the battery538is a 9V DC battery. In one embodiment the battery538has a PP3 form factor. Other embodiments include a rechargeable battery or a solar rechargeable system. The battery power voltage from the battery538can be modified and regulated by power circuit540, which can include the cyclic buck circuit ofFIG. 14. In one embodiment, a nominal voltage of 3.3 volts is used.

The crystal530is used to keep timing for signal reception and internal timing for the microcontroller532. In an embodiment, the crystal530comprises a 32 kHz crystal. The solenoid activation circuit534can include charging a capacitor to a nominal voltage of 11 volts or greater and discharging the capacitor through the irrigation control valves22in a pulse to activate or deactivate the DC solenoids536. Using the capacitor as a voltage/pulse reservoir, the same circuit can be used to activate or deactivate the irrigation control valve22. In an embodiment, the solenoid activation circuit534can control a plurality of irrigation control valves22. In an embodiment, the solenoid activation circuit534can control up to 6 irrigation control valves22. In other embodiment, more than 6 irrigation control valves22can be controlled by the solenoid activation circuit534.

The wireless transceiver circuit542can comprise, but not limited to, a LoRa chip SX1276 from Semtech. The wireless transceiver circuit542can receive messages from the controller transceiver unit16. After demodulating and decoding the received messages, the decoded messages are acted upon by the microcontroller532. Whenever an activate ON or activate OFF message is received by the valve transceiver unit20, the microcontroller532will cause the activation or deactivation the irrigation control valve22through the solenoid activation circuit534. The valve transceiver unit20can also comprise an embedded microcontroller with a built in analog to digital converter (ADC). This ADC continuously monitors the battery state and once the battery goes into a low battery state, the charging circuit for the irrigation control valve22is activated to disable the associated solenoid if it is in the ON state. For example, there can be a bulk aluminum electrolytic capacitor as a charge reservoir to handle the extra current if the battery538is nearly discharged.

When an activate ON signal is received and the solenoid of the irrigation control valve22is activated by the valve transceiver unit20, the controller transceiver unit16can maintain the bi-direction communication process through the ACK messages and responses to status. If an interruption to this process occurs, which may occur due to power outages, RF interference or noise blocking communications, or other reasons; the valve transceiver unit20responds to the non-responsive state by shutting OFF all active irrigation control valves22. This non-responsive state may not occur until a minimum of approximately 12 seconds elapses to accommodate transitory interference or power glitches. Subsequent resumption of bi-directional communication can restore the ability to control valve states.

Many of the systems, methods and functions described herein have been described as comprising the Microchip PIC18F86K90. However, many of these electronic functions and implementations can be realized using field programmable gate arrays, complex programmable logic devices and the like. Similarly, the RF functions that can be implemented using the Semtech SX1276 can also be implemented using software defined radio, other vendor supplied RF integrated circuits and components, and digital logic. The specified software and processes running on the microcontroller and the LoRa integrated circuit can also be implemented as a state machine in hardware design logic using programmable arrays and higher-level hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog. Similarly, some of the hardware-based functions described herein may be fully realized in software running on microcontrollers or microprocessors. Similarly, the circuitry of the controller transceiver unit may be permanently installed in the irrigation controller resulting in a physically smaller overall package. Numerous variations and implementations can be made to this invention by those skilled in the art without deviating from the extent of the present invention.

In any of the configurations described above, it can be possible for a user to create an association between a controller transceiver and two or more solenoid valve transceivers so that two or more valves may operate from a single station output signal.