IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An irrigation control system is disclosed. The irrigation control system can include an irrigation controller configured to intercept commands sent from a control unit of an irrigation system to one or more valves of the irrigation system. The irrigation control system can also include a master control valve configured to be disposed on a water supply line upstream of the one or more valves. A communications system comprising one or more processors can be configured to receive data from the master control valve over a communications network, the data related to a flow of water through the water supply line. The communications system can be configured to transmit information to the irrigation controller, the information comprising at least one of: current weather conditions, local water control restrictions, local moisture content, location of the irrigation system, user-defined limits, and flow rate of water through the irrigation system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field relates generally to systems and methods for controlling the irrigation of land with water.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional irrigation control systems can be programmed by a user to supply water to a parcel of land (such as a yard or garden of a residence) at predetermined time periods. For example, the user can instruct the system to irrigate the parcel at a certain time for a particular duration one or more days per week. Some conventional timed controllers allow for different timing on different days of the week or months of the year. However, typical users do not often change the programming on their conventional controller for changing circumstances, and are either unwilling or unable to make adjustments after the system is originally set up. More sophisticated or “smart” controllers allow for dynamic control of irrigation timing and duration, but users can be discouraged by the expense and waste of replacing their conventional irrigation control systems and/or daunted by the learning required to implement the systems. Maintaining the pre-programmed irrigation schedules of a conventional control system regardless of circumstances can lead to overwatering and water wastage. Accordingly, there remains a continuing need to provide improved irrigation control systems.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an irrigation controller is disclosed. The irrigation controller can include an electrical input connection configured to electrically communicate with a control unit of an external irrigation system. The irrigation controller can include an electrical output connection configured to electrically communicate with one or more valves of the external irrigation system. The irrigation controller can also include a control module comprising one or more processors and configured to monitor instructions received at the electrical input from the control unit, the instructions comprising commands for opening or closing the one or more valves. The control module can be configured to receive data transmitted over a communications network from an external communications system. The control module can be configured to prevent, allow or modify the commands for opening or closing the one or more valve to be transmitted from the electrical output connection to the one or more valves based at least in part on the received data.

In another embodiment, a master control valve is disclosed. The master control valve can include a valve body configured to be disposed on a water supply line upstream of one or more valves of an external irrigation system, the valve body configured to control a flow of water through the water supply line. The master control valve can include a sensor configured to transduce information regarding the flow of water and to generate a signal based on the transduced information. The master control valve can also include a control module comprising one or more processors and configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The control module can be configured to process the received signal to determine at least one of an amount of water flowing through the water supply line to the one or more valves and a time period during which water flows through the water supply line to the one or more valves. The control module can be configured to transmit the processed signal over a communications network to an external communications system.

In yet another embodiment, an irrigation control system is disclosed. The irrigation control system can include an irrigation controller configured to intercept commands sent from a control unit of an irrigation system to one or more valves of the irrigation system, the irrigation controller configured to prevent, allow, or modify the intercepted commands to be transmitted to the one or more valves. The irrigation control system can include a master control valve configured to be disposed on a water supply line upstream of the one or more valves, the master control valve configured to determine at least one of an amount of water flowing through the water supply line to the one or more valves and a time period during which water flows through the water supply line to the one or more valves. The irrigation control system can also include a communications system comprising one or more processors and configured to receive data from the master control valve over a communications network, the data related to a flow of water through the water supply line. The communications system can be configured to transmit information to the irrigation controller, the information comprising at least one of: current weather conditions, local water control restrictions, local moisture content, location of the irrigation system, user-defined limits, and flow rate of water through the irrigation system.

In another embodiment, an irrigation control system is disclosed. The irrigation control system can include an irrigation control unit configured to be programmed by a user to control the operation of an irrigation system. The irrigation control system can include one or more valves in electrical communication with the irrigation control unit, the one or more valves controlling the flow of water to one or more irrigation lines in response to a control signal sent from the irrigation control unit. The irrigation control system can also include an irrigation controller disposed between and in electrical communication with the irrigation control unit and the one or more valves, the irrigation controller configured to intercept commands sent from the control unit to the one or more valves, the irrigation controller configured to receive data over a communications network from an external communications system and configured to interrupt the control signal based at least in part on the received data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved irrigation control systems that efficiently manage the irrigation of a parcel of land, such as a yard or garden of a residence. Conventional “dumb” or fixed-schedule irrigation systems can include a control unit that is programmed by a user to open and close one or more valves associated with a corresponding one or more irrigation lines. For example, in some arrangements, the irrigation system can include four irrigation lines that supply water to four different areas of the parcel of land. The user can program the system control unit to supply water to each of the four areas at a certain time and for a certain duration on one or more days of the week. For example, the user can program the irrigation system such that, on every Tuesday, Valve 1 is activated for 20 minutes at 8 am to supply water to Area 1, Valve 2 is activated for 30 minutes at 8:20 am to supply water to Area 2, Valve 3 is activated for 20 minutes at 8:50 am to supply water to Area 3, and Valve 4 is activated for 10 minutes at 9:10 am to supply water to Area 4. Thus, if the control unit of the conventional irrigation system is programmed in this manner, then water will be supplied to the parcel of land at these times and durations, regardless of local weather conditions, local watering restrictions, and other factors. Slightly more sophisticated fixed-schedule controllers allow for preprogramming multiple watering times per day, and programming of different schedules for different seasons. Although this example and the embodiments described herein include four irrigation lines, the skilled artisan will appreciate that irrigation systems may have any suitable number of irrigation lines, including fewer than or more than four lines.

Advantageously, the disclosed irrigation control systems can bring the sophistication of “smart” or dynamic controllers into the irrigation system while taking advantage of established conventional irrigation systems to improve the management of the irrigation system. For example, consumers may desire the functionality of a smart or dynamic controller, but may be unwilling to accept the expense and/or hassle of replacing their existing controller. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein can advantageously act as a retrofitting system for conventional fixed-schedule irrigation systems, such that expense and barriers to adoption are reduced. For example, the disclosed embodiments can utilize data about current weather conditions or local watering restrictions (e.g., local regulations that are imposed in a particular area due to drought conditions, etc.), network-connected manual or automated override, among other factors, to adjust the times and durations of irrigation. The disclosed embodiments can also advantageously be used to retrofit conventional irrigation systems so that users need not replace these systems, and can reduce water usage relative to the use of the conventional irrigation systems alone.

FIG. 1is a schematic system diagram of an irrigation control system1, according to one embodiment. The irrigation control system1can be used in connection with a conventional irrigation system100. The irrigation system100can include a water supply line130that supplies water from a source (such as a city water supply) to a plurality of irrigation lines140. In some arrangements, each irrigation line140supplies water to a particular area of the parcel of land. Although four irrigation lines140are shown inFIG. 1, it should be appreciated that the irrigation system100can include any suitable number of irrigation lines140. Furthermore, although not illustrated inFIG. 1, it should be appreciated that the irrigation lines140may terminate at a sprinkler head or other distribution apparatus which distributes the water to the parcel of land. In some arrangements, the distribution apparatus can comprise a soaker hose segment or other device which allows water to slowly disperse into the ground. In other arrangements, the distribution apparatus can include a nozzle which sprays water across an area of the land. In still other arrangements, the distribution apparatus may include a perforated line for drip irrigation.

The irrigation system100can include one or more valves120configured to control the flow of water from the supply line130to each irrigation line140. For example, each valve120can be selectively actuated to open, close, or partially open the flow path to regulate the flow rate through each irrigation line140. In some embodiments, for example, each valve120can be selectively actuated to open and/or close the flow path through each irrigation line140. Thus, if a particular area of the parcel of land is to be irrigated, then the valve120associated with the irrigation line140that supplies water to that area can be opened to convey water from the supply line130to the irrigation line140and the area of the parcel, and can be closed to prevent water from passing from the supply line130to the irrigation line140and the area of the parcel.

The irrigation system100can include an irrigation control unit110that controls the operation of the valves120. As explained above, the user can interact with the control unit110to program the system100to supply water to the parcel of land according to a predetermined schedule. When the predetermined schedule indicates that a particular valve120is to be opened, the control unit110can send a control signal and/or electrical power along a control line6(e.g., an electrical wire, an optical fiber, etc.) to the valve120to cause the valve120to open for the scheduled duration. When the scheduled duration ends, the control unit110can send a control signal to the valve120to cause the valve120to close. In some systems, the control unit110can also specify by way of the control signal the degree to which the valve120is to open.

As explained herein, the irrigation system100with the standard control unit110may not be configured to adjust or modify the irrigation schedule based on events, such as weather changes (e.g., rainfall or drought), local watering restrictions, user preferences, data from local water sensors, and/or other factors. Advantageously, the irrigation control system1can include an irrigation controller2configured to be disposed along the control line6between the control unit110of the irrigation system100and the one or more valves120.

FIG. 2is a schematic system diagram of the irrigation controller2, according to one embodiment. The irrigation controller2can include an electrical input connection207configured to electrically communicate with the control unit110and an electrical output connection209configured to electrically communicate with the one or more valves120of the irrigation system100. The irrigation controller2can comprise a control module200configured to intercept commands sent from the control unit110of the irrigation system100to the one or more valves120. In some embodiments, the control module200can comprise a command module202which can act as a switch to selectively allow or prevent the intercepted commands from the control unit110from reaching the one or more valves120. In some embodiments, the command module202of the irrigation controller2can be configured to modify the intercepted commands and transmit the modified commands to the one or more valves120. In some arrangements, the irrigation controller2receives and processes the intercepted commands but does not modify the commands before transmitting the commands to the valve(s)120.

The command module202can comprise one or more processors in data communication with one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The command module202of the control module200can be configured to monitor instructions received at the electrical input connection207from the control unit110, the instructions comprising commands for opening or closing the one or more valves120. For example, in some embodiments, the commands for opening the one or more valves120can comprise an ON signal, and the commands for closing the one or more valves120can comprise an OFF signal. In some arrangements, the controller2can store the commands in a database on non-transitory computer-readable media so as to create a report or history of the irrigation of the parcel over time. The user can review the report or history to monitor daily watering schedules and overall water consumption. Thus, the control module200can be configured to record the time and duration that each valve120of the one or more valves is open over a pre-determined time period.

The control module200of the irrigation controller2can also comprise a communications module204which can be configured to receive data transmitted over a communications network from an external communications system, such as a mobile computing device4, one or more central servers5, the Internet, and/or any other suitable device or networked entity. For example, the communications module204of the irrigation controller2can receive information about at least one of: current weather conditions, local water control restrictions, local moisture content, location of the external irrigation system, user-defined limits, and flow rate of water through the external irrigation system. As an example, the communications module204may communicate with a publicly available weather website (or, alternatively, a private weather server) to learn that the local area is experiencing flooding conditions or drought conditions. As another example, the communications module204can communicate with government websites or news websites to learn that the local government has imposed restrictions on the amount of water used in irrigation systems. In some arrangements, the communications module204can monitor the Internet for news alerts relating to changing weather conditions or water regulations for a particular locality or region. Moreover, in some arrangements, the user can change his or her preferences with respect to the irrigation settings. The irrigation controller2can communicate with the external communications system by way of a wired communications network or a wireless communications network (e.g., wireless internet or WiFi, cellular networks, Bluetooth networks, etc.).

The irrigation controller2can be configured to modify the commands for opening or closing the one or more valves based at least in part on the data received by the communications module204. The control module200can be configured to transmit the modified commands from the electrical output connection209to the one or more valves120. For example, if the local area is experiencing flooding conditions, if local watering restrictions indicate that the parcel of land is approaching or exceeding watering limits, and/or if local sensors indicate that the soil to be watered is already sufficiently moist, the irrigation controller2can reduce or stop the flow of water through the valves120(or decrease the frequency or duration of irrigation) by sending a suitable control signal to the valves120, or by interrupting an ON signal from the conventional control unit. If the local area is experiencing drought conditions, the irrigation controller2can increase the flow of water through the valves120, or increase the frequency or duration of irrigation (e.g., if local watering restrictions permit), relative to the amount of flow permitted when the soil is already moist or rain is forecast. In some arrangements, based on the received data, the irrigation controller2can transmit the commands from the control unit110without modifying them. In some arrangements, rather than actively transmitting commands, the irrigation controller can fail to interrupt the signals sent form the control unit110to the valves120. For example, if the original commands from the control unit are adequate for current weather conditions or water restrictions, the irrigation controller2may not modify the commands or interrupt the signal, and the one or more valves120may supply water to the areas to be irrigated according to the instructions transmitted by the control unit110. Thus, the irrigation controller2can be configured to modify the commands and transmit the modified commands by: opening a switch within the irrigation controller2to prevent the commands from being transmitted to the one or more valves120(and to thereby prevent water from flowing through the associated irrigation line(s)140) or closing the switch to allow the commands to be transmitted to the one or more valves120(and to thereby allow water to flow through the associated irrigation line(s)140). Thus, the irrigation controller2can be configured to allow the maximum amount of irrigation programmed into the control unit110, or to reduce the flow relative to the control unit110programming according to external factors communicated through the communications module204.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the irrigation control system1can also include a master control valve3configured to be disposed on the water supply line130upstream of the one or more valves120. The master control valve3can be configured to determine at least one of an amount of water flowing through the water supply line130to the one or more valves120and a time period during which water flows through the water supply line130to the one or more valves120. The master control valve3can include a valve body configured to be disposed on the water supply line130upstream of the one or more valves120of the external irrigation system100. The valve body can be configured to modify a flow of water through the water supply line130.

The master control valve3can include a sensor configured to transduce information regarding the flow of water through the water supply line130and to generate a signal based on the transduced information. The sensor can comprise any suitable type of sensor, such as flow rate sensors, pressure sensors, etc. The master control valve3can include a control module comprising one or more processors in communication with a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The control module can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The control module of the master control valve3can also be configured to process the received signal to determine at least one of an amount of water flowing through the water supply line130to the one or more valves120and a time period during which water flows through the water supply line130to the one or more valves120. The control module of the master control valve3can also be configured to transmit the processed signal over a communications network to an external communications system, such as the mobile computing device4, the central server5, or any other suitable communications system. As explained above, the communications network can comprise a wired communications network or a wireless network (such as WiFi, cellular networks, Bluetooth networks, etc.).

The control module of the master control valve3can also be configured to receive valve data from the irrigation controller2. For example, the master control valve3can receive valve data that includes a schedule for each valve120of the one or more valves. The schedule can comprise at least one of a time at which the corresponding valve120is scheduled to run and a duration during which the corresponding valve120is scheduled to run. Thus, the master control valve3may know which valve120is supposed to be open at a particular time. If the schedule indicates that a particular valve is supposed to be open but the sensor does not detect any flow of water through the supply line130, then the master control valve3may indicate that the valve120is stuck in a closed state. Similarly, if the schedule indicates that the valves120are supposed to be closed at a particular time but the sensor detects that water is flowing through the supply line, then the master control valve3can indicate that one or more of the valves120is stuck in an open state. The master control valve3can be configured to stop or reduce the flow of water through the supply line130if the master control valve3detects that a valve is stuck open. The master control valve3can communicate these notifications to the user by way of the communications network (e.g., to the user's mobile device4).

In some embodiments, the master control valve3can report water usage to the user and can notify the user if the system100is exceeding local water restrictions. Further, in some arrangements, such as low-pressure drip systems, the master control valve3can be configured to lower the pressure supplied by the supply line130to the valves120. In various arrangements, the master control valve3can operate as a standalone unit without the irrigation controller2, and vice versa.

The communications system can comprise any suitable type of computing device and can have a processor configured to receive and/or transmit data to and/or from the controller2and/or the master control valve3over various communications networks. For example, as explained herein, the central server5and/or the mobile computing device4can be connected to the World Wide Web or other information network so as to gather real-time weather information, information about local watering restrictions, local moisture content, etc. The central server5and the computing device4can communicate with one another, as well as with the irrigation controller2and/or the master control valve3. The irrigation controller2can also be in data communication with the master control valve3. The user can receive notifications by way of an application installed on the mobile device4.

The irrigation controller2shown inFIG. 1can connect to the control unit110and the one or more valves120in various ways.FIG. 3is a schematic system diagram of the irrigation control system1shown inFIG. 1with the irrigation controller2connected to a control line6of each valve120. Four valves120are illustrated inFIG. 3: V1, V2, V3, and V4. Each valve120is associated with a control line6which transmits an electrical signal from the control unit110to the associated valve120. For example, valve V1is connected to the control unit110by way of control line L1and switch S1, valve V2is connected to the control unit110by way of control line L2and switch S2, valve V3is connected to the control unit110by way of control line L3and switch S3, and valve V4is connected to the control unit110by way of control line L4and switch S4. In the absence of the controller2, the control unit110controls whether each valve120is open or closed by sending an electrical signal along the control line6associated with each valve120. For example, the control unit110may instruct valve V1to be open (to allow water to pass along the associated irrigation line140) while keeping the other valves V2-V4closed (to prevent water from passing along the associated irrigation lines140). In this example, the control unit110may transmit an ON signal along line L1to open the valve V1, and may transmit an OFF signal (or no signal at all) along lines L2-L4. As shown inFIG. 3, the system1can be connected to ground G by way of ground line GL.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the irrigation controller2is connected or spliced to each control line L1-L4of the valves V1-V4. Advantageously, therefore, the irrigation controller2can control the opening and/or closing of each valve V1-V4independently by opening or closing the associated switches S1-S4. For example, as explained above, if the area to be irrigated experiences flooding conditions, or if the local government has imposed watering restrictions, then the controller2can interrupt the signals sent to each valve V1-V4by opening the switches S1-S4to reduce the amount of water supplied to the irrigation lines140. In some arrangements, the controller2, or processing and control signals sent to it from, e.g., the central server5, can determine how much water should be supplied to the irrigation lines140to comply with the watering restrictions and/or to appropriately address the flooding conditions. For example, in some arrangements, the irrigation controller2can prevent any irrigation during such conditions. In other arrangements, the irrigation controller2can monitor how much water is supplied to the irrigation lines140and can prevent additional irrigation after the amount of supplied water reaches a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the irrigation controller2can be configured to supply different amounts of water to each irrigation line140through the valves120. For example, if a moisture sensor or user input indicates that the area irrigated by the line140associated with valve V1is drier than the area irrigated by the line140associated with valve V2, then the controller2may permit the control signal sent by the control unit110to pass to the valve V1for a longer period of time than the controller2permits the control signal to pass to the valve V2, for example, by closing the switch S1for a longer period of time than the switch S2is closed. Advantageously, the embodiment shown inFIG. 3can enable the controller2to individually control the amount of water passing through each valve120by selectively opening and closing the associated switches S1-S4. Furthermore, as explained above, the controller2can create a log in a memory unit which records how long each area has been irrigated over a period of time.

FIG. 4is a schematic system diagram of the irrigation control system1shown inFIG. 1with the irrigation controller2connected to a ground line GL of the system1having a ground switch GS. Unlike the embodiment ofFIG. 3, in the implementation ofFIG. 4, the controller2is connected or spliced to the ground switch GS of the ground line GL. When the controller2determines that the amount of water supplied to the irrigated areas should be reduced (e.g., during a flooding weather condition, due to a local government restriction, due to user input, etc.), then the controller2can open the ground switch GS along the ground line GL to open the circuit and prevent signals from passing to each valve V1-V4. When the controller2determines that water should flow through the valves V1-V4, the ground switch GS may be closed. Advantageously, the embodiment ofFIG. 4can control the operation of the valves V1-V4through the single ground switch GS.

The embodiments ofFIGS. 1-4can advantageously enable a user to retrofit a conventional irrigation control unit110by splicing or connecting the irrigation controller2to the signal and/or ground lines of the system1when the controller2is installed between the control unit110and the valves120. However, in other embodiments, the controller2can be installed to replace the control unit110.FIG. 5is a schematic system diagram of an irrigation control system1, according to another embodiment. The irrigation control system1can include components similar to or the same as those shown inFIG. 1, except where noted herein. For example, the irrigation control system1can control the operation of an irrigation system100which includes a water supply line130that supplies water from a source (such as a city water supply) to a plurality of irrigation lines140. In some arrangements, each irrigation line140supplies water to a particular area of a parcel of land.

Unlike the embodiment ofFIG. 1, however, in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the irrigation control system1includes the controller2which can act as a standalone controller which can operate with or without (as shown) another control unit (such as the control unit110ofFIG. 1). For example, as with the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the controller2can communicate with an external communications system, such as mobile computing device4, one or more central servers5, the Internet, and/or any other suitable device or networked entity. Based on the received information, the controller2can increase or decrease the amount of water supplied to the area to be irrigated. For example, if the received information indicates that the area is undergoing severe rainfall conditions, or that the area is under increased watering restrictions, then the controller2can reduce the amount of water supplied to the supply lines140of the system100, and/or can stop irrigation completely for a period of time. In addition, if the received information indicates that the area is experiencing a drought, or if watering restrictions have been lifted, then the controller2can increase the amount of water supplied to the supply lines140of the system. Thus, in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the controller2can increase or decrease the amount of water supplied to the irrigated areas without including a separate control unit.

In still other embodiments, the control unit110ofFIG. 1can be updated with hardware, software, and/or firmware which provides the control unit110with the functionality of the controller2without splicing a separate controller into the system1. For example, the control unit110can be fitted with additional hardware components or may be installed with additional software components which can modify the flow of water to the irrigation lines140based on information received by the control unit110from the external communication systems.

FIGS. 6A-6Care schematic diagrams of a mobile device4with a user interface8that is configured to control the operation or set-up of the irrigation control systems disclosed herein. For example, the user interface8can comprise an application (or “app”) installed on the mobile device4. The user can thereby view and/or modify the settings of the irrigation system100and the irrigation control system1by way of the interface8. The user can also view the watering history of the parcel of land. As shown inFIG. 6A, for example, the user can view the overall water usage and volume of water saved over a particular time period. In the interface8ofFIG. 6B, the user can modify the watering time and/or pressure for each region of the parcel. As shown inFIG. 6C, the user can view a map or schematic drawing of the parcel of land to see which irrigation lines140pass through which region of the parcel. Still other user interface arrangements are possible. The user interface8ofFIGS. 6A-6Ccan be used with any of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-5.

For example, for the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-4, to install the controller2, the user can electrically connect the controller2to the control lines (FIG. 3) and/or the ground line GL (FIG. 4) of the system1between the control unit110and the valves120. For the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the user can install the controller2with the associated irrigation system100. The user can navigate through the user interface8to complete a setup procedure on a software application installed on the user's mobile device4or other type of computing device. For example, the user interface8can prompt the user to set up the wireless capabilities of the controller2(e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, etc.). The user may select on the user interface8a source of weather information for the region, such as a weather website, a private weather server, a local weather station, etc. The user interface8can prompt the user to set up various user preferences, such as instructing the controller2to not irrigate the area if rain is forecasted within a predetermined time period (e.g., within the next 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, etc.) and/or above a certain percentage of rain forecast (e.g., above 60% chance of rain). The user interface8can prompt the user to select preferences regarding temperature conditions, such as providing instructions to not irrigate the area if the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below 50° F., below 40° F., below 30° F., etc.). The user interface8may prompt the user for preferences regarding whether or not to irrigate the area during a particular time of year or range of dates, such as winter (e.g., between the months of November and March). In some arrangements, the controller may irrigate the area during the range of dates if the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the user interface8can prompt the user for instructions regarding how much to irrigate at various temperatures, e.g., the user may elect to irrigate at a certain percentage of a maximum water limit at various temperature ranges, e.g., at 75% of the water limit if the temperature drops to 70° F., at 60% of the water limit if the temperature drops to 65° F., at 50% of the water limit if the temperature drops to 60° F., at 40% of the water limit if the temperature drops to 55° F., at 25% of the water limit if the temperature drops to 50° F., and to shut off the water if the temperature drops to below 50° F.

The user interface8can also prompt the user regarding preferences for monitoring local watering restrictions and/or for sending the user a periodic (e.g., monthly) report of water usage. In some mobile computing applications, the user interface8may provide the user with the option to request an instant or “push” notification of the total run time of each irrigation line, and to request a notification (by e-mail or text message, for example) if no irrigation has occurred for a predetermined period of time (e.g., within the last 48 hours, etc.). The user interface8can also allow the user to set a master run time limit which limits the maximum amount of time the area is irrigated within a period of time (e.g., within a given 24 hour period), and the user can choose whether to have the system notify the user if the master run time limit is met. Notifications can also be sent to the user if changes have been made to the controller2or if unusually hot weather is forecast in the near future. In some embodiments, the controller2can determine, based on the information received from the external communications systems, how long a particular region should be watered and can communicate that information to the user by way of the user interface8. The controller2can also suggest to the user how much to water the parcel of land on a monthly basis, and can communicate that information to the user by the user interface8. For example, the controller2can suggest to the user that the system1supply 100% of the maximum water limits in July and August, 90% of the maximum water limits in September, 70% of the maximum water limits in October, 40% of the maximum water limits in November, etc.

All of the features described above may be embodied in, and automated by, software modules executed by processors or integrated circuits of general purpose computers. The software modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer storage device or medium. All combinations of the various embodiments and features described herein fall within the scope of the present invention.

A Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) may be a corporate computing network, including access to the Internet, to which computers and computing devices comprising the system are connected. In one embodiment, the LAN conforms to the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) industry standard.

A microprocessor may be any conventional general purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor such as a Pentium® processor, Itanium® processor or an ALPHA® processor. In addition, the microprocessor may be any conventional special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a graphics processor.

The system is comprised of various modules as discussed in detail below. As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of the modules comprises various sub-routines, procedures, definitional statements and macros. Each of the modules are typically separately compiled and linked into a single executable program. Therefore, the following description of each of the modules is used for convenience to describe the functionality of the preferred system. Thus, the processes that are undergone by each of the modules may be arbitrarily redistributed to one of the other modules, combined together in a single module, or made available in, for example, a shareable dynamic link library.

The system may be used in connection with various operating systems such as LINUX, UNIX or MICROSOFT WINDOWS®. The system may be written in any conventional programming language such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Perl, or Java, and run under a conventional operating system.

In some embodiments, a web browser comprising a web browser user interface may be used to display information (such as textual and graphical information) to a user. The web browser may comprise any type of visual display capable of displaying information received via a network. Examples of web browsers include Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser, Apple's Safari Browser, Mozilla's Firefox browser, Google's Chrome browser or any other browsing or other application software capable of communicating with a network. Further, information may also be configured for and displayed in other suitable applications, such as applications programmed for implementation in mobile devices, such as mobile phones or other mobile computing devices. For example, a platform-specific application (or “app”) may be used to display information to a user and/or receive user inputs. For example, applications may be used in conjunction with Apple products such as the iPad or iPhone, with Google Android tablet computers or phones, and/or with any other type of computing device.

The embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein refers to code or logic implemented in hardware or computer readable media such as optical storage devices, and volatile or non-volatile memory devices. Such hardware may include, but is not limited to, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), microprocessors, or other similar processing devices.

Although the various inventive features and services have been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein and do not address all of the problems set forth herein, are also within the scope of this invention. The scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims