Patent Abstract:
An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically adjustable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to landscape sprinkler systems and more particularly to landscape sprinkling systems and methods having a computer configured spray pattern. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    In the past, it has been a well-known practice to provide automatic watering devices, such as sprinklers, in order to supply plants with a proper amount of moisture so that the plants will flourish. Homeowners and commercial establishments, such as golf courses, recreational parks, and farms, use automatic watering systems. 
         [0005]    A conventional system employs a timer controller, which operates a solenoid valve incorporated into a water system so that when the time as arbitrarily set by the user arrives, power is supplied via the solenoid to the water supply valve so that water is then supplied to a system of sprinklers or other irrigation devices. However, the sprinkler system supplies water even though the ground or plant medium is saturated such as after a heavy rain or the like. 
         [0006]    For example, an area or zone requiring irrigation may contain thin sandy soil with low water holding capacity from which water drains easily. Another zone may contain a deeper sand, clay and silt mixture, which drains slowly and holds water for a longer period. If the irrigator applies water uniformly at a rate equal to the average required over the area, the user is faced with the dilemma of having too little water in one zone and too much in the other. In practice, the user typically irrigates the entire area at the rate required for the most deficient soil, which wastes water in the zones, which do not require additional water. As the cost of water increases, this creates an unnecessary expense for the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, a sprinkler head configured to water a zone including first and second portions is disclosed, wherein the sprinkler head includes an adjustable spray pattern, and wherein the first portion of the area corresponds to a first distance, and wherein the second portion of the area corresponds to a second distance. A first moisture sensor is provided at the first distance, wherein the first moisture sensor is configured to collect a first moisture data; and a second moisture sensor provided at the second distance, and wherein the second moisture sensor is configured to collect a second moisture data. Also provided is a controller configured to obtain the moisture data and control the adjustable spray pattern based on the first moisture data and the second moisture data. The controller controls the adjustable spray pattern such that water is applied in the first portion of the zone if the first moisture data indicates that the first portion of the zone needs water. The controller controls the adjustable spray pattern such that water is applied in the second portion of the zone if the second moisture data indicates that the second portion of the zone needs water. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining moisture data from a first moisture sensor associated with a rotating sprinkler head; obtaining moisture data from a second moisture sensor associated with a rotating sprinkler head; and automatically configuring an adjustable spray pattern based on the moisture data. Automatically configuring the adjustable spray pattern includes watering a first portion of the zone if the moisture data indicates the first portion of the zone to be less moist, and watering a second portion of the zone if the moisture data indicates the second portion of the zone to be less moist. The first portion of the zone corresponds to a radial distance substantially apart from the second portion of the zone. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a sprinkler system obtains moisture data from a first moisture sensor associated with a rotating sprinkler head; obtains moisture data from a second moisture sensor associated with a rotating sprinkler head; and automatically configures an adjustable spray pattern based on the moisture data. The adjustable spray pattern includes watering a first portion of the zone if the moisture data indicates the first portion of the zone to be less moist, and watering a second portion of the zone if the moisture data indicates the second portion of the zone to be less moist. The first portion of the zone is located at a different distance from the second portion of the zone. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the sprinkler system includes a rotating sprinkler head including an adjustable spray pattern; a zone to be watered by the rotating sprinkler head, the zone at least including a first region and a second region, wherein the first area and the second area are located at a different distances from the sprinkler head; one or more moisture sensors provided in the zone, wherein the one or more moisture sensors are configured to collect moisture data; and a controller configured to obtain the moisture data and configure the adjustable spray pattern based on the moisture data. The controller adjusts the adjustable spray pattern to apply water to the first area and/or the second area of the zone as indicated by the one or more moisture sensors to need watering. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the sprinkler system includes a sprinkler having a sprinkler head, a spreader plate and a nozzle; one or more moisture sensors that measure moisture in a zone to be watered by the sprinkler head, wherein the one or more moisture sensors are configured to provide moisture data related to the zone; and a controller configured to obtain the moisture data and control the distances in the zone where the sprinkler applies water. The controller adjusts one or more of the position of the sprinkler head, the position of the spreader plate, the position of the nozzle, or volume of water going through the sprinkler to control the distances in the zone where the sprinkler applies water. 
         [0012]    For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    A general architecture that implements the various features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a multi-zone sprinkler system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a multi-zone sprinkler system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows an adjustable-pattern sprinkler head with associated moisture sensors. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a rotating sprinkler with controllable rotation rates. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a rotating sprinkler with an actuator to control rotation speed. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a non-rotating sprinkler head with an adjustable spray pattern. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multi-zone sprinkler system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows an adjustable-pattern sprinkler head with associated multi-level moisture sensors. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a rotating sprinkler with controllable rotation speed, water elevation angle, spreader plate position and/or water flow parameters. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10A  shows a rotating sprinkler having a water elevation angle actuator and a spreader plate position actuator. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10B  shows a rotating sprinkler with a water elevation angle actuator and a water flow actuator. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a non-rotating sprinkler head with an adjustable spray pattern. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  shows a multi-zone sprinkler system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a golf course as one exemplary application for one embodiment of a multi-zone sprinkler system  100 . Other exemplary applications include, but are not limited to, recreational parks, home lawns, theme parks, cemeteries, farms, nurseries, and any other setting that provides water to vegetation through an automatic watering system.  FIG. 1  illustrates one or more sprinklers  102 , each having an adjustable spray pattern  104 . In some embodiments, the adjustable spray pattern  104  is electrically controlled, such as, for example, using solenoids, step motors, and other devices capable of generating electric signals. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the multi-zone sprinkler system  100 . The sprinkler system  100  includes the sprinklers  102 , first level moisture sensors  200 , water supply valves  202 , a water supply  204 , and a central control system  206 . 
         [0029]    In a typical arrangement, a series of water supply valves  202  each connect to the water supply  204 . Each water supply valve  202  connects to a series of sprinklers  102 , each sprinkler  102  having the adjustable spray pattern  104 . When a switch or solenoid in the water supply valve  202  activates, the water from the water supply  204  flows through the water supply valve  202 . Depending on the spray pattern  104  of the sprinkler  102 , the sprinkler  102  waters some, all, or none of the area surrounding the sprinkler  102 . In one embodiment, the sprinkler system  100  is arranged in watering zones. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the water supply can include fertilizer, weed control solution, or any other soluble compound the user desires to apply to the area associated with the sprinkler system  100 . 
         [0031]    In other arrangements, the multi-zone sprinkler system  100  includes at least one water control valve  202 , and at least one sprinkler  102  having an adjustable spray pattern  104 . 
         [0032]    The first level moisture sensors  200  are provided to sense the moisture in the soil. In one embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  form a circular or semi-circular arrangement around each sprinkler  102 . The first level moisture sensors  200  provide data indicating the moisture content of the soil to the central control system  206 . In one embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  provide data to the central control system via a radio frequency (RF) link, or other wireless transmission system. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  electrically connect to the sprinklers  102  and the sprinklers  102  communicate with the central control system  206  via the wireless transmission system. The first level moisture sensors  200  collect the moisture data and provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the sprinklers  102 . The sprinklers  102  provide the moisture data via the wireless transmission system, such as the RF link, to the central control system  206 . 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  electrically connect to the sprinklers  102  and the sprinklers  102  electrically connect to the central control system  206 . The first level moisture sensors  200  collect the moisture data and provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the sprinklers  102 . The sprinklers  102  provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the central control system  206 . 
         [0035]    In another embodiment, the multi-zone sprinkler system  100  further includes a zone controller  210 . The first level moisture sensors  200  located in the zone controlled by the zone controller  210  provide the moisture data to the zone controller  210 . The zone controller  210  provides the moisture data to the central control system  206 . 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the moisture sensors  102  provide the moisture data via a wireless transmission system, such as, for example, the RF link, to the zone controller  210 . In another embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  electrically connect to the zone controller  210 . Each moisture sensor  200  can be individually wired to the zone controller  210 , or groups of first level moisture sensors  200  can be wired in a consecutive pattern, i.e., daisy chained, and the last moisture sensor  200  in the chain electrically connects to the zone controller  210 . The first level moisture sensors  200  provide the moisture data to the zone controller  210  through the electrical connection. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the zone controller  210  communicates with the central control system via the wireless transmission system, such as, for example, the RF link, and provides the moisture data via the wireless transmission system to the central control system  206 . In another embodiment, the zone controller  210  electrically connects to the central control system  206 , and provides the moisture data to the central control system  206  through the electrical connection. 
         [0038]    Based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  decides how much water to put down in each zone. The central control system  206  activates the water control valves  202 , which permits water from the water supply  204  to flow through the water control valves  202 . Further, based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  configures the electrically adjustable spray pattern  104  of the sprinklers  102 . 
         [0039]    The central control system  206  includes one or more computers. The computers include, by way of example, processors, program logic, or other substrate configurations representing data and instructions, which operate as described herein. In other embodiments, the processors can include controller circuitry, processor circuitry, processors, general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessors, digital signal processors, embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers and the like. 
         [0040]    The central control system  206  includes information relating to the locations of the sprinklers  102 , the area watered or the maximum spray pattern of each sprinkler  200 , watering zones controlled by each zone controller  210 , and the like. 
         [0041]    The central control system  206  processes the moisture data to determine which areas require moisture. The central control system  206  provides instructions to configure the spray pattern  104  of the sprinklers  102 , such that the areas requiring moisture are watered, and the areas not requiring moisture are not watered. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the central control system  206  provides instructions to the zone controller  210  through the wireless transmission system or the electrical connection, as described above. The zone controller  210  then provides the instructions to the sprinkler  200  through the wireless transmission system or the electrical connection, as described above. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, the central control system  206  provides instructions directly to the sprinkler  102  through the wireless transmission system or the electrical connection, as described above. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the multi-zone sprinkler system  100  further includes fire sensors  208 . The fire sensors  208  are, for example, smoke detectors, infrared detectors, ultraviolet (UV) detectors, infrared cameras, temperature sensors, or the like. The fire sensors  208  provide fire data to the central control system  206  directly or through the zone controller  210  through the wireless transmission system or an electrical connection, as described above. Based on the fire data, the central control system  206  provides instructions to configure the spray pattern  104  of the sprinklers  102 , as described above, such that the areas requiring moisture are watered. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a sprinkler system  300 . The sprinkler system  300  includes the sprinkler  102  having the adjustable spray pattern  104 , and the first level moisture sensors  200 . The sprinkler  102  includes a sprinkler head  302 , which includes at least one computer  304 . 
         [0046]    The computer  304  includes, by way of example, processors, program logic, or other substrate configurations representing data and instructions, which operate as described herein. In other embodiments, the processors can include controller circuitry, processor circuitry, processors, general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessors, digital signal processors, embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers and the like. 
         [0047]    The sprinkler head  302  receives water when the water control valve  202  activates. The computer  304  receives control data and power from a central location, such as the central control system  206 . In another embodiment, the computer  304  receives only power from the central location. 
         [0048]    At least one moisture sensor  200  is associated with and electrically connects to the sprinkler head  302 . In one embodiment, two or more first level moisture sensors  200  form a circular pattern around the sprinkler head  300 . 
         [0049]    The first level moisture sensors  200  provide the moisture data to the computer  304 . In one embodiment, the computer  304  provides the moisture data to the central control system  206  and receives instructions to configure the spray pattern  104  from the central control system  206 . In another embodiment, the computer  304  receives the moisture data, processes the moisture data to determine the correct spray pattern  104 , and configures the spray pattern  104  based on the moisture data. 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  illustrates the adjustable spray patterns  104  partially overlapping. In another embodiment, the adjustable spray patterns  104  do not overlap. In a further embodiment, the adjustable spray patterns  104  overlap, such that the area of the sprinkler system  300  is watered by at least one sprinkler  102 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a rotating sprinkler  400 . The rotating sprinkler  400  rotates in a 360 degree arc, or portions of the  360  degree arc, when water flows through the sprinkler  400 . In one embodiment, the rate of rotation through various portions of the arc determines the quantity of water applied to the area surrounding the sprinkler  400 . As the sprinkler slowly rotates, the sprinkler  400  applies more water. When the sprinkler  400  rotates relatively quickly, relatively less water is applied. 
         [0052]    The sprinkler  400  includes a sprinkler head  402 . The sprinkler head  402  includes an actuator  404 , positional information  406 , and a data interface  408 . The positional information  406  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the actuator  404 . The actuator  404  controls the rate of rotation of the sprinkler head  402 . Typically, the sprinkler  400  would be used in a golf course or other industrial application with rotating sprinklers. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, when the actuator  404  is open or active, the sprinkler head  402  rotates quickly. In another embodiment, when the actuator  404  is closed or inactive, the sprinkler head  402  rotates slowly. 
         [0054]    The water supply  204 , through the activated water supply valve  202 , supplies water to the sprinkler  400 . The moisture sensor  200  sends moisture data  410  to the central control system  206  directly or through the sprinkler  400  via the wireless transmission system or electrical connections, or a combination of the wireless transmission system or the electrical connections. 
         [0055]    Based on the moisture data  410 , the central control system  206  sends positional information  406  through the data interface  408  to the sprinkler  400  via the wireless transmission system or electrical connections, or a combination of the wireless transmission system or the electrical connections. Using the positional information, the sprinkler  400  opens or closes the actuator  404  to control the speed at which the sprinkler head  402  rotates. 
         [0056]    In another embodiment, the sprinkler  400 , using the computer  304 , determines the positional information  406  based on the moisture data  410 . Using the positional information from the computer  304 , the sprinkler  400  opens or closes the actuator  404  to control the rate of rotation of the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0057]    Although  FIG. 4  shows the rotating sprinkler  400  having an actuator, other suitable devices such as solenoids, stepper motors, switches, relays, valves or the like can be used to control the rate of rotation of the sprinkler  400 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the sprinkler  400  having the actuator  404 . The actuator  404  can be, for example, a solenoid, a stepper motor, a switch, a relay, a valve, or the like. 
         [0059]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a non-rotating sprinkler  600 . The sprinkler  600  includes a sprinkler head  602 . The sprinkler head  602  includes at least one port actuator  604  having an active state and an inactive state. Each port actuator  604  controls a port  606  associated with the port actuator  604 . In one embodiment, the actuators  604  and their associated ports  606  form a ring around the perimeter of the sprinkler head  602 . For example, eight solenoids could be used to control eight zones of a circular patterns around the sprinkler  600 . Typically, the sprinkler  600  would be used in a residential application or other application with non-rotating sprinklers. 
         [0060]    The water supply  204  through the activated water supply valve  202  supplies water to the sprinkler  600 . When the port  606  is open, water flows through the port  606 . 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, when the port actuator  604  is active, the port  606  is open. In another embodiment, when the port actuator  604  is active, the port  606  is closed. In another embodiment, when the port actuator  604  is inactive, the port  606  is closed. In a yet further embodiment, when the port actuator  604  is inactive, the port  606  is open. 
         [0062]    Based on the moisture data  410 , the central control system  206  sends state information to the sprinkler  600  to control the state of the actuators  604 . The actuators  604  open the ports  606  as determined by the state information. The sprinkler  600  waters the area associated with the open ports  606 . 
         [0063]    In another embodiment, the sprinkler  600 , using the computer  304 , controls the state of the actuators  604  based on the moisture data  410 . The sprinkler  600  activates the actuators  604  to open the ports  606 , which waters the areas associated with the open ports  606 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a multi-zone sprinkler system  700  configured to water areas of a zone. The sprinkler system  700  includes the sprinklers  102 , first level moisture sensors  200 , second level moisture sensors  720 , the water supply valves  202 , the water supply  204 , and the central control system  206 . 
         [0065]    In a typical arrangement, a series of water supply valves  202  each connect to the water supply  204 . Each water supply valve  202  connects to one or more sprinklers  102 , each sprinkler  102  having the adjustable spray pattern  104 . When a switch or solenoid in the water supply valve  202  activates, the water from the water supply flows through the water supply valve  202 . In some embodiments, the water supply  204  supplies water through the water supply valve  202  at differing flow parameters, such as, for example, volume, velocity, rate, pressure, etc. In other embodiments, the water supply valve  202  provides water at varying flow parameters such as volume, velocity, rate, pressure, etc. Depending on the spray pattern  104  of the sprinkler  102 , the sprinkler  102  waters some, all, or none of the area surrounding the sprinkler  102 . In one embodiment, the sprinkler system  700  is arranged in watering zones. In some embodiments, the sprinkler  102  is configured to water areas at varying distances away from the sprinkler  102 . For example, in one embodiment, the sprinkler  102  waters areas in a zone corresponding to a first distance away from the sprinkler  102 . In other embodiments, the sprinkler  102  waters areas in a zone corresponding to a second distance away from the sprinkler  102 . 
         [0066]    In one arrangement, the multi-zone sprinkler system  700  includes at least one water control valve  202 , and at least one sprinkler  102  having an adjustable spray pattern  104 . As described herein, the adjustable spray pattern  104  can be configured to water areas of the zone that correspond to varying distances from the sprinkler  102 . 
         [0067]    The first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are provided to sense the moisture in the soil. The first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  can be provided in any suitable location, such as, for example, near the facility where the central control system  206  is located. In some embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are remote sensors located above ground on structures such as, for example, antennas, poles, trees, buildings, houses, etc. In some embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are in the soil surrounding the sprinkler  901 . In other embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are remote sensors located in regions different from the area to be watered, such as, for example, a weather station. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  form a relatively circular or semi-circular arrangement around each sprinkler  102 . In other embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are arranged in other geometric configurations, such as, for example, rectangles, squares, ovals, or the like. The first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  provide data indicating the moisture content of the soil to the central control system  206 . In other embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  send the moisture data to the sprinkler  102 . In still other embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  send the moisture data to any other system configured to analyze the moisture data including, without limitation, personal computers, mobile devices, other types of stand-alone computing devices, or the like. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first level moisture sensors  200  are located at approximately a radial distance R 1  from the sprinkler  102  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are located at approximately a radial distance R 2  from the sprinkler  102 . The adjustable spray pattern  104  can be configured to water areas located at varying distances. For example, the adjustable spray pattern  104  can water areas of the zone corresponding to the radial distance R 1 . In other embodiments, the adjustable spray pattern  104  can water areas corresponding to the radial distance R 2 . In still other embodiments, the adjustable spray pattern  104  can be configured to water regions corresponding to both the radial distance R 1  and the radial distance R 2 . In a further embodiment, the adjustable spray pattern  104  can be configured to water areas located near other radial distances from the sprinkler  102 , as described herein. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  provide data to the central control system  206  via a radio frequency (RF) link, or other wireless transmission system. The sprinklers  102  provide the moisture data to the central control system  206 . In some embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  collect moisture data and provide the moisture data to the sprinkler  102  using a wireless system. 
         [0071]    In another embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  electrically connect to the sprinklers  102  and the sprinklers  102  communicate with the central control system  206  via the wireless transmission system. The first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  collect the moisture data and provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the sprinklers  102 . The sprinklers  102  provide the moisture data via the wireless transmission system, such as the RF link, to the central control system  206 . 
         [0072]    In another embodiment, the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  electrically connect to the sprinklers  102  and the sprinklers  102  electrically connect to the central control system  206 . The first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  collect the moisture data and provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the sprinklers  102 . The sprinklers  102  provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the central control system  206 . 
         [0073]    In another arrangement still with reference to  FIG. 7 , the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  can be configured to provide the moisture data using different methods. For example, the first level moisture sensors  200  electrically connect to the sprinklers  102  and the sprinklers  102  electrically connect to the central control system  206 . The first level moisture sensors  200  collect the moisture data and provide the moisture data through the electrical connection to the sprinklers  102 . The second level moisture sensors  720  provide the moisture data to the central control system  206  via a radio frequency (RF) link, or another wireless transmission system. In other embodiments, the first level moisture sensors  200  provide the moisture data to the central control system  206  via a wireless transmission system whereas the second level moisture sensors  720  provide the moisture data using an electrical connection, for example, through the sprinklers  102 . In still further embodiments, one of the first level moisture sensors  200  or the second level moisture sensors  720  provides moisture data to the sprinkler  102  using an electrical connection whereas the other level of moisture sensor provides moisture data to the sprinkler  102  using a wireless transmission system. The sprinkler  102  then provides the moisture data to the central control system  206  using an electrical connection or a wireless transmission system or a combination of an electrical connection and a wireless transmission system. 
         [0074]    Based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  decides how much water to put down in each zone. The central control system  206  activates the water control valves  202 , which permits water from the water supply  204  to flow through the water control valves  202 . As previously mentioned, various flow parameters of water (such as, without limitation, volume, pressure, velocity, rate, or the like) that is supplied through the water control valves  202  can be adjustable. As discussed herein, the central control system  206  can be configured to control the flow parameters of water flowing through the water control valves  202 . Further, based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  can be configured to control the electrically adjustable spray pattern  104  of the sprinklers  102 . In some embodiments, the central control system  206  configures the flow parameters of water to adjust the electrically adjustable spray pattern  104 . The central control system  206  can control the flow parameters such that water is projected to portions of the zone corresponding to other distances. 
         [0075]    The central control system  206  can include one or more computers. The computers include, by way of example, processors, program logic, or other substrate configurations representing data and instructions, which operate as described herein. In other embodiments, the processors can include controller circuitry, processor circuitry, processors, general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessors, digital signal processors, embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers and the like. 
         [0076]    The central control system  206  includes various types of information relating to the sprinkler system  700 . In some embodiments, the central control system  206  uses information including one or more of locations of the sprinklers  102 , the area watered or the range of distances watered by the spray pattern of each sprinkler  102  (minimum and maximum distances), the locations of the first level moisture sensors  200 , the locations of the second level moisture sensors  720 , or the watering zones controlled by each zone controller  210 , and the like. In other embodiments, the central controls system  206  uses information relating to the maximum radial distance reach of the spray pattern  104  of each sprinkler  102 . 
         [0077]    The central control system  206  processes the moisture data to determine which areas require moisture. The central control system  206  provides instructions to the sprinklers  102  such that the spray pattern  104  of the sprinklers  102  provides relatively more water to the areas needing more moisture, and provides relatively less water to the areas needing less moisture. In one embodiment, the central control system  206  provides instruction to the sprinkler such that the spray pattern  104  applies water to regions needing moisture, and does not apply water to regions that do not need moisture. In some embodiments, the central control system  206  provides instructions such that the adjustable spray pattern  104  applies water to regions corresponding to a first radial distance away from the sprinkler  102 , such as, for example, regions located near the first level moisture sensors  200 . In other embodiments, the central control  206  provides instructions such that the adjustable spray pattern  104  provides water to areas corresponding to a second radial distance away from the sprinkler  102 , such as, for example, areas of the zone in which the second level moisture sensors  720  are located. In other embodiments, the central control  206  provides instructions such that the adjustable spray pattern  104  applies water to portions of the zone to be watered corresponding to both the first radial distance and the second radial distance away from the sprinkler  102 , such as, for example, portions of the zone in which both the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  are located. In still other embodiments, the central control  206  provides instructions to the adjustable spray pattern  104  of the sprinklers  102  such that the adjustable spray pattern  104  provides water to regions located at other distances. The spray pattern  104  can be configured to apply water to regions corresponding to varying distances away from the sprinkler  102 . 
         [0078]    In one embodiment, the central control system  206  provides instructions to the zone controller  210  through the wireless transmission system or the electrical connection, as described above. The zone controller  210  then provides the instructions to the sprinkler  102  through the wireless transmission system or the electrical connection, as described above. 
         [0079]    In another embodiment, the central control system  206  provides instructions directly to the sprinkler  102  through the wireless transmission system or the electrical connection, as described above. 
         [0080]    Although  FIG. 7  illustrates all of the first level moisture sensors  200  relatively located at the radial distance R 1  and all of the second level moisture sensors  720  relatively located at the radial distance R 2 , skilled artisans appreciate that each one of the first level moisture sensors  200  and/or the second level moisture sensors  720  can be located at varying radial distances. 
         [0081]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a sprinkler system  800 . The sprinkler system  800  includes the sprinkler  102  having the adjustable spray pattern  104 , and the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720 . The sprinkler  102  includes a sprinkler head  302 , which includes at least one computer  304 . 
         [0082]    At least one of the first level moisture sensor  200  or the second level moisture sensor  720  is associated with the sprinkler head  302  and is able to provide moisture data to the sprinkler head  302 , for example, using an electrical connection. In one embodiment, two or more of the first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  forms a circular pattern around the sprinkler head  302 . 
         [0083]    The first level moisture sensors  200  and the second level moisture sensors  720  provide the moisture data to the computer  304 . In one embodiment, the computer  304  provides the moisture data to the central control system  206  and receives instructions to configure the spray pattern  104  from the central control system  206 . In another embodiment, the computer  304  receives the moisture data, processes the moisture data, and configures the spray pattern  104  based on the moisture data  104 . 
         [0084]    The sprinkler  102  can be configured to project water to various distances away from the sprinkler  102 . In one embodiment, the spray pattern  104  is configured to water areas corresponding to a first radial distance away from the sprinkler  102 . In other embodiments, the sprinkler  102  waters regions in which the first level moisture sensors  200  are located. In one embodiment, the spray pattern  104  is configured to water areas corresponding to a second radial distance, such as, for example, areas of the zone in which the second level moisture sensors  720  are located. In other embodiments, the spray pattern  104  is configured to water areas located at different radial distances from the first radial distance and the second radial distance. In other embodiments, the spray pattern  104  is configured to water areas corresponding to other levels of moisture sensors, such as, for example, third or fourth level moisture sensors (not shown). In still some embodiments, the adjustable spray pattern  104  is configured to water areas corresponding to varying distances such as regions between the first radial distance and the second radial distance, areas between the sprinkler  102  and the first radial distance, areas located at farther distances than the second radial distance, etc. 
         [0085]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of the sprinkler system  800  where the adjustable spray patterns  104  are partially overlapping. In another embodiment, the adjustable spray patterns  104  do not overlap. In a further embodiment, the adjustable spray patterns  104  overlap such that the area of the sprinkler system  800  is watered by at least one sprinkler  102 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multi-zone sprinkler system  900 . The sprinkler system  900  includes a rotating sprinkler  901 , the central control station  206 , the sensor data  410 , and a remote moisture sensor  980 . The rotating sprinkler  901  includes the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0087]    The rotating sprinkler  901  can be configured to rotate in a 360 degree arc, or portions of the  360  degree arc. In one embodiment, water power is used to activate the rotation of the rotating sprinkler  901 . The rotating sprinkler  901  is activated when water flows through the rotating sprinkler  901 . The rotating sprinkler  901  does not rotate when there is no water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901 . 
         [0088]    In one embodiment, the rotating sprinkler  901  is electrically configured to rotate in a 360 arc, or portions of the 360 degree arc. In one embodiment, the rotational rate actuator  404  is used to activate the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the rotational rate actuator  404  is in a first state, the rotating sprinkler  901  does not rotate and there is no water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the rotational rate actuator  404  is in a second state, the rotating sprinkler  901  is activated and rotates at a first rate, such as, for example, a relatively slow rate. In one embodiment, when the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating at the first rate, the rotating sprinkler  901  applies relatively more water to the areas of the zone through which the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating. When the rotating rate actuator  404  is in a third state, the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates at a second rate that is, for example, relatively quicker than the first rate. In one embodiment, when the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating at the second rate, the rotating sprinkler  901  applies relatively less or no water to the areas of the zone through which the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating. 
         [0089]    In another embodiment, the rotating sprinkler  901  is electrically configured to rotate in a 360 arc, or portions of the 360 degree arc, for example, using a rotation activation actuator. Using a rotation activation actuator to activate the rotation of the rotating sprinkler  901  enables the rotation rate actuator  404  to provide more states to control the rates at which the rotation sprinkler  901  rotates. When the rotational activation actuator is in a first state, the rotating sprinkler  901  does not rotate and there is no water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the rotation activation actuator is in a second state, the rotating sprinkler  901  is activated and rotates at a first rate, such as, for example, a relatively slow rate. In one embodiment, when the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating at the first rate, the rotating sprinkler  901  applies relatively more water to the areas of the zone through which the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating. When the rotation activation actuator is in a third state, the rotating sprinkler  901  is activated and rotates at a second rate, such as, for example, a relatively quicker rate. In one embodiment, when the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating at the second rate, the rotating sprinkler  901  applies relatively less or no water to the areas of the zone through which the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating. The rotating sprinkler  901  can then use the rotational rate actuator  404  to further adjust the rates at which the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates. For example, in one embodiment, the rotational rate actuator  404  has three states and can be used to adjust the rotating sprinkler  901  to rotate at a different third rate, a fourth rate, and/or a fifth rate. 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 9 , the rotating sprinkler  901  can be manually configured to control the rate of rotation of the rotating sprinkler  901 . For example, users of the rotating sprinkler  901  can manually adjust a setting on the rotating sprinkler  901  such that when the rotating sprinkler  901  is going through portions of the arc that correspond to a first area, the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively slowly, thereby applying relatively more water to the first area. Users can also manually adjust the setting on the rotating sprinkler  901  such that when the rotating sprinkler  901  is going through portions of the arc that correspond to a second area, the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively quickly, thereby applying relatively less or no water to the second area. 
         [0091]    As mentioned in connection to  FIG. 4 , the rate of rotation of the rotating sprinkler  901  can also be electrically configured to control the quantity of water applied to the area surrounding the rotating sprinkler  901 . For example, in one embodiment, the rotating sprinkler  901  applies relatively more water when the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively slowly. In another embodiment, the rotating sprinkler  901  applies relatively less or no water when the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively quickly. In some embodiments, the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively slowly and applies relatively more water in areas that are indicated as needing water by the remote moisture sensor  980 . In another embodiment, the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively quickly and applies relatively less or no water to areas of the zone that are indicated by the remote moisture sensor  980  as not needing water. In other embodiments, the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates relatively slowly to apply water to areas that need moisture and rotates relatively quickly not to apply water to areas that do not need water. 
         [0092]    Further, the rotating sprinkler  901  of  FIG. 9  is configured to water areas of the zone located at varying distances away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . The rotating sprinkler  901  includes adjustable parameters to control the distances at which a region is watered, such as, for example, position of the sprinkler head  402 , position of the sprinkler nozzle controlled by the elevation angle actuator  920 , position of the spreader plate controlled by the spreader plate actuator  910 , flow parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 , etc. 
         [0093]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , several embodiments disclosed herein describe the various methods of adjusting the parameters of the rotating sprinkler  901  such that the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas of the zone corresponding to various distances away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . In one embodiment, the elevation angle of the adjustable spray pattern  104  is controllable. In one embodiment, the elevation angle is controlled by adjusting the angle of the sprinkler head  402 , as shown in connection with  FIG. 10A . When the sprinkler head  402  is in a first position, the sprinkler head  402  projects the adjustable spray pattern  104  in a first direction at a first elevation angle. When the adjustable spray pattern  104  is projected in the first direction, the adjustable spray pattern  104  applies water to regions of the zone that correspond to a first radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the sprinkler head  402  is in a second position, the sprinkler head  402  projects the adjustable spray pattern  104  in a second direction at a second elevation angle. When the adjustable spray pattern  104  is projected in the second direction, the adjustable spray pattern  104  applies water to portions of the zone corresponding to a second radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . 
         [0094]    In another embodiment, the position of a sprinkler nozzle is adjusted to control the elevation angle of the adjustable spray pattern  104 , thereby controlling where the adjustable spray pattern  104  applies water. In one embodiment, the elevation angle of the adjustable spray pattern  104  is controlled by adjusting the angular position of a sprinkler nozzle, as shown in connection with  FIG. 10B . When the sprinkler nozzle is in a first position, the rotating sprinkler  901  projects the adjustable spray pattern  104  in a first direction (for example, at a first elevation angle). When the adjustable spray pattern  104  is projected in the first direction, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas of the zone corresponding to a first radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the sprinkler nozzle is in a second position, the rotating sprinkler  901  projects the adjustable spray pattern  104  in a second direction (for example, at a second elevation angle). When the adjustable spray pattern  104  is projected in the second direction, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas of the zone corresponding to a second radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . 
         [0095]    In another embodiment, the spreader plate of the rotating sprinkler  901  is adjusted to control the distances at which the rotating sprinkler  901  applies water to portions of the zone to be watered. When the spreader plate of the rotating sprinkler  901  is in a first position, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas corresponding to a first location. When the spreader plate of the rotating sprinkler  901  is in a second position, the adjustable spray pattern  104  applies water to regions corresponding to a second location. In one embodiment the first location is at a first radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901  and the second location is at a second radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . 
         [0096]    In another embodiment, the flow parameter (for example, volume, velocity, rate, pressure, or the like) of water going through the sprinkler head  402  is adjusted to control the distances at which the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas. When the flow of water going through the sprinkler head  402  is at a first setting, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas of the zone corresponding to a first radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the flow of water going through the sprinkler head  402  is at a second setting, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas of the zone corresponding to a second radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . In some embodiments, the flow parameter adjusted is the volume of the water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901  is at a first volume, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas located a first radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . When the water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901  is at a second volume, the adjustable spray pattern  104  waters areas corresponding to a second radial distance away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . In other embodiments, the flow parameter adjusted is the rate of the water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901 . In still other embodiments, the flow parameter adjusted is the velocity of the water flowing through the rotating sprinkler  901 . 
         [0097]    In another embodiment, two or more of the adjustable parameters of the rotating sprinkler  901  such as the rate of rotation of the sprinkler head  402 , the elevation angle of the adjustable spray pattern  104 , the position of the spreader plate, or the flow parameter of water going through the sprinkler head  402  can be adjusted to control the adjustable spray pattern  104 . 
         [0098]    The sprinkler head  402  includes the rotation rate actuator  404 , an elevation angle actuator  920 , a spreader plate actuator  940 , a water flow actuator  960 , rotation rate positional information  406 , elevation angle positional information  930 , spreader plate positional information  950 , water flow positional information  970 , and the data interface  408 . The rotation rate positional information  406  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the rotation rate actuator  404 . The rotation rate actuator  404  controls the rate of rotation of the sprinkler head  402 . The elevation angle positional information  930  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the elevation angle actuator  920 . The elevation angle actuator  920  controls the elevation angle of spray pattern  104 . The spreader plate positional information  930  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the spreader plate actuator  940 . The spreader plate actuator  940  controls the position of the spreader plate. The water flow positional information  970  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the water flow actuator  960 . The water flow actuator  960  controls various parameters of the flow of water going through the sprinkler head  402 , such as, for example, volume, rate, velocity, pressure, etc. 
         [0099]    As already mentioned, the rotation rate actuator  404  controls the rate of rotation of the sprinkler head  402 . In one embodiment, when the rotation rate actuator  404  is in a first state (for example, open or active), the sprinkler head  402  rotates at a first rate, for example, relatively quickly. In another embodiment, when the rotation rate actuator  404  is in a second state (for example, closed or inactive), the sprinkler head  402  rotates at a second rate, such as, for example, relatively slowly. In some embodiments, when the rotation rate actuator  404  is in a third state (for example, neutral or default state where the actuator is neither active nor inactive), the sprinkler head  402  rotates at a third rate (for example, even slower than the second rate, quicker than the first rate, or quicker than the second rate but slower than the first rate). 
         [0100]    The elevation angle positional information  930  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the elevation angle actuator  920 . In one embodiment, the elevation angle actuator  920  controls the elevation angle of spray pattern  104  by controlling the position of the sprinkler head  402 . In one embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a first state, the sprinkler head  402  is in a first position. In another embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a second state, the sprinkler head  402  is in a second position. In some embodiments, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a third state, the sprinkler head  402  is in a third position. In some embodiments, the elevation angle actuator  920  controls the position of the sprinkler head  402  by adjusting the angular position of the sprinkler head  402  relative to a sprinkler shaft (not shown). 
         [0101]    The elevation angle positional information  930  received through the data interface  408  also can be configured to control the activation of the elevation angle actuator  920  by separately controlling the position of the sprinkler nozzle. In one embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a first state, the sprinkler nozzle is in a first position. In another embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a second state, the sprinkler nozzle is in a second position. In some embodiments, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a third state (for example, a neutral state where the elevation angle actuator  920  is neither active nor inactive), the sprinkler nozzle is in a third position. In other embodiments, the elevation angle actuator  920  controls the position of the sprinkler nozzle by adjusting the angular position of the nozzle (either together with the sprinkler head  402  or separately) relative to a sprinkler shaft (for example, the sprinkler shaft  1070  shown in connection with  FIG. 10A ). 
         [0102]    Still with reference to  FIG. 9 , in certain arrangements, the spreader plate positional information  930  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the spreader plate actuator  940 . The spreader plate actuator  940  controls the position of the spreader plate. For example, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is in a first state, the spreader plate is in a first position. In another embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is in a second state, the spreader plate is in a second position. In yet another embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is in a third state, the spreader plate is in a third position. 
         [0103]    In another embodiment, the water flow positional information  970  received through the data interface  408  controls the activation of the water flow actuator  960 . The water flow actuator  960  controls various parameters of the flow of water going through the sprinkler head  402 , such as, for example, volume, rate, velocity, pressure, etc. In one embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a first state, water goes through the sprinkler head  402  at a first setting. In another embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a second state, water goes through the sprinkler head  402  at a second setting. In yet a further embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a third state, water goes through the sprinkler head  402  at a third setting. 
         [0104]    The water supply  204 , through the activated water supply valve  202 , supplies water to the rotating sprinkler  901 . In some embodiments, the water flow actuator  960  is located elsewhere from the rotating sprinkler  901 , such as, for example, the water supply  204 . In other embodiments, the water flow positional information  970  is located elsewhere from the rotating sprinkler  901 , such as, for example, the water supply  204 . In one embodiment, the water flow actuator  960  remains on the sprinkler  901  and the water supply  204  includes a water supply actuator (not shown) to control the flow parameters of the water supplied to the rotating sprinkler  901 . In another embodiment, the water flow positional information  970  remains on the rotating sprinkler  901  and the water supply  204  includes a water supply positional information (not shown) to control the water supply actuator of the water supply  204 . 
         [0105]    Still with reference to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, when the water supply actuator of the water supply  204  is in a first state, water flows through the sprinkler head  402  at a first setting. In another embodiment, when the water supply actuator of the water supply  204  is in a second state, water flows through the sprinkler head  402  at a second setting. In a further embodiment, when the water supply actuator of the water supply  204  is in a third state, water flows through the sprinkler head  402  at a third setting. 
         [0106]    In some arrangements, the water flow actuator  960  is located elsewhere from the rotating sprinkler  901 , such as, for example, the water supply valve  202 . In other embodiments, the water flow positional information  970  is located elsewhere from the rotating sprinkler  901 , such as, for example, the water supply valve  202 . In one embodiment, the water flow actuator  960  remains on the sprinkler  901  and the water supply valve  202  includes a water supply valve actuator (not shown) to control the flow parameters of the water supplied to the rotating sprinkler  901 . In another embodiment, the water flow positional information  970  remains on the rotating sprinkler  901  and the water supply valve  202  includes a water supply valve positional information (not shown) to control the water supply valve actuator. 
         [0107]    In one embodiment, when the water supply valve actuator of the supply valve  202  is in a first state, water flows through the sprinkler head  402  at a first setting. In another embodiment, when the water supply valve actuator of the supply valve  202  is in a second state, water flows through the sprinkler head  402  at a second setting. In a further embodiment, when the water supply valve actuator of the supply valve  202  is in a third state, water flows through the sprinkler head  402  at a third setting. 
         [0108]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the remote moisture sensor  980  is configured to collect moisture data of areas to be watered by the rotating sprinkler  901 . The remote moisture sensor  980  can collect moisture data using various techniques, including, without limitation, geophysical methods (time-domain reflectometry, frequency domain moisture sensing, capacitance probing, electrical resistivity tomography, etc.). In other embodiments, the remote moisture sensor  980  remotely senses the moisture content of soil using electromagnetic waves, such as, for example, microwave, ultra-violet, infrared or other types of radiation. 
         [0109]    The remote moisture sensor  980  is configured to provide the moisture data  410  to the central control system  206 , the rotating sprinkler  901 , or any other system capable of receiving the moisture data  410 , such as the water supply  204  and/or the water supply valve  202 . In some embodiments, the remote sensor  980  senses the moisture data  410  and provides the moisture data  410  to either the central control system  206  or the rotating sprinkler  901  via a wireless transmission system or via electrical connections. In other embodiments, the remote sensor  980  provides the moisture data  410  to the central control system  206  or the rotating sprinkler  901  using a combination of the wireless transmission system and the electrical connections. In one embodiment, the remote moisture sensor  980  provides the moisture data  410  to the rotating sprinkler  901  and the rotating sprinkler  901  provides the moisture data, either wirelessly or using an electrical connection, to the central control system  206 . 
         [0110]    The remote moisture sensor  980  of  FIG. 9  can be located in any suitable location, such as, for example, near the facility where the central control system  206  is located. In other embodiments, the remote moisture sensor  980  is located above ground on structures such as, for example, antennas, poles, trees, buildings, houses, etc. In some embodiments, the remote moisture sensor  980  is buried under ground, such as, for example, in the soil surrounding the sprinkler  901 . In still other embodiments, the remote moisture sensor  980  may be located on extraterrestrial objects such as satellites, including weather satellites. 
         [0111]    Based on the moisture data  410 , the central control system  206  sends one or more of the rotation rate positional information  406 , the elevation angle positional information  930 , the spreader plate positional information  950 , and/or the water flow positional information  970  through the data interface  408  to the rotating sprinkler  901  via the wireless transmission system or electrical connections, or a combination of the wireless transmission system and the electrical connections. Using the received information, the rotating sprinkler  901  adjusts the states of one or more of the rotation rate actuator  404 , the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  to control one or more of the rate of rotation, the elevation of projection of the spray pattern  104 , the position of the spreader plate, or the parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0112]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the sprinkler system  900  controls the areas watered by the sprinkler  901  by sending positional information to the rotating sprinkler  901 , the water supply  204  and the water supply valve  202  to coordinate actuators located on the rotating sprinkler  901 , the water supply  204  and the water supply valve  202 . For example, the central control system  206  sends the water flow positional information  970  to the water supply  204 . Using the received information, the water supply  204  adjusts the state of the water flow positional actuator  960  located on the sprinkler  901  to control the parameter of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . The water flow positional actuator  960  can be positioned on the water supply  204 . Using the received information, the water supply  204  also can be configured to adjust the state of the water flow positional actuator  960  located on the water supply  204  to control the parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . In other embodiments, the central control system  206  sends information to the water supply positional information. Using the received information, the water supply  204  adjusts the state of the water supply positional actuator (not shown) to control the parameter of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0113]    In some embodiments, the central control system  206  sends the water flow positional information  970  to the water supply valve  202 . Using the received information, the water supply valve  202  adjusts the state of the water flow positional actuator  960  located on the sprinkler  901  to control the parameter of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . The water flow positional actuator  960  can be positioned on the water supply valve  202 . Using the received information, the water supply valve  202  also can be configured to adjust the state of the water flow positional actuator  960  located on the water supply valve  202  to control the parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . In other embodiments, the central control system  206  sends information to the water supply valve positional information. Using the received information, the water supply valve  202  adjusts the state of the water supply valve positional actuator (not shown) to control the parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0114]    In another embodiment, the rotating sprinkler  901 , using the computer  304 , controls one or more of the rotation rate positional information  406 , the elevation angle positional information  930 , the spreader plate positional information  950 , or the water flow positional information  970  based on the moisture data  410 . Using the information from the computer  304 , the rotating sprinkler  901  changes the states of one or more of the rotation rate actuator  404 , the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , or the water flow actuator  960  to control one or more of the rate of rotation, the elevation of projection of the spray pattern  104 , the position of the spreader plate, or the parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0115]    In other embodiments, the rotating sprinkler  901 , using the computer  304 , controls one or more of the water supply actuator or the water supply valve actuator based on the moisture data  410 . Using the information from the computer  304 , the rotating sprinkler  901  changes the states of one or more of the water supply actuator or the waters supply valve actuator to control the parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler head  402 . 
         [0116]    The rotation rate actuator  404 , the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  can include suitable devices such as solenoids, stepper motors, switches, relays, valves or the like. In an embodiment, the rotation rate actuator  404 , the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  include devices having at least 3 states, such as, for example, an active state, an inactive state, and a neutral or default state. A solenoid for use with the sprinkler  901  can include a coil attached to a current source. Another solenoid for use with the sprinkler  901  includes conductive wires coiled around a magnetic bar. In some embodiments, the rotating sprinkler  901  includes two or more actuators to control each of the rate of rotation, the elevation of projection, the position of the spreader plate or the flow of water. In further embodiments, the rotating sprinkler  901  includes two or more actuators configured in series to control each of the rate of rotation, the elevation of projection, the position of the spreader plate or the flow of water. 
         [0117]    With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , one embodiment of an operation of the sprinkler  901  is described herein. The sprinkler system  900  of  FIG. 9  further includes relatively dry areas indicated by a first portion  990 , a second portion  991 , and a third portion  992 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the first portion  990  and the third portion  992  approximately correspond to areas located a first radial distance  995  away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . The second portion  991  approximately corresponds to areas located a second radial distance  997  away from the rotating sprinkler  901 . The first portion  990  and the second portion  991  correspond to areas similarly located along a first direction  975  and the third portion  992  corresponds to areas located along a different second direction  977 . 
         [0118]    Because the first portion  990  and the third portion  992  correspond to the same first radial distance  995 , the rotating sprinkler  901  can substantially water the first portion  990  and the third portion  992  without having to adjust the radial distances at which the rotating sprinkler  901  applies water. In one embodiment, the central control system  206  adjusts the rate of rotation of the rotating sprinkler  901  to water both the first portion  990  and the third portion  992 . In other embodiments, although the first portion  990  and the second portion  991  correspond to the same first direction  975 , the second radial distance  997  is located substantially apart from the first radial distance  996  such that the rotating sprinkler  901  adjusts the radial distances at which it projects water to sufficiently apply water to the second portion  991 . 
         [0119]    The remote moisture  980  senses the moisture content of the area around the rotating sprinkler  901  indicating that the first portion  990 , the second portion  991 , and the third portion  992  are relatively dry and areas that do not correspond to the first portion  990 , the second portion  991 , and the third portion  992  are relatively moist. The remote moisture  980  provides the moisture data  410  to a processor configured to control the adjustable parameters of the rotating sprinkler  901  such as, for example, the central control station  206 . In some embodiments, the central control system  206  processes the moisture data  410  to determine which areas require moisture. The central control system  206  provides instructions to configure the spray pattern  104  such that the areas needing moisture, including the first portion  990 , the second portion  991 , and the third portion  992 , are watered. 
         [0120]    Because the first portion  990 , the second portion  991  and the third portion  992  include areas corresponding to different radial distances and different directions, the central control system  206  can use a combination of features to effectively apply water to the first portion  990 , the second portion  991  and/or the third portion  992 . In one embodiment, the central control system  206  adjusts one or more of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , or the water flow actuator  960  such that the rotating sprinkler  901  applies water to areas corresponding to the first radial distance  995 , such as, for example, the first portion  990  or the third portion  992 . The central control station  206  adjusts the rotation rate of the rotating sprinkler  901  such that when the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating through areas corresponding to the first portion  990  and/or the third portion  992 , the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates at a relatively slow rate, therefore applying water to the first portion  990  and/or the third portion  992 . When the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating through areas not corresponding to the first portion  990  and/or the third portion  992 , the central control system  206  adjusts the rotation rate of the rotating sprinkler  901  such that the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates at a relatively quicker rate, therefore applying less or no water to the areas that do not correspond to the first portion  990  and/or the third portion  992 . In this manner, the rotating sprinkler  901  effectively waters the first portion  990  and the third portion  992 . 
         [0121]    In another embodiment, the central control system  206  waters the second portion  991  by adjusting one or more of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , or the water flow actuator  960  such that the rotating sprinkler  901  projects water to areas corresponding to the second radial distance  997 , such as, for example, the second portion  991 . When the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating through areas corresponding to the second portion  991 , the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates at a relatively slow rate, therefore applying water to the second portion  991 . When the rotating sprinkler  901  is rotating through areas not corresponding to the second portion  991 , the central control system  206  adjusts the rotation rate of the rotating sprinkler  901  such that the rotating sprinkler  901  rotates at a relatively quicker rate, therefore applying less or no water to the areas that do not correspond to the second portion  991 . In this manner, the rotating sprinkler  901  effectively waters the second portion  992 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 10A  is a diagram of one embodiment of the sprinkler  1000  having a sprinkler head  1002 , the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and a spreader plate  1010 . The elevation angle actuator  920  and the spreader plate actuator  940  can be, for example, solenoids, stepper motors, switches, relays, valves, or the like. As shown in  FIG. 10A , the sprinkler  1000  is configured to project water in a first direction  1005  at a first elevation angle and in a second direction  1015  at a second elevation angle. In one embodiment, water projected in the first direction  1005  waters areas corresponding to a first distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In another embodiment, water projected in the second direction  1015  waters areas corresponding to a second distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In other embodiments, water projected in a third direction (not shown) waters areas corresponding to a third distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . 
         [0123]    In  FIG. 10A , when the elevation angle actuator  920  is at a first state (for example, active or inactive), water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the first direction  1005 . In one embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a second state, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the second direction  1015 . In still another embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a third state, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the third direction. As shown in  FIG. 10A , the elevation angle actuator  920  controls the elevation angle by controlling the position of the sprinkler head  1002 . When the sprinkler head  1002  is in a first position, the sprinkler head  1002  waters areas corresponding to a first distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In one embodiment, when the sprinkler head  1002  is in a first position, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the first direction  1005 . When the sprinkler head  1002  is in a second position, the sprinkler  1000  waters areas located a second distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In one embodiment, the when the sprinkler head  1002  is in the second position, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the second direction  1015 . In some embodiments, the sprinkler  1000  adjusts the position of the sprinkler head  1002  by adjusting the angle of the sprinkler head  1002  relative to sprinkler shaft  1070 . 
         [0124]    Still with reference to  FIG. 10A , when the spreader plate actuator  940  is in a first state, the spreader plate  1010  is in a first position. When the spreader plate  1010  is in a first position, the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a first distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In one embodiment, when the spreader plate  1010  is in a first position, the sprinkler  1000  projects water in the first direction  1005 . When the spreader plate actuator  940  is in a second state, the spreader plate  1010  is in a second position and the sprinkler  1000  waters areas that correspond to a second distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In one embodiment, when the spreader plate  1010  is in the second position, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the second direction  1015 . In a further embodiment, the spreader plate actuator is in a third state, the spreader plate  1010  is in a second position, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  is the third direction and the sprinkler  1000  waters areas that correspond to a third distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 10B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the sprinkler  1000  having a nozzle  1020 , the elevation angle actuator  920  and the water flow actuator  960 . The elevation angle actuator  920  and the water flow actuator  960  can be, for example, solenoids, stepper motors, switches, relays, valves, or the like. As shown in  FIG. 10B , the sprinkler  1000  is configured to project water in a first direction  1025  at a first elevation angle and in a second direction  1035  at a second elevation angle. In one embodiment, water projected in the first direction  1025  waters areas located a first distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In another embodiment, water projected in the second direction  1035  waters areas corresponding to a second distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In yet another embodiment, water projected in the third direction waters areas corresponding to a third distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . 
         [0126]    In one embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is at a first state, the nozzle  1020  of the sprinkler  1000  is in a first position and water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the first direction  1025 . In another embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a second state, the nozzle  1020  is in a second position and the sprinkler  1000  sprays water in the second direction  1035 . When the elevation angle actuator  920  is in a third state, the nozzle  1020  is in a third position and the sprinkler  1000  sprays water in the third direction. 
         [0127]    In other embodiments, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a first state, water flows out of the nozzle  1020  at a first setting and the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a first distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In one embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in the first state, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the first direction  1025 . In another embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a second state, water flows out of the nozzle  1020  at a second setting, and the sprinkler  1000  waters regions corresponding to a second distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . In one embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in the second setting, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the second direction  1035 . In an embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a third setting, water is projected from the sprinkler  1000  in the third direction and the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a third distance away from the sprinkler  1000 . The water flow actuator  960  can control various parameters of water flowing through the sprinkler  1000  such as, without limitation, volume, rate, velocity, pressure, etc. 
         [0128]    Although the sprinkler  1000  in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  includes the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and the water flow actuator  960 , the sprinkler  1000  can include two or more actuators to control each of the rate of rotation, the elevation angle of projected water, the position of the spreader plate or the parameters of flow of water. For example, the sprinkler  1000  can be configured to include two or more elevation angle actuators  920  to enable the sprinkler  1000  project water in more than two directions and/or elevation angles. In some embodiments, using two or more actuators to control each of the rate of rotation, the elevation of projection, the position of the spreader plate or the parameters of flow of water provides the sprinkler  1000  more than three states (for example, active, inactive, default or neutral) to control each of the rate of rotation, the elevation of projection, the position of the spreader plate or the parameters of flow of water, thereby enabling the sprinkler  1000  to water areas of the zone corresponding to a wide array of distances. In some embodiments, the sprinkler  1000  includes two or more actuators arranged in series. 
         [0129]    In other embodiments, the sprinkler  1000  in  FIGS. 10A and 10b  includes manual settings to control each of the rate of rotation, the elevation angle of projection, the position of the spreader plate or the parameters of flow of water. For example, when users set the rate of rotation at a first setting, the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a first radial distance. When users set the rate of rotation at a second setting, the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a second radial distance. In another embodiment, when users adjust the position of the spreader plate  1010  to a first position, the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a first radial distance and when users adjust the position of the spreader plate  1010  to a second position, the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a second radial distance. In one arrangement, when users set the flow of water going through the sprinkler  1000  to a first setting (for example, a first volume), the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a first radial distance. When users set the flow of water going through the sprinkler  1000  to a second setting (for example, a first volume), the sprinkler  1000  waters areas corresponding to a second radial distance. 
         [0130]      FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of a non-rotating sprinkler  1100 . The sprinkler  1100  includes the sprinkler head  602 , and at least one port actuator  1150 . In some embodiments, the port actuator  1150  includes two states, such as, for example, active and inactive states. In other embodiments, the port actuator  1150  includes three states, such as, for example, active, inactive, and neutral states. In still other embodiments, the port actuator  1150  includes more than three states, such as, for example, when the port actuator  1150  includes two or more solenoids. In one embodiment, each port actuator  1150  controls a port  606  associated with the port actuator  1150 . In another embodiment, the actuators  604  and their associated ports  606  form a ring around the perimeter of the sprinkler head  602 . 
         [0131]    The water supply  204  through the activated water supply valve  202  supplies water to the sprinkler  1100 . When the port  606  is open, water flows through the port  606 . In one embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is active, the port  606  is open. In another embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is active, the port  606  is closed. In another embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is inactive, the port  606  is closed. In a yet further embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is inactive, the port  606  is open. 
         [0132]    The sprinkler  1100  of  FIG. 11  further includes one or more moisture sensors associated with the sprinkler  1100 , including the first level moisture sensors  200 , the second level moisture sensors  720 , third level moisture sensors  1120  and fourth level moisture sensors  1140 . As previously mentioned, the first level moisture sensors  200 , the second level moisture sensors  720 , the third level moisture sensors  1120  and the fourth level moisture sensors  1140  collect moisture data and provide the moisture data to the sprinkler  1100  or to the central control system  206  using either electrical connections or wireless transmission systems, or a combination of electrical connections and wireless transmission systems, as described above. 
         [0133]    The non-rotating sprinkler  1100  further includes the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and the water flow actuator  960 . The sprinkler  1100  can be configured to use the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , or the water flow actuator  960  to change the distances where the sprinkler  1100  applies water to areas associated with the ports  606 . In some embodiments, the sprinkler  1100  is configured to use the port actuator  1150  to adjust the areas where the sprinkler  1100  applies water. 
         [0134]    Based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  sends state information to the sprinkler  1100  to control the actuators  604 . The actuators  604  open the ports  606  as determined by the state information. The sprinkler  1100  waters the area associated with the open ports  606 . In some embodiments, the sprinkler  1100  is configured to adjust the distances at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by adjusting the size of the port  606  that is opened by the port actuator  1150 . In one embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is in a first state, the port  606  is open to a first position and the sprinkler  1100  waters areas corresponding to a first portion. In another embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is in a second state, the port  606  is open to a second position and the sprinkler  1100  waters areas corresponding to a second portion. In some embodiments, when the port actuator  1150  is in a third state, the port  606  is open to a third position and the sprinkler  1100  waters areas corresponding to a third portion. In still another embodiment, when the port actuator  1150  is in a third state, the port  606  is closed. 
         [0135]    Also based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  sends state information to the sprinkler  1100  to control the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and the water flow actuator  960 , thereby controlling the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  waters the area associated with the open ports  606 . In one embodiment, the central control system  206  sends information to the sprinkler  1100  to control the elevation angle actuator  920 . The sprinkler  1100  uses the elevation angle actuator  920  to control the distances at which the sprinkler  1100  waters the area associated with the open ports  606 . In one embodiment, the elevation angle actuator  920  controls the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by adjusting the angle of the sprinkler head  602 . In another embodiment, the elevation angle actuator  920  changes the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by changing the angle of the nozzle (not shown). 
         [0136]    In one embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is active, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas at a first location. In another embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is active, the sprinkler  1100  waters the area at a second location. In one embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is inactive, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas in the first location. In another embodiment, when the elevation angle actuator  920  is inactive, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas in the second location. In some embodiments, the first location is located at a radial distance different from the second location. 
         [0137]    The central control system  206 , based on the moisture data, also sends state information to the sprinkler  1100  to control the spreader plate actuator  940 . The sprinkler  1100  uses the spreader plate actuator  940  to determine at which distance the sprinkler  1100  waters the area associated with the open ports  606 . In one embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is in a first state, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas corresponding to a first radial distance away from the sprinkler  1100 . In another embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  600  is in a second state, the sprinkler  1100  waters the areas corresponding to a second radial distance away from the sprinkler  1100 . 
         [0138]    The spreader plate actuator  940  can control the position of the spreader plate in several manners. In one embodiment, the spreader plate actuator  940  changes the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by moving the spreader plate in the vertical direction. In another embodiment, the spreader plate actuator  940  changes the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by moving the spreader plate in the horizontal direction. In still other embodiments, the spreader plate actuator  940  changes the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by moving the spreader plate in both the vertical and the horizontal directions. In still further embodiments, the spreader plate actuator  940  changes the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by changing the angle of the spreader plate, such as, for example, relative to the sprinkler head  602 . 
         [0139]    In one embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is active, the sprinkler  1100  waters the area a first location. In another embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is active, the sprinkler  1100  waters the area a second location. In one embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is inactive, the sprinkler  1100  waters the area at a first location. In another embodiment, when the spreader plate actuator  940  is inactive, the sprinkler  1100  waters the area at a second location. In some embodiments, the first location and the second location are substantially apart from each other such that the sprinkler  1100  has to adjust the distances at which the sprinkler  1100  applier water to effectively water the first location and the second location. 
         [0140]    Still based on the moisture data, the central control system  206  sends state information to the sprinkler  1100  to control the water flow actuator  960 . The sprinkler  1100  uses the water flow actuator  960  to determine at which distance the sprinkler  1100  waters the area associated with the open ports  606 . In one embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a first state, the sprinkler  100  waters areas corresponding to a first radial distance away from the sprinkler  1100 . In another embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is in a second state, the sprinkler  1100  waters the areas corresponding to a second radial distance away from the sprinkler  1100 . In some embodiments, the first radial distance and the second radial distance are substantially apart from each other such that the sprinkler  100  has to adjust the distances at which the sprinkler  1100  applier water to effectively water areas corresponding to the first radial distance and the second radial distance. 
         [0141]    The water flow actuator  960  can also be configured to change the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water by changing flow parameters associated with the water flowing through the sprinkler  1100 . In one embodiment, the water flow actuator  960  changes the volume of water flowing through the sprinkler  1100 . In another embodiment, the water flow actuator  960  controls the distance at which the sprinkler  100  projects water by adjusting the rate at which water flows through the sprinkler  1100 . In a further embodiment, the water flow actuator  960  controls the velocity of water flowing through the sprinkler  1100  to adjust where the sprinkler  100  applies water. 
         [0142]    In one embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is active, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas located corresponding to a first position. In another embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is active, the sprinkler  100  waters areas located surrounding a second position. In one embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is inactive, the sprinkler  100  waters areas associated to the first position. In another embodiment, when the water flow actuator  960  is inactive, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas associated with the second position. In some embodiments, the first position is located at a radial distance different from the second position. In other embodiments, the first position and the second position are located substantially apart from each other such that the sprinkler  1100  adjusts the distances the sprinkler  1100  projects water to effectively water the first and the second positions. 
         [0143]    Still with reference to  FIG. 11 , the sprinkler  1100  can be configured to use a combination of two or more of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  to control the areas watered by the sprinkler  1100 . For example, in one embodiment, the sprinkler  1100  uses two of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  to adjust where the sprinkler  1100  applies water, including the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water. In other embodiments, the sprinkler  1100  uses all of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  to control where the sprinkler  1100  applies water, including controlling the distances at which the sprinkler  1100  projects water. 
         [0144]    With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , the sprinkler  1100  in some embodiments can use a combination of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  to compound the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  applies water to the area associated with the sprinkler  1100 . For example, in one embodiment, when all of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  are at a first state (for example, inactive) the sprinkler  1100  waters areas applies at or near a first radial distance R 1 . In another embodiment, when one of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  is at a second state (for example, active) and the other remaining actuators remain at the first state, the sprinkler  100  waters areas near a second radial distance R 2 . In other embodiments, when two of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  are at the first state, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas at or near a third radial distance R 3 . In still other embodiments, when all of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  are at the first state, the sprinkler  1100  waters areas corresponding to a fourth radial distance R 4 . 
         [0145]    In another embodiment, the sprinkler  1100 , using the computer  304 , controls the state of the actuators  604  based on the moisture data. The sprinkler  1100  activates the actuators  604  to open the ports  606 , which waters the areas associated with the open ports  606 . Using the computer  304 , the sprinkler  1100  also activates one or more of the elevation angle actuator  920 , the spreader plate actuator  940 , and/or the water flow actuator  960  to change the distance at which the sprinkler  1100  waters the areas associated with the ports  606 . 
         [0146]      FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a sprinkler system  1200  wherein the sprinklers  1202  apply water to a watering zone, including relatively large watering zones, such as, for example, golf courses, recreational parks, and farms. The watering zone in  FIG. 12  shows subsections of the watering zone to be watered, including first regions  1210 , second regions  1220 , and third regions  1230 . 
         [0147]    In one embodiment, the first regions  1210 , the second regions  1220 , and the third regions  1230  correspond to areas that are substantially apart. The area corresponding to the center of the third regions  1230  can be located tens or hundreds of meters away from the area corresponding to the center of the second regions  1220 . Similarly, the area corresponding to the center of the second regions  1220  can be located tens or hundreds of meters away from the area corresponding to the center of the first regions  1210 . To effectively water the first regions  1210 , the second regions  1220 , and the third regions  1230 , a relatively large number of sprinklers normally would have to be placed throughout the watering zone, sometimes including in the first regions  1210 , the second regions  1220 , and the third regions  1230 . 
         [0148]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the sprinklers  1202  can be configured to project water to relatively large distances and, therefore, are able to water relatively large watering zones. The sprinklers  1202  are configured to apply water to different subsections of the watering zone, including first regions  1210 , second regions  1220 , and third regions  1230  of the watering zone. As mentioned herein, adjusting the distances at which the sprinklers  1202  apply water enables the sprinkler  1202  to effectively water the first regions  1210 , the second regions  1220 , and/or the third regions  1230 . Because the sprinklers  1202  can project water to larger distances, and because the sprinklers  1202  can adjust the distances at which the sprinklers  1202  apply water, the sprinkler system  1200  can use a relatively small number of sprinklers  1202  to effectively water the watering zone, including the first regions  1210 , the second regions  1220 , and/or the third regions  1230 . 
         [0149]    Still with reference to  FIG. 12 , the sprinklers  1202  can be positioned strategically at alternating ends of the watering zone, thereby providing a relatively low number of the sprinklers  1202  to effectively water relatively large portions of the watering zone, including the first regions  1210 , the second regions  1220 , and/or the third regions  1230 . 
         [0150]    The ability of a relatively small number of the sprinklers  1202  to apply water to the different regions of the watering zone covering large areas reduces the overall number of sprinklers  1202  used in the sprinkler system  1200 . Reducing the number of sprinklers  1202  used in the sprinkler system  1200  can reduce the installation, as well as maintenance, cost of the sprinkler system  1202 . 
         [0151]    In some embodiments, the sprinkler  1202  is a rotating sprinkler, such as, for example, the rotating sprinkler  901  of  FIG. 9 . A rotating sprinkler  1202  rotates in an arc or in portions of an arc to apply water to, for example, each of the three sections of the first regions  1210 . In other embodiments, the sprinkler  1202  is a non-rotating sprinkler, such as, for example, the non-rotating sprinkler  1100  of  FIG. 11 . The non-rotating sprinkler  1202  can be configured to include multiple ports associated with, for example, each of the three sections of the first regions  1210 . As described in connection with  FIG. 11 , the non-rotating sprinkler  1202  opens the port associated with a particular section of the first region  1210  to water the section. 
         [0152]    As described herein, the sprinklers  1202 , whether rotating or non-rotating, can adjust the distances at which they apply water by adjusting one or more of the water elevation angle of water that is projected from the sprinklers  1202 , the position of a spreader plate, and/or the flow parameters of the water that is projected from the sprinklers  1202  (for example, volume, velocity, rate, pressure, etc.) to water areas of the watering zone, such as, for example, the third regions  1230 . 
         [0153]    While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0