Source: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/97927464/Method-And-Apparatus-For-Controlling-A-Sprinkler-System---Patent-8019482
Timestamp: 2013-12-19 15:44:29
Document Index: 10168506

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 11', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 2', 'Application No. 60']

Method And Apparatus For Controlling A Sprinkler System - Patent 8019482
United States Patent: 8019482
8,019,482
Method and apparatus for controlling a sprinkler system
A sprinkler system having a method and computer program comprises one or
more sprinklers each comprising a sprinkler valve adapted to regulate an
amount of fluid delivered by the sprinkler in response to a control
signal; a master unit adapted to transmit digital data; and a sprinkler
controller comprising a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing
the digital data; a media access controller adapted to obtain the digital
data from the signal; and a processor adapted to produce the control
signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller;
and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the
Sutardja; Sehat (Los Altos Hills, CA)
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Primary Examiner: Masinick; Michael D
10/692,644 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,778,736), filed on Oct. 24, 2003, which
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filed on Sep. 11, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
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disclosures therof incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
1.  A sprinkler system comprising: a fluid supply;  and one or more sprinklers configured to deliver fluid from the fluid supply, wherein each sprinkler of the one or more
sprinklers includes a wireless interface configured to receive information over a wireless channel, a processor configured to (i) generate a schedule for operating the sprinkler based on the information received by the wireless interface and (ii)
generate a control signal for controlling the sprinkler based on the schedule, and a valve configured to regulate an amount of the fluid delivered by the sprinkler in response to the control signal, wherein each of the wireless interface, the processor,
and the valve are fabricated as part of the sprinkler as a single unit.
2.  The sprinkler system of claim 1, wherein the information comprises one or more of: information regarding current weather conditions, information regarding forecasted weather conditions, or information regarding a status of the fluid supply.
3.  The sprinkler system of claim 1, wherein each sprinkler of the one or more sprinklers is configured to operate independently of other sprinklers.
4.  The sprinkler system of claim 1, wherein: each sprinkler further comprises a sensor configured to detect a flow rate of the fluid delivered by the sprinkler;  and the processor is configured to generate the control signal further based on
the flow rate of the fluid delivered by the sprinkler as detected by the sensor.
5.  The sprinkler system of claim 1, wherein the wireless interface is implemented in accordance with one or more of the following wireless protocols: IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.11, or Bluetooth.
6.  The sprinkler system of claim 1, wherein the wireless interface is an infrared interface.  Description
for controller 104.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a sprinkler system comprising one or more sprinklers each comprising a sprinkler valve adapted to regulate an amount of fluid delivered by the sprinkler in response to a control signal; a master
unit adapted to transmit digital data; and a sprinkler controller comprising a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing the digital data; a media access controller adapted to obtain the digital data from the signal; and a processor adapted to
produce the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the sprinklers.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features.  The digital data comprises data representing at least one of the group comprising a desired sprinkler operation schedule; meteorological conditions; and a status of a
fluid supply system supplying the fluid to the sprinklers.  The sprinkler controller further comprises a timer adapted to provide a time signal representing a time of day; wherein the processor is adapted to provide the control signal based on the
digital data obtained by the media access controller and the time signal.  The receiver is further adapted to receive a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors; and the processor is further adapted to provide the control signal based on the digital
data obtained by the media access controller and the sensor signal.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising a pressure of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, a sunlight intensity, an ambient temperature, and a relative
humidity.  The sprinkler system further comprises the one or more sensors.  The sprinkler controller further comprises a keypad adapted to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad; wherein the processor is further adapted to
provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the keypad control signal.  The sprinkler controller further comprises a display adapted to display a status of the sprinkler controller.  The processor and
the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.  The receiver is a wireless receiver.  The receiver complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g;
IEEE 802.11h; IEEE 802.11i; Short Messaging Service (SMS); and Analog Display Service Interface (ADSI).  The sprinkler controller further comprises a memory adapted to store a sprinkler schedule; and the processor is further adapted to produce the
control signal based on the sprinkler schedule.  The processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the sprinkler schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.  The memory is
non-volatile.  The receiver comprises pager technology.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a sprinkler controller for controlling one or more sprinklers each comprising a sprinkler valve adapted to regulate an amount of fluid delivered by the sprinkler in response to a control signal,
the sprinkler controller comprising a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing digital data; a media access controller adapted to obtain the digital data from the signal; and a processor adapted produce the control signal based on the digital
data obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the sprinklers.
digital data obtained by the media access controller and the time signal.  The receiver is further adapted to receive a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors; and wherein the processor is further adapted to provide the control signal based on the
digital data obtained by the media access controller and the sensor signal.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising a pressure of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, a sunlight intensity, an ambient temperature, and a relative
humidity.  The sprinkler controller further comprises the one or more sensors.  The sprinkler controller further comprises a keypad adapted to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad; the processor is further adapted to
IEEE 802.11h; IEEE 802.11i; Short Messaging Service (SMS); and Analog Display Service Interface (ADSI).  The sprinkler controller further comprises a memory adapted to store a sprinkler schedule; and wherein the processor is further adapted to produce
the control signal based on the sprinkler schedule.  The processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the sprinkler schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.  The memory is
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method and computer program for controlling one or more sprinklers each comprising a sprinkler valve adapted to regulate an amount of fluid delivered by the sprinkler in response to a control
signal, the method comprising receiving a signal representing digital data; obtaining the digital data from the signal; decoding the digital data; and providing a control signal to the sprinklers based on the digital data.
fluid supply system supplying the fluid to the sprinklers.  The method further comprises providing a time signal representing a time of day; and providing the control signal based on the digital data and the time signal.  The method further comprises
receiving a sensor signal; and providing the control signal based on the data and the sensor signal.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising a pressure of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, a sunlight intensity, an ambient
temperature, and a relative humidity.  The method further comprises receiving a keypad control signal representing operation of a keypad; and providing the control signal based on the digital data and the keypad control signal.  The method further
comprises displaying a status of the sprinkler controller.  The method further comprises storing a sprinkler schedule; and wherein control signal is based on the sprinkler schedule.  The method of claim further comprises producing the control signal
based on the stored sprinkler schedule when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features an integrated circuit to control a sprinkler controller for controlling one or more sprinklers each comprising a sprinkler valve adapted to regulate the amount of fluid delivered by the sprinkler
in response to a control signal, wherein the sprinkler controller comprises a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing digital data and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the sprinklers in response to a control signal,
the integrated circuit comprising a media access controller adapted to obtain digital data from a signal received by a receiver of the sprinkler controller, the signal representing the digital data, and a processor adapted to produce the control signal
based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller.
fluid supply system supplying the fluid to the sprinklers.  The sprinkler controller further comprises a sensor adapted to provide a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors; wherein the processor is adapted to provide the control signal based on
the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the sensor signal.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising a pressure of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, sunlight intensity; an ambient temperature; and a
relative humidity.  The sprinkler controller further comprises a timer adapted to provide a time signal representing a time of day; wherein the processor is adapted to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access
controller and the time signal.  The integrated circuit of claim further comprises a memory adapted to store a sprinkler schedule; wherein the processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the sprinkler schedule.  The processor is
further adapted to produce the control signal based on the sprinkler schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.  The memory is non-volatile.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method and computer-implemented method for serving a sprinkler system comprising one or more sprinklers and a sprinkler controller adapted to control the sprinklers, the method comprising
obtaining sprinkler-related data; generating a schedule for the sprinkler system based on the sprinkler-related data; and transmitting the sprinkler schedule to the sprinkler controller; wherein the sprinkler controller controls the sprinklers according
to the sprinkler schedule.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features.  The sprinkler-related data is selected from the group consisting of meteorological conditions; and a status of a fluid supply system supplying fluid to the
sprinklers.  The sprinkler system further comprises one or more sensors, and the method further comprises receiving a sensor signal from one or more of the sensors, the sensor signal representing a condition of the sprinkler system; and generating the
schedule for the sprinkler system based on the sprinkler-related data and the sensor signal.  The method further comprises determining a condition of the sprinkler system based on the sensor signal; determining a service for the sprinkler system in
accordance with the condition of the sprinkler system; and providing the service for the sprinkler system.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising a pressure of a fluid supplied to the sprinklers; and a flow rate of the fluid.
The service for the sprinkler system is selected from the group consisting of interrupting a flow of fluid supplied to the sprinkler system; repairing one or more of the sprinklers; and repairing supply line providing fluid to one or more of the
sprinklers.  Implementations comprise determining a cost of the service provided for the sprinkler system; generating an invoice for the cost of the service; and providing the invoice to a custodian of the sprinkler system.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features an environmental control system comprising an environmental control unit adapted to control one or more environmental variables in response to a control signal; a master unit adapted to transmit
digital data; and a controller comprising a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing the digital data; a media access controller adapted to obtain the digital data from the signal, and a processor adapted to produce the control signal based on
the digital data obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the environmental control unit.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features.  The digital data comprises data representing at least one of the group comprising a desired ambient temperature; and meteorological conditions.  The receiver is
further adapted to receive a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors; and the processor is further adapted to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the sensor signal.  The sensor signal
represents at least one of the group comprising a pressure of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, a sunlight intensity, an ambient temperature, and a relative humidity.  The environmental control system further comprises the one or more sensors.  The
controller further comprises a keypad adapted to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad; wherein the processor is adapted to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and
the keypad control signal.  The controller further comprises a display adapted to display a status of the controller.  The processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.  The receiver is a wireless
receiver.  The receiver complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; IEEE 802.11i; Short Messaging Service (SMS); and Analog Display Service Interface (ADSI).  The
controller further comprises a memory adapted to store a schedule; and wherein the processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the schedule.  The processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the schedule
stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.  The memory is non-volatile.  The receiver comprises pager technology.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a controller for controlling an environmental control unit, the controller comprising a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing digital data; a media access controller adapted to obtain
the digital data from the signal; and a processor adapted to produce a control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the environmental control unit.
further adapted to receive a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors in response to environmental conditions; and the processor is further adapted to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and
the sensor signal.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising a sunlight intensity, an ambient temperature, and a relative humidity.  The controller further comprises the one or more sensors.  The controller further comprises a
keypad adapted to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad; wherein the processor is adapted to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the keypad control signal.  The
controller further comprises a display adapted to display a status of the controller.  A thermostat comprises the controller.  The processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.  The receiver is a
wireless receiver.  The receiver complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; IEEE 802.11i; Short Messaging Service (SMS); and Analog Display Service Interface (ADSI). The controller further comprises a memory adapted to store a schedule; and wherein the processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the schedule.  The processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the schedule
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method and computer program for controlling an environmental control unit, the method comprising receiving a signal representing digital data; obtaining the digital data from the signal; and
providing a control signal to the environmental control unit based on the digital data.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features The digital data comprises data representing at least one of the group comprising a desired ambient temperature; and meteorological conditions.  The method further
comprises receiving a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors in response to environmental conditions; and providing the control signal based on the digital data and the sensor signal.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group
comprising a sunlight intensity, an ambient temperature, and a relative humidity.  The method further comprises receiving a keypad control signal representing operation of a keypad; and providing the control signal based on the digital data and the
keypad control signal.  The method further comprises displaying a status of the sprinkler controller.  The method further comprising storing a schedule; and wherein control signal is based on the schedule.  The method further comprises producing the
control signal based on the stored schedule when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features an integrated circuit to control a controller for controlling an environmental control unit, the integrated circuit comprising a media access controller adapted to obtain digital data from a
signal received by a receiver of the controller, the signal representing the digital data; and a processor adapted to produce a control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller; wherein the controller provides the control
signal to the environmental control unit.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features.  The sensor signal represents at least one of the group comprising sunlight intensity; an ambient temperature; and a relative humidity.  The integrated circuit further
comprises a display, wherein the processor causes the display to display a status of the controller.  The digital data comprises data representing at least one of the group comprising a desired ambient temperature; and meteorological conditions.  The
integrated circuit further comprises a memory adapted to store a schedule; and wherein the processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the schedule.  The processor is further adapted to produce the control signal based on the
schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.  The memory is non-volatile.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus for environmental control using digital data transmitted to the apparatus.  The digital data can be encoded, compressed or both, and can be transmitted wirelessly or by wire,
cable, or the like.
It is noted that DSP/MPU 343 may comprise a microprocessor unit, a digital signal processor, or any combination thereof.  ROM 345 stores programmed instructions for processor 300 and DSP/MPU 343 to control the operation of both the disk drive
230 (and associated circuitry) and the signal processing of the media data.  RAM 345 is provided as a working memory for DSP/MPU 343.  For each of the various compression formats discussed above, the decompression and compression algorithms for Codec 348
are stored on disk drive 230.  Storing the decompression and compression algorithms on disk drive 230 minimizes the size of ROM 345 and its energy consumption.  Additionally, this feature allows future compression and decompressions formats to be easily
spindle motor 234 via servo unit 349.  As a result, the magnetic head is moved to a desired track position on the magnetic disk by the head arm, and the magnetic disk is rotated at a rated rotational speed by the spindle, which is driven by spindle motor
If the decompression program has already been transferred to RAM 344, the program is provided to Codec 348.  Otherwise the decompression algorithm is retrieved from hard disk 230 and transferred to RAM 344.  The data is then decompressed by
Codec 348 and converted to an analog signal by DAC 346.  The analog signal is set to an appropriate level by output circuit 216.  If the analog signal contains audio data, output circuit 216 is connected to a speaker, headphone and the like for playback,
and if the analog signal contains video data, output circuit 216 is connected to a display device for playback.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention.  The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except the second embodiment does not include memory 202.  In this embodiment media data is recorded in a similar manner
as the first embodiment and no further discussion is provided herein.  For playback operation, the media data is retrieved directly from disk drive 230 for playback through output 216.  The other portions of the playback operation are similar to the
first embodiment.  In the second embodiment disk drive 230 will be powered on any time media data is recorded or played back.  As such this embodiment is particularly applicable when the power supply is external.  For example the media player/recorder of
the second embodiment may be a portable device used in an automobile supply by energy therefrom.  In some implementations, MAC 350 includes an embedded microprocessor.
FIG. 14 shows a variation of the second embodiment.  According to this variation, baseband processor 352 and MAC 350 are implemented within processor 300, preferably as a single integrated circuit.  Wireless interface 210 includes antenna 356
and wireless unit 354.  This variation operates as described for the first embodiment.  In some implementations, MAC 350 includes an embedded microprocessor.
FIG. 20 shows an implementation where a media player/recorder 2004 is implemented within a digital camera 2002.  In recording mode, an image sensor 2006 within camera 2002 captures one or more images, and passes a signal representing the image
to media player/recorder 2004.  If the signal is analog, a analog-to-digital converter within media player/recorder 2004 converts the analog signal to a digital signal.  A digital signal processor within media player/recorder 2004 then encodes the
digital signal.  The encoding can include image compression, image manipulation, and the like.  A storage controller within media player/recorder 2004 stores the encoded image data on a storage device.  In some implementations, digital camera 2002 is a
digital motion picture camera and the encoded image data represents a motion picture.
data to a display 1808, which displays the image(s) captured by image sensor 1806.  A The media player/recorder described herein can be implemented as a portable unit, as a permanently mounted unit within a vehicle such as an automobile, and the like.
According to these implementations, a user of the media player/recorder can record biometric data for later use in diagnosis and treatment of intermittently occurring medical conditions such as heart arrhythmia.  When the user subsequently
visits a doctor, the media player/recorder can transmit the stored biometric data to the doctor&#39;s computer for analysis, by wire or wirelessly.
FIG. 25 shows a sprinkler system 2500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.  Sprinkler system 2500 comprises one or more sprinklers 2502 each comprising a head 2504 and a valve 2506 that operates according to a sprinkler
controller 2510 to deliver a fluid from a fluid supply 2508 to head 2504.  Valve 2506 operates according to a control signal provided by a sprinkler controller 2510, which optionally communicates with an optional master unit such as a network appliance
2512, personal computer (PC) or the like over a channel 2514 that can be a wireless link or a wire, cable, or the like.  An optional sensor 2516 detects conditions such as a pressure of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, ambient temperature, relative
humidity, sunlight intensity and the like in the vicinity of sprinkler 2506.  Sensor 2516 can provide this information to sprinkler controller 2510, to PC 2512, or to both.  In some embodiments, sprinkler controller 2510 or network appliance 2512
communicate with a network 2518 such as the Internet, for example to obtain meteorological information from an optional weather server 2520.  The pressure and flow rate of the fluid can be useful for setting valve 2506 to compensate for low fluid
pressure, and for shutting off one or more valves 2506 in response to a break in a fluid line supplying the fluid, for example in the event of a broken sprinkler head 2504.
Sprinkler system 2500 has many uses including irrigation, fire suppression, and the like.  A single sprinkler controller 2510 can control one or more sprinklers 2502, and can receive data from one or more sensors 2516, either directly or through
PC 2512.  Sprinkler controller 2510, sensors 2516, and sprinkler 2502 can be fabricated as separate units or as a single unit.
Sprinkler controller 2510 can operate independently or in conjunction with network appliance 2512.  Network appliance 2512 can provide a variety of information to sprinkler controller 2510, which can generate a sprinkler schedule based on the
information and subsequently generate sprinkler control signals based on the sprinkler schedule.  For example, network appliance 2512 can provide information regarding current weather conditions, such as data gathered by sensors 2516 or provided by other
remote sources such as Internet weather sites, information regarding future weather conditions such as forecast data provided by remote sources such as Internet weather sites, information regarding the status of fluid supply 2508 such as availability
schedules and quantities, desired sprinkler operation schedules, and the like.  In other embodiments, sprinkler controller 2510 can obtain this information directly from network 2518.
When operating independently, for example when the connection to network 2518 is unavailable, sprinkler controller 2510 can rely on data previously provided by network appliance 2512, data provided by sensors 2516, an internal timer which can be
implemented as a processor, or any combination thereof, which can be stored in a memory in sprinkler controller 2510.  In the absence of any information to be provided by network appliance 2512 or sensors 2516, sprinkler controller 2510 can rely on its
internal timer and a default sprinkler schedule stored in a non-volatile memory in sprinkler controller 2510 to generate sprinkler control signals.  In some embodiments, network appliance 2512 determines the operation schedule for sprinkler 2502.  In
other embodiments, sprinkler controller 2510 determines the operation schedule.
In embodiments including an optional display, sprinkler controller 2510 can display information such as the status of sprinkler controller 2510, the sprinkler schedule, and so on.  In embodiments including an optional keypad, a user can operate
the keypad to alter the operation of sprinkler controller 2510, for example by overriding its sprinkler schedule.
FIG. 26 shows a sprinkler controller 2600 according to an embodiment of the present invention that can function as sprinkler controller 2510 of FIG. 25.  Sprinkler controller 2600 includes a processor 2618 that includes a microprocessor unit
(MPU) 2640, a volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) 2624, a non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 2626, an optional digital to analog converter (DAC) 2628, an optional analog to digital converter (ADC) 2630, a media access
controller (MAC) 2622, and a baseband processor 2620.  Processor 2618 is preferably implemented as a single integrated circuit.  A sprinkler controller having a processor implemented as a single integrated circuit can be fabricated at lower cost and have
lower energy consumption.  Alternatively, processor 2618 can be implemented by discrete components.
ROM 2626 stores programmed instructions for processor 2618 and MPU 2640 to control the operation of the signal processing of the media data.  RAM 2626 is provided as a working memory for MPU 2640.  Preferably.
Sprinkler controller 2600 also includes an interface, which can be a wired interface 2606, a wireless interface 2610, or a combination of the two.  Sprinkler controller 2600 further includes a memory 2602, an optional input circuit 2614, an
optional output circuit 2616, an optional keypad 2608, and an optional display 2612.  Wireless interface 2610 includes a wireless antenna 2632 and a wireless unit 2610 that includes a wireless receiver 2638 and an optional wireless transmitter 2636.
Wired interface 2606 includes a receiver 2646 and an optional transmitter 2648.  Keypad 2608 can be fabricated together with display 2612 as a touch screen.
Memory 2602 comprises a solid state memory, such as, for example dynamic random access memory (solid state memory), flash memory, EEPROM, or the like.  The amount of solid state memory supplied is selected to minimize energy consumption.
Antenna 2632 is a conventional antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless signals.  Wireless unit 2610 converts wireless signals received by antenna 2632 to analog baseband signals, and converts analog baseband signals received from
baseband processor 2620 to wireless signals for transmission by antenna 2632.  Baseband processor 2620 converts analog baseband signals received from wireless unit 2610 to a digital bitstream, and converts a digital bitstream received from MAC 2622 to
analog baseband signals, both according to well-known methods.  MAC 2622 frames the digital bitstream produced by baseband processor 2620, and filters the frames to select the frames addressed to processor 2618, both according to well-known methods.  MAC
2622 also converts frames received from processor 2618 to a digital bitstream for baseband processor 2620, also according to well-known methods.  In some implementations, MAC 2622 includes an embedded microprocessor.
Digital data may be obtained (downloaded) from a personal computer, network appliance, local area network, Internet and the like, including wireless networks with infrastructure, such as a designated access point, peer-to-peer wireless networks,
and the like.  Such external devices communicate with the sprinkler controller via wired interface 2606 and/or wireless interface 2610, which are controlled by processor 2618.  Wired interface 2606 may be implemented, for example, as a parallel
interface, serial interface, USB, Ethernet connection, IEEE 1394 (a.k.a.  Firewire), and the like.  Wireless interface 2610 may be implemented, for example, as an infrared interface, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth.TM.  and the like.  Some
embodiments of the present invention comply with one or more of the following standards: IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i.  Again, the present invention is independent of the interface selected.  The
digital data is then optionally stored in memory 2602.
In some embodiments, wireless interface 2610 transmits and receives digital data using existing wireless infrastructure such as that provided for two-way pagers and mobile telephones.  These technologies include Short Messaging Service (SMS) and
Analog Display Service Interface (ADSI).  SMS defines how messages are delivered to and from a wireless device, how the wireless device should store the messages, and processing which the wireless device can perform on the message.
ADSI was designed as an extension to interactive voice response systems.  ADSI allows a service provider to send screens of data to a wireless device.  A user can select options in the screens of data.  The wireless device can transmit the
user&#39;s selections using a special coding to describe the full alphanumeric character set.
Alternatively, digital data may be obtained from an external analog source such as an analog sensor 2816 connected to input circuit 2614.  Input circuit 2614 takes the input signal from the external device and sets the analog signal to an
appropriate level.  The analog signal is then converted to a digital signal by ADC 2630.  The digital data can be stored in memory 2602.
FIG. 27 shows a process 2700 that can be performed by sprinkler controller 2600 according to a preferred embodiment.  Operation of sprinkler controller 2600 can be automatic, controlled by the user through optional keypad 2608, which is in
communication with MPU 2640, or both.  Status of the sprinkler controller can be provided to the user by optional display 2612 in accordance with MPU 2640.  When sprinkler controller 2600 is in communication with a personal computer, network appliance,
local area network, Internet, or the like, encoded digital data such as described above is downloaded to sprinkler controller 2600 (step 2702).  MPU 2640 controls the flow of data through interfaces 2606 and/or 2610 and optionally stores the encoded
digital data in memory 2602 (step 2704).
In one embodiment the user enters control signals by way of optional keypad 2608 (step 2706).  In another embodiment the user makes a selection by speaking the selection aloud.  This sound is captured by input circuit 2614, and interpreted as a
Processor 2600 then generates one or more sprinkler control signals based on the data as described above (step 2712).  The sprinkler control signals can be generated as analog signals or as digital signals, which can be converted to an analog
signal by DAC 2628 (step 2714).  The sprinkler control signals are output to output circuit 2616 (step 2716), which sets the analog signal to an appropriate level.  Output circuit 2616 provides the analog control signal to one or more sprinkler valves
2506 (step 2718), which operate according to the sprinkler control signals.
FIG. 28 shows an environmental control system 2800 according to an embodiment of the present invention.  Environmental control system 2800 comprises one or more environmental control units (ECU) 2802 that operate to control one or more
environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and the like according to a control signal provided by a controller 2810 such as a thermostat or the like, which communicates with an optional master unit such as a network appliance 2812, personal
computer (PC) or the like over a channel 2814 that can be a wireless link or a wire, cable, or the like.  A sensor 2816 detects environmental conditions such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, sunlight intensity and the like in the area affected
by ECU 2802.  Sensor 2816 can provide this information to thermostat 2810, to PC 2812, or to both.  In some embodiments, controller 2810 or network appliance 2512 communicate with a network 2518 such as the Internet, for example to obtain environmental
information from an optional environmental server 2520.
Environmental control units 2800 can be heaters, refrigeration units, humidifiers, air conditioners, and the like.  A single controller 2810 can control one or more ECUs 2802, and can receive data from one or more sensors 2816, either directly
or through PC 2812.  Controller 2810, sensors 2816, and ECU 2802 can be fabricated as separate units or together in any combination.
Controller 2810 can operate independently or in conjunction with network appliance 2812.  Network appliance 2812 can provide a variety of information to controller 2810, which can generate a ECU schedule based on the information and subsequently
generate ECU control signals based on the ECU schedule.  For example, network appliance 2812 can provide information regarding current weather conditions, such as data gathered by sensors 2816 or provided by other remote sources such as Internet weather
sites, information regarding future weather conditions such as forecast data provided by remote sources such as Internet weather sites, information regarding the status of available power supplies to operate ECUs 2802, desired ECU operation schedules,
and the like.  In other embodiments, controller 2810 can obtain this information directly from network 2818.
When operating independently, for example when the connection to network 2818 is unavailable, controller 2810 can rely on data previously provided by network appliance 2812, data provided by sensors 2816, an internal timer which can be
implemented as a processor, or any combination thereof, which can be stored in a memory in controller 2810.  In the absence of any information to be provided by network appliance 2812 or sensors 2816, controller 2810 can rely on its internal timer and a
default schedule stored in a non-volatile memory in controller 2810 to generate ECU control signals.  In some embodiments, network appliance 2812 determines the operation schedule for ECU 2802.  In other embodiments, controller 2810 determines the
operation schedule.
In embodiments including an optional display, controller 2810 can display information such as the status of controller 2810, the ECU schedule, and so on.  In embodiments including an optional keypad, a user can operate the keypad to alter the
operation of controller 2810, for example by overriding its ECU schedule or temperature settings.
FIG. 29 shows a controller 2900 according to an embodiment of the present invention that can function as controller 2810 of FIG. 28.  Controller 2900 includes a processor 2918 that includes a microprocessor unit (MPU) 2940, a volatile memory
such as random access memory (RAM) 2924, a non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 2926, an optional digital to analog converter (DAC) 2928, an optional analog to digital converter (ADC) 2930, a media access controller (MAC) 2922, and a
baseband processor 2920.  Processor 2918 is preferably implemented as a single integrated circuit.  A controller having a processor implemented as a single integrated circuit can be fabricated at lower cost and have lower energy consumption.
Alternatively, processor 2918 can be implemented by discrete components.
ROM 2926 stores programmed instructions for processor 2918 and MPU 2940 to control the operation of the signal processing of the media data.  RAM 2926 is provided as a working memory for MPU 2940.
Controller 2900 also includes an interface, which can be a wired interface 2906, a wireless interface 2910, or a combination of the two.  Controller 2900 further includes a memory 2902, an optional input circuit 2914, an optional output circuit
2916, an optional keypad 2908, and an optional display 2912.  Wireless interface 2910 includes a wireless antenna 2932 and a wireless unit 2910 that includes a wireless receiver 2938 and an optional wireless transmitter 2936.  Wired interface 2906
includes a receiver 2946 and an optional transmitter 2948.  Keypad 2908 can be fabricated together with display 2912 as a touch screen.
Memory 2902 comprises a solid state memory, such as, for example dynamic random access memory (solid state memory), flash memory, EEPROM, or the like.  The amount of solid state memory supplied is selected to minimize energy consumption.
Antenna 2932 is a conventional antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless signals.  Wireless unit 2910 converts wireless signals received by antenna 2932 to analog baseband signals, and converts analog baseband signals received from
baseband processor 2920 to wireless signals for transmission by antenna 2932.  Baseband processor 2920 converts analog baseband signals received from wireless unit 2910 to a digital bitstream, and converts a digital bitstream received from MAC 2922 to
analog baseband signals, both according to well-known methods.  MAC 2922 frames the digital bitstream produced by baseband processor 2920, and filters the frames to select the frames addressed to processor 2918, both according to well-known methods.  MAC
2922 also converts frames received from processor 2918 to a digital bitstream for baseband processor 2920, also according to well-known methods.  In some implementations, MAC 2922 includes an embedded microprocessor.
and the like.  Such external devices communicate with the controller via wired interface 2906 and/or wireless interface 2910, which are controlled by processor 2918.  Wired interface 2906 may be implemented, for example, as a parallel interface, serial
interface, USB, Ethernet connection, IEEE 1394 (a.k.a.  Firewire), and the like.  Wireless interface 2910 may be implemented, for example, as an infrared interface, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth.TM.  and the like.  Some embodiments of the present
invention comply with one or more of the following standards: IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i.  Again, the present invention is independent of the interface selected.  The digital data is then
optionally stored in memory 2902.  Processor 2918 can obtain digital data directly from a digital sensor 2816, or indirectly over wired interface 2906 or wireless interface 2910.
In some embodiments, wireless interface 2910 transmits and receives digital data using existing wireless infrastructure such as that provided for two-way pagers and mobile telephones.  These technologies include Short Messaging Service (SMS) and
FIG. 30 shows a process 3000 that can be performed by controller 2900 according to a preferred embodiment.  Operation of controller 2900 can be automatic, controlled by the user through optional keypad 2908, which is in communication with MPU
2940, or both.  Status of the controller can be provided to the user by optional display 2912 in accordance with MPU 2940.  When controller 2900 is in communication with a personal computer, network appliance, local area network, Internet, or the like,
encoded digital data such as described above is downloaded to controller 2900 (step 3002).  MPU 2940 controls the flow of data through interfaces 2906 and/or 2910 and optionally stores the encoded digital data in memory 2902 (step 3004).
In one embodiment the user enters control signals by way of optional keypad 2908 (step 3006).  In another embodiment the user makes a selection by speaking the selection aloud.  This sound is captured by input circuit 2914, and interpreted as a
Processor 2900 then generates one or more ECU control signals based on the data as described above (step 3012).  The ECU control signals can be generated as analog signals or as digital signals, which can be converted to an analog signal by DAC
2928 (step 3014).  The ECU control signals are output to output circuit 2916 (step 3016), which sets the analog signal to an appropriate level.  Output circuit 216 provides the ECU control signal to one or more ECUs 2802 (step 3018).
While an embodiment of environmental control system 2800 is described in terms of a controller regulating an air conditioner or the like based on temperature or the like, other embodiments use other sorts of controllers to regulate other sorts
of environmental control units based on temperature and/or other factors.
Referring again to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, sprinkler controller 2510 communicates with a service provider that provides services such as sprinkler information and maintenance.  FIG. 31 shows a method 3100 performed by the service provider
according to a preferred embodiment.
The service provider obtains sprinkler-related data that can be used to generate a sprinkler schedule (step 3102).  This data can include, for example, meteorological conditions, and a status of a fluid supply system supplying the fluid to the
The service provider also monitors the sensor signals provided by one or more of the sensors 2516 in sprinkler system 2500 (step 3104).  Recall the sensor signals represent a condition of the sprinkler system.  For example, the sensor signals
can represent a pressure of the fluid supplied to the sprinklers.  As another example, the sensor signals can represent a flow rate of the fluid supplied to the sprinklers.  The sensor signals can be provided over network 2518 by sprinkler controller
2510, by optional network appliance 2512, or directly by sensors 2516.
The service provider generates a sprinkler schedule for sprinkler system 2500 based on one or both of the data obtained in steps 3102 and 3104 (step 3106), and provides the sprinkler schedule to the sprinkler controller 2510 (step 3108), for
example using wireless interface 2610.
The service provider also determines the condition of the sprinkler system from the sensor signal (step 3110), and determines a service for the sprinkler system in accordance with the condition of the sprinkler system (step 3112).  For example,
if the fluid pressure is very low, and the fluid flow rate is very high, the service provider may determine that the sprinkler system has a leak, and therefore may determine that it is necessary to interrupt the flow of the fluid supplied to the
sprinkler system, and to dispatch a repair technician to the site of the leak to repair one or more of the sprinklers, or to repair a supply line providing the fluid to the sprinklers.  The service provider then provides the service for the sprinkler
system (step 3114).
The service provider may invoice the sprinkler system custodian on a regular basis for monitoring the sprinkler system, and may invoice for each service provided.  For example, after providing the service to the sprinkler system, the service
provider determines a cost of the service (step 3116), generates an invoice for the cost of the service (step 3118), and provides the invoice to the custodian of the sprinkler system (step 3120).
A number of implementations of the invention have been described.  Neverthe-less, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  Accordingly, other implementations are
Method and apparatus for controlling a sprinkler system, Sutardja, Sehat Sutardja, Application number 12 855-142, Data Processing:Generic Control Systems Or Specific Applications, Fluid Sprinkling Spraying And Diffusing
BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for environmental control. FIG. 1 is an example of a conventional MP3 player. MP3 player includes an interface 106, nonvolatile solid state memory 102, a decoder 110, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter 147, an audio output 116, a key pad 108, a display 112, a controller104, RAM 144 and ROM 145. Controller 104 controls the operation of the MP3 player in accordance with a set of programmed instructions. Programmed instructions for controller 104 are stored in nonvolatile memory or ROM 145, and RAM 144 is provided as the working memoryfor controller 104. Typically, MP3 data, which is a digital compressed format representing music data, is initially stored on a personal computer 50 and is subsequently transferred to the MP3 player via interface 106, under control of controller 104. The MP3 datais stored in nonvolatile solid state memory 102. Interface 50 can implemented by a standard parallel port, serial port, USB and the like. Nonvolatile solid state memory 102 may be implemented as flash memory. Generally, for a music quality recording,a nonvolatile solid state memory having 64 Mbytes can store about 1 hour of music. Flash memory provides the capability of retaining the stored digital data even when the MP3 player is powered down. Once the digital data has been transferred to the MP3player, it no longer needs to be connected to personal computer 50, and the MP3 player can play back the MP3 data autonomously from personal computer 50. Decoder 110 functions to decode and decompress the MP3 data file stored in nonvolatile solid state memory 102. Decoder 110 decompresses the MP3 music file in accordance controller 104 according to the MP3 format, and decodes the decompressedmusic file into a bit stream form. The bit stream is then converted into analog form by digital to analog converter 147 for connection to a speaker, earphone and the like. A decoding program for the MP3 decoder function is
Would a mandatory residential fire sprinkler system ordinance Rules on Sprinkler Installations
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