US20060217845A1 - Water timer and method - Google Patents
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- US20060217845A1 US20060217845A1 US11/325,746 US32574606A US2006217845A1 US 20060217845 A1 US20060217845 A1 US 20060217845A1 US 32574606 A US32574606 A US 32574606A US 2006217845 A1 US2006217845 A1 US 2006217845A1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
- A01G25/16—Control of watering
- A01G25/165—Cyclic operations, timing systems, timing valves, impulse operations
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Abstract
A water timer user interface has display areas for display of water timer status information, including watering zone and watering duration indicators, user input areas, and a touch-sensitive screen. At least one of the display areas may display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for the watering zone identifiers. All of the display and input areas may be single-function areas and may be simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user. The display areas may simultaneously display both graphical and numeric representations of the watering duration indicators. An ambient temperature sensor may be used to sense the ambient temperature and humidity and provide corresponding signals to the controller to permit the controller to modify the amount of water supplied.
Description
- This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 60/664,561, Attorney Docket TIMS 1009-1, entitled Water Timer And Method, filed 23 Mar. 2005. This patent application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/652,128, Attorney Docket TIMS 1010-1, entitled Ambient Environment Sensor for Watering Timer, filed 11 Feb. 2005. This patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket TIMS 1009-3, entitled Water Timer with Watering Plan and Method, filed on the same day as this application.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- The present invention relates generally to water timers used to control the operation of flow control devices, typically solenoid-actuated valves and pump relays, for watering systems using one or more of sprinkler devices, drip irrigation devices and other watering devices.
- Conventional water timers typically require that they be programmed by the user using hardware inputs, for example toggle switches, sliding switches and rotatable knobs, or a combination of hardware inputs and touch screen inputs. The screens are used to display both operational functions and programming values. The user enters commands into the water timer, such as for setting the current time and date and programming the water timer, by pressing keys and/or pressing at appropriate positions on a touch screen display. In many cases an abbreviated set of instructions explaining the steps that must be taken to operate the water timer is printed on a door or cover of the water timer; complete instructions are typically separately documented so that programming such a water timer can be quite confusing and tedious. Also, programming conventional water timers using screen displays is typically accomplished only after selecting a series of different screens on the display. In addition, information relating to the status of the water timer is often accessible only by reviewing different screens on the display.
- A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a user interface for a water timer comprising a user input region. The user input region comprises a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information, said status information comprising watering zone identifiers and watering duration indicators, a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs, and a touch-sensitive screen so that the user can input water timer inputs by touching the touch-sensitive screen. In some embodiments at least one of the display areas is configured to display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers. All of the display areas and input areas may be single-function areas and may be simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user. The display areas may be configured to simultaneously display the graphical representation and a numeric representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
- A second aspect of the invention is directed to a user interface for a water timer comprising a user input region, the user input region comprising a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information and a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs. All of the display areas and input areas are single-function areas and are simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user.
- A third aspect of the invention is directed to a user interface for a water timer comprising a user input region, the user input region comprising a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information, said status information comprising watering zone identifiers and watering duration indicators, and a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs. At least one of the display areas is configured to display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
- A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a water timer of the type comprising a user interface, a controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control devices, each flow control device capable of controlling the passage of water from a water source to a watering zone. The improvement comprises an ambient temperature sensor operably coupled to the controller to sense an ambient temperature and provide an ambient temperature signal to the controller, and an ambient humidity sensor operably coupled to the controller to sense an ambient humidity and provide an ambient humidity signal to the controller. The controller is programmed to store a base temperature and a base humidity; calculate an increase or a decrease in a watering amount according to any differences between the base and ambient temperatures and humidities; and modify the control signals, thereby modifying the amount of water supplied, according to said calculated differences. In some embodiments the controller is programmed to decrease the watering amount according to an amount the ambient humidity is greater than the base humidity, or to increase the watering amount according to an amount the ambient humidity is less than the base humidity. The controller may be programmed to decrease the watering amount according to an amount the ambient temperature is less than the base temperature and to increase the watering amount according to an amount the ambient temperature is greater than the base humidity, respectively.
- A fifth aspect of the invention is directed to a method for automatically adjusting the amount of water supplied by a water timer, the water timer of the type comprising a user interface, a controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control devices, each flow control device capable of controlling the passage of water from a water source to a watering zone. The method comprises sensing a base ambient temperature and providing a base ambient temperature signal to the controller; sensing a base ambient humidity and providing a base ambient humidity signal to the controller; subsequently sensing a current ambient temperature and providing a current ambient temperature signal to the controller; subsequently sensing a current ambient humidity and providing a current ambient humidity signal to the controller; and modifying control signals, thereby modifying watering amounts, according to the base and current ambient temperature signals and the base and current ambient humidity signals.
- Various features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a water timer made according to the invention connected flow control devices, the flow control devices coupled to watering lines and a watering source; -
FIG. 2 illustrates the user interface of the water timer ofFIG. 1 , the user interface including a user input region, the user input region including a touch screen, hardware keys and status lights; -
FIG. 3 illustrates the touch screen ofFIG. 2 with all of the display areas, input areas and icons being visible for identification purposes; -
FIG. 4 is an overall view of the rain sensor ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rain collection head of the rain sensor ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the rain sensor ofFIGS. 4 and 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a simplified, generic version of self-testing circuitry suitable for use with the water timer ofFIGS. 1-3 . - The following description of the invention will typically be with reference to specific structural embodiments and methods. It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specifically disclosed embodiments but that the invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods and embodiments.
- A watering timer made according to embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. All of the display areas and input areas may be single-function areas. A graphical representation of the watering duration for each watering zone may be provided. This provides the user with an instantaneous, visual graphic (as well as a numeric) indication of the watering duration for each zone for a watering cycle. The controller may be programmed to modify the control signals to the flow control devices according to, for example, the ambient temperature and humidity so that the amount of watering can be adjusted manually or automatically (such as using an automatic system discussed below as the Water Logic system) accordingly. The controller may also be programmed to a permit a user to select input settings for a watering cycle, such as selecting the zone, watering duration, start time and the day or days of the week, in any order and all on the same screen. As used in this application, all on the same screen means that everything needed for setting a watering plan is simultaneously visible; this is possible when all of the display areas and input areas are single-function areas. This flexibility in setting a watering plan can greatly simplify how the user creates a watering plan, the watering plan including one or more watering cycles.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of awater timer 10, comprising ahousing 11, connected to a number offlow control devices 12, atemperature sensor 14, ahumidity sensor 16 and arain sensor 18.Flow control devices 12 may include, for example, solenoid valves, pump relays or a combination thereof.Water timer 10 includes auser interface 20 coupled to acontroller 22. Rainfall signals are provided to controller 22 through aline 23. In one preferredembodiment temperature sensor 14 andhumidity sensor 16 are located withinhousing 11 with the expectation thatwater timer 10 will be used outside or within a sheltered area, such as within a garage, but not an area that is heated or cooled. However, if desired one or both oftemperature sensor 14 andhumidity sensor 16 may be positioned remote fromwater timer 10, such as in the vicinity ofrain sensor 18. -
User interface 20 includes auser input region 24. Awater source 26, such as a municipal water supply, is also connected toflow control devices 12.Flow control devices 12 control the flow of water fromwater source 26 to wateringlines 28 based upon signals fromwater timer 10 throughsignal lines 30. Amaster valve 29 is open whenever any of theflow control devices 12 are open. Whilemaster valve 29 may not be necessary, it reduces water usage if there are leaks. Without the master valve, there is always pressure to flowcontrol devices 12. So if there are leaks at any offlow control devices 12, and/or if one or more offlow control devices 12 are not shutting the water completely off, water will be dribbling out when there is no watering. Also,master valve 29 can be replaced by, for example, a pump solenoid when a pump is used to deliver water along wateringlines 28, typically from a water well; in this case the pump solenoid is typically actuated about one second before anyflow control device 12 is actuated. - While each
flow control device 12 inFIG. 1 is shown to control the flow of water through asingle watering line 28, one or more offlow control devices 12 may be used to control the flow of water through more than one wateringline 28. Wateringlines 28 may be a variety of watering lines used for variety of watering purposes. For example, wateringlines 28 may have one or more sprinkler heads 31, or may be used for above ground or below ground drip irrigation using drip irrigation lines 33. Also, one or more oflines sensor 18 andflow control devices 12 towater timer 10 may be replaced by radiofrequency or other non-hardwired connections. - The various features and components of
water timer 10 andrain sensor 18 will be discussed first, followed by a discussion of the operation of the water timer. - Structural Details
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FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of awater timer 10 made according to the invention.User input region 24 includes broadly atouch screen 32,hardware keys 34 and status lights 36.User input region 24 provides, as will be discussed in more detail below, a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information and a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs. One feature of the invention is that all of the display areas and input areas are preferably single-function areas and are simultaneously visible to and accessible by user. This helps to greatly simplify use ofwater timer 10 by simultaneously providing all information for a particular watering cycle (a watering cycle starting on a designated day(s) and time(s)) to the user without the need for scrolling, moving between different screens, or other conventional operations common with devices in which the display areas and/or input areas are multiple function display and/or input areas used for displaying and/or inputting multiple data entries for the same or different categories of information. A watering plan may include one or more watering cycles. - Many of the areas on
touch screen 32 are touch-sensitive areas used to input information. Other areas ontouch screen 32 are display areas used to display information, such as time, temperature, status, etc.; some of the areas do both, that is are touch-sensitive input areas and also are information display areas. -
Touch screen 32 includes numberedzone input areas 38 which are selected by the user pressing on the appropriate zone number which causes the particular zone input area to indicate selection by being surrounded by a line, called being boxed, as illustrated with zones 1-3 and 6-8 inFIG. 2 . Zones 1-3 and 6-8 inFIG. 2 are scheduled to be watered beginning withzone 1 at the next start time, discussed below. Eachzone input area 38 corresponds to a wateringzone 39 watered by aflow control device 12. Aligned with eachzone input area 38 is a wateringduration area 40 which provides the user with a quick, graphical visual indication of the watering duration for the particular watering cycle being displayed. A more accurate indication of a particular watering duration (such as 12 minutes) can be accessed in a manner to be discussed below. Below zones inputareas 38 are increase and decreasearrow input areas time display area 46. Belowareas time input areas 48 with a corresponding starttime display area 50 directly beneath each starttime input area 48. The next start time will typically flash whenwater timer 10 is unlocked (discussed below). Increase and decreasearrow input areas display area 46 and selecting or changing start times for a watering cycle. - Select
day input areas 52 are used to select the day or days for a watering cycle for the watering plan. As shown inFIG. 3 ,input areas 52 include Sunday through Saturday selectday input areas 54 and other selectday input areas 56, specifically even days, odd days, second day, third day and 14th day input areas. The even and odd day input areas are possible becausecontroller 22 includes a calendar; this permits the user to automatically comply with even or odd day watering restrictions. The current day, Tuesday inFIG. 2 , is boxed. - To remove a start time, deselect the start time by setting it to off; this is done using
arrows area 46 to between 11:59 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. causing the start time to be deselected and the word “off” to be displayed atarea 46 and atarea 50. To deselect a day, touch the previously-selectedinput area 52 and it will be deselected as indicated by removal of the box. To remove a zone from a multiple zone watering plan, set the watering zone duration to off (such as through the wateringduration area 40 for the selected zone) or by touching targetzone input area 38 for the selected zone. To remove a plan, set zone(s) duration to off, or the start times to off and/or deselect all the day(s). - The next portion of
touch screen 32 relates to the use of temperature, humidity andrain sensors Water timer 10 is typically programmed so that after a sufficient rainfall, sensed byrain sensor 18, watering will be suspended, typically for 24 hours.Water timer 10 may also be programmed to provide an automatic adjustment of the amount of watering in each watering cycle according to how much the ambient temperature and humidity differs from a reference temperature and from a reference humidity. This automatic adjustment factor may be referred to as the Water Logic feature or system. As is discussed more in more detail below, if the humidity goes up and/or the temperature goes down from a reference humidity and/or temperature, the amount of watering will be decreased. Conversely, if the humidity goes down and/or the temperature goes up from a reference humidity and/or temperature, the amount of watering will be increased. This portion oftouch screen 32 includes an ambienttemperature display area 58, an ambienthumidity display area 60, an ambient environment adjustment icon/input area 61, also called Water Logic icon/input area 61, and an adjustment factor display area 62 (which displays the watering adjustment ±%, also called the delta factor, based upon the ambient temperature and humidity). The automatic ambient environment adjustment feature is activated by pressing on icon/input area 61. The operation of the Water Logic feature is described below. - Recognizing that windy days cause things to dry out more quickly, a wind sensor could also be used as a part of the Water Logic feature to permit the watering to be adjusted according to wind speeds. A simply constructed ambient environment sensor that reflects the effect of wind is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/652,128, Attorney Docket TIMS 1010-1, entitled Ambient Environment Sensor for Watering Timer, filed 11 Feb. 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
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Touch screen 32 includes a number ofstatus icons 64, seeFIG. 3 , used to provide information regarding the status or operation ofwater timer 10. Abattery check icon 66 indicates when the internal battery withinwater timer 10 should be changed; batteries can be used to back up memory in case of AC power loss and for off wall programming. The run/suspendicon 68 will appear when the unit is on (active) but will blink (also called flash) when touched and all watering cycles will be suspended. A 24VAC icon 70 is visible when the AC adapter voltage is available and blinks (flashes) if missing; 24 VAC typically must be available to run thevalves 12. In addition, the 24 VAC led 96 (seeFIG. 2 ) is on when 24 VAC is available. - A rain suspend
icon 72 will appear when operation ofwater timer 10 has been suspended due to rain based upon either a signal fromrain sensor 18 or a manual rain suspend input, discussed below with regard tohardware keys 34. The suspension of operation will typically be for 12 hours, 24 hours, until the start of the next day, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the suspension of operation will be 24 hours. Acheck mode icon 74 is visible when the user has placedwater timer 10 in a check mode, discussed in more detail below, during which eachflow control device 12 is operated for a set, typically short, period, such as two minutes, to permit watering in the various wateringzones 39 to be checked. Awatering can icon 76 is visible wheneverwater timer 10 signals aflow control device 12 to water itsrespective watering zone 39. A lock/unlock icon 78 shows ifwater timer 10 is in a locked or unlocked state. -
Hardware keys 34, seeFIG. 2 , include a run/suspendkey 80. Pressingkey 80 suspends the operation ofwater timer 10 and causes run/suspendicon 68 to blink; pressingkey 80 again allowswater timer 10 to resume its normal watering functions and causes run/suspendicon 68 to stay on. Touchingicon 68 can also be used for run/suspend instead of run/suspendkey 80. Note thatstatus icons 64 are both display areas and are touch-sensitive areas. However, because some of thestatus icons 64 are typically visible only when the respective task/status is current/active, they will often only be used to deactivate the particular state/task represented bykeys 34. Pressing rain suspend key 82 halts all watering for a set period, such as 12 or 24 hours, after whichwater timer 10 again resumes its normal watering functions;timer 10 does not go back to pick up any missed watering cycles. Rain suspendicon 72 is visible while watering is suspended (touching rain suspendicon 72 can also be used to halt all watering for a set period). - Check mode key 84 is typically pressed when the user wants to check the operation of the various watering
lines 28; during a check mode watering cycle each flow control device is actuated for a set, typically two-minute, time period to permit the user to do so. Checkmode icon 74 is visible during a check mode watering cycle. Touchingcheck mode icon 74 can also be used for the same purpose as check mode key 84. The check mode water cycle may be started ifwater timer 10 is in its run or suspend states. When the check mode key 84 is pushed, all other functions are overridden during the check mode cycle. At the end of the check mode cycle, the timer goes back to previous auto watering mode—run or suspend. When in the check mode, touching check mode key 84 again shuts off the check mode cycle. - Single watering cycle key 86, also called the+water hardware key 86, is pressed to allow the user to put in a single cycle watering plan for extra watering. Touching+
water icon 76 can also be used for this purpose. If another watering plan is running, the single watering plan will run and whenfinished water timer 10 will go back to such watering plan and finish it from that time. Once the user has entered a single cycle watering plan, touching the single watering cycle key 86, or in some embodiments touching the+water icon 76, activates the single watering cycle and the single watering plan runs just once. A previously-entered single watering plan remains in memory and can be used or changed at any time. - Lock/unlock
key 88 is used to lock and unlockwater timer 10. Pressing lock/unlock key 88 to placewater timer 10 in an unlocked state, indicated by lock/unlock icon 78 in an unlocked configuration, permits full operational access to the touch sensitive areas and hardware keys for setting watering plans. After the watering plan has been entered intowater timer 10, pressing lock/unlock key 88 or lock/unlock icon 78 will lock the settings. Alternatively, the user can wait for 60 seconds and the system will automatically lock in the last settings. -
Valve check buttons 90, also called thewire check buttons 90, one for each zone, directly operateflow control devices 12 to permit the user to check the watering system in the chosen zone. Pressing and holding abutton 90 opens the associatedflow control device 12, thus causing watering to begin; releasing the button turns off the water in that zone. -
Valve check buttons 90 allows the user to bypasstimer 10 to check the operation offlow control devices 12. When the user is first wiring the system,buttons 90 are a convenient way to test eachdevice 12. Once the system has been running, and aflow control device 12 quits operating, the user does not know ifwater timer 10 is malfunctioning or the flow control device, typically a solenoid valve, is malfunctioning.Wiring check buttons 90 allow the user to make that determination before the user returnswater timer 10 as defective. -
Water timer 10 has two rows ofstatus lights 36, that is connection status lights 92 and watering status lights 94, with a status light for eachflow control device 12 in each row. Connection status lights 92 remain illuminated so long as the wiring for the associated zone is correct; if the wiring for any zone is not correct, the associated connection status lights 92 is not illuminated. Watering status lights 94 are illuminated whenever avalve check button 90 is pressed orcontroller 22 has provided a watering-on control signal to the associatedflow control device 12 to place it in a watering state, and is therefore typically watering, and is not illuminated otherwise. -
Watering can icon 76 is generally visible whenever the system is watering, that is during a watering cycle of the watering plan, during a check mode watering cycle, and during a single watering cycle. It is not visible whenvalve check button 90 is pressed. - A 24
VAC status light 96 will come on when the adapter power is properly connected and the internal power breaker is set. If theAC 24V adapter, typically used withwater timer 10, is not connected,status light 96 will not be lighted. All programming functions on the unit can be used on batteries without theAC 24V adapter connected. The 24 VAC adapter must be connected, in a preferred embodiment, to operate the sprinkler valves. - During a watering cycle, only the watering
duration area 40 for the active zone will count down; all others will show their set durations. Wateringstatus light 94 will be illuminated to show that the watering is active for that zone. Only one watering status light 94 would be ON at any one time, plus any pump LED (not shown), which may be used when a pump is used with the system. -
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a simplified version ofrain sensor 18.Rain sensor 18 includes a mountingbracket 102 to which asupport arm 104 is secured at apivot joint 106. Arain collection head 108 is mounted to the distal end ofsupport arm 108 at asecond pivot joint 110.Head 108 includes abody 112 covered by adebris filter 114. Two electrically insulated wire leads 116 extend from anelectrical connector 118 and terminate at electrically uninsulated detect points 120. Detectpoints 120 are positioned at theupper end 119 of anadjustment screw 121 extending upwardly from thebottom 122 ofbody 112. As indicated inFIG. 6 , a cable 124 connects one of the wire leads 116 to avoltage source 126 through ahigh resistance resistor 128 and theother wire lead 116 toground 130. - When the water level has reached detect
points 120,controller 22 detects a change in current passing between detectpoints 120 and is therefore is provided an indication that it is raining. Weepholes 132 are formedbody 112 to permit water above the level of weepholes 132 to slowly drain fromrain collection head 108. Therefore, after it has stopped raining, or if it is raining very slowly, water level above weepholes 132 will slowly drop to once again expose detectpoints 120 thus providingcontroller 22 with an indication that it has stopped raining. -
Adjustment screw 121 permits the location of detectpoints 120 to be adjusted relative to weepholes 132. Adjustingscrew 121 so that detectpoints 120 are above the level of weepholes 132 causescontroller 22 sense rain once the water level withinbody 112 has reached detectpoints 120. After the water level has reached detectpoints 120, so long as the amount ofrain entering body 112 exceeds the amount of rain passing through weepholes 132,controller 22 will continue to sense rain. The higher the level of detectpoints 120, the greater the amount of rain that must be collected beforecontroller 22 senses that it is raining. - In some situations it may be desired to position detect
points 120 below the level of weepholes 132. After a rain has caused detectpoints 120 to be immersed in water, the detect points and will remain immersed until the water level has dropped due to, for example, evaporation or manual extraction. If desired, weepholes 132 may be provided at different levels. Also, some or all of the weep holes may be variable restriction weep holes or the user may be provided the option of adding or removing weep holes. - If
water timer 10 is in a run mode, so that run/suspendicon 68 is not blinking, and rain is detected, the timer will go to a suspend mode and the rain suspendicon 72 will come on. When there is no longer rain detected for, in one embodiment, 12 hours,water timer 10 will go back to a run mode, so that the rain suspendicon 72 is off, and continue the watering plans from that point. If rain is again detected during the 12 hours, the rain suspend cycle is restarted. If the blinking rain suspendicon 72 is pushed during the 12 hours following the point in time at which rain is no longer detected,water timer 10 will continue with the watering plans andrain detector 18 will again be enabled after about 1 minute. If rain suspendicon 72 is on, touching rain suspendicon 72 or rain suspendbutton 82 will stop the rain suspend function until rain is again detected. -
Water timer 10 may be designed to go into a suspend state, during which all watering is terminated, at and below, for example, 40° F. (5° C.). Also, an internal heater may be used to protecttouch screen 32 when the temperature goes below, for example, 20° F. (−7° C.). -
FIG. 7 is a simplified, generic version of test circuitry that can be used withwater timer 10. The basic concept is to disconnect the load(s) (such as flow control solenoids 12) from a controller, such ascontroller 22. This is typically accomplished by first opening or removing the back plate containing the test circuitry. Two simple tests, discussed below, are accomplished to determine if a perceived problem is a problem with the controller or with the load. The first step useswiring test circuitry 138, including a current-limitingresistor 140, anLED 142 and adiode 144 for each load, and awiring test button 146. Closingwiring test button 146 causes eachLED 142 connected to its associated load to illuminate only if the load is properly connected topower source 148. If anLED 142 does not illuminate, there is a problem with the connection ofpower source 148 to its associated load. Therefore, this test shows that the load is getting power frompower source 148. (The current-limitingresistor 146 sufficiently large to limit the amount of current supplied to the load to prevent actuation of the load during this first test.) Assuming the load is getting power frompower source 148, the user proceeds to the second test. The second test is accomplished by actuating the function test switch/button power source 148; if the load does not operate as expected (for example, theflow control device 12 does not operate to allow water to flow through the associated watering line 28), the problem is with the load, notcontroller 22, because the load is properly connected topower source 148. If the load does operate as expected, then the perceived problem is withcontroller 22. This test circuitry can be particularly useful for troubleshooting a perceived problem withcontroller 22 during a telephone service call. Actuating a test switch/button valve check button 90. - Operational Details
- A basic goal of the invention is to strive to have the ability to set the watering plan any way the user wishes. This gives the user maximum flexibility. The system strives to be seamless, i.e. a user should be able to set the watering plan as user believes appropriate, not as a particular protocol demands. Having all the necessary information and controls on a single touch screen helps to achieve this goal.
- One aspect of the invention is the recognition that there are four basic selection that must be made for a single watering plan: day, start time, zone and watering duration. In a preferred embodiment the user can select these in any order. In other embodiments there may be some restriction on the order of selection. For example, in one embodiment a start time must be selected before the zone and duration are selected, while the day can be selected at any time; also, in this embodiment either (1) the zone is first selected, by touching the appropriate
zone input area 38, and then the duration for the selected zone is selected using eitherinput areas duration areas 40, or (2) the zone is automatically and simultaneously selected by touching the appropriatewatering duration area 40 for that zone. - With the present invention the user can choose to use different types of watering plans. Two examples of watering plans are called the zone based watering plan and the start time based watering plan. Briefly, in a zone based watering plan the user selects the watering duration for each zone, the watering select start time(s), and what days are to be watered. With a start time based watering plan each start time can have different zone durations and different days. The objective is to be able to water a zone with different durations in, for example, the morning and evening, i.e. one duration per zone per start time, for maximum versatility. The following, based upon one embodiment of the invention, summarizes procedures followed with two types of watering plans. Other embodiments may result in somewhat different procedures.
- Watering Plans—Basic Procedure
- Press lock/
unlock button 88 or lock/unlock icon 78 to unlockwater timer 10 to permit the watering plan to be entered. Starttime input area 48 forstart time 1, also called the first start time, flashes. (If a different start time is desired, such asinput area 48 forstart time 3, theappropriate input area 48 is pressed and will flash.) The start time is set by pressing onarrows display area 46 until the start time is displayed. Touch a zone number atzone input areas 38 to select a zone; the selected zone is boxed and flashes. The duration for the selected zone is then set by either touching the appropriate position along thewater duration area 40 for the selected zone or by usingincrease arrow 42, and decreasearrow 44 if necessary. In either event, the watering duration will be illustrated graphically alongarea 40 in a manner similar to a bar graph and by a numeric indication at date/time display area 46. Select and set the desired day or days for the selected start time by pressing one, some or all of theday input areas 54 or by pressing one of the other selectedday input areas 56. The appropriate area(s) 54, 56 will be boxed and blink. - In the disclosed embodiment if a start time for the selected start time input and
display areas display areas water timer 10 is first used), a user can input original information for a watering plan or changes to a watering plan (zones, days, start times, durations) in any order. Also, each start time has the same day(s) selection frominput areas embodiment water timer 10 has been programmed so that only a singleflow control device 12 will be operational at any one time. Therefore, when multiple zones are selected for the same start time, or if there is an overlap of start times, the zones will be watered one at a time in numerical order. Other embodiments may permit two or more flow control devices to be a simultaneously operational so that there may be watering overlap for this reason as well. - Zone Based Watering Plan
- Following the Basic Procedure above, a user can store the watering plan for the selected zone by touching the next desired zone. The blinking
zones 38, starttimes 50 anddays 52 will all go off. A different zone can then be selected and a new watering plan can be entered for that zone. Note that the user can touch eachzone input area 3 8 to open it, to initially set, review or change information relating to that zone. Touchingzone input area 38 again stores that zone's watering plan. When finished, lock/unlock key 88 is pressed to lockwater timer 10 and returned to the run mode. - Zone/Start Time Based Watering Plan
- Following the Basic Procedure described above, a user can proceed by selecting and setting a new start time. The Basic Procedure is then repeated for the new start time. This procedure can be repeated for other start times up to, in the disclosed embodiment, 5 start times. To apply (store) each zone's watering plan, touch the next desired zone. Each start time can have different durations and days for each zone. Each zone can have different durations for each start time. When finished, lock/unlock key 88 is pressed to lock
water timer 10 and returned to the run mode. - Water Logic (Ambient Environment System)
- When the water logic icon/
input area 61 is touched, in one preferred embodiment for 3 seconds, the present readings of humidity athumidity display area 60 and temperature attemperature display area 58 will be set as the 0% reference, i.e. the starting point. These starting points are also referred to as the base ambient temperature and the base ambient humidity. The following percentage increases and decreases in watering time are exemplary for one preferred embodiment. - If humidity goes up, the watering will be decreased by the same percentage. (+1%=−1%) If humidity goes down, the watering will increase by the same percentage. (−1%=+1%) The % increase or decrease in the watering time is called the delta. When temperature goes up, the watering will increase by, for example, 4% per degree F. Example, 70 F to 95 F=+25 F, at 4% per degree F., the delta will go from 0% to +100%. (+1 F=+4%) When temperature goes down, the watering will decrease −4% per degree −F. Example, 70 F to 45 F is −25 F, at −4% per degree F., the delta will go from 0% to −100%. (−1 F=−4%) Other % per degree F. may be used, preferably between 1% to 10% per degree F. In the disclosed embodiment the temperature and humidity deltas are fixed in
controller 22; other embodiments may be constructed to permit the user to adjust the temperature and humidity deltas. - Using international units, when the temperature goes up, the watering will increase by, for example, 7.2% per degree C. Example, 21° C. to 35° C.=+14° C., at 7.2% per degree C., the delta will go from 0% to +100%. (+1 C=+7.2%) When temperature goes down, the watering will decrease −7.2% per degree C. Example, 21° C. to 7.2° C. is −13.8° C., at −7.2% per degree C., the delta will go from 0% to −100%. (−1 F=−7.2%) Other % per degree C. may be used, preferably between 1.8% to 18% per degree C.
- Because the temperature and humidity vary considerably in different parts of the country, and across seasons, is preferred if the user can easily set and/or reset a starting point. Initially, when the user touches
water logic icon 61, the starting point (0% change) is whatever the temperature and humidity are at that time of day, for example 2:00 p.m., sometimes referred to as the chosen time of day. The initially sensed ambient temperature and humidity are sometimes referred to as the base ambient temperature and the base ambient humidity. Until the user initially touches waterlogic input area 61, the water logic feature will not activate. The delta change for the next watering cycle will be dependent on the base temperature and the base humidity. The base temperature and base humidity, in this embodiment, stays the same but is compared against the current temperature and humidity each day at, in this example, 2:00 PM as long as the water logic feature is on. The base temperature and the base humidity are set and do not change so long as the water logic feature is active. In other embodiments the base temperature and the base humidity may change every day, or every other day, or every week, etc. In either event delta changes, in the preferred embodiment, will be effective for the next 24 hours. The temperature and humidity measured for purposes of computing the delta changes are measured each day at the chosen time of day, again in this example 2:00 PM. To shut off the water logic function, the user touchesicon 61 again and it toggles off. - At 2 p.m. (the chosen time of day) the user touches water
logic input area 61 and the water logic function becomes operational. The present temperature is reading 70 F (the base ambient temperature) and present humidity reading is 40% (the base ambient humidity) so these values will define the starting point (0% delta). - Some days later the weather changed, three examples:
- 1. The temperature went from 70° F. to 90° F. (21° C. to 32° C.) and the humidity stayed at 40% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be increased by 80% (+4% change per degree +F.) (+7.2% change per degree +C.) so that the
display area 62 would display a delta of +80%. - 2. The temperature stayed at 70° F. (21° C.) and the humidity went from 40% to 80% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be decreased by 40% (−1% change per +1% humidity).
- 3. The temperature went from 70° F. to 90° F. (21° C. to 32° C.) and the humidity went from 40% to 80% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be increased by 40% (+80% temperature delta −40% humidity delta).
- The delta (adjustment) factor is on
screen display area 62 only when the water logic function is on. This permits the user to watch the delta factor atdisplay area 62, learn how it works and determine if and when the user wants to use the water logic finction. Using the water logic function the user can accurately determine and change the starting point when needed by watching the temperature, humidity, and delta factor all at the same time, anytime. - In the disclosed embodiment the base temperature and base humidity are the sensed ambient temperature and humidity. In some embodiments it may be desired to allow the user, or the manufacturer, to input a base temperature and base humidity against which the current base ambient temperature and base ambient humidity are compared.
- The watering adjustments are typically discussed with regard to changing the length of time of watering. However, the amount of water discharged in a watering cycle can also be adjusted by changing the rate of water discharge, such as by changing the water pressure applied to watering
lines 28, or by both changing the watering time and the rate of discharge. - Other modification and variation can be made to the above disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject of the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, the number of zones, the number of start times, and the 12- or 24-hour rain delay may be changed from those discussed above. The system may be designed to operate on battery power only.
Valves 12, or other flow control devices, may be of types that operate on other than 24 VAC, such as DC and other AC voltages. - Any and all patents, patent applications, and printed publications referred to above are incorporated by reference.
Claims (21)
1. A user interface for a water timer comprising:
a user input region comprising:
a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information, said status information comprising watering zone identifiers and watering duration indicators;
a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs; and
a touch-sensitive screen so that the user can input water timer inputs by touching the touch-sensitive screen.
2. The user interface according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the display areas is configured to display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
3. The user interface according to claim 2 wherein all of the display areas and input areas are single-function areas and are simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user.
4. The user interface according to claim 2 wherein the display areas are configured to simultaneously display the graphical representation and a numeric representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
5. A user interface for a water timer comprising:
a user input region comprising:
a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information; and
a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs; and
all of the display areas and input areas being single-function areas and being simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user.
6. The user interface according to claim 5 wherein the user input region comprises a touch-sensitive screen.
7. The user interface according to claim 5 wherein the user input region comprises a touch-sensitive screen and hardware keys.
8. A user interface for a water timer comprising:
a user input region comprising:
a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information, said status information comprising watering zone identifiers and watering duration indicators; and
a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs; and
at least one of the display areas configured to display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
9. The user interface according to claim 8 wherein the watering duration indicators are touch-sensitive indicators capable of being changed by touching.
10. The user interface according to claim 8 wherein the input areas comprise a numeric input area coupled to the watering duration indicators capable of changing the watering duration indicators based upon numeric inputs to the numeric input area.
11. The user interface according to claim 8 wherein the display areas are configured to simultaneously display the graphical representation and a numeric representation of the watering duration indicators for respective ones of the watering zone identifiers.
12. A water timer of the type comprising a user interface, a controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control devices, each flow control device capable of controlling the passage of water from a water source to a watering zone, the improvement comprising:
an ambient temperature sensor operably coupled to the controller to sense an ambient temperature and provide an ambient temperature signal to the controller;
an ambient humidity sensor operably coupled to the controller to sense an ambient humidity and provide an ambient humidity signal to the controller; and
the controller programmed to:
store a base temperature and a base humidity;
calculate an increase or a decrease in a watering amount according to any differences between the base and ambient temperatures and humidities; and
modify the control signals, thereby modifying the amount of water supplied, according to said calculated differences.
13. A water timer according to claim 12 wherein the controller is programmed to decrease the watering amount according to an amount the ambient humidity is greater than the base humidity, or to increase the watering amount according to an amount the ambient humidity is less than the base humidity.
14. A water timer according to claim 12 wherein the controller is programmed to decrease the watering amount according to an amount the ambient temperature is less than the base temperature and to increase the watering amount according to an amount the ambient temperature is greater than the base humidity, respectively.
15. A water timer according to claim 14 wherein the humidity is expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100%, and wherein said amount is equal to X times the percentage that the ambient humidity, expressed as a percentage, is less than or greater than the base humidity.
16. A water timer according to claim 15 wherein X ranges from about 1 to 4 and wherein the amount is about 1% to 10% per degree Fahrenheit difference between the base an ambient temperatures.
17. A method for automatically adjusting the amount of water supplied by a water timer, the water timer of the type comprising a user interface, a controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control devices, each flow control device capable of controlling the passage of water from a water source to a watering zone, the method comprising:
sensing a base ambient temperature and providing a base ambient temperature signal to the controller;
sensing a base ambient humidity and providing a base ambient humidity signal to the controller;
subsequently sensing a current ambient temperature and providing a current ambient temperature signal to the controller;
subsequently sensing a current ambient humidity and providing a current ambient humidity signal to the controller; and
modifying control signals, thereby modifying watering amounts, according to the base and current ambient temperature signals and the base and current ambient humidity signals.
18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the base ambient temperature and humidity sensing steps are carried out at a chosen time of day on a chosen day and the subsequently sensing steps are carried out on at least one day following the chosen day at a time corresponding to said chosen time of day.
19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising selecting the time corresponding to the chosen time of day to be the same time of day.
20. The method according to claim 17 wherein:
the humidity is expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100%; and
the control signals modifying step:
decreases the watering amount according to an amount equal to X times the percentage that the ambient humidity is greater than the base humidity;
increases the watering amount according to an amount equal to Y times the percentage that the ambient humidity is less than the base humidity;
decreases the watering amount according to an amount L the ambient temperature is less than the base temperature; and
increases the watering amount according to an amount G the ambient temperature is greater than the base temperature.
21. The method according to a 20 wherein the control signals modifying step is carried out with X and Y each ranging from about 1 to 4 and wherein the amounts L and G are each about 1% to 10% per degree Fahrenheit difference between the base an ambient temperatures.
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US12/500,531 US7769494B1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2009-07-09 | Irrigation timer for adjusting watering time based on temperature and humidity change |
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