Abstract: A system for optimizing the use of append-only strand data structures is disclosed, with a device driver that transmits strand commands to firmware on a storage device. The storage device firmware executes strand commands natively on the storage device without needing to transmit data over the system bus to copy data to/from a strand saved on the storage device.

Abstract: An improved persistent memory process is disclosed that persists a traversable data structure by converting the traversable data structure into one or more traversable array structures that are saved on a secondary memory. The traversable array structure could be rapidly traversed and maintained, and can be used to restore one or more portions of the traversable data structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing key-value stores are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may be realized as a method for managing a key-value store including creating an uncompressed tree of key-value pairs, monitoring the growth of the uncompressed tree, compressing the uncompressed tree when the uncompressed tree meets and/or exceeds a specified threshold, and creating a new empty uncompressed tree.

Abstract: An alternative to a real time operating system (RTOS) is provided based on serializing compilers. A serializing compiler can transform a multitasking application into an equivalent and optimized monolithic sequential code, to be compiled with the embedded processor's native optimizing compiler, effectively filling the RTOS gap. The serializing compiler can analyze the tasks at compile time and generate a fine-tuned, application specific infrastructure to support multitasking, resulting in a more efficient executable than one that is intended to run on top of a generic RTOS. By having control over the application execution and context switches, the serializing compiler enables the fine grain control of task timing while enhancing overall performance. The serializing compiler technology strengthens existing compilers, making them timing and task-aware.

Abstract: A method to identify a water flow anomaly in a system having first and second water using devices to generate baseline data that preferably has water use signatures and corresponding water pressure information regarding the water using devices; comparing the baseline data with actual water usage signatures and corresponding actual water pressure information to identify a flow anomaly with the water using devices; and providing information on the flow anomaly to an individual. It is especially contemplated that baseline data are generated for multiple devices coupled to a common water supply system, with baseline data from two or more water using devices compared against future water use patterns of the same devices. Apparatus to accomplish these tasks is preferably housed in an irrigation controller, which may be advantageously coupled to a flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transmitting data via Caller-ID information. An initiating device initiates phone calls, with their associated Caller-ID information, over a phone line to a callee. The data is identified by the Caller-ID information. The Caller-ID information that identifies the data may be a phone number of the calling party, a date and/or time the phone call was made, and so forth. A receiving device, at the callee location, receives the phone calls, with their associated Caller-ID information and additionally receives personal phone calls, with their associated Caller-ID information. A microprocessor, at the callee location, compares all Caller-ID information received by the receiving device to preinstalled Caller-ID information and if the received Caller-ID information matches any preinstalled Caller-ID information, then the data, identified by the Caller-ID information, is extracted.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a flow anomaly in a system having first and second water using devices, comprising: generating baseline data comprising water use signatures and corresponding water pressure information regarding the water using devices; comparing the baseline data with actual water usage signatures and corresponding actual water pressure information to identify a flow anomaly with the water using devices; and providing information on the flow anomaly to an individual. It is especially contemplated that baseline data are generated for multiple devices coupled to a common water supply system, with baseline data from two or more water using devices compared against future water use patterns of the same devices. Apparatus to accomplish these tasks is preferably housed in an irrigation controller, which may be advantageously coupled to a flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that identify a flow anomaly to an operator or other person by: executing a first device of a plurality of water using devices; receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the first device during a time period required to generate a first water use signature from the first device; comparing a future water use pattern against the first water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the first device; and providing information regarding the flow anomaly to the person. Identifying anomalies can be useful in numerous ways, including discovering problems that need fixing, reducing waste, and even calculating appropriate irrigation application rates.

Abstract: An interactive irrigation system exchanges information between an irrigation controller and a distal computer, between the irrigation controller and a user, between the user and the distal computer, and between the distal computer and a third party. The information is preferably exchanged over an Internet communication system. The exchanged information includes the following: irrigation scheduling; quantity of water applied to the landscape at the user location, which is compared to ETo values; warnings to users when potential problems with their irrigation systems are detected; and other irrigation information that is useful to the user or a third party.

Abstract: An irrigation scheduler modifies output of a preprogrammed irrigation schedule of an installed irrigation controller to at least partially improve irrigation of the corresponding landscape. Preferred embodiments accomplish this task using a microprocessor programmed to: (a) derive a first set of information from the output of an irrigation controller used to control an operation of an irrigation valve; (b) receive a second set of information comprising at least one of an environmental factor and a meteorological factor; and (c) use the first set of information and the second set of information to interfere with reception of the output by the valve.

Abstract: A method for reducing power consumption by using power estimation data obtained from at the gate-level for a core's representative input stimuli data (instructions), and propagating the power estimation data to a higher (object-oriented) system-level model, which is parameterizable and executable. Depending on the kind of cores, various parameterizable look-up table techniques are used to facilitate self-analyzing core models. As a result, the method is faster than gate-level power estimation techniques and power-related system-level design decisions.

Abstract: An irrigation controller provides a current to operate an irrigation valve assembly and superimposes a data stream on the current. The current may be either alternating current or direct current. Preferably the current is transmitted over a two-wire link. The irrigation valve assembly includes a decoder, a solenoid and an irrigation valve. It is contemplated that the decoder will communicate bi-directionally with the irrigation controller. The data stream will be an encoded control signal that is sent at a rate greater than 1 byte per second. Additionally, the encoded control signal may be sent at a rate greater than or less than the rate of the current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a warning system comprising: a weather measuring device that measures a current weather condition; and a storage device that stores historical weather data; a microprocessor that is programmed to receive the current weather data from the weather measuring device, compare the current weather data to the historical weather data, generate a warning signal if the current weather data varies from the historical weather data by at least a given amount, and send the warning signal to an individual.

Abstract: An irrigation control system in which a device (irrigation scheduler) automatically modifies irrigation schedules of installed irrigation controllers to affect irrigating of the landscape based on the water requirements of the landscape plants and comprises: an irrigation controller programmed to execute an irrigation schedule by closing an electrical circuit connecting the controller and a plurality of irrigation valves; and using an irrigation scheduler to: (a) monitor a plurality of control signals output by the irrigation controller by monitoring a current passing over a single common wire connecting the irrigation controller to the plurality of irrigation valves; and (b) selectively interrupt the circuit to execute an improved irrigation schedule. Preferably the microprocessor uses either an ETo value or weather data used in calculating the ETo value to at least partially derive the improved irrigation schedule.

Abstract: An irrigation controller provides a current to operate an irrigation valve assembly and superimposes a data stream on the current. The current may be either alternating current or direct current. Preferably the current is transmitted over a two-wire link. The irrigation valve assembly includes a decoder, a solenoid and an irrigation valve. It is contemplated that the decoder will communicate bi-directionally with the irrigation controller. The data stream will be an encoded control signal that is sent at a rate greater than 1 byte per second. Additionally, the encoded control signal may be sent at a rate greater than or less than the rate of the current.

Abstract: Patent The present invention provides a warning system comprising: a weather measuring device that measures a current weather condition; and a storage device that stores historical weather data; a microprocessor that is programmed to receive the current weather data from the weather measuring device, compare the current weather data to the historical weather data, generate a warning signal if the current weather data varies from the historical weather data by at least a given amount, and send the warning signal to an individual.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a plurality of modules, each of which operates a plurality of irrigation stations, a master controller that controls the plurality of modules, and a user interface that receives a user input that identifies to the master controller which of the plurality of irrigation stations are active. The master controller may comprise a dedicated irrigation controller, a personal computer, or other suitable device. The plurality of modules may advantageously use decoder chips, and may be disposed in the irrigation controller or physically separate from the irrigation controller. The user interface will preferably be disposed in the master controller but may be disposed in a device physically separate from the master controller. The operation of the plurality of irrigation stations is at least partly affected by information transmitted from the microprocessor disposed in the master controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which an irrigation controller uses a regression model to estimate an evapotranspiration rate (estimated ETo), and uses the estimated ETo to affect an irrigation schedule executed by the controller. The regression model is preferably based upon a comparison of historical ETo values against corresponding historical environmental values, with the data advantageously spanning a time period of at least one month, and more preferably at least two months. Data for multiple environmental factors may also be used. The environmental factor(s) utilized may advantageously comprise one or more of temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, humidity, barometric pressure, cloud cover and soil moisture. Values relating the environmental factor(s) may enter the controller from a local sensor, a distal signal source, or both.