Abstract: A system for providing irrigation control is provided. The system includes a processor configured to calculate an offset to an evapotranspiration (ET) value and an irrigation system configured to receive the offset from the processor and provide appropriate irrigation adjustment based on the offset. The offset is calculated based on the ET value and the ET value has been previously provided to the irrigation system.

Abstract: A modular irrigation controller includes a processor capable of executing a stored watering program and controlling a plurality of removable station modules in accordance with the watering program. Each station module includes a station module circuit for opening and closing a plurality of values. A plurality of connectors can mate each mate to establish a communications link between the station modules and the processor. A plurality of terminals are each connectable with a corresponding one of a plurality of field valve lines from the valves. The terminals are mounted separate from the station modules and are connected to the connectors. This allows the irrigation controller to have a more compact design, provides connection terminals for spare field valve lines, and eliminates malfunctions due to erroneous re-connection of field valve lines during station module replacement.

Abstract: A low cost system and method for retrofitting an existing control device to communicate wirelessly with one or more water-flow devices is provided. For example, an existing wired irrigation system may be adapted to allow wireless communication between a commercially available irrigation controller and commercially available water-flow devices, such as sprinkler valves. A wireless irrigation adapter receives control signals from an existing irrigation controller and transmits a wireless representation of the control signals. Water-flow devices may be coupled to one or more wireless receivers that receive the wireless representation of the control signals and operate the water-flow device(s) accordingly. The wireless irrigation receiver(s) listen(s) for the wireless control signals occasionally, thus reducing power consumption by the wireless receiver(s). This system and method may also wirelessly adapt control devices to irrigation that may never have been intended for that purpose when they were fabricated.

Abstract: An integrated system for monitoring sap flow and simultaneously performing data-logging and automatically scheduling irrigation in a field; comprising a plurality of in situ sap flow gauges that perform its comprehensive computer-controlled tasks in the field being irrigated. This plurality of sap flow gauge can be detached from and reattached to a like plurality of plant stems as appropriate. A scaling mechanism is used to calculate crop water usage in variously-sized fields. An integrated portable computer apparatus is programmed to perform a plurality of actions including sap flow monitoring via a controller and data-logger; data-logging and automatic irrigation scheduling; a plurality of sap flow gauges; an automatic rain gage; a water meter; an irrigation valve actuator; and any auxiliary and independent weather or soil monitoring sensors. The system is connected to a PC, mounted in a weatherproof enclosure, and powered by rechargeable battery, solar panel, or AC mains power with battery backup.

Abstract: A remote download of microprocessor code for an irrigation controller is provided. A microprocessor, on an irrigation controller, is executing program code (in volatile memory) and receives a remote download of updated program code, which it stores into non-volatile random access memory, e.g., flash memory. The microprocessor is configured to receive the updated program code, via a communication port, and to store the updated program code into the non-volatile flash memory. Optionally, the updated program code is received at multiple controllers via a global transmission on a communication bus. The microprocessor receives a communication causing it to re-start. In response to the re-start communication, the microprocessor fetches the updated program code stored in the non-volatile flash memory into the program memory RAM to replace the original program code, and begins execution of the updated program code in the program memory RAM.

Abstract: An expandable irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of watering stations in an irrigation system includes a removable front panel and an inner housing, connected to the front panel. The removable front panel includes a plurality of manual controls operable to input instructions for a watering program, a memory operable to store the input instructions and a controller operable to execute the watering program. The inner housing includes a circuit board including control connectors which are connected electrically to the controller and a station module operable to provide an ON/OFF signal to at least one watering station of the irrigation system. The station module is electrically connected to the circuit board via the control connectors and the ON/OFF signal is provided based on instructions from the controller in accordance with the watering program.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for water conservation with AC, DC, or ambient light powered irrigation controllers without the use of complex ET (evapotranspiration) data or ET related service fees. Programming may consist of the operator entering a preliminary irrigation schedule, and entering the local zip code. The controller then periodically calculates a water budget by comparing current (non ET) local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, and then modifies the preliminary schedule using the water budget. A number of embodiments are possible: stand-alone controllers with a temperature sensor attached directly to the microprocessor within that controller, or as a centrally placed CBM (Central Broadcast Module) which calculates a water budget percentage which is transmitted to one or more field controllers by wired or wireless means.

Abstract: An automated irrigation and chemical treatment system comprising a user input device adapted to communicate with a control unit; a mixing chamber adapted to communicate with the control unit and connected to a water supply and chemical canisters, wherein each canister has a sensor to monitor fluid level therein, and control valves for connecting the mixing chamber to a network of pipes. Sprinkler heads connected to the network of pipes each include, a control valve adapted to control fluid flow to a water delivery nozzle by an electro magnet controlled rubber coated ferric ball closure member. The sprinkler heads include water and chemical saturation sensors and the sprinkler heads also communicate with the control unit via wireless transceivers. Multiple zones covered by the system may be treated according to predetermined schedules.

Abstract: Adaptive irrigation of vegetation is achieved with a probe implanted into the soil for detecting rootage wetness needs by measuring soil impedance with contacts distributed along the probe. When a dryness threshold indicating rootage needs is met at a depth ZBEGIN previously entered into a control logic coupled to the probe, then irrigation is started. Irrigation is stopped when a wetness front is detected at depth Zend(i) automatically provided by the control logic. The depth of arrest of the drainage front Zfinal(i) descending below the depth Zend(i) is compared with a depth ZFINAL, also previously entered into the control logic. The depth Zend(i) is adapted at each irrigation cycle i for the drainage front to stop at the depth ZFINAL. The probe may be used to determine the depth ZBEGIN where resistance drops are detected first, by measuring resistance over time.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

Abstract: A processor is connected by a bus to a plurality of station modules, each station module being connected to a corresponding valve and having a micro-controller. The processor executes a stored watering program and controls the station modules in accordance with the program. Messages are bi-directionally sent and received over the bus that are generated by the processor and the micro-controllers. Each message contains an identification field with an instruction that describes a meaning of the message. The processor and the micro-controllers each interpret the messages received thereby and perform predetermined functions in response thereto.

Abstract: A modular expandable irrigation controller has rotary, slide, lever, bayonet, screw, cam, hard, over-center, fork or push-pull locks for positively securing station modules in receptacles, individually or simultaneously.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and system for use in irrigating and controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, a method pauses irrigation at a field station when an amount of rain detected exceeds a first threshold, detects an indication of an amount of rain received after the pausing, resumes irrigation, and reduces a station runtime corresponding to the amount of the rain received after pausing. Some methods determine when an amount of rain received exceeds a first threshold and pause irrigation from a field station, and determine when the amount of rain received exceeds a second threshold and stop irrigation from the field station. Some embodiments provide systems that comprise a field station, a rain detector, and a controller that monitors detected rain and pauses irrigation when a first threshold of rain is detected and shuts down irrigation when a second threshold of rain is detected.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes inputs for entry or selection of a watering program and a memory capable of storing the watering program. A plurality of station modules are removably received in a plurality of corresponding receptacles. Each station module includes a station module circuit for switching a source of electrical power to open and close at least one of a plurality of valves. A processor is connectable to the station modules when the station modules are inserted into the receptacles. The processor is capable of executing the watering program and sending commands to the station module circuits to open and close the valves in accordance with the watering program. A manually actuable mechanism allows a power signal to be applied to each station module circuit after the station modules have been inserted into their corresponding receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention includes an irrigation controller utilizing a “virtual” dial. In particular, the present invention contemplates an electronic programming and controlling interface that is controlled according to actuation of a simple on/off switch (i.e., a binary switch), preferably a push button. For example, in one embodiment, an irrigation controller is provided wherein a rotary dial is replaced with a circular liquid crystal display. The LCD contains segments peripherally on its screen that are energized according to the desired function selected by the user. The segment that is “on” at a particular time will correspond to visual indicia on the panel of the controller to inform the user which function is operable at that particular time. The user can then advance to the next segment on the LCD screen by pressing a button located elsewhere on the controller panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and components thereof for intelligently watering an environment. The system comprises at least one sensor for monitoring particular environmental conditions, and at least one electrically powered valve that receives wireless information signals from the sensor and controls a watering device based on the signals. Power control units repeatedly toggle the sensor and valve between powered and unpowered states to conserve energy. The power control units are configured so that the powered states of the sensor and valve overlap in time to make it possible for the valve to receive the wireless information signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A system for providing irrigation control is provided. The system includes a number of non-local data sources for providing data, a processor and an irrigation system. The processor is configured to receive data from one or more of the non-local data sources and calculate an evapotranspiration (ET) value for an irrigation area that is non-local with respect to the non-local data sources. The processor is further configured to create or alter an irrigation program based on the ET value. The irrigation system is configured to receive the irrigation program from the processor and provide appropriate irrigation control for the irrigation area using the irrigation program.

Abstract: A two-wire controlling and monitoring system for irrigation of localized areas of soil includes a water pipeline, a plurality of controllable irrigation valves, a plurality of field sensors measuring specific irrigation parameters, and a plurality of localized irrigation control units. Each irrigation control unit has a sensor decoder connected to a specific field sensor and/or a line decoder connected to a specific controllable irrigation valve. The system further includes a controller and power supply unit that applies a first alternating DC voltage signal to a two-wire cable interconnecting the controller and power supply unit and the irrigation control units. The two-wire cable provides power from the controller and power supply unit to each of the irrigation control units, it transmits schedules of instructions to the irrigation control units through the two-wire cable, and it receives the irrigation parameters from the irrigation control units through the two-wire cable.

Abstract: A timer that facilitates a user's scheduling and controlling of the operation of an irrigation system for irrigating a property, the timer including a base unit electrically connected to the valve, and a handheld unit including a power source, a CPU, a valve controller, a memory device, and software stored in the memory device. The irrigation system includes a valve, a conduit, and a distribution unit that distributes fluid over an irrigation zone of the property. The handheld unit is used remotely from the base unit to modify an irrigation schedule of the valve. The irrigation schedule is used with the valve controller to operate the valve according to the irrigation schedule through communication with the base unit.

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout a field that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by farm personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the field. Based on the results, farm personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded via email or FTP to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned via email or FTP to on-side farm personnel, who can load it into a controller on a spray rig that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectvely providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of subsurface aeration subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum (environmental or operational parameter). The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from the local control modules area information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the area information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the subsurface aeration subsystem.

Abstract: An interface unit is disclosed for facilitating the optimization of a watering system. The interface unit includes a first interface configured to receive optimization data over a network. A second interface is also included, the second interface being configured for electronic communications with a watering system controller that controls operation of a watering system according to watering instructions stored in the watering system controller. The interface unit also includes a processor, the processor being in electronic communication with the first interface and the second interface. Memory is also included. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor, and is programmed with instructions for using the optimization data to modify the watering instructions.

Abstract: A two-wire controlling and monitoring system for irrigation of localized areas of soil includes a water pipeline, a plurality of controllable irrigation valves, a plurality of field sensors measuring specific irrigation parameters, and a plurality of localized irrigation control units. Each irrigation control unit has a sensor decoder connected to a specific field sensor and/or a line decoder connected to a specific controllable irrigation valve. The system further includes a controller and power supply unit that applies a first alternating DC voltage signal to a two-wire cable interconnecting the controller and power supply unit and the irrigation control units. The two-wire cable provides power from the controller and power supply unit to each of the irrigation control units, it transmits schedules of instructions to the irrigation control units through the two-wire cable, and it receives the irrigation parameters from the irrigation control units through the two-wire cable.

Abstract: A self-adjusting irrigation controller takes a pre-irrigation soil moisture reading prior to irrigation, chooses an amount of water to be dispensed corresponding to that reading from a table, and dispenses that amount of water. A predetermined length of time after the end of irrigation, the controller takes a post-irrigation soil moisture reading and compares the value of that reading to a predetermined target value. If the post-irrigation value differs substantially from the target value, the water amount corresponding to the pre-irrigation value in the table is adjusted to reduce that difference on the next scheduled irrigation cycle having that same pre-irrigation soil moisture reading. The target value is determined by watering the soil to field capacity, then computing the target value as a function of the reading of the sensor at field capacity. The controller thus converges toward an ideal runtime and follows changes in the environment.

Abstract: The irrigation controller is for directing the times and duration of the flow of water to a set of irrigation zones within an irrigation system in accordance with irrigation program and schedule data. The irrigation controller includes a microprocessor and a memory which are programmed with an embedded Web server. The embedded Web server can send and receive irrigation program and schedule data in the hypertext mark-up language (HTML) format. The irrigation controller communicates HTML formatted program and schedule data through an on-board Ethernet chipset to a local area network (LAN). Accordingly, irrigation controller program and schedule data may be interactively accessed from any network accessing device having a standard Web browser which is connected to the LAN, such as for example a personal computer with a Web browser connected to the LAN. Moreover, if the LAN is connected to the Internet, the program and schedule data may be viewed or changed from a web accessing device connected to the Internet.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus of digitally controlling a plant pot including a case coupled to the outer circumference of the pot, a moisture sensor drawn from the case, for detecting moisture in soil contained in the pot, a liquid crystal display (LCD) installed in the case, for displaying a text or icons, an audio output portion for outputting a voice message, a message storage portion for storing an orderer's message and controlling messages, a data input/output portion connected to a personal computer, for inputting/outputting message data, a key input portion for inputting key signals through a key pad such as a power key or a record key, a battery for supplying power to each circuit block, and a controller for performing a plant pot controlling program, reading a message stored in the message storage portion in response to the moisture sensor and a signal from the key input portion to output a voice to the audio output portion, displaying the name of a plant planted on the pot and information for controlling

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout an area that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the area. Based on the results, personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned to a mobile application means that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which a microprocessor (220) is programmed to calculate an accumulated watering need for an irrigation zone of station (400)and control irrigation to the zone or station (400) using an automatically varied cycle amount that falls between a user controllable maximum threshold and a user controllable minimum threshold. The cycle amount is preferably at least partly derived from ETo data. The minimum threshold may vary during a period of 12 consecutive months, may vary as a function of time of year, as a function of crop maturity or as a function of any other suitable factor where it would be advantageous to set a minimum threshold. The cycle amount may equal the accumulated ETo value(s) or may equal the maximum threshold value. Furthermore, the microprocessor (220) may be programmed to control the irrigation to the zone or station (400) using an automatically varied day schedule.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectvely providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertioninto a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

Abstract: An irrigation controller for selectively turning on and off a set of sprinkler valve stations. The irrigation controller is programmable by a user. The irrigation controller includes an irrigation control processor. The irrigation control processor includes an input port, an output port, a memory element for storing an irrigation control program and irrigation control parameters, the irrigation control program implementing a plurality of functionalities that are selectively enabled, a processing unit for executing the irrigation control program, and a bus connecting said processing unit to said memory element and to said input and output ports. An input device is interfaced with the input port. The output port is provided with interface with the sprinkler valve stations for controlling the turning on and off of the sprinkler valve stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for water conservation with irrigation controllers based upon the ambient temperature and extraterrestrial radiation of a particular geographical area. It receives a preliminary irrigation schedule from the operator and computes a water budget ratio by comparing current local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, then modifying the preliminary irrigation schedule based upon that ratio. The present invention utilizes fewer variables, is less complex, and is much easier to install and maintain than the current evapotranspiration-based controllers.

Abstract: A passive wireless sensor and control transmitter subsystem is provided for operating irrigation or other hydraulic system. The system includes a master module unit hardwired to and in communication with an existing hydraulic system controller, and a field module unit that is hardwired to and in communication with field electromechanical control devices such as valves, solenoids and servo motors, and field sensors indicating, for example, atmospheric conditions. The master module unit and field module unit communicate with digital wireless communication and can act as a simple wireless bridge providing pass through data connectivity. The master module and field module units are capable of digitizing input signals from the devices to which they are hardwired and transmitting them to the opposite module; they are further capable of recreating the digitized signals received back into the analog form to reproduce the original input signal and communicating it to the device to which it is hardwired.

Abstract: An irrigation controller (200) receives temperature data, and at least partly derives an estimated solar radiation value from the temperature data. A regression model stored in a memory (220) of the irrigation controller (200) operates upon a data point from the estimated solar radiation to estimate an evapotranspiration rate, which is used to affect an irrigation schedule executed by the controller (200). 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 two days, and more preferably at least one month. Data from one or more environmental factors may also be used, including especially estimated solar radiation, temperature, wind speed, humidity, and soil moisture, and so forth. Values relating the environmental factor(s) may enter the controller from a local sensor (240), a distal signal source, or both.

Abstract: A free-standing field irrigation controller is selectively programmed by a personal computer over a radio link. The computer is equipped with software that displays a screen with seven horizontal time bands representing one day each, arranged vertically to display one week's time. Box icons representing watering settings for a plurality of zones can be dragged and dropped onto the time bands, copied and modified thereon as desired, to form a freely selectable watering schedule. Other selectable screens allow odd-days or even-days watering, sophisticated interval watering, global watering time adjustment, and a variety of manual functions. Selectable portions of the main screen can be enlarged as desired. Based on the selected schedule, the computer calculates and displays the monthly cost of water. Selected zones can be temporarily disabled to deal with weather or maintenance issues. A handheld global shut-off and manual watering remote and/or a separate radio-linked computer may be used in field maintenance.

Abstract: The invention provides a regulator system for regulating the operation of an irrigation system which is responsive to user programmed information. It has a control element for issuing watering control signals to an irrigation system, having at least one of (i) a duration programming device for programming a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of time for the suspension of watering by the irrigation system, and (ii) a user adjustable temperature programming device for programming a minimum allowed temperature for initiating a watering period by the irrigation system. It further has an irrigation system interface for connecting said control element with the irrigation system. It also has a switch for conveying the control signals from the control element to the irrigation system via the irrigation system interface, for either permitting or prohibiting watering by the irrigation system, responsive to the control signals generated by and received from the control element.

Abstract: An irrigation controller with an embedded web server activates irrigation devices in accordance with an event schedule. The event schedule maybe accessed and modified via a browser-equipped client. In certain embodiments, watering rates and schedules are adjusted in response to sensor inputs. The controller may query specialized network servers such as time servers or weather servers to update the controller clock and/or modify the event schedule. The controller may support multiple protocols such as email, FTP, UDP, HTTP and the like. The controller may be configured as a master or slave controller such that multiple slave controllers may coordinate with a master controller and modify their event schedules in accordance with the master event schedule. The result is an irrigation controller that is easily configured, locally or remotely accessible, responsive to varying weather conditions, and suitable for complex multi zone, multi-system configurations.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for remotely reading the status of and controlling irrigation components and ancillary equipment. A handheld remote user interface (RUI) is provided which includes at least a display. The RUI has the ability to communicate with and control the irrigation components using built-in wireless telemetry technology. The RUI allows the user to read the status of and control the irrigation components and ancillary equipment from any location, without requiring the user to be at the irrigation component controls or at a specific location in the field. Software operational of the RUI generates one or more user screens with graphic user interfaces for quickly and easily monitoring and controlling the irrigation components and ancillary equipment.

Abstract: The invention is a system for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of electromechanical subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum. The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from at least two of the plurality of local control modules information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a housing for enclosing a microprocessor that stores and executes at least one watering program. The microprocessor has a parallel output bus with a plurality of pin sets for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations. The connection between the controller and the irrigation stations is through a plurality of station modules that are removably coupled, in any desired number, to the various pin sets on the output bus. The number of stations controlled is adjusted by the number of modules connected to the output bus. The controller housing has a pocket for holding a user's manual, which is positioned between the controller housing and a mounting bracket when the controller housing is installed on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A controlling and monitoring system for irrigation of localized areas of soil includes a water pipeline, a plurality of controllable irrigation valves, a plurality of field sensors measuring specific irrigation parameters, and a plurality of localized irrigation control units. Each of the control units has a sensor decoder connected to a specific one of the field sensors and a line decoder connected to a specific one of the irrigation valves. The system further includes a controller and power supply unit that applies a first alternating DC voltage signal to a two-wire cable interconnecting the controller and power supply unit and the control units. The cable provides power from the controller and power supply unit to each of the control units. The controller and power supply unit transmits schedules of instructions to the control units, and receives the irrigation parameters from the control units, through the cable.

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: The present invention provides systems and methods in which a microprocessor, disposed in an irrigation controller, is programmed to adjust an irrigation schedule according to a condition of a plant being irrigated. The adjustment to the irrigation schedule may be to the entire irrigated site or only to a portion of the irrigated site. The irrigation schedule may be at least partly derived from ETo data and may be from current ETo data, estimated ETo data or historical ETo data. The condition may be plant establishment, plant maturity or plant health.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording node (100) at a consummer site that is used for the receiving, storing, determining and/or sending of utility commodity information. The recording node (100) is an integral part of networks (370) or can access networks (370) for the receiving and transmitting of information. The recording node (100) is part of a network process control system (300) that includes other nodes, such as a controller (200), computer (320), monitor (330), display (340) and communication node (360). The recording node (100) receives data on utility commodity flow rates, commodity pressure and environmental factors; stores the data; performs determinations on the data; and sends utility commodity information over the network (370) to consumers (380) and/or third parties (381). The utility commodity may be water, electricity and/or gas.

Abstract: A GPS-based control system for irrigation systems includes a power supply, a nonvolatile memory for storing a first set of coordinates corresponding to a reference position for the irrigation system, circuitry for receiving GPS data and using the data to generate a second set of coordinates corresponding to a current position of the irrigation system, and a microprocessor for calculating the azimuth and the distance between the reference position and the current position using the first and second sets of coordinates. The control system communicates with a main controller of the irrigation system to control a function of the irrigation system, such as stopping, reversing, end gun operation, application rate, or other auxiliary output, at a selected distance or azimuth value of the current position relative to the reference position. The control system can be used with either a center pivot irrigation system or a linear move irrigation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides 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: providing an irrigation controller programmed to execute irrigations on watering days by closing an electrical circuit connecting the controller and at least one irrigation valve; providing an irrigation scheduler programmed to execute irrigations on substantially equivalent watering days as the irrigation controller; and the irrigation scheduler selectively interrupting the electrical circuit to control the execution of irrigations on watering days. 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 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: 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, and soil moisture. Values relating the environmental factor(s) may enter the controller from a local sensor, a distal signal source, or both.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for remotely reading the status of and controlling irrigation components and ancillary equipment. A handheld remote user interface (RUI) is provided which includes a display and a keypad. The RUI has the ability to communicate with and control the irrigation components using built-in wireless telemetry technology. The RUI allows the user to read the status of and control the irrigation components and ancillary equipment from any location in the field, without requiring the user to be at the irrigation component controls or at a specific location in the field.