CA1098999A - Programmable digital irrigation controller - Google Patents
Programmable digital irrigation controllerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1098999A CA1098999A CA348,645A CA348645A CA1098999A CA 1098999 A CA1098999 A CA 1098999A CA 348645 A CA348645 A CA 348645A CA 1098999 A CA1098999 A CA 1098999A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- counter
- station
- valve
- programmed
- counters
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- A01G25/162—Sequential operation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/07—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers where the programme is defined in the fixed connection of electrical elements, e.g. potentiometers, counters, transistors
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Feedback Control In General (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A digital system for automatically controlling a plurality of irrigation valve stations provides a program-mable counter for each station to determine the on-time for each valve. The counters are selected by switches to be part of a sequence, and a number of repeated cycles of the sequence are obtained with a programmable cycle counter.
The intervals between each of repeated cycles are controlled by a programmable interval counter. The entire sequence is initiated either at a preselected time of day or by a demand sensor.
A digital system for automatically controlling a plurality of irrigation valve stations provides a program-mable counter for each station to determine the on-time for each valve. The counters are selected by switches to be part of a sequence, and a number of repeated cycles of the sequence are obtained with a programmable cycle counter.
The intervals between each of repeated cycles are controlled by a programmable interval counter. The entire sequence is initiated either at a preselected time of day or by a demand sensor.
Description
~191~
This invention relates to irrigation control systems and, more particularly, to digitally programmable control systems.
When using irrigation systems to artificially grow plants, the most desirable growth is achieved when sufficient, but not excessive, amounts of water are delivered to the plants for precise periods at precise intervals. A large number of irrigation control systems currently being used are mechanically controlled by timing motors having adjust-able pins which actuate con-tacts providing control signals for irrigation water valves and the like. Modern growing techniques practiced by greenhouse operators now demand much more precise control. For example, commercial flower growers irrigate their plants for only two or three seconds at a time, but at intervals which may exceed one hundred fifty times a day. Cucumber growers irrigate their plants for 2 l/2 minute periods but at intervals of up to thirty times a day, with half-hour periods between intervals.
Sometimes it is impossible for a grower to estimate in advance the irrigation program for his plants so that, if the plants are not properly monitored, they may be improperly watered or, under certain conditions, drv. Control of prior irrigation systems required monitoring and manual operation by the growers.
The present invention offers a solution to the above mentioned and other irrigation problems by providing programmablQ digital system for the automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations. In the system, the timing se~uence and amounts of water to be provided to various areas are accurately preprogrammed in advance. An automatic startup of the programmed digital irrigation system is responsive to strategically located sensors which indicate a lack of moisture. The system may be activated automatically evexy twenty-four hours to follow a given sequence in which the number of watering cycles, the dura-tion of a cycle for each individual station, and the inter val between watering cycles are programmed in advance.
In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, a programmed digital system for automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations is provided which basically makes it possible for a grower to accurately preprorgram the irrigation schedule for his plants. Certain of the valve stations are selected for operation, and these valve stations are activated in sequential order for prede-termined time periods. The valve stations are activated,for example, by a plurality of programmed station counters, each of which has a respective output terminals for con-trolling a respective valve station. Associated with each ;~
station counter is a switch which, in a first position, connects a signal to enable the counter and provide anoutput from each counter. The switch, in a second position, bypasses its counter. The preselected sequence is cyclically repeated for a selected number of additional preselected sequences, and preselected intervals are provided between each of the additional sequences. This is accomplished using, for example, a programmed cycle counter and a programmed interval counter, with the outputs thereof gated together to initiate operation of a valve activation sequence. The entire sequence is activated at a preselected time of day;
and means for displaying the preselected time of day, as well as the time of day, are also provided. The sequence is also initiated by the sensing of an operating condition by a demand sensor device. When the various valve stations are activated a pump for delivering ~ater under pressure to the irrigation valve stations is also activated. I'he system is economically constructed using conventional logic components or subsystems.
More specifically, a device according to the present invention may be defined as a programmable digital irrigation control which comprises first means for acti vating selected ones of the valve stations in a preselected sequence for predetermined time periods, and second means for repeatedly cycling the first valve station activating means through a selected number of preselected sequences with preselected intervals being provided between the sequences.
In the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a programmed digital system for automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations;
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a clock circuit and a soil condition circuit for operating the irrigation control system on demand, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation-sequence cycle counter and an interval counter according tothe invention, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of counter circuits providing clock pulses to operate various counters, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a typical valve station counter, :: , - , ~
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Figures 6~ and 6B respectively are schematic diagrams showing a power supply circuit and irri~ation valve as well as pump control relays, and Figure 7 is a plan view of a front panel of the present control unit.
Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 there i5 shown a block diagram of the progra~able digitial system for automatically controlling operation of a plurality of irrigation valves 10, 11, 12 and a pump controlled by a starting block solenoid 14. The number of irrigation valves associated with the description of the invention is optional, and three are shown only for exemplary purposes.
Power to operate this system is provided by an AC
power line 20 to a power supply 22 which provides a positive 12 volts and a positive 5 volts, respectively, at output terminals 24, 26 for the circuits of this control system.
Stand-by power for the positive 12-volt supply is provided by a battery charger circuit 27 which charges a standby storage battery 28. A blocking diode Dl directs current to the output terminal 24 when the power supply is interrupted.
Primary timing for the system i5 provided by a crystal controlled, time-base generator 30 which provides 60 Hz output pulses on a signal line 32 to a digital clock integrated circuit 34. Controls 36 for setting the time of day and the time at which the system is to be activated, as well as a display 38 for both, are connected to the digital clock integrated circuit 34. The digital clock integrated circuit 34 provides a 1 Hz output pulse on signal line 40 to a setup-operate switch 42. During initial startup of the system, when power is first turned on, the switch block 42 9~
is set so that 1 H~ pulses from the clock integrated circuit 34 are connected on respective signal lines 44, 46, 48 to the clock input terminals of an interval counter 50, a cycle counter 52, a No. 1 station counter 5A, a No. 2 station counter 56, and a No. 3 station counter 58. The purpose of setting the switch block 42 is to provide the 1 Hz pulses to the various counters to initially set all of the counters to their maximum counts in readiness for system operation.
A number of blocks designated as program selectors 51, 53, 55, 57, 59 program the number of counting steps of their respective counters. Cloc~ pulses for operation of the station counters 54, 56, 58 are provided by a time increment generator No. 1 circuit 60 which provides output pulses with a one-minute period at terminals 62 of a double pole, signal throw switch Sl and which also provides output pulses having a one-second period at terminal 64 of switch Sl. Terminal 66 of switch Sl feeds the one-minute pulses to the station counters 54, 56, 58 when they are used, for example, in a system for vegetable growing, and the one-second pulses are used, for example, by flower growers. Theone-minute pulses from the time increment generator No 1 circuit 60 are fed on a signal line 68 to the input of another countdown circuit, designated as time increment generator No. 2 circuit 70, which provides an output signal having a period of three m:inutes at terminal 72 of a double pole, double throw switch S2. At terminal 74 of switch S2 is provided an output signal having a period of thirty minutes. The output terminal 76 of the switch S2 is connec-ted by a signal line 78 to the input terminal of the pro-grammed interval counter 50, which is programmable to count 9~
from one to fifteen s-teps of the input clock signals.
Flower growers use the three-minute periods, and vegetable growers use the thirty-minute periods.
The station counters 54, 56, 58 each have their respective outputs cGnnected to one of the water valves lO, ll, 12. Diodes D2, D3, and D4 respectively are connected to the station counter outputs and to the pump start solenoid 14, which activates the pump for the system. The station counters 54, 56, 58 are arranged for sequential activation with a series of double pole, double throw switches S3, S4, S5. Each switch is connected to its respective station counter, as exemplified by the connection of switch S3 to the No. l station counter 54. When the No. l station counter 54 is selected for operation, the switch S3 connec-tion arm (connecked to the terminal 80) is connected toterminal 82, which is connected to the enable input of the station counter 54. Terminal 86 is connected to the switch terminal 84, which is in turn connected to the countdown terminals of tthe station counter 54. When switch S3 is connected in this manner, the station counter 54 is enabled by a signal at terminal 82 to count a predetermined number of input pulses as determined by the program selector 55.
During the time that the counter is operating, the valve lO
is activated to irrigate the area associated therewith.
When -the predetermined number o~ input pulses are counted, the valve lO is shut off and an output pulse is provided to terminal 84 of the switch, which is connected to the next selected station counter in the sequence. If it is desired to not include the station in the sequence, the switch S3 is set to the other position, such that terminal 80 is connec-ted to -terminal 88 and terminal 86 is connected to terminal 90, with terminals 88 and 90 being shorted together. This connection bypasses the station counter so that it is not enabled and so that no activation of the water valve 10 is provided.
The other station counters and their associated switches are similarly connected. An output terminal 100 of switch S5 is connected to the input of a cycle multiplier circuit 102, which is a programmed counter having the number of counter steps determined by a selector circuit 104, which is, for example, a multi-position rotary switch. The cycle multiplier circuit 102 provides an output after a predeter-mined number of operations of the last station counter in the preselected sequence. The output of the cycle multiplier 102 is sent to a signal line 106 to the input of the cycle counter 52. The cycle counter counts the number of cycles of the station counters as determined by the program selec-tor 53 and the cycle multiplier selector 104. The output of the cycle counter 52 is fed to a gate 108 which also re-ceives the output of the interval counter 50. The output of 20 gate 108 enables the No. 1 station counter 54, or the first counter selected b~ the switches S3, S4, and S5.
Both the cycle counter 52 and the interval counter 50 are loaded with their respective count numbers provided by their respective program selectors 53, 51 by an output signal from the digital clock integrated circuit 34 at a preselected time which is preprogrammed by the time setting control circuit 36. Upon being loaded, the cycle counter 52 and the interval counter 50 both provide an output pulse to activate the gate 108. The gate then provides a signal -to terminal 80 of switch S3 which enables station counter 54, or the first sta-tion counter in the sequence programmed by the switches S3, ~4, and S5. No output from the gate 108 is obtained for another sequence until the interval counter has completed an interval count having from one to 15 three-minute or thirty-minute steps. At the end of an interval count, an output pulse is provided f~om the interval counter to the gate 108, which provides a signal for enabling the first station counter in the sequence. The interval counter thus provides a time delay between reactivation of the station counters for each sequence. The station counters are repeatedly reactivated for a number of times, as deter-mined by the preprogrammed counts set for the cycle multi-plier 102 and the cycle counter 52. Station counters which are not selected are bypassed by means of the switches S3, S4, and S5.
The sequence of operation of the station counters can be started any time that an external sensor 110 deter-mines that soil conditions, or the like, are such that the system should be activated. When that condition occurs, the external sensor 110 provides a signal to a program-advance generator 112 which operates through the interval counter circuit 50 to provide an output from the gate 108. The external sensor 110 starts one program sequence at any time to accomodate for example, soil moisture conditions which are unforeseen.
The detailed circuits for the functional blocks of the system shown in Figure 1 are shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 6. These circuits use conventional, readily available, integrated circuits and discrete circuit components.
39~
~ igure 2 shows the digital clock integrated circuit 34, which is commercially available as a National Semiconductor Company integrated circuit MM5387AL and which provides output signals to activate the segments of the time-display module 38, which is a commercially available light emitting diode display module driven by the digitial clock integrated circuit 34. The time setting controls 36 for the digital clock integrated circuit are switches. r~he digital clock integrated circuit 34 provides a 1 Hz output clock on signal line 40 to a level-shifting transistor circuit 101 which converts the MOS-compatible output signals of the digital clock integrated circuit 34 to TTL signal levels. An oscillator and divider circuit 113, such as a commercially available unit provided by the National Semi-conductor Company as ~M5369, is stabilized by a 3.58 MHz crystal 114 and provides a divided-down 60 Hz output signal on the signal line 32. A circuit designated 116 is a booster circuit providing a negative 10 volts to the digital clock integrated circuit 34 from the 12-volt power supply.
The digital clock integrated circuit 34 provides a start pulse for the system at a particular preset time. The start pulse output terminal of the digital clock integrated circuit 34 feeds the start pulse to a dual, single-shot multivibrator circuit 118 which provides a counter-reset signal and an inverted start pulse signal. The soil probe, or external sensor 110, is connected to one input of a voltage comparator 120, which has its other input connected to an adjustable reference potential. The output of the voltage comparator 120 is fed to an input to one of the stages of the dual single-shot multivibrator circuit 118, :: . . . :
which provides an advallce-start output signal for the program-advance generator 112 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows counter circuits for the cycle multiplier circuit 102, with the multiplier selector circuit 104 function being provided by switches as shown. The cycle counter circuit 52 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 3 as a four-bit counter, with the program selector circuit 53 function beir~g provided by four switches. The interval counter 50 is a four-bit program counter, with the program selector circui~ 51 function also being provided by four switches. Gate 108 receives the output of each of the counters 52, 50, and provides a signal to start the sta-tion counter sequence as shown. The setup-operate switch circuit 42 of Figure 1 is provided by the switches shown in Figure 3 which gate 1 Hz pulses to run the various counters to their maximum counts.
Figure 4 shows a prograr~med counter configuration which functions as the time-increment generator No. 1l 60 of Figure 1. Another counter circuit configuration corresponds to the time-increment generator No. 2, 70 of Figure 1.
These circuits provide the clock pulses to operate the station counters and the interval counter for either flower growing or vegetable growing applications.
Figure 5 shows a typical arrangement for the programmed counter circuits corresponding to the No. 1 station counter 5~ of Figure 1 and the No. 2 station counter 56, along with their corresponding bypass switches S3, and S4. The output of the gate 108 is provided to terminal 30 of switch S3, which activates one-half of a dual single-shot multivibrator circuit 120 which half, in turn, activates the programmed station counter 54O The o-ther halE of the dual single-shot multivibrator circuit 120 activates the No. 3 station counter 56 upon receipt of an output signal from the No. 1 station counter. The output of the No~ 1 station counter 54 is fed to a transistor 122, which provides an output signal at terminal 124 to operate a relay for the water valve 10, as shown in Figure 1. The output of the No.
1 station counter 54 is also fed through the diode D2 to a transistor circuit 126, the output of which is connected to a pump-relay terminal 128 to operate the pump-start solenoid 14, as indicated in Figure 1. The No. 2 station counter is selected by switch S4 to be one of the preselected sequence of valve stations which are repeatedly activated under the control of the cycle counter 52. Circuits for the other stations have the same configuration as that shown in Figure 5.
Figures 6A and 6B show circuit diagrams for a power supply, a voltage regulator, and a standby ~attery circuit. These figures also shows a typical relay circuit for operating valves corresponding to six station counters and for operating the pump supplying water to the valves. A
typical circuit is shown in connection with the No. 1 station. A relay common terminal 130 of Figure 6B has a positive voltage applied thereto for operating the relay coils. When a terminal 124 is switched to a low condition, current flows through its relay coil 132 to operate its relay contacts 134, which provide a ground to the appro-priate output terminal to operate the valve corresponding to station No. 1. The other relays for the other valves are similarly operated.
,~
9~
Figure 7 shows the front panel of the present programmable digital irrigation control. On this panel, the digital clock 34 appears on the elft near the top with the time setting controls 36 for the clock appearing above the display. The interval counter 50 and the cycle counter 52 are located near the clock at the top of the panel. At about the center of the panel, the counters 54, 56 and 58 with their associated controls are arranged in a transverse row. It will be noticed that six counters appear on the face of the panel while only three have previously been mentioned. The particular unit, of course, is intended to control watering in six separate areas hence the number of counters provided on the face panel. The present unit provides for separate advance programminy including ~a) start-up time for the first watering, (b) number of watering cycles per day (c) time intervals between cycles, and (d) length of watering for each of the six areas .
Near each counter there is a manual override circuit which makes it possible to delete any of the area stations from the watering cycleO Counter 54, for example, has a switch 130 operable to provide manual or automatic control for that particular station. A push-button trigger switch 131 is provided alongside the sw,itch 130 to allow the operator of the unit to manually activate watering in any area. Between these two switches there is an indicator light 132 which informs the operator when activation has taken place. The entire irrigation system is revealed to the operator from a study of the face panel so that the system is easy to operate as well as reliable and accurate.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has 8~1 been shown and described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since many modifications may be made. It is therefore, contemplated to cover by the present application any and all such modifications which S fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic under-lying principles disclosed and claimed herein.
" : -
This invention relates to irrigation control systems and, more particularly, to digitally programmable control systems.
When using irrigation systems to artificially grow plants, the most desirable growth is achieved when sufficient, but not excessive, amounts of water are delivered to the plants for precise periods at precise intervals. A large number of irrigation control systems currently being used are mechanically controlled by timing motors having adjust-able pins which actuate con-tacts providing control signals for irrigation water valves and the like. Modern growing techniques practiced by greenhouse operators now demand much more precise control. For example, commercial flower growers irrigate their plants for only two or three seconds at a time, but at intervals which may exceed one hundred fifty times a day. Cucumber growers irrigate their plants for 2 l/2 minute periods but at intervals of up to thirty times a day, with half-hour periods between intervals.
Sometimes it is impossible for a grower to estimate in advance the irrigation program for his plants so that, if the plants are not properly monitored, they may be improperly watered or, under certain conditions, drv. Control of prior irrigation systems required monitoring and manual operation by the growers.
The present invention offers a solution to the above mentioned and other irrigation problems by providing programmablQ digital system for the automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations. In the system, the timing se~uence and amounts of water to be provided to various areas are accurately preprogrammed in advance. An automatic startup of the programmed digital irrigation system is responsive to strategically located sensors which indicate a lack of moisture. The system may be activated automatically evexy twenty-four hours to follow a given sequence in which the number of watering cycles, the dura-tion of a cycle for each individual station, and the inter val between watering cycles are programmed in advance.
In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, a programmed digital system for automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations is provided which basically makes it possible for a grower to accurately preprorgram the irrigation schedule for his plants. Certain of the valve stations are selected for operation, and these valve stations are activated in sequential order for prede-termined time periods. The valve stations are activated,for example, by a plurality of programmed station counters, each of which has a respective output terminals for con-trolling a respective valve station. Associated with each ;~
station counter is a switch which, in a first position, connects a signal to enable the counter and provide anoutput from each counter. The switch, in a second position, bypasses its counter. The preselected sequence is cyclically repeated for a selected number of additional preselected sequences, and preselected intervals are provided between each of the additional sequences. This is accomplished using, for example, a programmed cycle counter and a programmed interval counter, with the outputs thereof gated together to initiate operation of a valve activation sequence. The entire sequence is activated at a preselected time of day;
and means for displaying the preselected time of day, as well as the time of day, are also provided. The sequence is also initiated by the sensing of an operating condition by a demand sensor device. When the various valve stations are activated a pump for delivering ~ater under pressure to the irrigation valve stations is also activated. I'he system is economically constructed using conventional logic components or subsystems.
More specifically, a device according to the present invention may be defined as a programmable digital irrigation control which comprises first means for acti vating selected ones of the valve stations in a preselected sequence for predetermined time periods, and second means for repeatedly cycling the first valve station activating means through a selected number of preselected sequences with preselected intervals being provided between the sequences.
In the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a programmed digital system for automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations;
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a clock circuit and a soil condition circuit for operating the irrigation control system on demand, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation-sequence cycle counter and an interval counter according tothe invention, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of counter circuits providing clock pulses to operate various counters, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a typical valve station counter, :: , - , ~
~L~g~9~
Figures 6~ and 6B respectively are schematic diagrams showing a power supply circuit and irri~ation valve as well as pump control relays, and Figure 7 is a plan view of a front panel of the present control unit.
Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 there i5 shown a block diagram of the progra~able digitial system for automatically controlling operation of a plurality of irrigation valves 10, 11, 12 and a pump controlled by a starting block solenoid 14. The number of irrigation valves associated with the description of the invention is optional, and three are shown only for exemplary purposes.
Power to operate this system is provided by an AC
power line 20 to a power supply 22 which provides a positive 12 volts and a positive 5 volts, respectively, at output terminals 24, 26 for the circuits of this control system.
Stand-by power for the positive 12-volt supply is provided by a battery charger circuit 27 which charges a standby storage battery 28. A blocking diode Dl directs current to the output terminal 24 when the power supply is interrupted.
Primary timing for the system i5 provided by a crystal controlled, time-base generator 30 which provides 60 Hz output pulses on a signal line 32 to a digital clock integrated circuit 34. Controls 36 for setting the time of day and the time at which the system is to be activated, as well as a display 38 for both, are connected to the digital clock integrated circuit 34. The digital clock integrated circuit 34 provides a 1 Hz output pulse on signal line 40 to a setup-operate switch 42. During initial startup of the system, when power is first turned on, the switch block 42 9~
is set so that 1 H~ pulses from the clock integrated circuit 34 are connected on respective signal lines 44, 46, 48 to the clock input terminals of an interval counter 50, a cycle counter 52, a No. 1 station counter 5A, a No. 2 station counter 56, and a No. 3 station counter 58. The purpose of setting the switch block 42 is to provide the 1 Hz pulses to the various counters to initially set all of the counters to their maximum counts in readiness for system operation.
A number of blocks designated as program selectors 51, 53, 55, 57, 59 program the number of counting steps of their respective counters. Cloc~ pulses for operation of the station counters 54, 56, 58 are provided by a time increment generator No. 1 circuit 60 which provides output pulses with a one-minute period at terminals 62 of a double pole, signal throw switch Sl and which also provides output pulses having a one-second period at terminal 64 of switch Sl. Terminal 66 of switch Sl feeds the one-minute pulses to the station counters 54, 56, 58 when they are used, for example, in a system for vegetable growing, and the one-second pulses are used, for example, by flower growers. Theone-minute pulses from the time increment generator No 1 circuit 60 are fed on a signal line 68 to the input of another countdown circuit, designated as time increment generator No. 2 circuit 70, which provides an output signal having a period of three m:inutes at terminal 72 of a double pole, double throw switch S2. At terminal 74 of switch S2 is provided an output signal having a period of thirty minutes. The output terminal 76 of the switch S2 is connec-ted by a signal line 78 to the input terminal of the pro-grammed interval counter 50, which is programmable to count 9~
from one to fifteen s-teps of the input clock signals.
Flower growers use the three-minute periods, and vegetable growers use the thirty-minute periods.
The station counters 54, 56, 58 each have their respective outputs cGnnected to one of the water valves lO, ll, 12. Diodes D2, D3, and D4 respectively are connected to the station counter outputs and to the pump start solenoid 14, which activates the pump for the system. The station counters 54, 56, 58 are arranged for sequential activation with a series of double pole, double throw switches S3, S4, S5. Each switch is connected to its respective station counter, as exemplified by the connection of switch S3 to the No. l station counter 54. When the No. l station counter 54 is selected for operation, the switch S3 connec-tion arm (connecked to the terminal 80) is connected toterminal 82, which is connected to the enable input of the station counter 54. Terminal 86 is connected to the switch terminal 84, which is in turn connected to the countdown terminals of tthe station counter 54. When switch S3 is connected in this manner, the station counter 54 is enabled by a signal at terminal 82 to count a predetermined number of input pulses as determined by the program selector 55.
During the time that the counter is operating, the valve lO
is activated to irrigate the area associated therewith.
When -the predetermined number o~ input pulses are counted, the valve lO is shut off and an output pulse is provided to terminal 84 of the switch, which is connected to the next selected station counter in the sequence. If it is desired to not include the station in the sequence, the switch S3 is set to the other position, such that terminal 80 is connec-ted to -terminal 88 and terminal 86 is connected to terminal 90, with terminals 88 and 90 being shorted together. This connection bypasses the station counter so that it is not enabled and so that no activation of the water valve 10 is provided.
The other station counters and their associated switches are similarly connected. An output terminal 100 of switch S5 is connected to the input of a cycle multiplier circuit 102, which is a programmed counter having the number of counter steps determined by a selector circuit 104, which is, for example, a multi-position rotary switch. The cycle multiplier circuit 102 provides an output after a predeter-mined number of operations of the last station counter in the preselected sequence. The output of the cycle multiplier 102 is sent to a signal line 106 to the input of the cycle counter 52. The cycle counter counts the number of cycles of the station counters as determined by the program selec-tor 53 and the cycle multiplier selector 104. The output of the cycle counter 52 is fed to a gate 108 which also re-ceives the output of the interval counter 50. The output of 20 gate 108 enables the No. 1 station counter 54, or the first counter selected b~ the switches S3, S4, and S5.
Both the cycle counter 52 and the interval counter 50 are loaded with their respective count numbers provided by their respective program selectors 53, 51 by an output signal from the digital clock integrated circuit 34 at a preselected time which is preprogrammed by the time setting control circuit 36. Upon being loaded, the cycle counter 52 and the interval counter 50 both provide an output pulse to activate the gate 108. The gate then provides a signal -to terminal 80 of switch S3 which enables station counter 54, or the first sta-tion counter in the sequence programmed by the switches S3, ~4, and S5. No output from the gate 108 is obtained for another sequence until the interval counter has completed an interval count having from one to 15 three-minute or thirty-minute steps. At the end of an interval count, an output pulse is provided f~om the interval counter to the gate 108, which provides a signal for enabling the first station counter in the sequence. The interval counter thus provides a time delay between reactivation of the station counters for each sequence. The station counters are repeatedly reactivated for a number of times, as deter-mined by the preprogrammed counts set for the cycle multi-plier 102 and the cycle counter 52. Station counters which are not selected are bypassed by means of the switches S3, S4, and S5.
The sequence of operation of the station counters can be started any time that an external sensor 110 deter-mines that soil conditions, or the like, are such that the system should be activated. When that condition occurs, the external sensor 110 provides a signal to a program-advance generator 112 which operates through the interval counter circuit 50 to provide an output from the gate 108. The external sensor 110 starts one program sequence at any time to accomodate for example, soil moisture conditions which are unforeseen.
The detailed circuits for the functional blocks of the system shown in Figure 1 are shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 6. These circuits use conventional, readily available, integrated circuits and discrete circuit components.
39~
~ igure 2 shows the digital clock integrated circuit 34, which is commercially available as a National Semiconductor Company integrated circuit MM5387AL and which provides output signals to activate the segments of the time-display module 38, which is a commercially available light emitting diode display module driven by the digitial clock integrated circuit 34. The time setting controls 36 for the digital clock integrated circuit are switches. r~he digital clock integrated circuit 34 provides a 1 Hz output clock on signal line 40 to a level-shifting transistor circuit 101 which converts the MOS-compatible output signals of the digital clock integrated circuit 34 to TTL signal levels. An oscillator and divider circuit 113, such as a commercially available unit provided by the National Semi-conductor Company as ~M5369, is stabilized by a 3.58 MHz crystal 114 and provides a divided-down 60 Hz output signal on the signal line 32. A circuit designated 116 is a booster circuit providing a negative 10 volts to the digital clock integrated circuit 34 from the 12-volt power supply.
The digital clock integrated circuit 34 provides a start pulse for the system at a particular preset time. The start pulse output terminal of the digital clock integrated circuit 34 feeds the start pulse to a dual, single-shot multivibrator circuit 118 which provides a counter-reset signal and an inverted start pulse signal. The soil probe, or external sensor 110, is connected to one input of a voltage comparator 120, which has its other input connected to an adjustable reference potential. The output of the voltage comparator 120 is fed to an input to one of the stages of the dual single-shot multivibrator circuit 118, :: . . . :
which provides an advallce-start output signal for the program-advance generator 112 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows counter circuits for the cycle multiplier circuit 102, with the multiplier selector circuit 104 function being provided by switches as shown. The cycle counter circuit 52 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 3 as a four-bit counter, with the program selector circuit 53 function beir~g provided by four switches. The interval counter 50 is a four-bit program counter, with the program selector circui~ 51 function also being provided by four switches. Gate 108 receives the output of each of the counters 52, 50, and provides a signal to start the sta-tion counter sequence as shown. The setup-operate switch circuit 42 of Figure 1 is provided by the switches shown in Figure 3 which gate 1 Hz pulses to run the various counters to their maximum counts.
Figure 4 shows a prograr~med counter configuration which functions as the time-increment generator No. 1l 60 of Figure 1. Another counter circuit configuration corresponds to the time-increment generator No. 2, 70 of Figure 1.
These circuits provide the clock pulses to operate the station counters and the interval counter for either flower growing or vegetable growing applications.
Figure 5 shows a typical arrangement for the programmed counter circuits corresponding to the No. 1 station counter 5~ of Figure 1 and the No. 2 station counter 56, along with their corresponding bypass switches S3, and S4. The output of the gate 108 is provided to terminal 30 of switch S3, which activates one-half of a dual single-shot multivibrator circuit 120 which half, in turn, activates the programmed station counter 54O The o-ther halE of the dual single-shot multivibrator circuit 120 activates the No. 3 station counter 56 upon receipt of an output signal from the No. 1 station counter. The output of the No~ 1 station counter 54 is fed to a transistor 122, which provides an output signal at terminal 124 to operate a relay for the water valve 10, as shown in Figure 1. The output of the No.
1 station counter 54 is also fed through the diode D2 to a transistor circuit 126, the output of which is connected to a pump-relay terminal 128 to operate the pump-start solenoid 14, as indicated in Figure 1. The No. 2 station counter is selected by switch S4 to be one of the preselected sequence of valve stations which are repeatedly activated under the control of the cycle counter 52. Circuits for the other stations have the same configuration as that shown in Figure 5.
Figures 6A and 6B show circuit diagrams for a power supply, a voltage regulator, and a standby ~attery circuit. These figures also shows a typical relay circuit for operating valves corresponding to six station counters and for operating the pump supplying water to the valves. A
typical circuit is shown in connection with the No. 1 station. A relay common terminal 130 of Figure 6B has a positive voltage applied thereto for operating the relay coils. When a terminal 124 is switched to a low condition, current flows through its relay coil 132 to operate its relay contacts 134, which provide a ground to the appro-priate output terminal to operate the valve corresponding to station No. 1. The other relays for the other valves are similarly operated.
,~
9~
Figure 7 shows the front panel of the present programmable digital irrigation control. On this panel, the digital clock 34 appears on the elft near the top with the time setting controls 36 for the clock appearing above the display. The interval counter 50 and the cycle counter 52 are located near the clock at the top of the panel. At about the center of the panel, the counters 54, 56 and 58 with their associated controls are arranged in a transverse row. It will be noticed that six counters appear on the face of the panel while only three have previously been mentioned. The particular unit, of course, is intended to control watering in six separate areas hence the number of counters provided on the face panel. The present unit provides for separate advance programminy including ~a) start-up time for the first watering, (b) number of watering cycles per day (c) time intervals between cycles, and (d) length of watering for each of the six areas .
Near each counter there is a manual override circuit which makes it possible to delete any of the area stations from the watering cycleO Counter 54, for example, has a switch 130 operable to provide manual or automatic control for that particular station. A push-button trigger switch 131 is provided alongside the sw,itch 130 to allow the operator of the unit to manually activate watering in any area. Between these two switches there is an indicator light 132 which informs the operator when activation has taken place. The entire irrigation system is revealed to the operator from a study of the face panel so that the system is easy to operate as well as reliable and accurate.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has 8~1 been shown and described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since many modifications may be made. It is therefore, contemplated to cover by the present application any and all such modifications which S fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic under-lying principles disclosed and claimed herein.
" : -
Claims (7)
1. A programmed digital system for automatic control of a plurality of irrigation valve stations, com-prising:
first means for activating selected ones of the valve stations in a preselected sequence for predetermined time periods; and second means for repeatedly cycling the first valve station activating means through a selected number of additional preselected sequences, with preselected intervals being provided between the sequences.
first means for activating selected ones of the valve stations in a preselected sequence for predetermined time periods; and second means for repeatedly cycling the first valve station activating means through a selected number of additional preselected sequences, with preselected intervals being provided between the sequences.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, in which said first valve station activating means includes:
a plurality of programmed station counters, each having a respective first output terminal for controlling a respective valve station, each having a respective second output terminal providing an output signal at the end of a counting sequence, and each having an input terminal for enabling a counting sequence; and a plurality of switches, each respectively asso-ciated with one of the plurality of programmable station counters, each switch in a first position connecting an enabling signal to its associated counter and connecting an output signal from the associated counter, and each switch in a second position bypassing the enabling signal from its associated counter.
a plurality of programmed station counters, each having a respective first output terminal for controlling a respective valve station, each having a respective second output terminal providing an output signal at the end of a counting sequence, and each having an input terminal for enabling a counting sequence; and a plurality of switches, each respectively asso-ciated with one of the plurality of programmable station counters, each switch in a first position connecting an enabling signal to its associated counter and connecting an output signal from the associated counter, and each switch in a second position bypassing the enabling signal from its associated counter.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, and in-cluding a programmed cycle counter and a programmed interval counter, the outputs of which are combined to initiate operation of the first valve station activating means.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, and in-cluding a periodic clock-pulse generator providing first clock pulses for the programmed station counters and pro-viding second clock pulses for the interval counter.
5. The system as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3, and including means providing a start signal for starting operation of the first valve activating means at a pre-selected time and including means for displaying time of day and the preselected time.
6. The system as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 and including means providing a start signal for starting operation of the first valve activating means in response to an operating condition sensed by a demand sensor.
7. The system as claimed in claims, 1, 2 or 3, in which the first valve station activating means also includes means for actuating a pump for delivering water under pressure to the irrigation valve stations.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA348,645A CA1098999A (en) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-03-28 | Programmable digital irrigation controller |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA348,645A CA1098999A (en) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-03-28 | Programmable digital irrigation controller |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1098999A true CA1098999A (en) | 1981-04-07 |
Family
ID=4116582
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA348,645A Expired CA1098999A (en) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-03-28 | Programmable digital irrigation controller |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1098999A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2515839A1 (en) * | 1981-11-02 | 1983-05-06 | Seii Sa | Programmable controller for water and fertiliser sprinkler system - comprises microprocessor with clock unit and selectors for time periods and operating modes |
-
1980
- 1980-03-28 CA CA348,645A patent/CA1098999A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2515839A1 (en) * | 1981-11-02 | 1983-05-06 | Seii Sa | Programmable controller for water and fertiliser sprinkler system - comprises microprocessor with clock unit and selectors for time periods and operating modes |
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