ES2719693A1 - DIGITAL SENSOR WITH INTEGRATED BIDIRECTIONAL CONNECTIVITY OF HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT - TEMPERATURE - CE AND INTELLIGENT ACTUATOR (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Digital sensor with bidirectional integrated connectivity, which has a Soil for measuring terrain parameters (humidity, temperature, conductivity), which collects the data on the state of the soil, and sends them to a general controller. This sends the information to the cloud, so that it is stored and analyzed through a web interface. Using the analysis of the data, the sensor communicates with an actuator, to establish the irrigation routines and activate - deactivate the system according to the needs of the terrain. For the system to be autonomous, it can be encapsulated and buried, being able to be charged by induction and started using an electromagnetic switch, without the need to dig it up. If the conditions of coverage and power require it, an installation with an external actuator connected to the probes buried in the ground can also be carried out. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DIGITAL SENSOR WITH INTEGRATED BIDIRECTIONAL CONNECTIVITY OF

MOISTURE MEASUREMENT - TEMPERATURE - EC AND SMART ACTUATOR

SECTOR OF THE TECHNIQUE

The present invention belongs to the field of digital sensors, more specifically, to the field of digital sensors used for measuring parameters in the fields where they operate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, as is well known, there is a serious problem with global water resources. Due to the climatological cycles and the exponential increase in the consumption of fresh water over the last 15 years, we are faced with the need to control its use and perform better management.

Within this increase in water consumption, it is known that there is a widespread problem in its use for irrigation, since, due to ignorance of the parameters of the water in real time, the user is limited to programming the irrigation cycles based on previous experiences, visual references of the crop or existing weather conditions. All this contributes to inadequate water management, since, ignoring the content of it in the crop or garden, it is ignored if it is necessary to provide larger or smaller quantities. It is proven that the use of irrigation in agriculture, domestic and recreational uses, consumes 80% of the fresh water available on the planet.

There are currently numerous probes that allow us to make measurements of moisture in the soil. Using various measurement methods, they allow you to obtain information about the parameters present in the soil where they are located.

Within the methods currently used, there are different measurement techniques that use physical variables, such as capacitance, reflectrometry or frequency. This entails a difficulty in the measurement that leads to precision problems depending on the homogeneity and the characteristics of the soil, the meteorological factors, even noises introduced by the measurement process itself.

One of the main problems present in current probes is that they are passive elements, that is, they only allow you to send instantaneous measurements of soil parameters. There is no user-sensor communication. This makes it impossible to actuate functions that allow us to vary the measurement frequency or the activation - deactivation of some sensors according to need, as well as the possibility of varying measurement parameters with different calibrations according to soil textures or making adjustments.

The calibration of the current sensors is carried out with a generalized formulation, which allows measuring the moisture content in any type of soil. However, it is a method that can give errors in the measurement, since the composition of the different types of soil causes the water retention of one another to vary, resulting in the behavior of the probes being different depending on the type of substrate in which it is located.

In addition, to perform the measurements of the data it is necessary to use external devices, which requires having additional devices installed that serve as static data loggers, which need an outdoor installation. To be able to send data remotely, they must be located in visible strategic locations that allow a necessary coverage for sending - receiving the data and viewing it. If you do not have connectivity, you are obliged to be on site in the place where you have placed the device to be able to know the results of the measurement, with displacements that can be avoided and the benefits in time and energy savings, which would mean having the information at a distance . Additionally, the obligation to have the devices in sight makes them susceptible to theft or theft, so the user does not trust to acquire them.

This lack of connectivity causes, in many cases, the loss of moisture data, as there is no continuous communication of them over time. So you can not analyze the data, as well as visualize and understand the dynamics of water in the soil, canceling the possibility of deciding strategies to continue with the use of irrigation water. Nor do they provide you with information on the different availability of water depending on the plant, evaporation, fluid percolation, rainwater retention, etc.

Finally, another problem that we can find is the high cost of current probes, which force you to acquire dataloggers for data logging and external communication modules. Placing them only within the reach of research centers, universities and large agricultural farms. Removing its use from the general public.

The purpose of the invention object of the application is to propose a sensor-digital probe that can solve the aforementioned problems. That is, to propose a device with bi-directional communication and integrated connectivity, which includes the processing of the data obtained in the different sensors, in addition, an intelligent actuator (also bidirectional) will be placed, which can be installed underground, without external module and without losing connectivity

This will allow, through the two-way communications of the devices, we can precisely manage the use of water, and act on irrigation systems according to the availability of moisture in the soil, allowing to manage the amounts and frequencies of such irrigation.

As currently existing references related to the above, we can find:

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Requested by: Decagon Devices, Inc.

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Requested by Decagon Devices, Inc.

3. Moisture detection apparatus and method.

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Requested by: Campbell Gaylon S., Greenway Warren C.

4. Water activity determination using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Publication number: US 20030015024 A1

Requested by: Decagon Devices, Inc.

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Requested by: Decagon Devices, Inc.

6. Gaseous concentration measurement apparatus.

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Requested by: Decagon Devices, Inc.

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Requested by: Sentek Pty Ltd

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Requested by: Sentek Pty Ltd.

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13. Laser removal of a layer or a coating from a substrate.

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Requested by: Spectrum Technologies Plc.

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15. System and method for determining turf performance indicators.

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Requested by: Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.

16. System and method for instantaneously determining uniform distribution of water, salinity, conductivity, temperature and other conditions in soil.

Publication number: US20170241973

Requested by: Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.

17. System and method for tracking and optimizing pin hole locations on a putting green.

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Requested by: Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.

18. Sprinkler Assembly.

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Requested by: The Toro Company.

19. Intelligent Environmental Sensor for Irrigation Systems.

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Requested by: The Toro Company.

20. Soil moisture sensor.

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Requested by: The Toro Company.

21. Central Irrigation Control System.

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Requested by: The Toro Company.

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23. Modular Irrigation Controller.

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Requested by: The Toro Company.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem that the present invention intends to solve is to achieve a digital sensor with bidirectional communication and integrated connectivity that includes all the necessary elements to be able to perform a proper water management, acting on the irrigation systems according to the instantaneous parameters present in the soil; allowing, in this way, to manage the amount of water used, as well as the frequency of use. We can see two examples of the invention in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

In this context, the device presented here will have a two-way communication system that will allow not only to receive the data of the measurements taken, but to be able to interact with the sensors and actuators installed, sending them information, in order to make a better use of the resources water.

Due to the integration of the bidirectional communication system, greater savings will be obtained in the quantities of water used.

Likewise, by reducing the number of devices required in the system installation, a lower cost set will be obtained.

Thanks to bidirectional communication, these work routines can be manipulated from any point other than where the system is installed. We can see an example in Figure 1, where we find 4 groups of Sensors - Probe (1), connected by cables (2).

In the event that the installation should be carried out abroad, due to coverage or other problems, the parameters could be selected using manual selectors, placed in situ, where we have the sensors installed, example of Figure 2. In this example we can see that the 3 groups of Sensors - Probe (1) are connected by a single converging cable (3) which, in turn, is connected to the Manual Actuator (4).

In order to carry out all the aforementioned objectives, the Sensor will have a General System Controller (5), that is, a main unit that will be in charge of managing the device in its entirety, determining when and how the system works, and taking care of to request the sensor for the data that it needs at each moment, to send it to the data warehouse and to the communication module.

Additionally, the General System Controller will have an expansion Bus (6), which will allow us to place other satellite elements to increase the possibilities of the device.

Next, we find the Probe Controllers (7). These act as a bridge between the General Controller and the probes themselves, that is, they are responsible for transmitting the information between them.

On the one hand, the orders coming from the main controller are transferred to the probes, including all parameters of measurement time and soil type. On the other hand, they receive the data that the probes send about the humidity, temperature and conductivity of the soil, to store them and deliver them, later, to the General Controller.

The ones in charge of collecting all the information about the soil conditions are the probes (8). Dynamic and active, managed by microcontrollers, obtain the data of the soil in which they are housed (temperature, humidity and conductivity). When communicating with the Probe Controller, they send you the code that identifies them along with the soil information, so you can always know what measurements each particular probe is taking. We can find a detail of an individual Probe in Figure 3.

Like any electronic device, it is necessary to have power to keep them running (9). For this, the device has an autonomous and rechargeable battery power. In this context, we face two possibilities.

If the assembly is encapsulated and buried together with the probes, the battery can be recharged by wireless power via induction plates, connected to a battery or to a network with a transformer. To turn on the system, the start-up is through a “Reed” type switch, that is, a switch that can be activated or deactivated using a magnetic field.

In this way, we can have the entire set buried, out of the reach of possible thetrocinies, and without the need to be unearthed for device loading or activation - deactivation.

Secondly, if for reasons of coverage the device should go outside, charging could be done with a solar battery or with a transformer connected to the network.

With the description and claims that will be described below, it is not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, components or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be derived partly from the description and partly from the use of the invention.

The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, not intended to serve as a restriction for the present invention.

In conclusion, what is intended is to have a sensor - measuring probe with precision, which can be completely buried without losing connectivity. That it works autonomously and with a long duration of use, being rechargeable by superficial induction, without having to extract it, so it would be able to be buried for a long period of time. The device will send the volumetric moisture, temperature and conductivity content of the medium live. It will contain different integrated calibrations, which may be modified according to the type of substrate. The system will have a graphical interface included so that the user can make precise decisions when establishing irrigation strategies or sending orders to the bidirectional intelligent actuator, so that it operates the opening and closing of the irrigation systems. All this at an affordable price for the consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where illustrative and non-limiting nature has been represented. following:

Figure 1 Example of 4 sensors - probe with bidirectional connectivity.

Figure 2.- Example of 3 probes with external sensor.

Figure 3.- Example of individual probe with integrated bidirectional connectivity.

Figure 4.- Simplified diagram of the Sensor - probe (with 3 probes).

Figure 5.- Electronic diagram of the Sensor - probe (with 3 probes).

Figure 6.- Scheme of autonomous actuator or electronic boards.

Figure 7.- Scheme of 24V Bidirectional Actuator or relay.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Based on the attached figures, we will describe a preferred configuration of the invention.

More specifically, the object of the present specification is characterized by comprising an autonomous digital sensor-probe with integrated bi-directional connectivity. To explain it, we will follow the schemes in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

In order to achieve a better understanding of the invention, the section has been subdivided into two distinct parts. Initially the construction and design elements that make up the invention object of the present report will be explained. Next, the mode of operation will be briefly discussed, to achieve a better understanding of the invention.

The Sensor - digital probe with integral connectivity will have at least one General System Controller (5). It is an electronic controller, with an adapted programming, which will allow us to give the orders to the set and, receive and manage all the information collected.

On the one hand, it will be connected to the controllers of the probes (7), sending the necessary orders to manage the measurement times, the soil parameters and the irrigation action times.

On the other hand, we will have the communication module (10). Through this system, we can not only store the data obtained, but also allows us to transfer this data to interpret it visually, in an interface included in a web domain.

The communication antenna can be housed inside the encapsulation or even integrated into the motherboard, using one of the measuring probes as an antenna. This should be the most superficial, to achieve a better signal. In case you only have one probe, it will be included in it.

The data will be sent to the global LWPA network, being able to use other available networks. Connected, in this way, the device to the cloud. Processing the data to visualize it in a dynamic interface of moisture content in real time. It can also be performed with temperature, electrical conductivity or other possible data associated with any measurement sensor that is connected to the General Controller.

Additionally, it has an expansion bus to connect any auxiliary system we may need (6).

The invention object of the application will also have at least one Probe Controller (7). We are, again, before a digital micro-controller with an adapted programming that will be responsible for starting the probe and transferring data between the General Controller and the probe itself.

It is responsible for turning on the probes when a measurement is to be performed, according to the programming performed. And turn them off once the data collection has been performed. Subsequently, it stores them and sends them to the General Controller for proper management.

It is also used as a bridge to transmit information to the probe about soil parameters and environmental conditions, which are entered through the General Controller.

Connected to these controllers, we find the Probes (8). They are bidirectional and active. They consist of an electronic circuit and an oversaturated digital amplifier that functions as an oscillator. The modification of the environment will affect said oscillator, varying the frequency. The measurement of these variations will determine the environmental state of the environment and the changes produced in it. Being able to measure the volumetric content of water or electrical conductivity. The oscillation frequency of the amplifier will vary between 8 and 16 kHz.

The detection electronics may be adjustable, as well as their calibration. In a way that allows the humidity sensor to be selectively optimized for variable media conditions. For this, the microprocessor will have the most appropriate calibration formulations for each type of soil, and the user can choose the most suitable one.

As mentioned above, they are active and bidirectional probes. This allows us to interact with them, being able, with the relevant programming, to make soil measurements and deciding, if there are no substantial changes, not to send the data to save transmission energy, maintaining the premise of complete autonomy of the system at the energy level .

The moisture content sensor may also comprise a temperature sensor, arranged to determine the temperature of the medium in which the probe is placed.

The connection between the Probe Controllers and the Probes themselves will be made through a cable (11).

The sensor as a whole, can be encapsulated, together with the connection cables to the different probes, in a special EPOXI, making an integrated set, sensors, as shown in Figure 1. Obtaining a fully sealed device, capable of withstanding the most demanding conditions , and using the necessary techniques so that the device can be configured and operated remotely.

To achieve this, the sensor will have a coil circuit (12) that can be recharged using an external induction battery power supply. It is not necessary to extract the land where it is installed. Only the charger should be approached superficially to recharge the system.

To perform the system on and off, we will have an electromagnetic switch or Reed Capsule (13), so that by approaching or removing an external magnet, we will achieve the activation and deactivation of the Sensor-probe.

The management and configuration of the device will be done through DOWNLINK, from the web interface.

Finally, we find the Bidirectional Digital Actuator with Integrated Connectivity. At this point, we have two possibilities. An Autonomous Actuator or an Actuator powered by 24V.

Autonomous Actuators will be used in cases where there is no continuous power supply, such as in the agricultural sector or public and residential irrigation, whose operation is based on 9 or 12V latch solenoids.

These actuators, according to Figure 6, can be seen to require a main Microcontroller (14), which manages the assembly. It will have a communication module (15) with an antenna (16), to receive orders from the Sensor-probe. They will also have various adapted electronic systems and circuits (17), such as the L272M, which allow us to handle the valves. In this way, the Microcontroller would send the instructions and the L272M would execute them.

To operate, they require two types of batteries. First of all, we have rechargeable batteries (18), by means of solar panels (19) or by alternating current (20), which are in charge of feeding the main Micro-controller. Secondly, we have 9 to 12V batteries (21), which are used to drive solenoids.

As for the 24V Bidirectional Actuator, Figure 7, it is a system that allows us to receive specific orders from the server, acting directly on the solenoids of the valves. These actions will be regulated according to the real humidity values in the land, prior user configuration, who will indicate the orders that must be carried out depending on the characteristics of the soil and its water retention capacities, as well as the phenological states of the crops in every moment.

This Actuator is composed of a main Micro-controller (22), which, as in the previous case, will manage the entire system. It will have connected a communication module (23) with an antenna (24), to be able to communicate with the server.

The power supply will be through a 24V transformer (25).

One of the possible (non-exclusive) ways of using the actuators is through the Field Capacity. To do this, specific soil saturation tests are carried out, which load the profile of the soil completely, depending on the type of soil. With the data obtained, the irrigation start values are set (approximately 56% of the Field Capacity), and stop of it (before reaching the Field Capacity value completely).

The system object of the invention will have a visual interface system through a web domain.

The data received by the Bidirectional Sensor-probe may be sent, through the communication module, to a visual interface with a frequency ranging from 15 minutes (96 messages per day) to 12 hours (2 messages per day). The choice of sending messages more or less frequently depends on the need for information and the type of soil and its characteristics.

All the data received will be reflected in a visual graph, where the actual volumetric content can be analyzed at all times. In this way, we can determine the maximum retention point of the soil (Field Capacity and Permanent Wilt Point).

The interface will have a table of times and volumes of humidity, differentiated between the different probes and profiles, being able to determine the times of infiltration of water on the ground.

It will also have different tools that serve as auxiliary elements for the user, such as email alarms, informational security notices, as well as battery capabilities.

Through the interface you can use two-way communication (both with the Sensors - probe and with the actuators) by programming measurements or activations and deactivations of the irrigation system.

To conclude, a brief summary of the operation will be carried out that helps to understand it in a better way. In the same way, we will use the scheme in Figure 8 to improve its understanding.

The invention is formed by a Sensor - Bidirectional Probe managed by a Main Controller, who is in charge of sending the measurement orders to the Sensors through the Probe Controllers. These activate the Probes to take the soil measurement and receive the data, deactivating them later.

The information received is transmitted to the General Controller, who stores it and sends it to the cloud through the Communication Module integrated in the complete system.

This information is analyzed and tabulated in a graphical interface, which can be accessed through a web domain.

Through the analysis performed, the system will send a specific order to an Actuator, also with bidirectional communication, to execute it, activating or deactivating the irrigation according to the needs.

Cyclically, the aforementioned steps are repeated repeatedly, according to a measurement frequency programmed by the user, keeping the ground conditions at their optimum point.

The industrial application of the invention is clear, since it allows us to obtain an optimization of water resources, through a continuous analysis of the land that allows us to perform the pertinent calculations to decide whether or not it is necessary to act to irrigate the soil. This entails significant economic savings, in addition to the ecological importance it entails.

It also constitutes a clear breakthrough as it is an integrated buried system that greatly hinders the possibility of theft.

Claims (1)

1- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity - temperature - Ce measurement connectivity and intelligent actuator, comprising at least one General System Controller (5), to which at least one Probe Microcontroller (7) will be connected, which It will, in turn, be linked to at least one Probe (8) for measuring system parameters. 2- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity-temperature measurement connectivity - Ce and intelligent actuator, characterized by having a Communication Module (10) connected to the system of claim 1 that will manage the sending and receiving of system data through of an antenna 3- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity measurement - temperature - Ce and smart actuator, characterized by having a coil circuit (12) that can be charged with an induction battery. 4- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity - temperature - Ce measurement connectivity and intelligent actuator, characterized by having an electromagnetic switch or Reed capsule (13), for switching the system on and off using an external magnet. 5- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity - temperature - Ce measurement connectivity and intelligent actuator, characterized by being connected to an Autonomous Digital Actuator (Figure 6). Comprised of a main Microcontroller (14), and a communication module (15) with antenna (16), which will act on irrigation control valves. 6- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity-temperature-Ce connectivity and smart actuator, characterized by being connected to a 24V Bidirectional Actuator (Figure 7). Comprised of a main Microcontroller (22), connected a communication module (23) and an antenna (24), which act on the solenoids of irrigation control valves. 7- Digital sensor with integrated bi-directional humidity - temperature - Ce measurement connectivity and intelligent actuator, characterized by sending the data received by the probes to a network storage space, from which a visual information interface will be generated Through a web domain.