Evapotranspiration remote irrigation control system
US5870302A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A40/22
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for using evapotranspiration (ET) and/or predicted precipitation data in controlling automated and semi-automated irrigation systems. In accordance with the present invention, meteorological data is monitored and used to adjust watering schedules for an irrigation site. A central computer uses the meteorological data and ET data to compute a watering factor. The watering factor represents the difference between a reference watering schedule (which can be stored at the irrigation site) and a new watering schedule. The new watering schedule can be based on similar climatic conditions of a geographic area in which the irrigation site is located. The watering factor is then sent to the irrigation site, which uses the watering factor to modify the reference watering schedule, if appropriate. Alternatively, meteorological data and site characteristics can be monitored at the irrigation site and sent to the central computer, which then computes the watering factor based on this specific site information. The computed ET data is preferably based on a current prediction of future events based upon present meteorological conditions. The system and method of the present in…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.