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`
`
`Case: IPR2018-01592
`Patent No.: 9,320,122
`
`EXHIBIT 1045
`
`PRIME WIRE & CABLE, INC.
`
` Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`CANTIGNY LIGHTING
`CONTROL, LLC.
`
` Patent owner
`
`JASCO PRODUCTS, INC.
`
` Licensee
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`)
`)
`)
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`

`

`US007058479B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Miller
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`(54) IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
`
`(76) Inventor: Robert Miller, 4955 Coolbrook Ave,
`Montreal, Quebec (CA) H3X 2K8
`
`c
`- r
`(*) Notice:
`
`tO , distic th SMR tly
`Sibi
`patent 1s
`s
`adjusted under
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/044,230
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jan. 28, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/0171646 A1
`Aug. 4, 2005
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Eyal application No. 60/539,975, filed on Jan.
`s
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G05D 7700
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................................... 700/284; 23.9/69
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 700/283,
`700/284, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 282: 239/63,
`239/69
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`: GGC A
`3. Scal 1
`sy w
`filson et al.
`4,827,155 A
`5/1989 Firebaugh
`4.937,746 A
`6, 1990 Brundisini
`5,048,755 A
`9, 1991 Dodds
`5,262.936 A 11/1993 Faris et al.
`5,272.620 A 12/1993 Mock et al.
`5,333,785 A
`8, 1994 Dodds et al.
`5,444,611 A
`8, 1995 Woytowitz et al.
`5,479,339 A 12, 1995 Miller
`E. g s Egy 1
`aCCC ( a.
`w W4-
`5,748,466 A
`5, 1998 McGivern
`5,956,248 A
`9, 1999 Williams
`
`6,298,285 B1 * 10/2001 Addink et al. .............. TOO,284
`6,314,340 B1 * 1 1/2001 Mecham et al. ............ TOO,284
`6,459.959 B1 10/2002 Williams
`6,647.319 B1
`11/2003 Goldberg
`6,694,223 B1
`2/2004 Goldberg
`6,721,630 B1
`4/2004 Woytowitz
`6,766,221 B1* 7/2004 Christiansen ............... TOO,284
`6,772,050 B1
`8/2004 Williams
`2002/0002425 A1* 1/2002 Dossey et al. .............. TOO,284
`2004/OO86053 A1
`5/2004 Anderson et al.
`2004/0225,412 A1 * 1 1/2004 Alexanian ................... TOO,284
`2004/0236443 A1
`11/2004 Ware et al.
`2005, 0137752 A1* 6/2005 Alvarez ...................... TOO,284
`2005/0267641 A1* 12/2005 Nickerson et al. .......... TOO,284
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6, 2004
`
`WO WO 2004/046872
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Leo Picard
`Assistant Examiner—Charles Kasenge
`57
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`
`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 pro
`cessor includes an input port, an output port, a memory
`element for storing an irrigation control program and irri
`gation control parameters, the irrigation control program
`implementing a plurality of functionalities that are selec
`tively enabled, a processing unit for executing the irrigation
`control program, and a bus connecting said processing unit
`id
`1
`d
`idi
`d
`tO sal memory element al to Sa1 input and output ports.
`An input device 1S 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. The input device cooperates with the control
`program to enable at least one specific functionality from the
`functionalities in response to a predetermined input being
`received from the user through the input device.
`
`22 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`to
`
`
`
`Receive user input
`110
`
`
`
`User input =
`Predetermied input
`120
`
`Yes
`
`Enable functionality
`30
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 1 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`
`
`
`Control
`Device
`
`Processing
`Unit
`
`Processor 16
`
`Control
`Device
`50
`
`Valve
`
`Valve
`
`Valve
`
`Valve
`
`12
`
`12
`
`12
`
`12
`
`FIGURE 1
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 2 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`
`
`FIGURE 2
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 3 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`
`34
`
`ESEANA B C MAN SEESA9
`RAIN SENSOR
`ZONES:
`Pause
`) 1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 TO
`12
`DAYS:
`) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun INTERVAL
`E.1 2 3 4
`EVERY
`IN
`DAYS
`BUDGBING
`.96
`DURASN
`PM
`
`MONTH HR DAY MIN
`
`TOTAL
`CLOCK
`
`
`
`FIGURE 3a
`
`ZONES:
`
`PROGRAM AB C MAN RELAYBATTACAUTO
`BUDGET RAIN SENSOR
`} 1 2 3 4 5 6 789 10 l l 12
`DAYS:
`) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun INTERVAL
`E.1 2 3 4
`EVERY
`DAYS
`N
`BUDGSING
`J.96
`DURAN
`PM
`
`TOTAL
`CLOCK
`(ASE
`CANCEL
`
`MONTH HR DAY MIN
`AEVANGE D
`RESUME
`
`FIGURE 3b
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 4 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`
`
`
`PROGRAM A BC MAN DELAYBATT ACAUTO
`BUDGET RAIN SENSOR
`ZONES:
`0 1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 TO
`12
`DAYS:
`) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun INTERVAL
`GE.1234
`EVERY ON IN OFF DAYS
`BUDGEING
`-
`%
`DURAND J
`J J PM
`J
`
`CLOCK
`
`MONTH HR DAY MIN
`
`FIGURE 3C
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 5 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet S of 8
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`
`
`
`Receive user input
`110
`
`
`
`User input =
`Predetermied input?
`120
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`Enable functionality
`130
`
`FIGURE 4
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 6 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`Function
`Module
`
`Function
`Module
`
`Function
`Module
`
`
`
`FIGURE 5
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 7 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 7,058.479 B2
`
`
`
`FIGURE 6
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 8 of 25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 6, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 0f 8
`
`US 7,058,479 B2
`
`
`
`FIGURE 7
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 9 of 25
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 9 of 25
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`

`

`1.
`RRIGATION CONTROLLER
`
`US 7,058,479 B2
`
`2
`of the particular elements which combine to create the
`irrigation schedule. A related problem found in controllers
`utilizing this strategy is that they typically have relatively
`Small displays which at any one time provides information
`pertaining only to the specific parameter currently being
`edited or reviewed.
`For example, with some of these controllers, the only way
`to identify the Zones which have been included in a given
`watering Program is by rotating the dial through each Zone
`position in order to determine if any run time has been
`applied to each particular Zone. In the case of multi-program
`controllers capable of managing a number of independent
`watering schedules this task may be multiplied by the
`number of available programs.
`Some devices geared to the residential user rely upon
`slider type switches to set the amount of run time for each
`Zone. While this makes it relatively easy to review how long
`each Zone will be activated, these devices often provide a
`fixed number of discrete selectable run times. Therefore, if
`a Zone requires an amount of run time between two positions
`on the fixed scale, the user will likely select the higher value,
`resulting in a greater amount of water being applied than is
`actually needed for that particular Zone. In addition, accu
`rately setting the longer run times required for drip type
`applications may prove difficult (and in Some cases not
`possible) on a device utilizing this strategy.
`In some cases it may become necessary to increase the
`number of Zones within the irrigation system. One example
`of this would be the need to accommodate a greater number
`of Zones due to modifications made to the original installa
`tion. Controllers are often sold with the hardware required to
`operate a designated (first number) of Zones, for example a
`four station controller may accommodate/operate up to four
`individual Zones. If for any reason there is a need to operate
`more than the first number of Zones for which the existing
`controller is capable, it may become necessary to replace it
`with a completely new controller having a greater Zone
`capacity. This can be a time consuming and relatively
`expensive process.
`Some existing controllers provide a manner of increasing
`the number of Zones they are capable of operating by
`purchasing and installing what are generally referred to as
`expansion modules. However, controllers using this expan
`sion method must provide additional space within the hous
`ing to accommodate these modules than would otherwise be
`necessary. This leads to products which must be designed to
`be large enough to accommodate the full number of modules
`for which they are capable of receiving, regardless of the
`actual number of modules being utilized in any given
`installation. Further, improper installation of a module may
`cause it to become damaged, prevent it from operating
`properly, or lead to other electrical problems.
`Yet another problem with existing irrigation controllers is
`that they typically are factory set with a designated group of
`features that may not be modified. For example, a 2 Program
`capable controller cannot later be upgraded to accommodate
`3 Programs. In a closely related situation, the designated set
`of features cannot be modified regardless of whether or not
`they are required for a particular installation.
`For example, presenting the user with 4 possible start
`times when no more than 2 will be utilized, or providing
`advanced features that are not required to meet the sched
`uling requirements of the particular installation, add undue
`complexity to the programming process. This increased
`complexity is often confusing to owners of irrigation sys
`tems. Also, the user/homeowner can end up paying for
`features that he or she doesn’t need.
`
`This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application Ser. No. 60/539,975 filed Jan. 30, 2004.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to the general field of
`irrigation. More specifically, the present invention is con
`cerned with an irrigation controller.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`An irrigation controller is a device used to control elec
`trically or otherwise operated valves which control the flow
`of water to sprinkler heads and driplines in an irrigation
`system. A single irrigation valve typically controls the flow
`of water to a specific area of a landscape. Such specific areas
`are commonly referred to as stations or Zones.
`The control of water applied to each Zone allows for more
`efficient use of the available water supply by providing a
`manner whereby differential amounts of water may be
`applied according to the particular needs of dissimilar areas
`of the landscape. Also, this division of the landscape to be
`irrigated into a number of Zones enables each Zone to receive
`an appropriate amount of water at a pressure Sufficient for
`the proper operation of the sprinkler heads within that Zone,
`and is often necessary due to limitations in the capacity of
`the water being supplied to the system as well as the size of
`the piping used to efficiently carry water through the instal
`30
`lation.
`In recent years, a variety of sophisticated features have
`been incorporated into residential irrigation controllers.
`When properly utilized some of these features can contribute
`to an irrigation system that makes more efficient use of the
`available water resource. One of the challenges facing those
`involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of irri
`gation controllers is to incorporate these important features
`in a manner that encourages their actual use by the home
`OW.
`40
`However, even with these efforts, homeowners are often
`intimidated by the complexity of these devices and the
`number of variables that make up an irrigation schedule.
`And beyond the homeowner, the contractors who install,
`repair, and in Some cases maintain irrigation systems, are
`also confronted with the more advanced and complex array
`of scheduling choices provided for by some of these devices.
`Therefore, while currently available irrigation controllers
`provide much flexibility in regards to scheduling and fine
`tuning of watering activities, these Sophisticated controllers
`also add significant complexity to the task of managing a
`residential irrigation system. Ease of use, be it in regards to
`programming an efficient watering schedule, reviewing the
`settings that make up an existing program, or manually
`initiating a watering cycle or activating a single Zone, has
`become more important than ever in this type of device.
`One manner of addressing the increasing number of
`parameters associated with the creation of an efficient water
`ing schedule is to provide the user with a visual represen
`tation of the various elements which make up an irrigation
`Program, or Schedule. For example, several existing devices
`rely upon a rotary dial or Switch which can be positioned to
`point to any one of these elements, such as pointing to a
`particular Zone number or day of the week. However, it can
`be quite cumbersome to program a device (or to review an
`existing program) using this strategy since the mechanical
`dial must be repeatedly repositioned in order to address each
`
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`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 10 of 25
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`

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`US 7,058,479 B2
`
`3
`In a related problem, some features of an irrigation
`schedule are better left to be set by a contractor. If the
`contractor sets parameters related to these features, and if
`Subsequently an end user resets some of these parameters,
`the irrigation schedule will typically become inadequate.
`Often, the contractor will need to reset these parameters to
`their appropriate values.
`Large numbers of irrigation controllers are sold through
`retail channels such as large hardware box type stores.
`Generally there is no opportunity for the consumer to
`evaluate one of these products prior to purchasing it and the
`consumer is then left with a difficult choice to make in
`buying an untested product.
`Against this background, there exists a need in the indus
`try to provide a novel irrigation controller.
`
`OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`An object of the present invention is therefore to provide
`an improved irrigation controller.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`4
`disabled functionality. Then, when a user wishes to enable
`the specific functionality, he only has to provide the prede
`termined input without requiring that additional electrical or
`electronic components be added to the controller. Further
`more, the controller allows to enable only temporarily some
`functionalities.
`In a second broad aspect, the invention provides a method
`for enabling a specific functionality in an irrigation control
`ler.
`In a third broad aspect, the invention provides a computer
`readable storage medium containing a program element for
`enabling a specific functionality in an irrigation controller.
`Other objects, advantages and features of the present
`invention will become more apparent upon reading of the
`following non-restrictive description of preferred embodi
`ments thereof, given by way of example only with reference
`to the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the appended drawings:
`FIG. 1 illustrates in block diagram form an irrigation
`controller connected to a set of sprinkler valve stations 12:
`FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the irrigation controller
`of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3a is a schematic view of a Liquid Crystal Display
`of the irrigation controller of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3b is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment
`of a Liquid Crystal Display;
`FIG. 3C is a schematic view of another alternative
`embodiment of a Liquid Crystal Display;
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for selectively
`enabling a specific functionality from a plurality of func
`tionalities in the irrigation controller of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a program element for
`execution by the irrigation controller of FIG. 1, the program
`element selectively turning on and off a set of sprinkler valve
`stations connected to the controller of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an alternative irrigation
`controller, and
`FIG. 7 is another front elevation view of an alternative
`irrigation controller.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates in block diagram form an irrigation
`controller 10 programmable by a user for selectively turning
`on and off a set of sprinkler valve stations 12. The irrigation
`controller 10 shown in the drawings is connected to four
`sprinkler valve stations. However, it is within the scope of
`the invention to have irrigation controllers connected to any
`Suitable number of sprinkler valve stations 12, including a
`single valve station 12, among other possibilities.
`In a specific embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG.
`2, the irrigation controller 10 includes a controller housing
`14. An irrigation control processor 16 and an input device 18
`are mounted in the housing 14. In some embodiments of the
`invention, the irrigation controller 10 further includes a
`display device 20 mounted in the housing 14. However, in
`alternative embodiments of the invention, one or more of the
`processor 16, input device 18 and display device 20 are
`provided outside of the housing 14.
`The control processor 16 includes an input port 22, the
`input device 18 being interfaced with the input port 22. The
`control processor 16 further includes an output port 24 for
`interfacing to the sprinkler valve stations 12 and controlling
`the turning on and off of the sprinkler valve stations 12. A
`
`10
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`15
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`25
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`In a first broad aspect, the invention provides 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 to interface
`with the sprinkler valve stations so as to control the turning
`on and off of the sprinkler valve stations. The input device
`cooperates with the control program to enable at least one
`specific functionality from the functionalities in response to
`a predetermined input being received from the user through
`the input device.
`In specific examples of implementation, the input device
`includes a keypad, a network interface, a microphone, an
`image input device. Such as a bar-code readers and other, or
`any other suitable input device.
`In a specific example of implementation, the specific
`functionality enabled includes controlling a number of sprin
`kler valve stations that is larger than a number of sprinkler
`valve stations controlled prior to the reception of the pre
`determined input. However, many other specific function
`alities are within the scope of the claimed invention.
`The predetermined input is to be contrasted with any input
`that might be entered by the user during the entry of
`irrigation control parameters. In contrast, the predetermined
`input allows to enable a functionality and not simply to
`allow a previously enabled functionality to become effec
`tive, for example by entering a start time indicative of a time
`at which irrigation is to start in a specific Zone.
`Advantageously, the controller allows an expansion that
`does not require having to replace an existing controller by
`another controller. Also, at least some of the electronic and
`electrical components present in irrigation controllers are
`typically relatively inexpensive. Therefore, the claimed con
`troller allows, in some embodiments of the invention, to
`have an expandable controller that includes all the electronic
`and electrical components required to implement all the
`
`EXHIBIT 1045 Page 11 of 25
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`

`5
`memory element 26 stores an irrigation control program and
`irrigation control parameters, the irrigation control program
`implementing a plurality of functionalities that are selec
`tively enabled. The control processor 16 also includes a
`processing unit 28 for executing the irrigation control pro
`gram. A bus 30 connects the processing unit 28 to the
`memory element 26 and to the input and output ports 22 and
`24.
`In irrigation controllers 10 including a display device, the
`irrigation controller 10 further includes a display port 32, the
`display device being interfaced with the display port 32.
`Then, the bus 30 further connects the processing unit to the
`display port 32.
`The input device 18 cooperates with the control program
`to enable at least one specific functionality from the func
`tionalities in response to a predetermined input being
`received from the user through the input device 18.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limitative example of an irrigation
`controller 10 according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows the
`housing 14, which may be manufactured using a polymer,
`for example. The housing 14 receives a display device in the
`form of a liquid crystal display (LCD) 34 and an input
`device in the form of a keypad 35 including keypad buttons
`36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46 used for programming and
`operating the irrigation controller 10. These components are
`integrated within an electronic circuit board (not shown in
`FIG. 2) contained within the housing 14. The circuit board
`interlinks and Supports the various electronic and electrical
`components required for the operation of the invention,
`including non-limitatively the control processor 16.
`Within the housing 14, there is provided an output device
`20 in the form of a terminal block (not shown in the
`drawings) with connection points for connecting the inven
`tion to a variety of external devices. Examples of suitable
`external devices include a sprinkler control valves 12, a
`pump start relay, a device for detecting rain, soil moisture or
`climatic data, and an external power Supply (if required)
`Such as an ac Source (or alternate source of power Such as a
`battery or Solar power), among others.
`Such housings and terminal blocks are well-known in the
`art and are therefore not described in great detail hereinbe
`low.
`The keypad 35 allows the user to program the controller
`10, review the programmed information and to manually
`operate the sprinkler control valves 12. The LCD display 34
`provides information to the user during programming or
`while reviewing previously programmed information, to
`indicate to the user items which require attention (such as
`when the battery is in need of replacement, for example) and
`to provide information related to any currently performed
`50
`watering activities. FIG. 3a illustrates a specific example of
`the organization of text and symbols within the LCD 34.
`The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
`LCD 34 illustrated in the drawings is only an example of a
`LCD 34 usable in conjunction with the invention. Many
`other LCDs are also suitable for use in conjunction with the
`invention, including non-limitatively LCDs 34 and 34"
`illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In addition, it is also within
`the scope of the invention to have alternative display devices
`20. Such as for example display devices including Light
`Emitting Diodes (LED), Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) and any
`other suitable display devices 20.
`In an example of implementation, the specific function
`ality that is enabled by the predetermined input includes
`controlling an extended subset of sprinkler valve stations 12
`from the sprinkler valve stations 12. Prior to the predeter
`mined input being received from the user through the input
`
`30
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`US 7,058,479 B2
`
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`device 18, the control program controls a basic subset of
`sprinkler valve stations 12 disjoint from the extended subset
`of sprinkler valve stations 12. For example, prior to the
`predetermined input being received from the user through
`the input device 18, the control program controls the two
`leftmost sprinkler valve stations 12 shown on FIG.1. In this
`case, the two rightmost sprinkler valve stations 12 shown on
`FIG. 1 are not controllable by the control program and might
`be absent from an irrigation system.
`When the user wishes to add additional sprinkler valve
`stations 12, the user connects the extended Subset of sprin
`kler valve stations 12 to the irrigation controller 10. Then,
`the user provides the predetermined input. Thereafter, the
`control program controls both the base and extended Subsets
`of sprinkler valve stations 12.
`In an example of implementation, the output port 24 is
`connected to control devices 50 included in the irrigation
`controller 10. Each control device 50 controls the turning on
`and off of a respective one of the sprinkler valve stations 12.
`An example of such a control device 50 is a triac. When the
`user acquires the irrigation controller 10, only some of the
`control devices 50 are enabled. Then, when the user wishes
`to enable more control devices 50, the user provides the
`predetermined input.
`In a specific embodiment of the invention, the predeter
`mined input is sold to the user. Then, the user may add
`sprinkler control stations 12 without requiring the addition
`of any hardware to the controller 12. In another embodiment
`of the invention, the predetermined input is readily available
`to the user who simply provides this predetermined input
`upon requiring the use of a number of control devices 50
`larger than the number of control devices enabled when the
`user acquires the controller 10.
`In another example of implementation, the specific func
`tionality is any other specific functionality, such as for
`example:
`a water management functionality whereby a base time
`sequence of activation of sprinkler valve stations 12 is
`globally altered through a global parameter;
`a lighting functionality whereby the activation and inac
`tivation of a light is performed using the irrigation
`controller 10;
`a rain sensing functionality whereby an adjustment of
`activation times for each sprinkler valve station 12 is
`performed in response to a control signal received from
`a rain sensor,
`an alternate sensing functionality whereby an adjustment
`of activation times for each sprinkler valve station 12 is
`performed in response to a control signal received from
`an evapotranspiration (ET) sensor,
`an additional start time functionality whereby on or more
`start times for the beginning of an irrigation in a Zone
`are provided;
`a rain delay functionality;
`a master pump control functionality whereby the activa
`tion and inactivation of a master pump providing water
`to the sprinkler valve stations 12 is controllable; and
`any other suitable functionality.
`More details are provided on some of these functionalities
`hereinbelow.
`In a specific embodiment of the invention, the specific
`functionality is enabled by a predetermined input that is
`bought by the user. Then, the predetermined input allows to
`add a functionality to the irrigation controller 10 without
`requiring the acquisition of a new controller.
`In another embodiment of the invention, the specific
`functionality enabled by a predetermined input that is pro
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`vided to the user when the irrigation controller 10 is bought.
`Then, the enablement of only specific functionalities allows
`the user to customize the irrigation controller 10 such that
`only the functionalities that the user wishes to use are
`enabled. This reduces the complexity of the programming
`process as the user only needs to take into account the
`functionalities that are enabled. Also, only parameters relat
`ing to these enabled functionalities are requested by the
`irrigation controller 10 during the programming process.
`In yet another embodiment of the invention, the specific
`functionality is a limited access functionality that should be
`enabled only when an authorized user uses the irrigation
`controller 10. An example of such an authorized user is a
`contractor. Another example of such an authorized user is an
`authorized service technician servicing the irrigation con
`troller 10.
`A specific and non-limiting example of a limited access
`functionality is the activation and the inactivation of a
`master control valve. A specific and non-limiting example of
`a limited access functionality is a functionality allowing the
`Manual Operation of individual valve stations.
`In the case wherein the specific functionality is a limited
`access functionality, the input device 18 cooperates with the
`control program to disable the specific functionality in
`response to a second predetermined input being received
`from the user through the input device 18. Alternatively, the
`specific functionality is automatically disabled after a pre
`determined time interval further to the enablement of the
`specific functionality.
`The reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
`disablement of a specific functionality in response to a
`second predetermined input being received from the user
`through the input device 18 and an automatic disablement of
`a specific functionality after a predetermined time interval
`further to the enablement of the specific functionality may
`both be performed in alternative embodiments of the inven
`tion for any enabled specific functionality. For example, it is
`convenient in some of these embodiments to be able to
`perform a “reset' function wherein previously enabled func
`tionalities are able to be disabled if the user wishes to return
`to a previous state of the controller.
`A specific example of an input device 18 is the keypad 35.
`Then, a suitable predetermined input includes a predeter
`mined key sequence entered with the keypad 35. Also, a
`Suitable predetermined input including a predetermined key
`sequence is usable, among other possibilities, when an
`alternative keypad, such as for example a numeric or an
`alphanumeric keypad is provided within the input device 18.
`In the case wherein a keypad similar to the keypad 35 is
`provided, an alternative suitable predetermined input
`includes the entry of a predetermined sequence of symbols
`through the keypad 35, the keypad 35 allowing the selection
`of the symbols from a predetermined set of symbols by
`displaying in sequence the set of symbols onto the display
`device 20 in response to a first predetermined key from the
`keypad 35 being pressed by the user and by selecting a
`symbol as being entered in response to a second predeter
`mined key from the keypad being pressed by the user. Such
`a manner of entering symbols through keypads including a
`limited number of keys are well-known in the art and will
`therefore not be described in further details. In some
`embodiments of the invention, the keypad 35 allows the
`selection of the symbols from a predetermined set of sym
`bols by displaying in reverse sequence the set of symbols
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`onto the display device 20 in response to a third predeter
`mined key from the keypad 35 being pressed by the user.
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`The predetermined input is at least in part determined by
`a predetermined identifier associated with the irrigation
`controller 10. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the
`predetermined input depends in part upon the functionality
`to enable and in part on the predetermined identifier. The
`predetermined identifier is for example the serial number of
`the irrigation controller 10 or any other suitable identifier.
`Accordingly, in this example, the predetermined identifier
`may enable only a functionality in selected irrigation con
`trollers. If required, the predetermined identifier and the
`predetermined input are selected so that the predetermined
`input may enable at least one functionality only in one
`specific irrigation controller 10. In this case, in some
`embodiments of the invention the predetermined identifier is
`encrypted within predetermined input so as not to allow a
`user to use the predetermined input with another irrigation
`controller. However, it is within the scope of the invention
`to have any other suitable relationship between the prede
`termined identifier and the predetermined in put.
`Predetermined identifiers and predetermined inputs and
`manners of associating predetermined identifiers with pre
`determined input are well known in the art and will therefore
`not be described in further d