Automated Data-Based Irrigation System and Method
OwnerDarren Rajinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for obtaining real-time data regarding the condition of a crop and planning and executing an irrigation cycle in response to the data. The invention uses an unmanned aerial vehicle to survey the conditions within an irrigated area. The irrigation system includes components to vary the amount of water dispensed within particular areas. The data obtained is used to create an irrigation schedule that the irrigation system then carries out. For example, surveyed areas that contain more moisture may be given relatively less water during the next irrigation cycle. The data obtained may also be used to alter a scheduled delivery of fertilizer, pesticide, or some other substance.
Claims22
A method of optimizing the irrigation of an irrigation area, comprising:
- a. providing an irrigation system, including a plurality of liquid dispensers, each of which is controlled by a valve;
- b. providing a processor-based control system running control software, said control system being configured to control the operation of said valves;
- c. providing an unmanned aerial vehicle including a sensor configured to sense a condition within said irrigation area;
- d. flying said unmanned aerial vehicle over said irrigation area in order to gather a set of data related to said condition within said irrigation area;
- e. downloading said set of data from said unmanned aerial vehicle to said processor-based control system;
- f. wherein said control software uses said set of data to create an irrigation schedule;
- and
- g. wherein said irrigation system executes said irrigation schedule, said schedule including modulating said valves.
A method of optimizing the irrigation of an irrigation area, comprising:
- a. providing an irrigation system, including a plurality of liquid dispensers, each of which is controlled by a valve;
- b. providing a processor-based, control system running control software, said control system being configured to control the operation of said valves;
- e. providing an unmanned aerial vehicle including a sensor configured to sense a condition within said irrigation area;
- d. flying said unmanned aerial vehicle over said irrigation area in order to gather a set of data related to said condition within said irrigation area;
- e. downloading said set of data from said unmanned aerial vehicle to said processor-based control system;
- and
- f. wherein said control software uses said set of data to create an irrigation schedule wherein a flow of some of said valves is altered as said irrigation system passes over a defined portion of said irrigation area;
- and
- g. wherein said irrigation system executes said irrigation schedule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.