초록 ▼

An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple "more/less" (increase/decrease) adjustment. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the

An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple "more/less" (increase/decrease) adjustment. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the controller automatically determines appropriate irrigation amounts, start times, durations, and frequencies. Such automatic determination may advantageously be based in part on the more/less adjustment, and in part on an external signal, such as that transmitted by a radio transmitter.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling irrigation to a first irrigated zone, comprising:providing an irrigation controller having a default irrigation schedule having a plurality of watering durations;receiving a signal from a signal source, said signal being at least partially dependen

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling irrigation to a first irrigated zone, comprising:providing an irrigation controller having a default irrigation schedule having a plurality of watering durations;receiving a signal from a signal source, said signal being at least partially dependent upon a weather condition;allowing the controller to control a watering valve for a substantial period of time according to the default irrigation schedule;visually examining the first irrigated zone to determine the effect of watering according to the default irrigation schedule;modifying the default irrigation schedule at least in part based upon the signal, and an algorithm executed by the controller without a user expressly instructing the controller when and how to change the watering duration;providing the irrigation controller with a more/less adjustment mechanism that indirectly modifies an amount of water provided to the first irrigated zone relative to other zones irrigated by the controller;the user operating the more/less adjustment mechanism to modify the default irrigation schedule to provide a modified schedule; andallowing the controller to control the valve according to the modified schedule.