Patent Application
20200344962
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of electronic device systems and methods that facilitate efficient and effective monitoring and control of various conditions and activities, such as, for instance, irrigation control and monitoring.
Various electronic technologies have the potential to offer numerous benefits (e.g., increased productivity, reduced costs, etc.) in the field of remote control and monitoring. However, diverse applications and activities can give rise to or involve constraints and difficulties, e.g., remote environmental conditions, that can make utilization of the electronic technologies impractical or impossible. There are often practical or implementation details and considerations associated with the nature, characteristics, and features of the applications and activities that limit or prohibit implementation and actual utilization of many traditional electronic technologies.
The difficulties associated with actual implementation can be based on various factors (e.g., technological, logistical, economical, etc.). In a number of applications and activities, the external environment can make utilization of an electronic device difficult or impractical. For example, a number of environmental conditions and activities can impact utilization of an external power supply. In some instances the location of a device (e.g., remote, inaccessible, under water, on a mobile platform, etc.) limits the availability of external power sources. For example, if a location is very remote there may be no convenient connection to an external power supply (e.g., a utility source, etc.). Activities in an environment can also make external power supply impractical or impossible. Movement of other objects or entities (e.g., equipment, vehicles, animals, humans, etc.) in the environment can adversely impact external power supply delivery. The motion can interfere with or destroy external power supply infrastructure (e.g., wires, towers, poles, etc.). For example, in an agricultural application, workers and farm equipment (e.g., plowing machinery, harvesting equipment, etc.) can interfere with (e.g., break, pull up, cut, get entangled, etc.) external power supply equipment/infrastructure (e.g., wires, mounting supports, poles, etc.).
To manage the difficulties in using external power supplies, many electronic devices employed in the field utilize replaceable internal batteries, e.g., electro-chemical replaceable batteries. The problem with using this type of power source is that although the power source is internal, the batteries unfortunately eventually need to be replaced which limits the useful life cycle of the electronic device while also creating a service requirement for the device which typically requires costly manual attention, e.g., trained technicians to replace the batteries at scheduled intervals. Even if the costs and servicing inconveniences are acceptable, the act of replacing internal batteries typically requires opening of the device and exposure of the internals of the device thereby potentially causing breaks in, or mishandling of, waterproof seals of the device and eventual internal damage thereto due to water infiltration.
A lack of adequate power supply can greatly reduce the possibility of using remote based electronic devices for a number of applications and activities. There have been some conventional attempts at power self harvesting, but these typically have limited applications and are not readily adaptable to a number of situations/environments. Many applications and activities require relatively large amounts of power. However, the applications and activities also require relatively small size devices, which in turn typically limits the availability of opportunities for power self harvesting functionality. For example, a small device usually has a very limited area for solar power collection components, which in turn means very limited power self harvesting. Limitations of traditional power self harvesting approaches typically make many device participation activities impractical or impossible (e.g., communications, monitoring, control, etc.). A number of application activities and tasks have power requirements that limited traditional approaches are not able to meet.
The external environment can also impact other aspects of a remote electronic device. In some applications the external environment can adversely impact the electronic technology/components included in a device designed to be used in the field. Environmental conditions can cause various types of device breakdown (e.g. enclosure damage, short circuits, etc.) and degraded performance results. Environmental elements (e.g., water, moisture, gas, fumes, fertilizer, chemical compounds, etc.) can have corrosive effects on the components of a device. Physical contact from things in the environment (e.g., equipment, vehicles, animals, humans etc.) can adversely impact and damage the device.
Therefore, many remote electronic devices that are designed to be used in the field suffer from requiring too much manual servicing to replace batteries, are sized (too large) such that they interfere with machines that are expected to be used in the field, do not wear well over time considering likely environmental conditions of the field (either causing external or internal damage) in which they are used and can be impractical considering overall costs and complexity given their intended purposes.
Presented systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective monitoring and control of various activities. In one embodiment, a power self harvesting control device comprises: a power sub-system configured to self-harvest energy while avoiding reliance on energy supplied from other devices; a communication sub-system configured to communicate with other devices; an exterior function interface sub-system configured to handle input/output signals associated with the exterior component interactions; and a management sub-system configured to manage and coordinate activities of the power control sub-system, the communication sub-system, and exterior function control sub-system. The management sub-system can direct management and coordination of the self-harvested energy supply and consumption. The power sub-subsystem can include a non-removable self contained energy storage component that stores self-harvested energy.
In one embodiment, the power sub-system includes a self-harvesting energy component. The power sub-system can include a solar cell component and the solar cell component can include a protective cover component. In one exemplary implementation, the protective cover component includes gorilla glass. The non-removable self contained energy storage component can include a super capacitor. The non-removable self contained energy storage component is re-charged with energy from the self-harvesting energy component. The power sub-system can supply power to components of the power self harvesting device, including the communication sub-system, the exterior function interface sub-system, and management sub-system. In one embodiment, the power sub-system supplies power to the exterior components, wherein the exterior components are not directly included in the power self harvesting device. The power sub-subsystem can supply power at a first level to a portion of the interior components and supply power at a second level to another portion of the interior components and to exterior components. In one embodiment, the first level is as low as the operating voltage of a micro-controller. In one embodiment, the first level is as low as the operating voltage of a CMOS technology component. In one embodiment, the first level is in a range of 2.0 to 3.0 volts plus or minus 10 percent and the second level is a range of 5.0 to 7.0 volts plus or minus 10 percent. In one embodiment, the first level is utilized for internal power savings and the second level is used to supply power to external peripheral components. In one embodiment, the second level is compatible with transistor-transistor logic (TTL) voltage ranges and used to supply power to TTL components.
In one embodiment, the power self harvesting control device comprises an enclosure structurally configured to secure the power sub-system, the exterior function interface sub-system, and the management sub-system. The components mounted inside the enclosure can be secured within the enclosure. For example, the enclosure can include potting material disposed to encapsulate components within the enclosure. In one embodiment, the energy harvesting sub-system is coupled to the enclosure with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
The accompanying drawings together with the description are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. They illustrate exemplary embodiments and explain exemplary principles of the disclosure. They are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular implementations illustrated therein. The drawings are not to scale unless otherwise specifically indicated.
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the various embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to the various embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the current invention.
Presented systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective monitoring and control of various conditions and activities. The systems and methods are configured based upon conditions and requirements of various applications and activities. In one embodiment, features and characteristics of a device (e.g., operations, power supply, enclosure, programming, mounting, placement, etc.) are compatible with constraints and conditions of application and activity environments. In one embodiment, applications and activity environments impact power availability and the presented systems and methods utilize self-harvested power stored in power reserves (e.g., super capacitors, etc.) to perform various operations (e.g., associated with the monitoring, control, communicating, programming, etc.). In one embodiment, the systems and methods are configured of the control device to protect against various environmental hazards (e.g., corrosion, physical contact/impact, temperature, stress, etc.) that can detrimentally impact performance. The systems and methods can also be configured to facilitate convenient and efficient maintenance of the remote control device (e.g., via remote communication, long life expectancy, reprogramming, simplistic external interaction mechanisms, tamper proof features, economical replacement, etc.).
In one embodiment, systems and methods are utilized in association with irrigation applications and activities as an example of the design and construction of the remote controller device. It is appreciated that such use in irrigation, e.g., for valve control and water sensing, is but one exemplary use of the device. The device, or control device, or control box or control and sensing device, or remotely installed device, or power self harvesting control device designed for remote field installation is generally described as follows. It is a relatively small device, e.g., 100 mm by 100 mm by 70 mm in one embodiment, designed for remote in-field installation, e.g., an orchard or other agricultural environment. The device wirelessly communicates to an in-field installed base station which communicates back to a cloud based remote server. Multiple devices can communicate with the same base station. The device is designed such that its internal electronic components are water protected and its internal components are further sealed from the outside environment. The device is fabricated such that it wears over time well against external environmental conditions expected of the in-field installation. The device is capable of self harvesting power and storing that power for its functionalities, e.g., sensing, control, processing and communication, etc. The device has ports for controlling external components (e.g., valves) and for receiving inputs from external components, e.g., water and other sensors. The programming and logic of the device are reprogrammable wirelessly and contains communication circuitry, memory, and a processor as well as power storage components, e.g., capacitors. From top to bottom, the device is designed to be placed in-field over long durations without any substantial manual service requirements. The device is designed to be located and sized such that it does not interfere with expected machinery of the in-field installation.
More specifically, as an irrigation control and sensing device, the device can include power self harvesting, power regulation, soil moisture monitoring, wireless communication and water supply control. The device enclosure (e.g., size, material, sealants, potting, etc.) enables the device to be mounted in a convenient location that does not interfere with other external agricultural activities (e.g., harvesting, fertilizing, trimming, plowing, planting, etc.) while protecting against environmental hazards associated with the location and activities (e.g., moisture, chemicals, physical impacts, etc.).
The self harvesting power features enable the device to operate in the irrigation application and activity environment while avoiding detrimental impacts associated with external power supply components (e.g., digging up, cutting, tangling up with other equipment, etc.) in similar irrigation environments. The robust/hardened features, the information processing capabilities, and the remote communication features of the device can also facilitate simplified and improved maintenance. In one embodiment, the enclosure and components are configured to divide maintenance and trouble shooting activities into simplified tasks (e.g., wiping solar panel with cloth, observing and reporting exterior physical damage, etc. during mission mode) to be performed by non-skilled users and less frequently performed and more complicated tasks by specialists/technicians (e.g., remote reconfiguration, etc.).
It is appreciated power self harvesting control device 110 enclosure components can include rugged/hardened characteristics and features that facilitate survivability and long life in harsh environments. The configuration of the power self harvesting control device 110 enclosure, including material used to form the enclosure, can offer various protections to facilitate the accurate operation and longevity of the power self harvesting control device 110. The power self harvesting control device 110 enclosure can protect the interior components from various threats. The power self harvesting control device 110 enclosure can protect against adverse impacts associated with physical contact (e.g., from machinery, worker, animals, corrosive elements, etc.). In one embodiment, the power self harvesting control device 110 enclosure can protect against adverse corrosive elements (e.g., moisture, water, gases, etc.). The enclosure can include a UV resistant material. The enclosure can include a shock resistant material. The enclosure can include radio frequency (RF) transparent material.
Power self harvesting control device 110 can also include various components coupled to exterior portions of the enclosure. In one embodiment, a power self harvesting component 115 (e.g., a solar cell component, an air/fluid flow component, etc.) is coupled to the exterior of power self harvesting control device 110. Power self harvesting control device 110 can have connector/interface components (e.g., 117, 118, etc.) coupled to exterior portions of the enclosure.
Power self harvesting control device 110 can include access features (e.g., openings, holes, etc.) to allow components coupled to the exterior of power self harvesting control device 110 access to the interior power self harvesting control device 110. In one embodiment, various components (e.g., wires, leads, etc.) that are coupled to interior components and exterior components penetrate the access features. In one embodiment, a component coupled to the exterior covers an access feature. In one exemplary implementation, the component covering the access feature is secured to the enclosure in a configuration that restricts penetration or entry by foreign materials through the access feature by unwanted/harmful elements (e.g., moisture, liquids, gases, corrosive elements, fertilizer, small insects/organisms, dust, solids, dirt, pollen, etc.). In one embodiment, components coupled to the enclosure (e.g., energy harvesting device, connectors, etc.) can be sealed to the enclosure with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In one embodiment, components coupled to the control box enclosure can include a protective cover. In one exemplary implementation, a power self harvesting component includes a solar panel that includes a gorilla glass cover layer.
It is appreciated that components included in power self harvesting control device 120 can operate in different voltage/power domains. In one embodiment, components included on first printed circuit board 130 are primarily operate at a first voltage level while command and control components included on second printed circuit board 140 operate at a second voltage level. In one exemplary implementation, the first voltage level is approximately 2.5 volts and the second voltage level is approximately 5.0 volts. In one embodiment, a portion of power sub-system components included on second printed circuit board 140 operate at the first voltage level and another portion of power sub-system components included on second printed circuit board 140 operate at the second voltage level.
In one embodiment, a power self harvesting control device includes interior protection components/features. In one exemplary implementation, a control box includes potting material disposed to cover the plurality of super capacitors, the control electronics, the wireless communication device, and the input/output circuitry. The potting material can be operable to provide various types of protection. In one embodiment the pot material can prevent elements/particles (e.g., water, corrosive elements, dirt particles, etc.) from entering the interior space and from reaching internal components (e.g., the plurality of super capacitors, the control electronics, the wireless communication device and the input/output circuitry, etc.). The potting material can also help absorb shocks or forces associated with external exterior physical contacts.
It is appreciated the power self harvesting system 199 can be utilized in a variety applications and environments. The power self harvesting device 199 can be utilized in situations where implementation of external power supply is difficult or impractical. In one embodiment, the power sub-system 150 includes a self-harvesting energy component 151 and a non-removable self contained energy storage component 152. Self-harvesting energy component 151 generates or harvests energy locally. The locally generated energy is sufficient to operate the power self harvesting device 199 under normal conditions. In one embodiment, component 151 includes a solar panel. Non-removable self contained energy storage component 152 receives the energy generated/harvested by self-harvesting energy component 151 and stores the energy for utilization in the operation of the components of power sub-system 150. In one embodiment, component 152 is one or more capacitors. The power sub-system 150 supplies power to components of the power self harvesting device 199, including management sub-system 160, communication sub-system 190, and exterior function interface sub-system 170. The power sub-subsystem 150 can direct power supply from the non-removable self contained energy storage component to other components included in the power self harvesting device.
The harvesting and distribution of the generated and stored self harvested power and energy can be based upon the nature and characteristics of the applications and activities the power self harvesting device 199 is engaged in. In one embodiment, the control electronics operate at a low voltage level for power conservation (e.g., 2.2 volts in one implementation) and the input/output circuitry operates at a standard digital voltage (e.g., 5 volts in one implementation) compatible with remote electronics. The amount of energy/power that is required to be harvested and stored to perform can be based on a task. It is appreciated there can be different tasks and corresponding different amounts of energy/power that is harvested and stored. The task and amount of energy/power can differ within an application. The task and amount of energy/power can differ across different applications. An irrigation task within a particular agricultural application can involve different energy/power requirements than a fertilizing task within that particular agricultural application. An irrigation task associated with a particular corn growing agricultural application can involve can involve different energy/power requirements than an irrigation task associated with a particular walnut growing agricultural application. An irrigation task associated with a particular agricultural application can involve different energy/power requirements than an irrigation task associated with a particular gardening application. An irrigation task associated with a particular agricultural application can involve different energy/power requirements than motion detection task associated with a particular security application.
In one embodiment, the power self harvesting device 199 can be in a partial or complete shut down and operations of the sub-systems can be initiated in response to a trigger event. The trigger event can be associated with the applications and activities the power self harvesting device 199 is engaged in. The trigger event can be a change in a sensed/monitored metric (e.g., level of moisture, movement, etc.). The change can be associated with a threshold or amount of difference. The threshold or amount of difference can be set based upon an application or activity/task. A detected moisture level in a first agricultural growing application (e.g., growing corn, growing walnuts, etc.) that triggers a power up and participation in a task can be different than a moisture level in second agricultural growing application (e.g., growing lettuce, growing apples, etc.) that triggers a power up and participation in a task.
It is appreciated the self-harvesting energy component 111 can include various components that are capable of harvesting energy (e.g., a solar cell component, wind/air flow turbine/propeller component, water flow component such as a propeller, water wheel, or so on, a pressure differential component, alpha particle battery, a radiation source, a temperature differential harvesting solution, a power coupling solution, kinetic energy recovery (KER) system, temperature differential solution, inductive power coupling, passive energy harvesting mechanism, active energy harvesting, etc.). The self-harvesting energy component 111 can include protective features/components. In one embodiment, a solar cell component includes a protective cover component that is a glass material (e.g., gorilla glass, etc.). The glass material is particularly well suited to last over time against damage from wind blown particles that are expected in certain in-field agricultural installations, e.g., sand, pollen, etc.
It is appreciated the non-removable self contained energy storage component 152 can include various components. The non-removable self contained energy storage component 152 can include a super capacitor. The non-removable self contained energy storage component can be re-charged with energy from the self-harvesting energy component. The energy storage component is capable of electronically reporting its energy reserve to the management sub-system 160.
In one embodiment, power self harvesting control device 199 can optionally receive externally generated power/energy under special conditions (e.g., testing, maintenance, etc.).
In one embodiment, the self harvested energy can be utilized by exterior components (e.g., exterior components not directly included in the power self harvesting device 199, etc.). Power sub-subsystem 150 can direct a supply of power from the non-removable self contained energy storage component 152 to other components exterior to the power self harvesting device. The exterior components can be communicatively coupled to the power self harvesting device 199 via exterior function interface sub-system 170. In one embodiment external coordination component 171 coordinates control and drives activities of external components. The control of the external components can be based upon directions received from management sub-system 160.
Management sub-system 160 can control other components of power self harvesting control device 199. Management sub-system 160 includes processing component 161 and memory 162. In one embodiment, the management sub-system 160 can include a programmable microprocessor component. The programmable microprocessor component can include a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) component and a memory component. In one exemplary implementation, the management sub-system 160 can include a Programmable Microprocessor System on a Chip (PSOC) component.
In one embodiment, a power self harvesting control device (e.g., 110, 120, 199, etc.) is an internet of things (IoT) enabled device. In one embodiment, a power self harvesting control device (e.g., 110, 120, 199, etc.) is operable to communicate with the internet. In one exemplary implementation, a power self harvesting control device (e.g., 110, 120, 199, etc.) is operable to communicate with the cloud.
In one embodiment, control box 230 is a node communicatively coupled to network 220, e.g., via wireless communication. In one embodiment, control box 230 is a node communicatively coupled to network 220 via direct cellular communication between the control box 230 and network 220. In one embodiment, control box 230 is a node communicatively coupled to network 220 via gateway 250. In one exemplary implementation, gateway 250 includes an antenna 251, power supply 253 (e.g., power self harvesting component, battery, external power source. etc.) and communication controller 252. Remote component 210 can also be communicatively coupled to wireless network 220.
Control box 230 and remote component 210 can communicate with each other via wireless network 220. Control box 230 can provide information (e.g., related to instrumentation information, control information, power consumption information, other information regarding the operations of control box 230, etc.) to remote component 210. Remote component 210 can provide information (e.g., directions related to instrumentation, control power consumption, control box programming/reconfiguration, other information regarding the operations of control box 230, etc.) to control box 230. The information from remote component 210 can be based upon results of processing the information received from the control box 230. In one embodiment, the remote interface 210 receives updates/changes to information associated with instrumentation and control from control box 230. The remote interface 210 can process the received information and provide updated directions to control box 230. It is appreciated that remote component 210 may additionally communicate with a cloud based server via another wireless network, e.g., a cellular network, for instance.
It is appreciated that a power self harvesting control device can be utilized in various applications and activities. In one embodiment, a power self harvesting control device can be utilized in irrigation applications and activities.
It is appreciated that a plurality of power self harvesting control boxes can be utilized (e.g., in a field, a forest, a garden, an orchard etc.) to control irrigation (e.g., across the field, forest, garden, orchard, etc.).
It is appreciated user interface 483 and remote component 484 can communicate with network 482 via various mediums/mechanisms/modalities (e.g., wireless, wired, telecommunication systems, cellular, etc.). In one embodiment, control boxes 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, and 470 communicate with user interface 483 and remote component 484 (e.g., via network 482). A user interface can be associated with a local user (e.g., a local farmer, a security patrol guard, etc.) or a remote user (e.g., a manufacturer of the control boxes, a government facility, etc.).
Control boxes 410, 420, 430, and 440 receive information from sensors (e.g., 411, 421, 431, and 441) and direct control of valves (e.g., 412, 422, 432, and 442). In one embodiment, control boxes 410, 420, 430, and 440 operate similar to control box 230 and 320. Sensors 411, 421, 431, and 441 monitor conditions and characteristics of the soil (e.g., similar to instrumentation component 235, sensor 325, etc.). The conditions and characteristics can include moisture content, fertilization levels, and so on. Valves 412, 422, 432, and 442 open and close to direct flow of liquid to the soil (e.g., similar to control component 237 and valve 327). Control box 450 can direct valve 452 to dispense fertilizer into the irrigation pipes based upon input from gateway 481. Sensor 451 can provide control box 450 information on the level of fertilizer which can be forwarded to the local user via control box 450, gateway 481, and cloud 482. Control box 470 can direct valve 472 to dispense water into the irrigation system based upon input from gateway 481. Flow monitor/power generator 471 can provide feedback information to control box 470 on measurement of actual water flow into the pipes of the irrigation system.
It is appreciated that self harvesting power can originate from various sources. Control boxes 410, 420, 430, and 440 harvest energy/power from solar cells. Control box 450 harvest energy/power from a wind turbine. Control box 470 can harvest energy/power from characteristics of the fluid in the irrigation pipes (e.g., flow through a propeller, pressure differential, etc.). In one embodiment, control box 470 can self harvest energy/power from multiple components concurrently (e.g., solar, characteristics of the fluid in the irrigation pipes, etc.). In one embodiment, control box 470 can utilize self harvest energy/power (e.g., solar, etc.) and energy/power generated locally (e.g., from an external flow monitor/power generator 471, etc.).
Power sub-system 510 includes solar cell component 511 coupled to charger/converter 512 which in turn is coupled to super capacitor sub-system 513. Solar cell component 511 includes a solar cell configured to covert sun light and IR radiation into electricity. The electricity from solar cell component is fed into charger/converter 512 which extracts energy from the solar component. In one embodiment, the charger/converter 512 extracts microwatts to milliwatts of energy. The charger/converter 512 can boost the extracted energy to an appropriate voltage level for charging the super capacitors of the super capacitor sub-system. In one exemplary implementation, the charger/converter 512 can also include a buck component to regulate a voltage level supplied directly to other components of the power self harvesting control device 500.
In one embodiment, charger/converter 512 controls delivery of power from the super capacitors to the rest of the power self harvesting control device 500. In one exemplary implementation, charger/converter 512 does not allow other components in power self harvesting control device 500 to turn on unless there is sufficient power available. In one exemplary implementation, charger/converter 512 can also initiate measures to safely power down components of power self harvesting control device 500 before sufficient power runs out or is unavailable. In one embodiment, a bottom end threshold for the rest of the system is approximately 2.2 volts. In one embodiment, microprocessor 521 can also tack and react to low/critical power levels. In one exemplary implementation important information (e.g., state/condition of power self harvesting control device 500 components, state/condition of external components, information associated with application program directives, etc.) is safely stored before power is lost. The information can be stored in RAM or FLASH memory in the management sub-system 520. The information can also be communicated remotely (e.g., a remote server, a cloud server, etc.).
Management sub-system 520 includes a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the microprocessor 521 can be a bluetooth low energy (BLE) compatible component/module. Microprocessor 521 can direct management of various operations of power self harvesting control device 500. In one exemplary implementation, microprocessor 521 includes a microprocessor core. The microprocessor core can include a microprocessor, memory, and reconfigurable communication buses and other reconfigurable circuitry all integrated within a common integrated circuit. The microprocessor core can direct management of various operations of external components (e.g., components communicatively coupled to exterior function interface sub-system such as sensors, valves, etc.). The microprocessor 521 is fully reprogrammable. In one embodiment microprocessor 521 is a Programmable System on Chip (PSOC).
Processor 521 includes a VDD interface to receive power from the power sub system 510. Microprocessor 521 includes a general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface. The GPIO interface can be analog to Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) protocol and Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) protocol compatible. The GPIO interface can communicatively couple with exterior function interface sub-system 530. Microprocessor 521 can include an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C or I2C) protocol compatible interface for communicatively coupling with communication sub-system 550 and internal monitoring sub-system 570.
The exterior function interface sub-system 530 controls input/output (TO) functionality and as such includes external coordination component 531 and external ports 532. External coordination component 531 can perform various coordination functions for interaction with exterior components including receiving signals as input and generating signals for output. In one embodiment, external coordination component 531 includes converter 532 that converts signals to an appropriate level compatible with exterior devices. In one embodiment, external coordination component 531 configures signals for driving external components and for receiving sensor data from external components. External ports 532 are physical interfaces for communicatively coupling to external components.
Communication sub system 550 is operable to communicate with external communication components/networks via wireless network 220. Communication sub system 550 includes long range (LoRa) module 551. In this embodiment, communication sub system 550 communicates with other components (e.g., gateway 250, gateway 390, network 220, network 370, etc.) via LoRa communications. The long range (LoRa) module 551 can include a XDOT NA compatible chip. In one embodiment, communication sub system 550 device can perform wireless communication of the power self harvesting control device 500 and is controlled by the programmable microprocessor. In one embodiment, communication sub-system 550 is utilized to communicate information associate with programming the programmable microprocessor.
Internal monitoring sub-system 570 can monitor internal conditions. Internal monitoring sub-system 570 can include a light sensing component configured to sense light exposure to the interior of the power self harvesting control device 500. The detection of light can be used to indicate opening/tampering with the enclosure of the power self harvesting control device 500. Internal monitoring sub-system 570 includes a humidity and pressure sensor configured to sense humidity and pressure exposure to the interior of the power self harvesting control device 500. The detection of moisture and pressure can be used to indicate a sealant failure in an opening/port to the interior of the power self harvesting control device 500.
In one embodiment, power self harvesting control device 500 includes features to prevent unauthorized access to information. In one embodiment, internal communication buses prevent snooping of communications within the power self harvesting control device 500. In one exemplary implementation, I2C buses are used for communicating information.
It is appreciated the components of power self harvesting control device 500 can cooperatively operate to manage power generation and consumption. In one embodiment, the management sub-system 520 can anticipate the power needs and provide relevant information to other components of power self harvesting control device 500. In one exemplary implementation, the management sub-system 520 determines the relevant characteristics/requirements of a task or operation (e.g., amount of energy needed to perform the task, the timing related information such as when will the task occur, how long/duration of the task, etc.). The operation can be internal (e.g., tasks/processing performed by management sub system 520, power sub-system 510 external coordination component 531, communication sub-system 550, etc.).
The management sub-system 520 can utilize information received from various sources in determining the relevant characteristics/requirements of a task or operation. The management sub-system can receive information (e.g., application/program directives, etc.) from an upstream component (e.g., the cloud, a remote server, etc.). The management sub-system can receive information from external peripherals (e.g., soil moisture sensor, day light sensor, status of a peripheral state/operation, a value is closed, a value is part way through process of opening, amount of energy currently being generated by an energy generation component, energy generation from a solar cell, etc.).
In one embodiment, based information the received information the management sub-system 520 can determine the need for an operation to occur. The management sub-system 520 can determine which operation is to be performed. The management sub-system 520 can determine timing characteristics associated with an operation (e.g., when it needs to occur, the duration of the operation, etc.). The need/timing can be triggered by various things including a scheduled periodic initiation, an external environment related initiation (e.g., moisture level trigger, available day light, etc.), external peripheral component (e.g., open valve condition, energy level being produced by an energy generation component, etc.).
In one embodiment, based on power consumption characteristics of an operation the operation management sub-system 520 can determine the amount of energy needed and provide direction on energy generation and storage. Management sub-system 520 can receive information on the power consumption characteristics from various sources, including a remote component (e.g., the cloud, a remote server, etc.) and a peripheral component (e.g., a monitor component, a motor component, a moisture detector, a valve, etc.). In one embodiment, management sub-system 520 can send information to other components, including power sub-system 510 and external coordination component 531, regarding aspects of power generation/storage (e.g., information on commencing and ending power generation/storage, amount of energy to generate/store, etc.).
In one embodiment, management sub-system 520 can direct power sub-system 150 to regulate the power generation/storage within certain thresholds. In one exemplary implementation, low end energy generation and storage thresholds are set to provide enough energy/power to perform operations and high end energy generation and storage thresholds are set to maintain/facilitate component longevity. The energy generation and storage thresholds can be set to comply with safety concerns.
In one embodiment, management sub-system 520 can direct power consumption. The power consumption can be associated with internal operations and external peripheral component operations. In one exemplary implementation, management sub-system 520 receives information on a status of energy generated and stored by power sub-system 150. If there is sufficient energy to perform an operation, management sub-system 520 can direct initiation of an operation (e.g., programming, monitoring, communication, execute peripheral device function, drive motor, etc.). The communication can be with remote upstream components (e.g., a remote server, the internet, a cloud component, etc.). The communication can be with local downstream components (e.g., a peripheral device, a monitor, a motor, etc.).
In one embodiment, exterior function interface sub-system 170 includes energy storage components. The energy storage components can be used to supply power for peripheral component operations. In one exemplary implementation, the energy storage components can include super capacitors. The energy storage components can be similar to other energy storage components in the system (e.g., super capacitors, non-removable, etc.). Management sub-system 520 receives information on a status of energy generated and stored by exterior function interface sub-system 170. If there is sufficient energy to perform an operation, management sub-system 520 can direct initiation of an operation that consumes energy generated and stored by exterior function interface sub-system 170. In one exemplary implementation, management sub-system 520 instructs exterior function interface sub-system 170 to forward the operation initiation directions to a peripheral component and supply power to the peripheral component to perform the operation. The peripheral component operations can include monitoring (e.g., detecting soil moisture, monitoring environmental conditions, detecting motion, etc.) and active functions (e.g., opening a valve, closing a valve, other motor operations, etc.).
In one embodiment, the amount of energy to perform the peripheral component operation is known and the energy storage components are charged to that amount. During the peripheral component operation energy is drained from the energy storage components (e.g., super capacitors included in the exterior function interface sub system, etc.). In one exemplary implementation, when the peripheral component operation no longer needs energy, the exterior function interface sub system can stop charging the corresponding energy storage components. The charging can be suspended/postponed until needed for a peripheral component operation.
It is appreciated that different size energy storage components can be utilized. The energy storage components can be coupled in a variety of configurations (e.g., series, parallel, both, etc.). The energy storage components can be sized or configured for operations performed by components operating in a particular domain/partition. The domain/partition can be based on various factors/characteristics (e.g., voltage level. inclusion on a printed circuit board, a particular integrated circuit chip, etc.). In one embodiment, a main printed circuit board includes energy storage components of power sub-system 510 to supply power to components that operate at a first voltage (e.g., 2.0 to 3.0, below 3.0 etc.) and a secondary printed circuit board includes energy storage components of exterior function interface sub system 531 to supply power to components that operate at a second voltage (e.g. 5.0 to 7.0, above 3.0, etc.).
It is appreciated, management sub-system 520 can direct operations based on various information. Management sub-system 520 can receive information regarding a potential problem condition or state (e.g., unexpected reduced power generation, contradictory indication of measured water flow and closed valve status, etc.). The management sub-system 520 can analyze the information and determine a potential problem. In one exemplary implementation, unexpected reduced power generation during daylight time can indicate a problem with the power generation component (e.g., blocked solar cell by dirt, animal feces, etc.). In one exemplary implementation, contradictory indication of measured water flow and closed valve status can indicated a problem with an irrigation pipe (e.g. broken, leaking, etc.). The management sub-system 520 can perform various operations in response to the potential problems. In one embodiment, management sub-system 520 can forward an alarm warning to another component (e.g., a remote cloud server, a local user/farmer, etc.). In one embodiment, management sub-system 520 can direct protective/preemptive operations. The protective/preemptive operations can include locally storing various information (e.g., programming information, operational conditions, status of peripheral components, environmental conditions, etc.) before a failure occurs.
Charger/converter sub system 620 includes charging chip 621 and ultra low IDDQ buck 622. Charging chip 621 is coupled to ultra low IDDQ buck 622. In one embodiment, the IDDQ is the supply current IDD in Quiescent state (e.g., when the circuit is not switching and the inputs are held at static value). Output voltage from buck 622 controls the low voltage domain circuitry of the controller chip. In one embodiment, the low voltage domain circuitry is associated with internal circuitry of the controller box not used for I/O functionality.
Super capacitor sub system 630 includes balancing component 631 and super capacitors 634, 635, 637, 638, and 639. Super capacitors 634, 635, 637, 638, and 639 can be coupled in series and/or in parallel and/or both. It is appreciated that the super capacitors can be different sizes. In one embodiment, super capacitors 634 and 635 are a first size and super capacitors 637, 638, and 639 are a second size. In one embodiment, the larger sized super capacitors are used to power the internal functionality of the controller box while the smaller sized super capacitors are used to control the input/output functionality of the controller box, e.g., control irrigation valves and receive sensor data.
In one embodiment, exterior function interface subsystem 800 components are mounted on a separate PCB board from the remainder of the circuitry of the controller box. The other circuitry can is mounted on a separate main PCB board. In one embodiment, the I/O board operates primarily in a first high voltage domain (e.g., for interacting with external peripheral components, etc.) while the main PCB board operates primarily at a second low voltage domain (e.g., for internal power savings, etc.)
In one embodiment, the controller box is used to measure and control process variables (e.g., water level, pressure, temperature, humidity, water flow, pH, water force, water speed etc.). The controller box can use input from sensors to measure the output performance of the device being controlled and those measurements can be used to give feedback to the input actuators that can make corrections toward desired performance.
In block 3310, energy is self-harvested by the device.
In block 3320 energy that is supplied and consumed by the device is controlled.
In block 3330 interactions with other devices are controlled. In one embodiment, information regarding external environment conditions is received via I/O ports from external sensors. In one embodiment control of external components is controlled based upon the external environment conditions. Interacting with other devices can include instrumentation and control operations associated with an irrigation feedback and control loop. The control and sensing operations of the control box can be completely performed remotely by the box under PSOC control as programmed. Results of any sensor data received and/or work items performed can be logged in memory of the PSOC for rely to the remote sensor via wireless network 220. In one embodiment, this information can be communicated back via network 220 every 15 minutes.
In block 3340 activities associated with the self-harvesting are coordinated. In one embodiment, the activities include controlling supply of the energy, controlling consumption of the energy, and interacting with other devices. In one exemplary implementation, the coordinating includes collection and storage of the self harvested energy in a non removable storage component and ensuring sufficient energy is available before beginning perform of internal tasks and directing external activities.
In block 3350, components of the device are protected from environmental impacts including impacts associated with physical contact and intrusion by various particles from the environment. In one embodiment, the impacts associated with physical contact include shock, vibration, compression, and tension. In one exemplary implementation the impacts associated with various particles from the environment include corrosion.
In one embodiment, a power self harvesting control device is operated in accordance with a duty cycle that facilitates efficient and effective operation and power management. In one exemplary implementation, power self harvesting control device sleep cycle is configured to increase/maximize power/energy harvesting and storage, and the wake cycle is configured to efficiently utilize the power/energy.
In block 3501, the method starts.
In block 3510, the system is initialized.
In block 3520, a low power state is entered. In one embodiment, the low power state is entered during a sleep stage duty cycle. In one exemplary implementation, the system remains in the low power state for the sleep stage portion of a duty cycle.
In block 3521, a determination is made whether to enter a wake cycle portion of a duty cycle. The determination can be made based upon an amount of time/duration assigned to a sleep cycle. The determination can be made based upon a trigger event. It is appreciated there can be various trigger events. In one embodiment, the trigger events are associated with an activity. In one exemplary implementation the activity is related to an application. In an irrigation application, the activity can include sensing a threshold value (e.g., a threshold amount of moisture, corrosive material, temperature level, etc.). The threshold value can be associated with a detrimental application outcome (e.g., conditions that can hurt plants such as soil dangerously dry/lacking moisture, external environment temperature adversely high, etc.) and it is desirable for the system to wake and take action (e.g., open water valve, provide fertilizer, notify user/farmer, etc.). The amount of time/duration assigned to a sleep cycle or an environment threshold value can be included in an application program directive. In one embodiment, a communication from an authorized gateway/network access point can trigger a wake cycle. If there is a decision not to enter a wake cycle the process remains in low power state of the sleep cycle. If there is a decision to enter a wake cycle the process proceeds block 3531. In one embodiment, proceeding to block 3531 includes initiating a higher power state.
In block 3531, operations based on an application program directive are implemented. The operations can include checking sensor readings/data and recording the information in local memory. In one exemplary irrigation application implementation, a soil moisture sensor reading is received and stored in memory. The operations can include controlling/driving an exterior mechanism (e.g., such as motor/valve, etc.). In one exemplary irrigation application implementation, an irrigation system water valve is opened/closed.
It is appreciated that an exterior device/mechanism that is being controlled can also provide information. In one embodiment, a device/mechanism that is being controlled includes sensors or monitors that forward information (e.g., regarding condition of the device/mechanism, operations of the device/mechanism, etc.). Actions can be implemented based upon the received information and application program directives.
In block 3532, a communication with a network/cloud access point is engaged. The communication can be implemented based on an application program directive. In one embodiment, the communication with a network/cloud access point is implemented via a gateway. In one embodiment, communication can include the flow of information both upstream to the network/cloud and downstream from the network/cloud. Various types of information can be included in the communications (e.g., sensor data, device condition/state, power data, health data, etc.). The information can include information regarding various components, including components of a power self-harvesting control device, components of an external device (e.g., a valve, a sensor, etc.), and so on.
In block 3541, determination is made whether to enter a reprogram state. If there is a decision not to reprogram the process remains in/returns to the block 3520 low power state of the sleep cycle. If there is a decision to reprogram the process proceeds to block 3553 and stays awake.
In block 3571, the process determines if a timeout threshold has been exceeded before reprogram operations have begun. If the timeout has been exceeded the process remains in/returns to the block 3520 low power state of the sleep cycle. If the timeout has not been exceeded the process returns to block 3553 and stays awake.
In block 3551, a reprogram is performed. The reprogram information can come from a network or cloud via a gateway/network access point.
In block 3552, a restart is initiated after the reprogram is complete and the process returns to block 3510.
In one embodiment, a self-contained controller device comprises: an enclosure defining an interior space and comprising a plurality of openings, wherein the enclosure is sealed to restrict water entry to the interior space; an energy harvesting device sealed with respect to a first one of the plurality of openings to restrict water entry to the interior space, the energy harvesting device operable to generate and provide power; a plurality of super capacitors disposed within the interior space and operable to receive and store power generated from the energy harvesting device; control electronics disposed within the interior space and comprising a processor and re-programmable memory, the control electronics coupled to receive power from the plurality of super capacitors and operable for capturing sensor data, operable for generating valve control information and further operable to communicate with a remote control station; a wireless communication device disposed within the interior space and coupled to the control electronics and operable to provide wireless communication for the control electronics; and input/output circuitry operable for generating signals responsive to the control electronics to control exterior valves and further operable for receiving sensor data from exterior sensors, wherein the input/output circuitry is disposed within the interior space and coupled to ports disposed at the second and third openings.
In one embodiment, the energy harvesting device is a solar panel disposed to cover the first opening and sealed to the enclosure with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) to restrict water entry to the interior space, and wherein further the solar panel comprises a gorilla glass cover layer. The control electronics can operate at a low voltage level for power conservation and wherein the input/output circuitry operates at a standard digital voltage compatible with remote electronics. In one exemplary implementation, the low voltage level is approximately 2.2 volts and wherein the standard digital voltage is approximately 5.0 volts. The plurality of super capacitors can be operable to provide power to the input/output circuitry and to the wireless communication device. In one exemplary implementation, the solar panel and the plurality of super capacitors are configured to provide all power as required by the control electronics, the wireless communication device, and the input/output circuitry during lifetime operations thereof. In one embodiment, the enclosure is sized sufficiently small and the wireless communication device is configured to operate sufficiently low to the ground that the controller device in the field does not substantially obstruct harvesting and/or other agricultural equipment.
The control electronics can include a programmable system on a chip (PSOC) device. In one embodiment, the PSOC comprises: the processor; and the re-programmable memory, wherein the re-programmable memory comprises instructions that when executed by the processor implement a program for controlling exterior valves based on received sensor data and for communicating with the remote control station to send and receive data and instructions. The re-programmable memory is operable to be re-programmed with new instructions to implement a new program wherein the new instructions are operable to be received wirelessly by the wireless communication device.
It is appreciated a self-contained controller device can include various interface and communication components. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device comprises an antenna disposed within the interior space. The input/output circuitry can include analog communication circuitry for receiving and sending analog signals, and digital communication circuitry for receiving and sending digital signals.
It is appreciated a self-contained controller device can include various enclosures. The enclosure can include materials with various characteristics (e.g., shock resistant material, UV resistant material, etc.). The enclosure can be sized sufficiently small and the wireless communication device is configured to operate sufficiently low to the ground that the controller device in the field does not substantially obstruct harvesting equipment. In one embodiment, a port disposed at an opening is sealed with respect to the opening to restrict water entry there through to the interior space.
Some portions of the detailed descriptions are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means generally used by those skilled in data processing arts to effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, optical, or quantum signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present application, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining”, “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar processing device (e.g., an electrical, optical or quantum computing device) that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities. The terms refer to actions and processes of the processing devices that manipulate or transform physical quantities within a computer system's component (e.g., registers, memories, other such information storage, transmission or display devices, etc.) into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within other components.
The foregoing descriptions of some specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. The listing of steps within method claims do not imply any particular order to performing the steps, unless explicitly stated in the claim.
