The first order of the day is to design a landscape irrigation controller and incorporate an integrated WiFi module. There are a number of WiFi topologies available, but the preferred is the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) connected modules. I prefer this as the interconnection to the PIC micro-controller which will make up the controller's central "processor".

The controller is built into a weather resistant enclosure that is capable of being mounted outside or in a marginally sheltered area. The controller will be installed in an area in which a good WiFi signal can be emanated to the outside public. This usually is outside.

A standard WiFi and router installation will make the connection to the Internet and directly to the public. Communication will be made to the controller through both the internet and public WiFi.

The public participant will use a SmartPhone or other Internet/WiFi enabled device. The exact method of communication and user interface needs to worked out. The participant will need to be educated beforehand to recognize a water waste condition and respond through the connected device. The participant may be an employee of the company using the controller, a city worker briefed in the use of the device, a resident at an apartment complex that uses a controller, etc. This public education is a work in progress.

A system or level of permissions needs to be established. The controller user may allow a passerby to leave a message saying the sprinkler head is now a fountain or the city may allow any of its workers to shut the system off with subsequent notification of a supervisor. The controller user would determine which permissions are appropriate and allow them accordingly.

There is a grand opportunity for open source software development with devices as described here connected in such a manner. I can envision a person walking, riding or driving down a street and, seeing something in the environment with which they wish to interact, pulling out an enabled wireless device and doing so. (If you think this a new and wonderful idea I would reference as a precaution to unbridled optimism the movie "Forbidden Planet" from the 1950's. There may very well be nothing new under the sun.) In addition to water waste control there are many other applications yet to be defined.

This is the text portion of the system design document. The document is in .pdf format and available on request. (There appears to be no way to make .pdf documents available in this project page.)

Landscape Water Waste Elimination

System Design Document of 20 Aug 2014 - Page 1 of 3:

The LIC portion of the project is very straight forward and of conventional design. Possible the only not so conventional addition is the WiFi module which is connected via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) port to the LIC micro-controller. A conventional system was chosen because it is well established as a design. The "leading edge" of this project lies in the enabling of the communications between a person in the street who notices an abnormal water flow condition and the device controlling water flow.

Several control units of this design by this designer have been placed in the retail customer market. The design from the schematic and PCB perspective is considered working. The reason for a new schematic and PCB rendering is to avoid any possible conflict with past proprietary designs. What has not been proven is the incorporation of the WiFi module. This WiFi module is the next step toward improving the function of the LIC design.

There may be third party concerns such as patents and parts supplies issues. These will be addressed as the design proceeds. Any patent issues will be noted but the development will proceed toward a commercial version while these issues,if any, are considered. The parts supply issue will be given design consideration as the project parts are specified.

Editor's note: LIC is the "Landscape Irrigation Controller" it is initially identified in the pictorial on page 1 of the .pdf document.

System Design Document of 20 Aug 2014 - Page 2 of 3:

This is a standard configuration for a WiFi (Wireless Receiver Transmitter) and a Router. This configuration would allow connection directly among the passerby in the street, the LIC and the LIC user. Information can be communicated to the controller user in real time and they can make a decision as to a course of action. There is no new concept here but it is an essential requirement for real time interaction with the controller user if the controller user is the only person with controller operation permissions.

Editor's note: A standard configuration for a wireless router and a router modem is depicted. The WiFi enabled LIC and the Passerby on the street is depicted as wirelessly connected to the WiFi. The router is connected to the internet which connects to the controller user.

This configuration allows the passerby to directly communicate with the LIC. This configuration is widely used to remotely control toys and similar items. A number of configurations can be implemented depending upon what permissions and feedback the controller user wants to grant and receive. After the controller is WiFi enabled these configuration will become subject to experimentation to gain an idea of what works best. As an example the passerby could notice the water waste problem and communicate that to the LIC. The LIC would then decide if the controller should actually be shut down based upon the time it has already watered. There are number of scenarios but we first must get the system built and communicating.

Editor's note: A WiFi enabled LIC is depicted in the pictorial of the .pdf document as connected directly to the passerby on the street.

System Design Document of 20 Aug 2014 - Page 3 of 3:

The passerby on the street generally has a WiFi enabled device in their control. I do not know the percentage of the US population that carries such a device but everywhere I go a number of people around me have been absorbed into these devices. If that is the way it is lets put it to good use.

This section is the "leading edge" of the project. There are so many possibilities for open source code in this section. There is the possibility of a new class of browser(s) that specifically targets this application by advising the device user that there is a function with which they can interact within the range of their device. This is done with a browser today but like most applications it is rather awkward in use. This browser would specifically recognize this type of application and, when requested, notify the device user. The easy access would encourage the user to become involved. It would also require of the device user a willingness to become interactive with the environment in which they find themselves.

The second half of the operation or "the rest of the story" is the user of the controller in this case. A person who installs a device and wishes to participate in their "civic responsibility" would be an ideal candidate for ownership and use of such a enabled device.

Editor's note: The passerby on the street with a WiFi enabled device is depicted in .pdf document pictorial as being able to connect, among many options, directly to the LIC, through as wireless router to the LIC or through the wireless router to the internet and the controller user.

System Design Status

At the current time the schematic and printed circuit board (PCB) are on the drawing board and expected to be completed in short order. The WiFi module and its firmware stack are to be procured and installed during the firmware development of the controller. These items are well within the tool set of the designer. The wireless router, WiFi and router are standard off the shelf commercially available products. They will be procured as the project reaches that juncture. The part that is of the most challenge is enabling the passerby with a WiFi enabled device. The is still in the very formative stages and if there is anyone that wants to give comment or advise please do so.

This document is a work in progress and subject to revision.

Eugene Carlson

Project Designer